Tourist information

The Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast begins just one hour's drive north from Brisbane. It embraces the beautiful Glass House Mountains and continues to the Blackall and Conondale Ranges. Along the Blackall Range are the popular craft villages of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton. The region crosses the coast at Caloundra and Bribie Island then extends up through Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum, Noosa and onto the Cooloola region including Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay and Gympie.

With the increasing development of first class accommodation, high quality meeting venues, and support infrastructure, the Sunshine Coast has emerged as an exciting leisure, conference and incentive destination. This combined with the natural beauty of the region explains why the Sunshine Coast has become a popular destination for work or play.

Getting to the Sunshine Coast

Brisbane's international and domestic airports are around 20 kilometres north east of the central business district (CBD), a 15 to 20 minute drive. The Sunshine Coast begins at Caloundra, just one hour's drive north on the Bruce Highway from the Brisbane Airport. Coach transfers from Brisbane Airport are available with Sunair Bus Service (www.sunair.com.au) and Suncoast Pacific Coaches. Limousines and global hire car services are also available from the Airport to the Sunshine Coast.

You can also fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (with connections from other capitals) to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) and hire a car or hail a taxi - it is a 25-minute drive to any of the main towns. All major coach companies as well as an efficient electric rail service also service the Sunshine Coast.

Accommodation

Whether you wish to stay in a charming B&B country cottage or a 5 star resort, the Sunshine Coast has accommodation to suit all tastes. Alternatives including serviced apartments, hotels, motels, guesthouses and caravan and holiday parks. For more information on accommodation alternatives got to: www.sunshinecoast.org, www.maroochytourism.com, www.caloundratourism.com.au, www.tourismnoosa.com.au, www.cooloola.org.au.

Getting Around the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a long coastal strip with a large inland area. Whilst there is a variety of public transport available there are many reputable hire car company's on the coast. Thrifty Car Rental (www.thrifty.com.au) , Avis Sunshine Coast, (www.avis.com.au ) Budget Rent-a-Car (www.budget.com.au), Come & Go Car Rental (www.come&gocarrental.com.au ) and Hertz Rent A Car (www.hertz.com.au)
There is also a reliable taxi service available through Suncoast Cabs.

As well as these options there will be a special fleet of coaches operating during CHOGM that will run 7 different routes on the Sunshine Coast covering the major areas and attractions of this region. Of these coaches, some will operate 24 hours a day.

Shopping

Shopping is a highlight of many visitors' Sunshine Coast holiday, with variety the key to what makes the Coast such a great place to shop. From major shopping centres to upmarket boutiques in Noosa's famous Hastings Street; the creativity of arts and crafts shops that dot the Blackall Range to the famous Eumundi Markets; there's something for everyone.

Whilst the Eumundi Markets are on Wednesdays and Saturdays the other main shopping areas on the Sunshine Coast, including Hastings Street, Mooloolaba Esplanade, Sunshine Plaza, Sunland Shopping Centre, Kawana Shoppingworld, and the Blackall Range are open seven days a week.

Key Attractions

The Sunshine Coast is brimming with fabulous attractions, for all ages and budgets. From Australia Zoo - home to television's Crocodile Hunter - to the Coast's fresh fruit attraction, The Big Pineapple. The exhilaration of the Bungy Bullet to the more sedate pace of the historic steam train, the Valley Rattler, Sunshine Coasting has never been more fun!

UnderWater World - www.underwaterworld.com.au
The wonders of the marine world including sharks, crocodiles, giant stingrays and gropers as well as daily seal shows. Located at the Wharf Complex, where people of all ages will enjoy the lively atmosphere of The Wharf, with its specialty stores, riverside al fresco eating spots, entertainment, pirates and water activities.

Australia Zoo - www.crocodilehunter.com
Home to the internationally famous "Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo has a collection of over 550 animals including crocodiles, koalas, snakes and the world's oldest giant land tortoise.

The Big Pineapple - www.bigpineapple.com.au
A Sunshine Coast icon and a fun day for the whole family. Take a train ride through Australia's only working pineapple plantation open to the public.

Aussie World & Ettamogah Pub - www.aussieworld.com.au
Don't miss the uniquely designed Ettamogah Pub that is part of Aussie World where you'll find a whole host of attractions including an Aboriginal art and cultural centre, bush camp, pony rides and a fairground.

Forest Glen Sanctuary - www.queensland-holidays.com.au/pfm/sites/0000792/main.htm
Close encounters with deer and Australian wildlife, including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and emus are a first-class interactive experience for people of all ages.

Super Bee Honey Factory - www.superbee.com.au
An educational and fun day out, the honey factory offers Australia's only live beekeeping demonstration and the chance to taste 28 types of honey!

The Ginger Factory - www.buderimginger.com
The largest ginger factory in the Southern Hemisphere has an amazing array of ginger-based products and ginger plants to take home.

The Big Kart Track - www.bigkart.com.au
Test your skills, and nerves, around Australia's largest track. Off-track, the Bungy Bullet will propel you 50 metres high into the sky in just over a second!

