Transcript from a recent Freedom Destinations podcast
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Richard: Good morning, good afternoon or good evening, wherever you are tuning in from. Welcome to the latest in our Freedom Destinations’ “Top Travel Tips” podcast series, where we ask your travel questions to our travel experts.
This last week, via our social media platforms, we asked for your questions about holidays to Queensland in Australia, and specifically what you would like to know about visiting the Sunshine Coast.
I am pleased to say that I am joined today by Amber, one of the Senior Travel Consultants in the Freedom Destinations Australia Travel Team. Hi Amber. How are you doing?
Amber: Hi Richard. I’m good thanks. A little nervous about doing this, but otherwise OK.
Richard: You shouldn’t be nervous, should you? There is only you and I here, and we both talk about travel for a living, so it should be fun, shouldn’t it?
Amber: Maybe, but I am just still reeling from you introducing me as a “Senior” Travel Consultant. I think you will find that you are more “senior” than me! (giggles)
Richard: (laughing) Well, obviously I was referring to your expertise and experience, rather than your age. But I can see from your expression that I am on very thin ice here, so shall we just get on with the first question?
Amber: Yes please. Let’s go. Fire away.
Richard: So, our first question comes from Paul. And if I’m honest Paul sent us quite a few questions, so either he’s a huge fan, or he is planning a holiday to Queensland at the moment.
Amber: He’s definitely planning a holiday then! Well done, Paul.
Richard: That’s nice. So, Paul’s question is a good one… “Which is better, The Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast?” Over to you Amber.
Amber: OK. We are starting with the easy ones then, are we? What a fantastic question. The good news is that I have been to both, and I can confirm that both the Gold Coast and The Sunshine Coast are incredible destinations. But, they do offer very different experiences, so it really depends on the kind of holiday that you’re after.
Let’s start with the Gold Coast, which is probably best known for its lively atmosphere, theme parks, and high-energy vibe. There can’t be many cooler places to learn to surf, though if that’s a little too ‘high-adrenaline’ for you, definitely try stand-up paddle boarding on the wavefree Tallebudgera Creek. The Gold Coast’s culinary scene is often served alfresco. There are some exceptional restaurants, but also great casual seafood shacks, and night markets with impossible-to-walk-past street food. If you’re seeking action-packed days and colourful nightlife, mixed with golden sand beaches, then the Gold Coast is for you.
Richard: It sounds like you are a Gold Coast kind of girl!
Amber: I may have visited one or two institutions there, yes. But only for educational purposes you understand.
Richard: Of course you did. (Laughter)
Amber: The Sunshine Coast has a more laid-back and natural feel. It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed, coastal escape surrounded by lovely beaches and National Parks. Places like Noosa are famous for their charm, boutique shopping, and great dining scenes, but without the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. Nature lovers will appreciate the Kondalilla National Park, Mooloolaba Beach, and the spectacular Glass House Mountains. If you’re more into hiking, local markets, and discovering hidden gems, then the Sunshine Coast might just steal your heart.
Richard: Sounds more like my thing then?
Amber: Exactly, so to answer Paul’s question, neither is better than the other really, it’s about what you’re looking for. If you want glitz, glamour, and big attractions, the Gold Coast will dazzle you. But if a peaceful, nature-focused escape is more your style, the Sunshine Coast is your best bet.
Richard: I think that was pretty good answer. It also seems that you and I are going on two very different holidays.
Amber: I guess so. Sorry.
Richard: Hopefully Paul will be happy with that answer, so let’s move on and see how many questions we can get through. The next question was sent in by Karen.
Amber: Hi Karen!
Richard: And Karen asks a question that we often hear when planning holidays. This time, she wants to know “When is the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast?”
Amber: Well, the Sunshine Coast is pretty well named, to be honest. So, you know what to expect all year round. However, I would usually recommend that both Spring, that’s September to November, and then Autumn, so March to May, are the best times to visit.
During Spring, the Sunshine Coast is at its most green. The weather is quite warm, usually ranging from 16°C to 28°C, making it perfect for enjoying the beaches, hiking in Noosa National Park, or exploring the Glass House Mountains. You’ll find some of the wildflowers in bloom, adding a splash of colour to your hikes and scenic drives. Spring is also the tail end of whale-watching season, so if you’re on the cliff tops, you might spot some Humpbacks close to the shore.
Autumn is an equally good time to visit. The temperatures are similar, warm but not too hot, which is great if you plan to spend your days outdoors, whether it’s surfing, walking along the coast, or just browsing the local markets like Eumundi. The sea remains warm, so swimming and water activities are very comfortable. Plus, Autumn tends to see fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to enjoy the beaches and attractions without the peak-season bustle.
While Summer, and I mean, sort of, December through to February, offers lots of sunshine and hot temperatures, it can also be a bit more humid and definitely busier, especially during the school holidays. The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination for those escaping the cooler southern states, so the number of visitors naturally swells. I’m not so good in humidity, but if you love the heat and don’t mind some afternoon rain showers, Summer can still be a great option for you.
