Sunshine Coast Signature Experiences Guide Visit Sunshine Coast

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visitsunshinecoast.com Discover our Sunshine Coast Wonders of nature, beachside culture, fresh local food, immersive encounters and world-class events. The Sunshine Coast is one of the most vibrant regions in ; renowned for its natural environment, subtropical climate and friendly locals.

Kondalilla Falls Front cover: Pumicestone Passage Location and access

Air Travel times Where to stay (MCY) is centrally located just to Sunshine Coast 1 hr 10mins Whether it is five star luxury beachfront resorts 10 minutes north of . Regular daily and apartments, international standard hotels, luxury flights from Sydney and Melbourne, and three times Sydney (SYD) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 1 hr 30 mins lodge escapes, eco-accredited accommodation, quaint weekly services from Adelaide, connect the Sunshine Melbourne (MEL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 2 hr 20 mins bed and breakfasts, golf and spa resorts, a private Coast to more than 55 Australian and international island, houseboats, or camping and caravanning; the destinations. Direct flight services from Auckland to Adelaide (ADL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 2 hr 45 mins Sunshine Coast offers accommodation options to suit the Sunshine Coast are available on a seasonal basis. Auckland (AKL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 3 hr 30 mins all tastes and budgets. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the international gateway Climate to and is an easy one hour drive to the Darwin The Sunshine Coast enjoys an average of 300 days Sunshine Coast. of sunshine per year with a subtropical/temperate Cairns climate ideal for outdoor activities and events virtually Self drive all year long. For those coming from further afield, it is an easy Alice Springs QUEENSLAND SUNSHINE COAST one hour drive from Brisbane’s domestic and AIRPORT Brisbane international airports before arriving at the Sunshine Gold Coast Average temperatures Coast’s . All major car rental Perth Adelaide Sydney companies have outlets at both the Brisbane and Canberra Summer (Dec - Feb) Low 17C / 63F High 28C / 82F Auckland Sunshine Coast airports. Melbourne Autumn (Mar - May) Low 13C / 55F High 25C / 77F Ground transport Hobart Winter (Jun - Aug) Low 7C / 45F High 22C / 72F Rainbow Beach Regular bus shuttle services, group transfers, Tin Can Bay Spring (Sept - Nov) Low 13C / 55F High 25C / 77F limousines and business class mini-coaches operate door-to-door between Brisbane Airport and Sunshine SUNSHINE COAST Mary Coast Airport seven days a week. Transport between Valley Noosa

Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast can also Eumundi Coolum Beach be accessed via rail to Beerwah, Landsborough or Montville Maroochydore train stations. Maleny Glass House Mountains Sunshine Coast signature experiences From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the includes over 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. Enviably positioned, the region is tucked between Brisbane and Fraser Island and is a natural haven of specialty experiences just waiting to be explored. Kayak amongst , swim with rescued seals, ride a horse along the beach, try yoga poses on a stand up paddle board, or fly over the landscape in a seaplane or helicopter... the options are endless.

Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, Rainbow Beach Taste the Sunshine Coast

A natural food bowl, the Sunshine Coast Belmondos Organic Market is becoming one of Australia’s favourite taste destinations. Paddock to plate has never been closer with farm gates, food and wine tours and farmers markets. The region has an appetising variety of producers, waterfront restaurants, wineries, breweries, food festivals and cooking schools.

Craft beer tasting, Brouhaha Brewery The Tamarind Cooking School, Spicers Tamarind Retreat Artisan cheese, Maleny Food Co

Mooloolaba is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Australia The wharf is a hive of daily activity - with trawlers bringing in fresh catches of fish, Mooloolaba prawns, lobsters and spanner crabs, all available for purchase at the local seafood shops.

Outdoor dining, Maleny Manor Sunshine Coast pineapples

Only on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a country and coast Fraser Island beach landing with Air Fraser natural utopia brimming with surprising, enchanting and delightful activities and world-class natural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Journey along the Great Beach Drive, paddle through the Noosa Everglades, explore Fraser Island by private plane or four wheel drive vehicle and learn about the region’s quintessentially Aussie surf culture.

Walking the Coastal Trail, Sunshine Beach Stand up paddle boarding on the Pumicestone Passage Kayaking through the Noosa Everglades with Kanu Kapers

The best place to view the Glass House Mountains is from the beautiful lawns of Maleny Botanic Gardens, preferably accompanied by a picnic of local produce.

The Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach. Credit: Glen David Wilson

Get up close and personal

The Sunshine Coast is full of authentic Sunrise yoga, Mount Coolum Noosa Red Tomatoes at Eumundi Markets and immersive encounters! Experiences abound – swim with humpback whales, enjoy canapés with a camel, cuddle a koala, help conserve local wildlife. Learn to surf with a pro, salute the sun overlooking the ocean or meet local artisans at Australia’s largest open-air market.

