Queensland’s Relaxed Coastal Escape
Discover the Sunshine Coast
For New Zealand travellers looking for a holiday that combines beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal towns, great food and easy access from home, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is an ideal choice.
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast stretches along around 100 kilometres of coastline and offers the perfect balance of laid-back beach culture and natural beauty. While many travellers are familiar with the region’s name, not everyone has explored just how much there is to see and do here.
With year-round sunshine, welcoming seaside towns and an abundance of outdoor experiences, it’s easy to see why the Sunshine Coast has become a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis.
Easy to Reach from New Zealand
Getting to the Sunshine Coast is easy, with travellers able to fly either directly to the Sunshine Coast Airport or into Brisbane and travel north to the region.
Sunshine Coast Airport is located just minutes from the main coastal centres including Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Jetstar operates direct flights from New Zealand year-round, while Air New Zealand offers seasonal direct services between June and October, making it a convenient gateway to the region.
Alternatively, many visitors choose to fly into Brisbane Airport, which is around 100 kilometres south of the Sunshine Coast, before transferring by shuttle, private transfer or rental car. The drive takes just over an hour and offers an easy introduction to Queensland’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Once you arrive, many visitors choose to hire a car, allowing the flexibility to explore both the coastline and the hinterland at your own pace. The region is compact and easy to navigate, making self-drive travel an enjoyable way to discover hidden beaches, charming villages and scenic viewpoints.
A Climate Made for Holidays
The Sunshine Coast certainly lives up to its name. The region enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a fantastic destination in every season.
Summer brings warm beach days and refreshing ocean breezes, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, perfect for exploring both the coast and hinterland. Winter remains mild and sunny, often warm enough for beach walks and outdoor dining, while spring delivers clear skies and ideal conditions for swimming, surfing and festivals.
This reliable climate is one of the reasons many travellers return to the Sunshine Coast year after year.
Beaches, Coastal Towns and Relaxed Living
The Sunshine Coast’s coastline is dotted with welcoming beach towns, each with its own personality.
Noosa is one of the region’s best known destinations, famous for its stylish boutiques, restaurants and the beautiful Noosa Main Beach. Nearby Noosa National Park offers scenic walking tracks with sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot dolphins or even koalas in the trees.
Further south, Mooloolaba is a favourite for families thanks to its calm swimming beach, lively esplanade and marina dining precinct. Fresh seafood, waterfront restaurants and relaxed cafés create a vibrant but easy-going atmosphere.
Other coastal towns such as Coolum, Caloundra and Maroochydore each offer their own mix of beaches, shopping, surf culture and coastal dining, making it easy to explore several areas during a single stay.
Nature Beyond the Coast
While the beaches may draw many visitors, the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty extends far beyond the shoreline.
The region is uniquely positioned between three UNESCO-recognised biospheres, offering an extraordinary mix of ecosystems including rainforest, wetlands, waterways and mountain landscapes.
The Glass House Mountains, rising dramatically from the hinterland, are one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic drives and lookout points with panoramic views across the region.
The Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world, is another natural highlight. Often called the “River of Mirrors” because of its incredibly reflective waters, it is a spectacular place for kayaking or boat tours through tea-tree forests and peaceful waterways.
Elsewhere, national parks and conservation areas offer waterfalls, walking tracks and wildlife encounters, providing plenty of opportunities to experience the region’s natural side.
Attractions for Every Traveller
The Sunshine Coast is also home to a wide range of attractions that appeal to families, couples and adventure seekers alike.
One of the region’s most famous attractions is Australia Zoo, created by the late Steve Irwin and his family. Visitors can learn about wildlife conservation while seeing animals such as crocodiles, koalas, tigers and elephants up close.
Families will also enjoy SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, where underwater tunnels reveal marine creatures including rays, sharks and little blue penguins.
For iconic photo opportunities, the historic Big Pineapple remains a much-loved landmark, while activities such as hot air ballooning, helicopter flights and ocean adventures provide memorable ways to experience the region.
A Destination for Food Lovers
Food is another highlight of any visit to the Sunshine Coast.
The region’s fertile hinterland, coastal waters and passionate producers combine to create a vibrant dining scene focused on fresh, local ingredients. In Mooloolaba, one of Australia’s busiest fishing ports, trawlers deliver daily catches including prawns, tuna, crabs and lobster.
Visitors can enjoy everything from classic fish and chips by the beach to premium seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean.
The Sunshine Coast is also known as Australia’s craft beer capital, with numerous breweries and distilleries producing unique beers and spirits inspired by the local landscape. Food tours, farmers’ markets and hinterland dining experiences allow visitors to explore the region’s culinary creativity.
Events & Festivals Throughout the Year
The Sunshine Coast’s calendar is packed with sporting, food, music and cultural events, giving travellers extra reasons to plan a visit at different times of the year. Some highlights include:
Spring (September – November)
Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast (14 September) Set in Mooloolaba, this endurance event draws athletes from around the world.
Noosa Triathlon (29 October – 2 November) A five-day festival of triathlon racing, cheering and coastal energy.
Big Pineapple Music Festival (1 November) Headlined by Hilltop Hoods and featuring Six60, this festival takes place at the iconic Big Pineapple and combines music, food and fun for all ages.
Autumn (March – May)
Mooloolaba Triathlon (8–9 March) Four exciting races set against a stunning beachside backdrop.
Horizon Festival (2–11 May) Ten days of art and culture across the Sunshine Coast, including theatre, music, performances and workshops in coastal and hinterland venues.
GourMay Mary Valley (1–31 May) A month-long celebration of food in the Mary Valley, highlighting local produce and culinary experiences.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (29 May – 2 June) A four-day indulgence of beachside pop-ups, restaurant showcases and the lively Festival Village.
Winter (July – August)
Queensland Garden Show (11–13 July) Three days of garden magic at Nambour Showgrounds, perfect for families and gardening enthusiasts.
The Curated Plate (25 July – 3 August) A ten-day foodie festival featuring pop-up events, dinners, brewery experiences and exclusive tastings across the region.
EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon (3 August) Races of all lengths set against a postcard-perfect coastal backdrop.
No matter the season, there is always a reason to visit, whether for sporting events, cultural festivals, food celebrations or music.
Sunshine Coast Holidays
From the sparkling shores of Noosa and Mooloolaba to the scenic trails of the Glass House Mountains, this region is perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and families alike.
Ready to discover the Sunshine Coasty?
Whether you’re drawn by its golden beaches, scenic national parks, wildlife encounters or vibrant food scene, the Sunshine Coast offers something for every type of traveller.
With direct flights from New Zealand, a relaxed atmosphere and a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered, it’s easy to see why this part of Queensland continues to capture the hearts of visitors.
If you’re considering a getaway to the Sunshine Coast, your Wanderlust Travel Experts advisor can help plan the perfect trip, from flights and accommodation to tours and experiences, ensuring you make the most of everything this beautiful region has to offer.