Coast With The Most
The Sunshine Coast is like the soul of Queensland. It has an appeal that attracts people like a magnet. It is also a place that makes you feel alive.
Just a one-hour drive north from Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast. Discard the jumpers, don the sunglasses, turn up the stereo and head north on the M1. There's no single-lane congestion here and even the most timid driver should enjoy the prospect of driving in these unfamiliar surroundings.
The route takes you past sugar cane fields, bush land and ever-encroaching residential estates - with glimpses of the Glasshouse Mountains that herald the beginning of the Sunshine Coast.
Five towns follow the coastline: Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and Noosa. Some are more laid-back, some more sophisticated and others are glamorous. Yet each attracts different people for different reasons. Then there's Maleny, Montville, Eumundi and Fraser Island - each offering a kaleidoscope of attractions and things to do
What makes the Sunshine Coast especially captivating are the white sandy beaches, endless sunshine, al fresco dining… and more. Described as one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is the sort of place to kick off your shoes until its time togo home. Many of the locals have stories of friends who came here for a holiday, and then, finding it hard to leave, went back home and sold up and returned to live permanently. Not surprisingly many of them are Kiwis and English!
The coast's biggest tourist attractions are Australia Zoo and Underwater World. Set on 50 hectares, the wildlife at Australia Zoo is enormous and, if the grandchildren are in tow, you will need a full day to take it all in. Crikey! Underwater World in the heart of Mooloolaba is an experience not to be missed and one that will take you face-to-face with over 25,000 aquatic creatures. The sharks are fed daily, there's a living ocean exhibition, a seal colony and some amazing marine life. Very interesting and educational.
Another 'must do' is a drive to Blackall Range, a landscape created by volcanoes and sculpted by water over millions of years. As the road rises and twists through the hinterland and dense rain forest, you can catch sight of green pastoral landscapes, vineyards, enchanting B&B cottages and road signs advertising fresh local produce.
This is some of the richest country in the Shire. Historically timber workers, dairy farmers and fruit growers settled here over a century ago and driving into the charming village of Montville you feel as if you have stumbled across a place known to few others.
The road meanders through the ranges where you can enjoy the scenery as well as sampling some palatable varietals from a dozen or so wineries in the area. Wonderful views aside, sitting on the veranda at Settlers Rise Winery is the perfect union and sharing a platter of cheese and a glass of chardonnay offers welcome coolness on a hot summer's day.
Mooloolaba is the most popular getaway on the Sunshine Coast. Most visitors spend their time there. It is a relaxing spot where swimming, sun worshipping, and al fresco dining looking out over the ocean are the order of the day. A shopping expedition through the varied boutiques is a must. Even as recently as a decade ago it was a small, sleepy fishing village, with nothing much on the seafront except the odd hamburger joint and the local surf club. Mooloolaba was a bit shabby around the edges in need of renovation. However since then, and especially with the redevelopment of the Esplanade, there has been an explosion of development, mainly lavish apartments with expensive picture windows and balconies with spectacular sea views. Mooloolaba beachfront hosts many sporting events, varying from the surf lifesaving carnivals, the world class (and televised) triathlon.
Driving along Alexandra Headland offers you spectacular views of the Maroochydore to Noosa coastline. At the top of Alexandra Headland you will see the mast of the HMAS BRISBANE, a tribute to the naval vessel, which is now a dive location off the Alexandra Headland.
Maroochydore is the CBD of the Sunshine Coast, where you will find the Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre, Horton Park Golf Club and many interesting and exclusive restaurants.
Mudjimba is approximately 15 minutes north, a little village with great restaurants, accommodation and a well known surf beach (the locals secret!) Also the southern end of Mudjimba beach is North Shore, which is a dog leash free beach, you will find many locals with the pets along this stretch of beach which looks back over the mouth of the Maroochy River, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore.
Five minutes north is Coolum. There is a lot you can say about Coolum and its all about contrast. Nestled under the giant monolith of Mount Coolum is Hyatt Regency, a 150-acre retreat of sublime and natural beauty with a golf course that's good enough to host a professional tournament every year. The accommodation is set amongst native woodland and tropical rainforest that is also home to fascinating wildlife.
Further up the Bruce Highway, and a little inland, is another favourite haunt among the locals: the Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It is a place to be seen and to shop with everything from mangoes to moisturizers, jewelry, arts and crafts, giftware, flowers and an abundance of locally produced foods.
Then, Noosa, a prime destination. It has a variety of first-class restaurants. For shopaholics, Hastings Street has some very classy boutiques. If you're a foodie, Noosa's cuisine is world class.
The Sunshine Coast is not an easy place to say goodbye to. It is definitely a place to relax, enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and its unique, carefree lifestyle.