Animal encounter at Australia Fun at Aussie World

Swim alongside majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the Queensland coast between July and October. Swim with the whales by Sunreef Mooloolaba Credit: Migration Media

Camels & Canapés experience with Live it Tours Relaxing massage, Noosa Main Beach Experience nature’s ampitheatre Breakfast event on Cotton Tree sandbar Caloundra Music Festival Almost every week of the year the Sunshine Coast hosts a major national or international event, ranging from major sporting events to cultural, food and business events. Compete, join in, learn, be entertained or simply soak up the atmosphere and discover why the Sunshine Coast’s natural ampitheatre is the perfect place to experience an event.

Mooloolaba Triathlon Noosa Food & Wine Caloundra Music Festival Horizon Festival of Arts and Culture

Noosa Triathlon and Multi Sport Festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting over 10,000 competitors to the Sunshine Coast every November.

Velothon Sunshine Coast March May October Ocean Swim Festival Noosa Food & Wine Wanderlust Mooloolaba Mile Noosa Heads Sunshine Coast Mooloolaba August Twin Waters Gympie Muster Noosa Festival Music Festival Amamoor State Forest Caloundra of Surfing Woombye Music Festival Noosa Heads 7 Sunshine Coast Caloundra January Noosa Ultimate Marathon Maroochydore Mooloolaba Triathlon Sports Festival Sunshine Coast Ginger Flower Festival Mooloolaba Noosa Heads Fashion Festival and Food Festival Caloundra Ginger Factory, Yandina Ocean Swim Festival June Noosa Heads Sea N Sound Festival November Mooloolaba Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival Noosa Heads

July April Queensland September Maleny Wood Expo Garden Expo Nambour Maroochy Music and Maleny Noosa Alive! Visual Arts Festival Noosa area Maroochydore December Velothon Sunshine Coast Tin Can Bay Seafood Woodford Maroochydore Tin Can Bay Folk Festival February Woodford Grape Stomp, Flame Hill Horizon Festival Vineyard, Montville of Arts and Culture Sunshine Coast Queensland Triathlon Series R6, Caloundra Ironman 70.3 Mooloolaba Clean, green and protected for future generations Living in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet comes with a certain responsibility, and the Sunshine Coast takes great care to protect its environment for today’s residents and for future generations. The region offers a range of nature and wildlife experiences, from the rocky outcrops of the iconic Glass House Mountains to the pristine waterways of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. The adjoining Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres are home to many rare and , while the nearby Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world, provides serene tranquility.

Glass House Mountains view from Mt Ngungun. Credit: Jason Charles Hill ITINERARY Adventure seeker Day 2 Day 3 If it is in, on or under the sea, Mooloolaba Start your day early and travel to Rainbow has it all. Swim with humpback whales Beach, ensuring you consider tides. (Jul - Oct), dive the ex-HMAS Brisbane, sail Enjoy a thrilling four wheel drive (4WD) Day 1 the pristine waters or get up close and adventure like no other! Kayak with the personal to view other marine life at Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland dolphins at or take a Sunshine Coast. to discover the picturesque rainforests, relaxing horse ride along pristine Rainbow stunning waterfalls and nature. Beach, one of the region’s best kept secrets. Head north to Mount Coolum and walk the summit for spectacular 360 degree Continue on to Mooloolaba for super Catch the ferry across to explore World views. The perfect spot for on-land whale swimming beaches and a beachside feast of Heritage-listed Fraser Island via self-hire watching (Jul-Oct). Mooloolaba prawns, spanner crabs or reef fish 4WD (National Park permits are required) fresh, washed down with a local craft beer. or join a guided tour. Take time out to immerse in nature! Stroll Overnight in one of Mooloolaba’s budget through to spot resident or luxury accommodation options. koalas and revitalise in the azure waters of Laguna Bay at sunset.

Choose from one of the many dining options on Hastings Street or nearby Noosaville, FRASER ISLAND 5 RAINBOW BEACH before retiring for your overnight stay.

• Visit the mysterious Glass House Mountains National Park to learn about the ancient 4 NOOSA Aboriginal legend of Mount Beerwah, Mount 3 COOLUM BEACH Tibrogargan and . • Adventure pursuits abound! Paddle the Noosa 1 2 MONTVILLE MOOLOOLABA Everglades, learn to surf, para-sail, skydive or MALENY GLASS HOUSE take a spectacular Sunshine Coast scenic flight MOUNTAINS to experience Fraser Island.

