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Sunshine Coast

Destination guide

Sunshine Coast

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Sunny mornings at Main Beach.
Noosa’s main beach and boardwalk.

Thanks to a wrong turn, my family discovered its own slice of paradise

It may not be the quiet beach town it was in the ’80s, but I’m always drawn back to this Queensland holiday favourite.

  • Justin Meneguzzi
A design render of Avani Moloolaba, Queensland.

New hotel helps address room shortage at one of our best beach spots

South-east Queensland is facing up to a hotel shortage in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

  • Julietta Jameson
One of the Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s new Crocodile Cabins.

The Irwins now offer luxury accommodation – complete with live crocs

Three crocodiles are lurking just off the terrace of my room, a few metres away from where my two small children are swimming.

  • Craig Platt
Sixty6 Acres has seven magnesium plunge pools rather than one large communal pool.

The Sunshine Coast’s new caravan park isn’t like others

When Sixty6 Acres first opened in 2023, it immediately attracted attention. But only 18 months later, it closed again.

  • Craig Platt
Peregian Beach is just a short distance from Noosa, but far more laid back.

The Sunshine Coast’s underrated, laid-back beach town

Just 11 kilometres south of Noosa, Peregian Beach offers an untouched shoreline, a village atmosphere and a vibrant local scene.

  • Kerry Heaney
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Cool off in pristine rock pool Booloumba Creek.

10 undiscovered Sunshine Coast highlights that most people miss

You may need a 4WD to access some, but this diverse region has some truly wonderful attractions that aren’t obvious, unless you know where to look.

  • Angela Saurine
Main Beach at Noosa Heads.

The best times to visit the Sunshine Coast

The sunny region plays host to countless annual events, including food festivals and triathlons. Here’s when to make the most of its stunning natural assets.

  • Angela Saurine
The Noosa River forms part of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to the Sunshine Coast

From ‘punk’ turtles to trees that cause excruciating pain, the Sunshine Coast certainly has its quirks. Here’s what to know before you go.

  • Angela Saurine
Season restaurant overlooks the beach at Noosa.

Best places to eat and drink on the Sunshine Coast

Trendy Asian eateries, retro diners, fresh Mooloolaba prawns and farm-to-table fine dining? Yep, Sunny Coast has something for every gourmand.

  • Angela Saurine
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

The best places to stay on the Sunshine Coast, for all budgets

From romantic hinterland hideaways to luxury oceanfront apartments, there’s an accommodation option for every type of traveller on this sunny stretch.

  • Angela Saurine