Holidays to the Sunshine Coast
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is home to immaculate beaches and majestic mountains, as well rural market towns and colourful seaside resorts. There is a lot to see and do, so how do you start planning your visit to the Sunshine Coast? We asked one of FREEDOM’s Australia Experts to find out…
When is the Best Time to Visit the Sunshine Coast?
I always say that the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast is in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the temperature averages 24°C, ideal for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and whale watching, while Autumn offers warm waters and quiet beaches.
Winter (June to August) is also a good time to visit if you prefer cooler weather and fewer people, with sunny days and average temperatures around 20°C.
The temperature in summer (December to February) averages 27°C, though some days will likely hit the 30’s. Humidity is higher, which can make it feel warmer.
How do you get to the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is an easy drive from Brisbane, up the Bruce Highway. It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to drive to Mooloolaba, and another 30 minutes to reach Noosa. A shuttle service is also available from Brisbane Airport.
Alternatively, you can fly to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns and other major Australian cities. From here, popular destinations like Noosa, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra are just a short drive away.
What are the Highlights of the Sunshine Coast?
There are a lot! A few of my favourite places to visit in the Sunshine Coast are:
- Noosa – I loved Noosa’s beaches, its café culture and its beautiful National Park, where we followed the coastal trails, and spotted a few koalas
- Mooloolaba – Great for foodies! Along the esplanade their are some great seafood restaurants and quirky cafés. And the beach is georgeous.
- Eumundi – You have to experience the Eumundi Markets! Held twice a week, you’ll find a fantastic selection of local produce, crafts and souvenirs
- Glass House Mountains – I joined a guided walk around Mount Tibrogargan and up Mount Tibberoowuccum. It was exhilarating and the views were spectacular
- Rainbow Beach – Naturally the first thing to do at Rainbow Beach is to drive along the coast to view the colourful cliffs. Make sure to also visit Honeymoon Bay for a swim in the incredible warm water
What are the Top 10 Beaches in the Sunshine Coast?
I can’t think of a bad beach in the Sunshine Coast! But here are my top ten:
- Noosa Main Beach – A family-friendly beach with typically gentle waves, perfect for swimming and water sports. There are also great dining options nearby
- Mooloolaba Beach – Beautiful golden sands and clear waters. It’s great for swimming, surfing, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants
- Coolum Beach – A quieter option, offering a relaxed vibe with picturesque views. Great for swimming and beach walks, especially at sunset
- Kings Beach, Coloundra – Another family friendly beach, with calm waters, rock pools and a children’s playground
- Alexandra Headland – A ‘seaside village’ favoured by surfers. Relax on the beach and watch them try to catch the perfect barrel
- Rainbow Beach – Famous for its rainbow-hued beach cliffs. Kayaking off Double Island Point comes highly recommended
- Peregian Beach – A great place to learn to surf, with consistent waves and a number of surf schools and hire huts
- Dicky Beach – A favourite with the locals in Caloundra. There’s excellent surf, and a relaxed atmosphere on land with picnic areas and nearby amenities
- Shelly Beach – A hidden gem! Shelly Beach is perfect for a peaceful escape. Its has scenic rock formations and tidal pools
- The Spit, Mooloolaba – A popular spot for fish and chips at sunset!
Booking Your Sunshine Coast Holiday
With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your holiday to Queensland and the Sunshine Coast in one place, benefitting from a single point of contact and full ATOL protection.
Please browse our Sunshine Coast holiday ideas for inspiration then get in touch with our Aussie Specialists to start planning your own adventure.
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