It doesn’t really get cold on the Sunshine Coast. Winters (June to August) are mild, with daytime temperatures around 20°C. That weather is perfect for exploring the hinterland, but it might be a bit too cool for some beach lovers.
Richard: OK Thanks. That was pretty comprehensive. Erm… I don’t think I have anything to add to that, so let’s see what’s next.
Richard: The next one was a Direct Message on Facebook from Esther. “What is the best way to get to Noosa?”. Perhaps we should have started with this one. Would you like to start with some general geography and then fill in the gaps from there.
Amber: General geography? You mean where is Noosa?
Richard: It seems like a good place to start, don’t you think?
Amber: OK. Well, probably the best place to start is actually Brisbane. So, most people will know that it is the state capital, and it’s located towards the south of Queensland, towards the border with New South Wales. Many people visiting Queensland head straight to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, but it would be mistake to discount Brisbane completely. The coastline to the south of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, that we spoke about earlier. Then stretching up the Queensland coastline north of Brisbane for about 40 miles to Rainbow Beach and the southern tip of K’gari is the Sunshine Coast.
Richard: Nicely done.
Amber: Thank you. So, Noosa is towards the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, and there are a few ways to get there. If you’re flying in from a different state or even further afield, the most convenient option is to fly directly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY). This small airport is located just 30 minutes south of Noosa, and there are regular flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Cairns. From the airport, you can either hire a car or take a bus to reach Noosa.
However, most people will choose to fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE). Brisbane offers a broader range of domestic and international flights, and then the drive up to Noosa will take about two hours. You can rent a car at Brisbane Airport and enjoy the scenic drive along the Bruce Highway. The alternative to driving would be to catch the train from Brisbane to Nambour and then jump on a bus to Noosa, but this will take longer.
A lot of our customers are visiting Noosa and the Sunshine Coast on a driving or motorhome holiday. Maybe they are heading north to Cairns or perhaps heading southwards towards Sydney, but either way they already have a vehicle. The Bruce Highway provides quick and easy access up and down the Sunshine Coast and then into the hinterland areas too.
Richard: I think that you are getting the hang of this Amber. Why haven’t you done this before?
Amber: I don’t think you’ve ever asked, have you?
Richard: Really? (laughter) Erm…Moving swiftly on. So, the next question is from Nicola, but it may well help with Paul’s holiday plans as well. “What is there to see and do on the Sunshine Coast?”. As we are limited for time, perhaps you would like to give us some highlights, Amber?
Amber: The standout memory from my time there was Noosa National Park. I spent a lot of time out on the headland there. I loved the coastal trails. I would often be able to spot dolphins from the Hells Gates lookout and then go swimming of Tea Tree Bay.
Of course, the beaches are a major draw up and down the Sunshine Coast. Noosa Main Beach is good for surfing, while Mooloolaba Beach and Coolum Beach are better for swimming. If you are heading further north, then I would recommend doing a guided day trip out from Rainbow Beach, into Great Sandy National Park to see the colourful cliffs and beaches. It is worth the extra effort.
Continuing the walking theme, a visit to the Glass House Mountains is a must. These ancient volcanic peaks offer some of the best hiking trails along the Sunshine Coast, with incredible views once you reach the top. The trails range from the very simple to more strenuous, so be sure to take some water and snacks with you.
If you prefer something less strenuous, then just take a scenic drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where you can explore charming towns like Maleny and Montville with their artisan food shops and art galleries. You must also visit the Eumundi Markets, where you’ll find local crafts, street food, and live music. It’s on twice a week, but the Saturday Market is usually the best.
What else? … Families will love the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin. It’s one of the country’s top wildlife parks, offering close encounters with native animals like kangaroos, crocodiles, and koalas.
Will that do?
Richard: You’ve done well to remember all that, to be honest. I hope Paul was taking notes!
While you are catching your breath, I might just add a personal highlight from me.
I really enjoyed kayaking through the Noosa Everglades. Along with the ones in Florida, these are the only two ecosystems like this in the world. The wetland area is home to hundreds of different bird species as well as many more plants only found in this area. The really good news is that you can also swim in this freshwater, as unlike their American cousins there are no alligators, or crocodiles, in the Noosa Everglades.
Amber: That is a good shout. I did forget that one. You can visit the Everglades on a guided tour from Noosa or drive up to Lake Cootharaba and rent kayaks from there.
Richard: Good knowledge. I love that.
Sunshine Coast Holidays by Freedom Destinations
Sydney | Blue Mountains | Hunter Valley | Port Stephens | Byron Bay | Brisbane | K’gari | Sunshine Coast
Brisbane | Noosa | K’gari | Glass House Mountains
Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Hervey Bay | Agnes Water | Rockhampton | Airlie Beach | Townsville | Mission Beach | Cairns
Sydney | Blue Mountains | Hunter Valley | Port Stephens | Byron Bay | Brisbane | K’gari | Sunshine Coast
Brisbane | Noosa | K’gari | Glass House Mountains
Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Hervey Bay | Agnes Water | Rockhampton | Airlie Beach | Townsville | Mission Beach | Cairns
Richard: Our next question was a reply to a lovely post about koalas on our Instagram account, and it was from Liz who asks, “Can you see koalas on the Sunshine Coast?”, but I would like to amend that if I may, and ask “What wildlife can you see along the sunshine coast?” as its not just koalas is it?
