The Sunshine Coast is just an hour north of Brisbane and is home to a rich collection of seaside and hinterland towns filled with diverse experiences.
Mooloolaba is often called the heart of the Sunshine Coast and boasts a world class beach, the family favourite Sealife and an esplanade packed with cafes, shops and award winning restaurants.
Nearby in Maroochydore, the Maroochy river is a popular recreational spot. Paradise Sea Planes offer incredible scenic flights and Swan Boat hire hires out water craft in all shapes and sizes. This includes BBQ pontoon boats, stand up paddle boards, tinnies and kayaks.
For sports lovers, the Sunshine Coast has plenty to offer. In Caloundra, mountain biking is popular along the many bike trails at Sugar Bag Road. For spectators, the Kawana Sports Precinct hosts big sporting and entertainment events like the Colour Run and NRL trial matches.
Coolum is a small town at the base of Mt Coolum and it’s popular for surfing. Chris Kendall is a local who created the Coolum Surf School and he offers lessons for beginners and advanced surfers. A popular spot to dine when in Coolum is at the Coolum Surf Life Saving Club.
A little bit inland is the town of Eumundi which is famous for its markets which are held twice a week. It’s also home to the Imperial Hotel which has been welcoming guests since 1911.
It’s recently begun brewing Eumundi Lager, the popular label which began in 1988 but ceased production four years later. Guests are invited to check out the brewery and taste the beers on a guided tour.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is filled with charming little towns like Montville and Maleny. There are also hidden gems like Gardeners Falls. A great place to get acquainted with the natural beauty of the Hinterland is at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. It’s recently opened its amazing Discovery Centre. It’s a great educational resource that also offers an onsite café and a patch of lush rainforest that guests can explore.
For those wanting to climb the nearby Glasshouse Mountains, a great option is Mt Ngungun. It’s a short climb that takes about 40 minutes and the views of the other mountains is spectacular.
Visit Sunshine Coast
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