The gorgeous Sunshine Coast, famous for its stunning south Queensland beaches, amazing surf and rural hinterland, is the perfect Australian escape. The Sunshine Coast sweeps along Australia’s east coast, starting at popular coastal city Caloundra in the south and reaching the Great Sandy National Park in the north. Famous for upmarket boutique shopping, stunning white-sand beaches and Australia Zoo, the Sunshine Coast has something for everyone.
Activities in Sunshine Coast
Home to some of Australia’s best stretches of sand, so you’ll want to hire a car rental to explore the Sunshine Coast to the fullest. Experienced surfers will love Little Cove in Noosa Head while tamer tourists will enjoy a dip at the gorgeous and safe Mooloolaba Spit. For land-based adventure, there’s plenty of walking trails along the coast from Noosa National Park in the north, to the Maroochy Botanical Gardens down south to Caloundra and its nine kilometre Coastal Pathway. In the heart of the Sunshine Coast between Moolooba and Marcoola, make the most of the ocean with deep sea fishing, whale watching, diving and snorkeling. If shopping is more your style, jump in the trusty rental car and head to trendy Noosa, where you’ll be in heaven among the city’s hip cafés and boutique shops.
Sunshine Coast Climate
The Sunshine Coast is aptly named, so expect plenty of sun. Sitting on the coast in Australia’s Sunshine State, you’ll enjoy an average of seven hours of sun daily, even in winter. Be prepared by keeping sunscreen, water and a hat in your car hire for day trips. Hot summers and warm winters are the norm, with summer temperatures peaking in the mid-thirties while a cold winter’s evening can get down to seven. Rainfall is most common in early summer (December through February). Warmed by the strong unyielding sun, our beaches are warm enough to swim in year-round.
Local Accommodation
Whether you plan to stay in an upscale hotel, a seaside resort or a youth hostel, there is something for everyone along the Sunshine Coast. The entire coastline is dotted with wonderful accommodation options at reasonable prices. To explore the entire region, stay between Moolooba and Morcoola, then you can hop in the rental car and head north or south for day trips.
Nearby Destinations
Take your Sunshine Coast car rental south of the Sunshine Coast to see the striking Glass House Mountains. Down south is also where you’ll explore the remote hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. If you take your car hire a few kilometres north of Noosa Heads, you can find the stunning multi-coloured sand dunes, Teewah Coloured Sands.