The Sunshine Coast

Affectionately known as the Sunny Coast, this holiday destination is renowned for its white sandy beaches, rivers, rainforests and mountains. The Sunshine Coast is about an hours drive north of Brisbane, and the main hot spots to visit are Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum, Noosa and Caloundra.

In summer, people flock to the beaches, and in the cooler months this area is a bush-walkers haven with the nearby mountains and rainforests being a great place to explore. Other popular all-round year activities are the adventure sports, spa and health retreats, local restaurants, arts and culture, amusement parks, and of course, the world famous Australia Zoo. Did I mention the shopping, markets and people-watching. Market lovers must visit Eumundi Market which is Australia's biggest art, craft and produce market.

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Cool things to do on the Sunny Coast

Beach life: The Sunshine Coast is one endless stretch of golden sand, with some of the best beaches in the world. It's combination of sparkly water, blue skies and warm weather all-year round make it a perfect holiday destination. Spread your towel out at one of the popular spots including Cotton Tree, Coolum, Maroochydore or Mooloolaba. Some suggestions are: Learn to surf go stand up paddle boarding enjoy the thrills of jet boating	Main Beach, Noosa. Photo: Tourism Australia
Go whale watching. Photo: Tourism Queensland	Whale watching: Join one of the crews for a Whale Watching experience. Your tour will be jam-packed with spectacular scenery and up-close whale encounters. Jump aboard one of the luxurious vessels departing from The Mooloolaba Wharf and go in search of the majestic Humpback Whale. Choose from half day, full day tours, and even the occasional swim with whales. NOTE: Whale watching season happens between July and October.
Visit beautiful Fraser Coast. which is a little further up the coast and is on the World Heritage list. Fraser Island is home to marine life, possums, wallabies and dingoes. It's also a great place to watch Humpbacks whales migrate north. Outdoor activities include camping, wildlife watching and hiking in national parks. Other adventures include exploring Amamoor State Forest, Bellingham Maze, Caloundra Coastal Walk and Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park.	Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Tourism Queensland
Enjoy shopping in Montville. Tourism Australia	Shopping: Find that something special in one of the many little boutiques. Check out the Eumundi Markets which has over 600 stalls selling food, fashion, art, fortune telling, massages and much more. Explore the quaint and historic town of Montville where you’ll find hand-made trinkets, boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and great cafes and restaurants. Why not book a shopping tour so you can sit back, relax and focus on what to enjoy and where to spend.
Pamper-time: Pamper yourself at one of the spas or beauty salons including Aqua Day Spa at Sheraton Noosa Resort, Ikatan Day Spa, Mooloolaba Salt Caves, Temple massage or the Sound Spa. If arts and culture are your thing, the Sunny Coast has art galleries, theatres, cultural festivals. Visit the Butter Factory Arts Centre, Clock Centre Montville, Montville Art Gallery, Nambour Arthouse Cinema and Sunshine Castle Bli Bli. Create your itinerary