Queensland’s Sunshine Coast begins just 90 kilometres north-east of Brisbane and stretches 60 kilometres from Caloundra in the south to the now internationally famous Noosa Heads in the north. Developed much later than the world-renowned Gold Coast to the south of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is a holiday experience very different from its brash and glitzy southern sister. Local authorities from the outset placed limits on all buildings near beaches on the Sunshine Coast, so there are no towering high-rise hotels or apartments by the sand to block the sun. Along most of the coast buildings have been kept inland of the road which skirts the sea. Well groomed parks and long stretches of natural foreshore vegetation buffer the sand and the sea. Even at Noosa Heads, where buildings line the beach side of sophisticated Hastings Street, a ‘no higher than the trees’ rule applies.

Sunshine Coast has always been appreciated for its natural beauty. It is an area which embraces the Shires of Maroochy and Noosa plus the City of Caloundra, all being within easy reach of Brisbane, Queensland’s capital. Despite large increase in elegant new homes, accommodation units and large shopping complexes, it refuses to sacrifice the air if free and easy informality which has been one of its great charms. The Noosa and Maroochy Rivers and Bribie Passage cater for the still- water sporting enthusiast, whilst board and body surfers and surfers and sunbathers can choose from a score of famous surfing beaches. For anyone interested in arts and crafts, there is a wealth of happy surprises at potteries, art galleries, jewellery workshops etc. Fishing is a favourite sport and you can swim all year round. The sunshine coast is indeed a land of plenty.

The South Pacific Ocean washes miles of easily accessible golden sand surf beaches, dotted with inlets and headlands which provide safe still water swimming, fishing and sailboarding. The main centres each have their own appeal to suit all tastes and budgets. You can enjoy a very simple seaside holiday with young children at Caloundra, or laze in luxury at world class, sophisticated resorts at Noosa Heads, Coolum and Twin Waters.  Want somewhere you can have a lot of fun that’s a little less up-market? Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland are just perfect.

The Sunshine Coast is heaven for anyone who loves the sand and the sea.  But the region includes a strip of hinterland less than 50 kilometres wide and dotted with towns well worth exploring – Eumundi, Yandina and Buderim – and attractions galore.  The southern half of the hinterland runs into the basalt wall of the Blackall Range, the creative capital of Queensland and one of the prettiest spots in the state.  It’s cool, tranquil, heavy with rainforest, dotted with idyllic country retreats, and laden with art and craft galleries and shops.

But let’s start with the coast and assume you are driving.  To cover all the great seaside areas we’ll take the coast road, called for most of the way the David Low Way, from south to north.  It’s a little longer and a lot slower than the Sunshine Coast Motorway which runs off the Bruce Highway from about Mooloolaba to near Noosa, but a lot more interesting and full of great views.

Mooloolaba is a Sunshine Coast town that boasts beach and river frontages. It has an all-weather port which is home to the Auckland-Mooloolaba and Sydney-Mooloolaba Yacht races. Harmonious mix of beach, harbour, parks and shopping with prime coastal strip panoramas. International standard marinas and 'Under Water World' oceanarium. Home base of a trawling fleet and pilot station for Moreton Bay River, coastal, deep sea and game fishing. The newly redeveloped Espalande has a range of restaurants from beachfront cafes to fine dining and many boutiques for that extra special gift.

Noosa Heads, set on the edge of Noosa National Park and Laguna Bay, is alive with international standard shops, restaurants and accommodation. This accommodation ranges from budget backpacker establishments, units and apartments to the Sheraton Noosa Resort. From Hastings Street, the centre of activity, visitors are only a short distance from the Noosa National Park, the Noosa River Everglades, Cooloola National Park and 4 Wheel Driving to Fraser Island can be organised. Sunshine Coast Accommodation