Lake Cootharaba, Noosa ITINERARY 4 Indulge in the sunshine RAINBOW BEACH

3 NOOSA 2 Day 1 Day 2 EUMUNDI MONTVILLE 1 Start your day in the Sunshine Coast Depart early for a scenic drive through MALENY GLASS HOUSE Hinterland and stroll through Mary Cairncross Noosa’s picturesque hinterland, a region MOUNTAINS Scenic Reserve, which promises to delight renowned for its abundance of fresh, local with its tranquillity and natural beauty. and delectable produce. Day 3 Indulge in a long relaxing lunch at one of the Indulge at one of the many cosmopolitan Hinterland’s award-winning restaurants and eateries, galleries and decadent spas the Experience the beauty of the coloured sand explore the unique galleries in the quaint region has to offer. cliffs on a private 4WD tour taking in the villages of Maleny and Montville. breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Explore the Noosa National Park, which Great Beach Drive. Join a hinterland tour to learn more encompasses Queensland’s first UNESCO Horse ride along the spectacular beach or about this historic natural region, indulge Biosphere reserve and immerse yourself bushland, or kayak and surf with the dolphins. at a local day spa or take part in a local in world class nature. cooking school before retiring to your Fresh seafood platters, a typical Aussie barbecue Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation. Stay at one of Noosa’s luxury resorts on or white table cloths, the choice is yours. elegant Hastings Street or nearby Noosaville precinct. Savour the flavours prepared by Overnight in deluxe apartment at Rainbow • Relax in the peaceful surrounds of an dedicated and experienced chefs at award- Beach or try a night of ultimate beach eco-certified lodge or bed and breakfast winning restaurants, cafes and local eateries. camping at Inskip Point under the stars. in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. • Learn a new dish at one of Sunshine Coast’s many cooking schools. • Take time to explore the coloured sand cliffs and striking Carlo Sand Blow at Rainbow Beach.

4WD experience on Rainbow Beach ITINERARY Family fun Day 2 Start your day at the Maleny Botanic Gardens 6 NOOSA & Bird World. Stroll the stunning gardens and EUMUNDI Day 1 take a walk through the bird . Visit the 5 town of Maleny for a leisurely morning tea. 3 4 MONTVILLE 1 MOOLOOLABA Get up close and personal with rare, MALENY 2 Enjoy a short drive to Mooloolaba, one GLASS HOUSE CALOUNDRA endangered and much loved Australian MOUNTAINS and exotic animals at . Enjoy of Australia’s most vibrant and exciting some fast paced fun at the Big Kart Track beachfront destinations. Spend the afternoon and family time at the Sunshine Coast’s discovering , the largest theme park Aussie World, topped off region’s park, Day 3 by a delicious lunch stop at the adjoining and wildlife sanctuary, or join a whale watch Australiana pub. experience (Jul - Oct) before retiring to your Soak up the sunshine with an alfresco beachfront accommodation. breakfast and refreshing dip in ocean before Continue on to Caloundra for dinner on the heading to the Ginger Factory for delicious beach at sunset and stay overnight at one of ginger flavours, honey bee demonstrations, the the many beachfront properties in the family Ginger Factory tour and fun rides for the kids. friendly playground of Caloundra. Continue on to Eumundi and explore the local delights of the Eumundi Markets — Australia’s premier artisan market (Wed and Sat).

Enjoy the scenic coastal drive to Noosa taking in the Noosa River precinct and arrive in time On the Sunshine Coast, it’s all about for an afternoon surf or stroll through the immersing in the relaxed coastal lifestyle! Noosa National Park — home to many native From saltwater to freshwater – options Australian animals, including koalas and birds. abound. Take time out to learn to surf, or stand-up paddle board at one of the many Overnight at one of Noosa’s many family patrolled beaches that line the coast. friendly resorts.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny ITINERARY 5 FRASER ISLAND & LADY ELLIOT ISLAND 4 Wonders of nature Day 2 RAINBOW BEACH Your journey continues with a scenic drive 3 to Noosa. Visit Noosa National Park, one NOOSA Day 1 of Queensland’s few coastal national parks. Stroll through the park and spot resident MONTVILLE 1 Start your day in the Sunshine Coast MALENY 2 koalas dozing in the trees, swim or surf at GLASS HOUSE CALOUNDRA Hinterland and visit the majestic Glass coves and beaches and retreat into the cool MOUNTAINS House Mountains. forests of the inland tracks.

Enjoy the picturesque rainforest, stunning Cruise or paddle the pristine coastal views and discover waterfalls as you waterways of the Noosa Everglades experience 58km of world class walking trails or take the Noosa River Ferry and explore Day 4 in the scenic . the surrounds. Catch the ferry across to World Heritage- listed Fraser Island to explore the largest Overnight at one of the sand island in the world. Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s eco-certified accommodation options. Day 3 Overnight on Fraser Island or . Leave the bitumen behind and head north; self-drive or join a 4WD tour to experience the Great Beach Drive. Explore the beauty • Experience off-road Day 5 of the coloured sands en route. driving at it’s best on the Hop on a 40 minute scenic flight from Great Beach Drive. Horse ride at Rainbow Beach, join a kayak Hervey Bay to the southern gateway of the • Visit the world’s largest sand island, tour and gaze the stars at Carlo Sand Blow. Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, for an World Heritage-listed Fraser Island Immerse in nature and camp overnight at unrivalled reef experience. • Explore one of Australia’s most celebrated Rainbow Beach, or choose apartment style resort towns – Noosa. accommodation. Find yourself captivated by the green • Take in the spectacular scenery of the sea turtles during egg laying and hatching Glass House Mountains. (Nov-Mar).

Turtle, Lady Elliot Island