The line of shore and the immediate hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast region in Queensland lie north from Brisbane. As far as weather goes, the subtropical climate generally offers mild temperatures in both summer and winter. Historically, the area has grown rapidly, especially since the gold rush in Gympie in the late 1860s. The natural beauty has always been significant, and settling continued after the gold rush because the timber and tourism industries grew and prospered. Today, the region remains an excellent travel destination for visitors from nearby parts of Queensland and Australia as well international travelers.
Attractions and Activities

Sunshine Coast holidays offer a wide specter of attractions and activities. The beaches and ocean waters are among the most popular attractions. The Sunshine Coast also offers parklands, forests, rural agricultural areas and much more. Here are some of the favorite sites and things to do on the Sunshine Coast:
Australia Zoo - Home of the Irwin Family and best known through the work of the "Crocodile Hunter," this zoo offers something for young and old. The animals have plenty of room to roam in their habitat enclosures. Crocodiles, wallabies and kangaroos are among the best loved of the many creatures found within this park.
Underwater World - In Moolooba on the edge of the beach, this venue is both an aquarium and an oceanarium. Visitors love the seal show and the shark tank.
Other top activities and attractions are as follows:
- Big Kart Track is where the public can drive go-carts in Landsborough
- Kondalilla National Park is a park with falls and trails for wildlife watching that is about 100 kilometers to the north of Brisbane
- Ginger Factory is a delightful amusement park that has shops featuring ginger products in Yandina
- Glass House Mountains are a group of 11 hills that are natural landmarks about 70 miles north of Brisbane
- Gowinta Farms are strawberry farms open for touring in Beerwah
- Top Shots are a family mini golf course and kids' trampoline that offers fun in Maroochydore
Coastal Accommodations
With lovely uncrowded beaches, the Sunshine Coast provides the best in coastal and inland accommodation options. Here are some of the top choices that demonstrate the wide range available:
Aquarius Resort - In Alexandra Headland, the Aquarius Resort offers spacious rooms with ocean views. Apartments range in size from studio to penthouse, one of 23 accommodations in the area. Alexandra Headland offers a true beach resort experience.
Avon Lodge - Situated on Banksia Beach on Bribie Island, Avon Lodge sits on Flinders Inlet. The lodge is a bed and breakfast that provides comfortable rooms and beautiful surroundings. Bribie Island has white, soft sandy beaches without pedestrian crowding.
Mariners Resort Caloundra - Caloundra is a charming seaside resort that has been a haven for beach lovers since the late 1800s. This resort offers 4.5 star suites on Kings Beach.
Parkshores Sunshine - Situated on Sunshine Beach near Noosa National Park, Parkshores Sunshine provides luxury in a tropical setting. Apartments are 2 bedrooms with a fully furnished kitchen.
Dining and Cuisine
The Sunshine Coast is a prime area in which to explore the variety of cuisines available in Australia as well as local, fresh food. Those visiting may want to try as many different restaurants as possible to experience all of the traditional Australian and international options within this coastal region. Here are some of the top places to eat:
Amici Cafe - In Caloundra on Aspect Knox Avenue, this Italian cafe has desserts like peppermint cheesecake or watermelon sorbet to finish up a meal of handmade Gnocchi or mini pizzas.
Embassy XO - For awesome contemporary Asian dining in Sunshine Beach, Embassy XO is a classy establishment where the presentation is artistic and delicious food has delectable textures and shapes.
Humid - Australian cuisine in Noosaville, Humid serves up dishes like seafood fresh from the water and locally grown vegetables and meats as well as those dishes presented completely vegetarian.
India Today - Found in Maroochydore, reservations should be made for this incredible authentic dining experience exploring the meats and sauces as well as the coconut rice of India Today.
Sunshine Beach the Surf Club Restaurant - Right on the beach with outside deck dining, this restaurant will serve up hearty pub style meals or refreshments and fresh seafood snacks.
Sunshine Coast Snapshots
Those planning their first visit to the spectacular Sunshine Coast of Australia can make their dreams realities and actually walk the beaches and see the sites along the shore and in the hinterland. They can bring their camera and take photos that chronicle their enjoyment and fun in the water as well as their relaxation time watching the sunset from a balcony or surfers from a seaside restaurant. Countryside fields of growing grapes, the intriguing Glass Mountains and feeding pelicans are other snapshot scenes.