Sunshine Coast : The Beach Paradise in North of Brisbane

Sunshine coast is a popular holiday destination in Queensland, Australia. It is among the most populous regions in Australia with an urban area that comprises of a 60-kilometer coastline and extensive hinterland. Located about 100 kilometers from the state capital Brisbane, it is an area abound with natural beauty and serenity making it a perfect place to unwind, relax, and explore. Aside from the many natural attractions, the region is also renowned for its thriving arts scene and fine accommodation facilities. There are also many unique shops and award-winning restaurants making your stay all the more memorable.

1. Noosa National Park

The Noosa National Park is located in the popular tourist town of Noosa and features some of the region’s most picturesque scenery. It is a nature lover’s paradise with secluded beaches, lush rainforest, open woodland, and heathlands. There are many walking tracks which start and end at the Noosa Headland day-use area, a peaceful shaded area with a nice ocean view and a perfect place for a picnic. The park abounds with wildlife including the peaceful koalas and the black-cockatoos that roam the skies overhead. Head to the summit of Emu Mountain for the best panoramic view of the beautiful park.

2. Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo is a popular family destination among locals and tourists alike. The privately-owned zoo is located in Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The owners, Steve and Terri Irwin, are passionate conservationists and this is evident the moment you walk into the zoo. There are passionate people who work with visitors ensuring that your visit is both entertaining and educating. There are over 100 different species in the zoo including crocodiles, tigers, cheetahs, giraffes, lizards, pandas, and many more. The zoo also offers visitors a chance to interact with some of these wild animals making it a very engaging experience.

3. Glass House Mountains National Park

The Glass House Mountains are a group of thirteen hills that rise from the coastal plains on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The mountain ranges were named by Captain Cook in 1770 who thought that they resembled the glasshouses back in his hometown of Yorkshire. The highest hill is Mount Beerwah at 555 meters above sea level followed by Mount Coonowrin and Mount Tibrogargan which from some directions seems like a face staring out into the sea. Located about 70 kilometers from Brisbane, this national park is one of the most spectacular scenic spots on the Sunshine Coast with lush rainforests, a nearby coastline and with many adventurous activity options.

4. The Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is a popular family attraction and the best place to experience the authentic taste of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast. The park offers free admission and is opened daily making it a must visit while in the region. Discover the process of making confectionary ginger on the Factory Tour, watch honeybees in their element at the Superbee Live Bee Show, or ride Moreton- a 117-year old train as you take in the beautiful sights of the park. The park also has great shopping facilities, fun rides, a playground, and acres of beautiful gardens and walks. During school holidays, the park has a program of holiday entertainment which your little ones will love.

5. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

The Maleny Botanic Gardens are often referred to as the Jewel of the Sunshine Coast, and rightly so. The gardens are situated on 100 acres with pristine rainforest and with superb views of the surrounding hinterland. There are many paths within the gardens offering you a chance to view some of the rarest plants in close proximity. Some of these include cycads, roses, and azaleas. The beauty of these plants is complemented by numerous ponds and waterfalls throughout the gardens. There are also three separate walk-through aviaries housing over 600 cheeky and colorful birds. The picturesque park provides countless options for photography making it a must visit while in the region.

6. Noosa Main Beach

The Sunshine Coast is hugged by an expansive coastline with beautiful beaches on the north shore and the east shore. The Noosa Main Beach is one of the few beaches on the Australian coastline facing north. It is a popular beach among locals and locals located across the boardwalk from Hastings Street in Noosa Heads. The calm waters of Laguna Bay lap on the beach making it the best place to take a surf lesson as one doesn’t have to contend with big surfs. There are also surf lifesavers making it a safe place to swim and surf all year round. There are many restaurants and bars as well as hotels close to the beachfront adding to its allure.

7. Eumundi Markets

The Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest art and craft market in the whole of Australia. It is renowned for its locally made artwork which led to the establishment of similar markets throughout Australia. The best days to visit are Saturdays and Wednesdays when it is in full splendor. Meet the artisans as you shop and chat with the farmers and bakers selling their goods and wares in the splendid market. It is a nice place to shop for a souvenir or memento from handcrafted furniture, homewares, artworks, ceramics, to fashion items and jewelry. There are other attractions including street performers making a visit to the market an unrivaled experience.

8. Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology is about an hour north of Brisbane in Caboolture. It is home to one of the finest collections of European and Classical artifacts in Australia and is open to the public. The vast collection chronicles over 500,000 years of world history and aims to educate and inspire through its engaging displays and public programs. The collection includes artwork, prehistoric artifacts, manuscripts, rare books, lacquer, and frescos. The museum is the venue for the annual Abbey Medieval Festival which brings to life the colour and excitement of Medieval Europe. About thirty minutes away at Caloundra Airport is the Queensland Air Museum, home to the greatest collection of aviation history and a perfect attraction for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

9. Mount Coolum National Park

Mount Coolum rises 208 meters above the Sunshine Coast lowlands providing spectacular panoramic views of the coast and hinterland. The 360° views from the summit make the hike worthwhile with great views of the Noosa Heads to the north, the Blackhall Ranges to the west, and the Glass House Mountains to the south. The park around the mountain is home to rare montane heath unique to the region. The park extends south and west across flat lowlands protecting paperback, wallum, eucalyptus and rainforest remnants that have largely disappeared from the region. There are numerous walking paths throughout the park with countless options for photography.

10. Aussie World and Ettamogah Pub

Aussie World is a fantastic theme park located at Palmview on Bruce Highway. It is home to over 30 different rides and an assortment of games and attractions for all age groups. These attractions include the Professor Bogglesworth Illusionarium, the Mayhem Maze, the Platypus Ponds Mini Golf, and many more. The park is open all year round excepting Anzac Day and Christmas Day. The park also acts as a venue for group meetings and functions including weddings and birthdays. Located nearby is the famous Ettamogah Pub, which gained its fame in a popular newspaper cartoon and was brought to life in 1989 complete with all its features and furnishings including a 1927 Chevy on the roof.

◎ Closing

The Sunshine Coast is arguably one of the best holiday destinations in Australia. The region is home to beautiful landscapes with a variety of attractions that suit any taste or preference. The region basks in year-round sunshine which coupled with its mild, subtropical climate make it a perfect place for a getaway. It is a quieter alternative to the bustling Gold Coast further south but equally if not more impressive. From the beautiful beaches to the tranquil hinterland, the Sunshine Coast has plenty to offer visitors making it a place worthy of a visit.