Mary Valley Heritage Railway - www.valleyrattler.com
Relive the steam train era with a trip on the historic "Valley Rattler" through the beautiful Mary Valley

Eumundi Markets - www.queensland-holidays.com.au/pfm/sites/0000953/main.htm
One of the Sunshine Coast's most popular and enduring tourist attraction, the famous Eumundi Markets are held Wednesday and Saturday mornings, rain, hail or shine.

Yandina Station - www.yandinastation.com.au
A working cattle farm only 15 minutes from Coolum, this unique venue features authentic Australian atmosphere with pioneering buildings and old-fashioned gardens.

Queensland Air Museum - www.queensland-holidays.com.au/pfm/sites/0000925/main.htm
Visit this fascinating Air Museum to discover the amazing history of flight in Australia.

Coolum Beach (Sea for yourself) - www.coolum.com.au
A comprehensive guide to everything in and around Coolum.

Wineries

The Sunshine Coast is poised to become the newest Wine Tourism destination in Australia. Many people are surprised to learn that there are now 9 cellar door sales outlets in the region- many featuring full worked vineyards. This allows patrons the opportunity to taste the wines and they gaze upon the next vintage taking shape on the vines before their eyes.
For more information contact the Sunshine Coast Wineries on 07 5478 5558.

Championship Golf Courses

There are a myriad of championship and club golf courses to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast. The 4 top resort courses include; Hyatt Regency Coolum (www.coolum.hyatt.com) , Novotel Twin Waters Resort (www.twinwatersresort.com.au) and also the properties listed below.

Pelican Waters Golf Course - www.pelicanwatersgc.com.au
Visit and play on the Greg Norman designed Golf Course at Pelican Waters or simply enjoy at meal at the modern Scartree Restaurant.

Noosa Springs Country Club - www.noosasprings.com.au
Located just 3km from Hastings Street, Noosa Springs combines a stunning natural environment with 18 superbly designed and crafted holes.

Medical Facilities

The Sunshine Coast has a number of 7-day week medical centres located throughout the region as well as numerous specialists and alternative medicine specialists. There are also a number of private and public hospitals located on the Sunshine Coast including; Caloundra, Caloundra Private, Cooroy Private, Maleny Soldiers Memorial, Nambour General, Nambour Selangor Private, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Private.

Conference and Event Facilities

The Sunshine Coast, now one of the nation's most preferred holiday and recreational areas, is attracting increased interest as a professional destination for conferences, incentive groups, team building programs and product launches. The region offers a diverse range of conference venues and resort accommodation, a selection of unique, themed venues and attractions, and incentive style experiences - from active adventure activities to eco-tours and cooking classes.

Sunshine Coast - the facts

The Sunshine Coast region is located 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia's north-eastern State. The region extends from the Glass House Mountains (including the northern portion of Bribie Island) to the Cooloola region north of Noosa Heads and west to Kenilworth and the Blackall Range, an area of approximately 3,200 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 250,000 residents. The Sunshine Coast encompasses the shires of Cooloola in the north, Noosa, Maroochy, to Caloundra in the south.

Weather

No wonder it's called the Sunshine Coast, with average seven hours sunshine daily. Average summer (December - February) temperature range from 17°C in the evenings to 28°C during the day, with the highs normally tempered by cooling sea breezes.

Winter (June - August) days are characteristically mild and sunny, with average temperatures from 7°C in the evenings to 22°C during the day. Spring (September - November) and autumn (March - May) are always popular with visitors as temperatures range comfortably between 13°C in the evenings and 25°C during the day.

Clothing

Clothing is comfortable and casual, leave restrictive suits and ties at home. Resort wear is ideal for the evening if you require something a little more "dressy". You will need a jacket for winter evenings, while sunscreen and a hat is recommended year round.

Beach Safety

This is one of the most beautiful stretches of unspoiled beaches you'll find anywhere. The main beaches are patrolled by Surf LifeSavers year round but always remember to swim between the flags. Contact Surf Life Saving QLD for more information on www.lifesaving.com.au

Fast Facts

The Sunshine Coast is located just one hour's drive north of Brisbane and two hour's from the Gold Coast region.
Sunshine Coast beaches are amongst the best in the world. The main beaches are patrolled and suitable for swimming year round.\
In March during CHOGM, the average maximum temperature is 27.3°C and the average minimum temperature is 17.6°C. The average hours of sunshine per day during March are 6.8.
The Sunshine Coast is made up of four different shires - Caloundra, Maroochy, Noosa and Cooloola. The region covers approximately 3200 square kilometres.
Dining is a real experience, from mountain top restaurants with stunning views, to locations beside the Open Ocean or lake, to taking lunch in a rainforest retreat.
The most popular activity participated in by visitors to the Sunshine Coast is going to the beach which includes swimming, diving and surfing. The next most common activity is eating out at restaurants, walking, and taking in the sights.
Queensland's floral emblem is the Cooktown Orchid. The State's gemstone emblem is the sapphire, which has been mined, in central Queensland since the 1870s.
Queensland's two fauna emblems are the Koala and the Brolga.