About Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a peri-urban region in South East Queensland, Australia. In 1967, it was defined as "the area contained in the [former] Shires of Landsborough, Maroochy and Noosa, but excluding Bribie Island". Located 100 km (62 mi) north of the centre of Brisbane in South East Queensland, on the Coral Sea coastline, its urban area spans approximately 60 km (37 mi) of coastline and hinterland from Pelican Waters to Tewantin.
Places to visit in Sunshine Coast
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Australia Zoo
Zoo · 15 mi from centreThe wildlife park made famous by Steve Irwin, with crocodiles, koalas and kangaroos. Check the schedule for the daily wildlife shows, and plan a full day.
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Noosa National Park
Nature · 19 mi from centreA coastal park with rainforest, beaches and headland walking tracks. Look for koalas in the trees and dolphins offshore, and park early since spaces fill fast.
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Glass House Mountains
Nature · 20 mi from centreA group of volcanic peaks rising from the plains in the hinterland, with walking tracks and lookouts. Drive to the main lookout for the best view, and wear good shoes for the hikes.
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Mooloolaba
Beach · 2 mi from centreA popular beach town with a patrolled surf beach and a lively esplanade with restaurants. Swim between the flags, and walk to the river mouth for seafood at the wharf.
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Eumundi Markets
MarketLarge open-air markets in the hinterland town of Eumundi, selling local crafts, art and food. They run on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and arriving early helps you avoid crowds.
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Sea Life Sunshine Coast
Zoo · 3 mi from centreAn aquarium on the Mooloolaba waterfront with sharks, rays and seal shows. Check show times before you go, and combine it with lunch or a swim at the beach nearby.
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Big Pineapple
Landmark · 6 mi from centreA giant pineapple structure near Woombye, one of Australia's famous big things. Climb inside for views, and check for markets and events held on the grounds.
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Mount Coolum
Viewpoint · 6 mi from centreA dome-shaped mountain near the coast with a steep summit trail. The climb takes under an hour, and the views over the beaches are best in the early morning.
Top experiences in Sunshine Coast
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Garden & Aviary Entry
From $31 per adult
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba Tour
From $34 per adult
Rainforest, Views and Montville - Full-Day Private Tour
From $506 per adult
Scenic Food and Wine Tour
From $222 per adult
Sealife Sunshine Coast
From $33 per adult
Aquaduck Tours Sunshine Coast
From $38 per adult
Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise - Half Day
From $69 per adult
Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Tour with Transfer
From $39 per adult
Eumundi Markets Transfer
From $47 per adult
Where to stay in Sunshine Coast
Popular hotels in Sunshine Coast, out of 322 properties you can book.
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
From $163 per night
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
From $290 per night
Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters
From $147 per night
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
From $147 per night
Nomads Noosa
From $198 per night
Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Sirocco Mooloolaba
The Sebel Twin Waters
Elysium Noosa Resort - MGallery Collection
BreakFree Grand Pacific Caloundra
Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba
Best time to visit Sunshine Coast
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sunshine Coast is June, when average daytime highs are around 70°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sunshine Coast weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 82° 71° 100%
- Thu 12 Nov 85° 71° 98%
- Fri 13 Nov 79° 71° 100%
- Sat 14 Nov 81° 70° 92%
- Sun 15 Nov 83° 69° 92%
- Mon 16 Nov 85° 69° 98%
- Tue 17 Nov 80° 69° 71%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.45
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Australia/BrisbaneUTC+10
- Capital
- Canberra
Upcoming public holidays in Australia
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sunshine Coast
These are the airports closest to central Sunshine Coast. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MCY Sunshine Coast Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Sunshine Coast
Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.
Fares
A 50-cent flat fare applies to any journey, regardless of mode or distance, with a limit of 3 transfers. The only exception is an Airtrain journey to or from Brisbane Airport which costs $22.30 (June 2025), with a 15% discount for booking online. Refer to the website for other discounted fares. You can be fined $261 for travelling without a valid fare.
By car
Car is by far the easiest way to see most attractions in a short amount of time, or at your own pace. Larger car hire companies may offer relocations to Brisbane Airport or the Gold Coast. Try the major national renters with services at Maroochy Airport or other local independents that rent new cars.
Sunshine Coast travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sunshine Coast?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sunshine Coast is June, when average daytime highs are around 70°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sunshine Coast?
February is usually the warmest month in Sunshine Coast, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 52°F (11°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 299 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sunshine Coast?
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Sunshine Coast.
What currency is used in Sunshine Coast?
Sunshine Coast uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.45.
What time zone is Sunshine Coast in?
Sunshine Coast uses the Australia/Brisbane time zone (currently UTC+10). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Sunshine Coast?
Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.
What are the best places to visit in Sunshine Coast?
Top sights in Sunshine Coast include Australia Zoo, Noosa National Park, Glass House Mountains and Mooloolaba. The wildlife park made famous by Steve Irwin, with crocodiles, koalas and kangaroos. Check the schedule for the daily wildlife shows, and plan a full day.
What are the top things to do in Sunshine Coast?
Popular experiences you can book in Sunshine Coast include Garden & Aviary Entry, Aquaduck Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba Tour and Rainforest, Views and Montville - Full-Day Private Tour. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Sunshine Coast?
Popular areas for hotels in Sunshine Coast include Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Noosa Heads. Well-reviewed options include Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort and Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Sunshine Coast?
Destina Holidays currently lists 322 properties in and around Sunshine Coast, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
