The Sunshine Coast stretches about 100 km along the Queensland coast north of Brisbane, from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. It is the quieter, less developed alternative to the Gold Coast — surf beaches, hinterland rainforest, and small towns that still feel like beach towns rather than resort strips.
Noosa Heads at the northern end is the highlight: Noosa National Park headland with koalas in the trees, a sheltered main beach, and Hastings Street's restaurants and shops. Mooloolaba has a good beach, a harbour with seafood restaurants, and the best whale-watching departures on the coast. The Glass House Mountains, a cluster of volcanic plugs visible from the highway, are worth a detour for a short hike. Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin's wildlife park near Beerwah, is one of the best zoos in the country.
The Blackall Range hinterland behind the coast has rainforest walks, the village of Montville, and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The Sunshine Coast is about 90 minutes' drive north of Brisbane, or accessible by train to Nambour and Landsborough with bus connections to the coast towns.