4 minute read
Sunshine Coast Attractions
BEACHES
With white sand between your toes, a light salty ocean breeze at your back and the relaxing rhythm of the rolling surf in your ears it’s hard not to feel grounded and alive.
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WHERE TO TAKE A DIP - There are many patrolled beaches on the Sunshine Coast, which means that you and your family can feel safe when you venture into the surf during your holiday. Always look for the red and yellow flags and don’t be afraid to ask the friendly lifeguards about surf conditions before you enter the water. Please refer to the map on page 44 for detailed locations of patrolled beaches.
FAMILY BEACHES - Noosa Main Beach and Mooloolaba Beach are two of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia, where the water is calm, safe and enticing year round. Kings Beach is another fun place to enjoy the water thanks to its oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, child-friendly water park and patrolled beach break.
SURFS UP - Whether you’re a professional, weekend surfer or learner - there’s a wave waiting for you on the Sunshine Coast. Noosa is internationally renowned for its perfectly peeling point breaks. For the more adventurous, there are dozens of beach breaks that stretch all the way from Rainbow Beach in the north, to Caloundra in the south.
SECRET BEACHES - There are over 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches along the Sunshine Coast. Marcoola and Mudjimba beaches are great places to lay down a towel and soak up the sun away from the crowds. For total seclusion, there’s Alexandria Bay, in Noosa National Park, which offers a vast expanse of crystal clear ocean, white sand ... and a nudist or two. Further south is Point Cartwright and Wurtulla Beach - a popular long beach walk for locals. Another quiet spot is the very northern end of Kawana Beach, situated at the base of the headland.
DOG FRIENDLY - If you wish to bring your fourlegged friend with you on your beach getaway - the good news is that the Sunshine Coast has a number of beaches that feature off-leash areas. Sunshine Beach, located between Noosa and Coolum, is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. The northern end of this beach welcomes dogs and its café strip, up on the hill, also boasts pet-friendly eateries. Other beaches that have off-leash areas include, Noosa, Coolum, North Shore, Buddina, Wurtulla and Currimundi.
WATER LIFE
Water life is synonymous with the Sunshine Coast.
From June to November, experience the majestic migration of some 8000 humpback whales. Take a tour to see the graceful giants or spot them from Mount Coolum, Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright, Noosa National Park, Moffat Headland and Alexandra Headland.
Swim, surf, paddle board, snorkel, sail, fish, dive, kayak, kite board, jet ski, water ski, take a cruise ... or simply dip your toes in the water.
Dive the site of one of Australia’s most distinguished warships, the ex-HMAS Brisbane. The area has grown into an impressive artificial reef and lies at a depth of 28 metres. The wreck and its surrounds are now a protected marine park, so visiting permits are required or guided tours can be booked.
Nature
INTO THE WILD - Set in the Conondale National Park, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a challenging 58 kilometre, four day, full circuit track through some of Queensland’s most scenic wilderness.
The track follows the Blackall Range and features three overnight walkers’ camps that must be booked in advance. Day visitors can access sections of the great walk track for shorter hikes.
MAGNIFICENT NATIONAL PARKS - There are magnificent national parks in the Sunshine Coast region and they range from the dramatic volcanic rock formations of the Glass House Mountains in the south to the spectacular sand dunes of the Great Sandy National Park, which encompasses Fraser Island in the north.
A WORLD-CLASS ECOTOURISM DESTINATION - Australia’s Nature Coast brings together a number of unbeatable earthy experiences. Not only can visitors be amazed by the beauty of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island and Noosa National Park, but they can also enjoy a visit to the only two adjoining Biospheres in the world.
Family Time
Welcome the freshness of a beautiful new day where you can take the kids to the beach before the sun has even had time to warm the sand.
Whether it’s playing with buckets and spades on a crowd free strip of sand or riding scooters along the boardwalk - a holiday can do wonders for family time.
ACTIVITY CHECKLIST
• Visit local attractions including Australia Zoo, Aussie World, Big Kart Track, The Ginger Factory, Opals Down Under, Segway Xperiences, the Queensland Air Museum, Top Shots Fun Park, UnderWater World SEA LiFE Mooloolaba - just to name a few.
• Picnics, sculpture gardens, lakes - be transported to the peaceful surroundings of Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Noosa Botanic Gardens or Maleny Botanic Gardens.
• Mooloolaba Surf Club has just undergone a renovation and like many surf clubs up and down the coast, boasts sensational views and classic Aussie meals.
• Take a step back in time and discover the past at Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum or Pioneer Cottage in Buderim.
• Pick fruit at Strawberry Fields or visit a family owned milkprocessing plant at Maleny Dairies.