Amber: Well, the good news for Liz is that there are koalas on the Sunshine Coast. I spotted quite a few whilst walking through Noosa National Park. They are not the easiest of creatures to see as they don’t move a lot, but quite often they seem to wedge themselves between a branch and the trunk of a eucalyptus tree. So, if you look up in the trees for a grey fuzzy bottom, then you are likely to see a koala! (laughter).
Richard: (laughing) OK. Erm… did you see anything else other than fuzzy bottoms?
Amber: Of course, so kangaroos are pretty common, especially in the Glass House Mountains. When you go hiking in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands you are almost guaranteed to come across them somewhere. And of course, you are also guaranteed to see some spectacular birdlife in those areas too. I can remember seeing rainbow lorikeets that are so pretty, and black cockatoos, which are less so. I definitely heard kookaburras, although I wasn’t lucky enough to see one. They are very well camouflaged in the woods.
Richard: We’ve already said that there aren’t any crocodiles along the Sunshine Coast, which I think is a good thing personally, but are there any snakes? I’m not too keen on them either!
Amber: I did see some small lizards when I was over there, but I didn’t see snakes. However, I know that they do have some snakes, like the carpet python, but they are harmless, so nothing to worry about.
Richard: OK, well I will just have to take your word for that. Now, Amber I know that you are quite a keen diver, so if people want to go snorkelling or diving along the Sunshine Coast, what might they see in the ocean?
Amber: Well, I think we already touched on this a bit already, but you can see the Humpback Whales migrating along the Sunshine Coast between June and October time, and I also saw dolphins of the coast of Mooloolaba and Noosa, and you can’t help but smile every time you see a dolphin.
However, my highlight was on an organised dive to the shipwreck, HMAS Brisbane, just off the coast from Mooloolaba. We encountered quite a lot of tropical fish in a variety of colours during the dive, but actually on the wreck we came across a Green Turtle. He was eating some of the algae that has grown on the wreck. It was a magical experience, and he didn’t seem bothered by us at all.
Richard: Oh wow! That sounds amazing.
Amber: It was. Really beautiful.
Richard: OK, I am watching the clock a little bit now, but I think we do have time for one last question about the Sunshine Coast.
Amber: Have you saved the best until last?
Richard: I think its quite a good one, yes. So back on Facebook, Carole asks “Are there any festivals and events worth visiting on the Sunshine Coast?”. What do you think, Amber?
Amber: Oh wow, that’s a tough one.
Richard: Come on Amber, we all know you love your music and festivals, so surely you have been to one on the Sunshine Coast.
Amber: I confess that I haven’t, but I know one of the biggest is “The Big Pineapple Music Festival”.
Richard: The What?
Amber: The Big Pineapple Music Festival. So you know that everywhere up and down the coast has these large oversized sculptures, like the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, or “Rambo” the big Merino sheep in Goulburn, well Woombye has the Big Pineapple, and that is where they host a big music festival around May time each year.
Richard: Oh, I see.
Amber: I think Caloundra has one as well. A music festival, not a big pineapple! They host it on Kings Beach which has got to be a great location for a concert, hasn’t it?
Richard: Live music with a stunning natural backdrop, what is not to like? And do you know of anything else?
Amber: I know that probably the biggest event on the Sunshine Coast happens at Noosa in the Autumn each year, and that is the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival. It attracts big crowds from all over Australia, and it features lots of top chefs, local produce, wineries, everything you would expect from a food festival on the Sunshine Coast.
Richard: I think I could really enjoy that one! I also know that Noosa hosts a large multi-sport festival every summer. It includes one of the largest triathlons in the world. And if, like me, you are not fit enough to compete, then they have lots of other events going on within the Noosa community, like fun runs, beach parties and lots of family orientated activities. So if you were in the Noosa area, that would be a good one to visit.
Amber: That sounds good too.
Richard: OK. Unfortunately, I think we are out of time on this podcast, but hopefully everyone out there will have found this useful. Before we depart I just want to thank Amber for giving up her time and sharing her, quite frankly, incredible knowledge of the Sunshine Coast with us. You have been amazing.
Amber: Ah, thank you. Its actually flown by. I’ve had fun.
Richard: See, I told you that you would. Needless to say, if you are planning a holiday to Australia, and especially if you are looking to visit Queensland and the Sunshine Coast, then save yourself a lot of time an effort, and contact Amber or any of the Freedom Destinations Australia Travel Team, and they can use their knowledge to create your perfect Australia itinerary. I am talking to you Paul!
Amber: I will be waiting for your call!
Richard: Thank you all for listening. We will be back and talking about another destination next month! See you then.
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This podcast transcript was written by Richard Webb, in association with Tourism & Events Queensland.
Richard has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in the USA, Australia and Africa and enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
