Sunshine Coast - The Region
Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is easily accessible and easy to navigate. They call it the Sunshine Coast for a reason. The sunny subtropical climate is ideal for year round activities with summer temperatures averaging 28°C (82F) and winter a mild 20°C (68F). Discover vast beaches, a thriving food scene and stunning National Parks in the surrounding hinterland.
A holiday to the Sunshine Coast offers families a fun-filled adventure that spans from Caloundra, famous for its kid-friendly Kings Beach; to Mooloolaba, a vibrant cafe and surfing haven; to Noosa, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, cafes and hotels; and to the enchanting Maleny, Montville, Mapleton and Mary Valley in the hinterland.
The Sunshine Coast beaches of Australia all come with soft white sand and a clear blue ocean, but just 10 minutes from Autism Camp Sunshine Coast is Kings Beach, recently voted by Surf Lifesaving Queensland the top and safest beach in Queensland. Jump in puddles at the iconic rockpools, the laughter of young and old coming from the water fountain with its time-delayed surprise spurts of water. The beachfront tidal saltwater swimming pool (which is absolutely free to use) is surrounded by fresh, white shade-sails you can lay under and hear the ocean, and the red and yellow volunteers are on patrol 365 days a year.
Kids will love Australia Zoo, the legacy of a true Australian icon, Steve Irwin. Nestled on more than 110 acres and with more than 1200 amazing animals, it’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet! You can cuddle a koala, feed their gorgeous kangaroos or even walk a wombat! Don’t miss the amazing African animals on their very own savannah, or head to South-East Asia to visit their majestic tigers and their gorgeous red panda. Take a trip to Bindi’s Island, where you can climb a three-storey treehouse, and spot ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabra tortoises and colourful parrots.
With lush green rainforest, picture perfect waterfalls, crystal clear rock pools to swim in, and national parks packed full of wildlife, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a nature lovers’ paradise.
The Glass House Mountains are distinctive volcanic plugs that rise abruptly from the surrounding countryside. These 20 million year-old monoliths are part of the Aboriginal ‘songlines’ navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend. A refuge for many species of native animals and plants, Kondalilla National Park is a magnet for birdwatchers and nature photographers as well as bushwalkers. With a stunning waterfall that drops 90 metres into a rainforest valley, rocky pools and freshwater creeks - is it clear why the park gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'rushing waters'. Five rare and threatened frog species - as well as the Bopple Nut, a rare macadamia species - can be found in the park. Mapleton Falls National Park marks the point just west of Mapleton where Pencil Creek spectacularly cascades 120 metres over an escarpment into the rock pools below. This small, day-use-only park shelters many bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Whipbird and Wompoo Fruit Dove. From the open, grassy picnic area, the Wompoo Circuit winds through eucalypts and rainforest. Listen for the Fruit Dove’s booming calls, 'wallock-a-woo' and 'book-a-roo'. Near the causeway pool, listen for frogs and marvel at the distinctive hexagonal volcanic rocks.
Combine natural beauty with award-winning restaurants and a sleepy-town atmosphere and you'll get an idea of what Noosa has to offer. Listed as an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Noosa is home to a range of pristine natural environments - from waterways full of birdlife to rocky headlands where you can watch whales swim past. Noosa National Park has a variety of walking trails that pass by secluded ocean bays - ideal for a dip any time of the year. For those who like to get out on the water, the Noosa River connects with a series of beautiful lakes and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise. After exploring the natural wonders, head to Hastings Street - a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare where locals and visitors enjoy shopping, alfresco dining and people-watching.
Head in land for some laid back hinterland hospitality. Every Saturday and Wednesday, come rain, hail or shine, the population of Eumundi explodes from 500 residents to several thousand as visitors flock to the markets. The Eumundi Markets were established in 1979 and are situated in the heart of this historic town. The iconic and towering heritage-listed fig trees rise above the 500 plus stall market. Everything is on offer from fresh food to clothes and lifestyle products. The streets are lined with historical buildings, modern art galleries, boutique wineries and local history museums. The town is a must-do for anyone passing through the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
For more information about Things To Do in the region head over to Visit Sunshine Coast. All images and information on this page from Visit Sunshine Coast.