LashWorldTour at Sunshine Coast - Australia

cycling near Coolum on the Sunshine Coast

The Fabulous Sunshine Coast – Australia

Picture miles upon miles of undisturbed golden beaches backed by grass-tufted sand dunes, interspersed by the occasional rocky headland and pounded by gently roaring waves. On any given day you’ll see clumps of surfers bobbing on the sea awaiting the best wave crests, people strolling the beaches, dogs frolicking in the sand, the occasional fisherman tossing a line into the surf, and perhaps a few sun bathers.

Step inland from these glorious sweeping beaches, beyond the barrier dunes, and wander directly into native Australian forests and small public parks, all with walking trails that lead to shoreline paths and rocky cliffs. Along the coast and further inland are several national parks, a couple domed mountains, three rivers and a few small lakes.

Toss in a dozen or so small towns with cafes, restaurants, low-key bars, galleries, boutiques, quirky weekend markets and some great private homes. And you’ve got Australia’s fabulous Sunshine Coast.

homes along Noosa River at Noosa Heads

As you’d guess from the title, Sunshine Coast offers exceptional weather with lots of sunny days. The amazingly mild climate serves up winter daytime highs of 19-22C / 66-71F and night time lows of 9-12C / 48-54F. Summer also presents mild temperatures, with highs of 24-27C / 75-80F and night time temps of 20-22C / 68-71F.

Situated about midway along Australia’s extensive eastern coast, the Sunshine Coast runs 55 km from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. Over two dozen individually named beaches line the shores, though several actually run together as one long uninterrupted beach for 20 km or more.

The southern end at Caloundra lies a meager 1-hour-drive north of Brisbane, while Noosa takes 1 1/2-2 hours to reach from the city. Not surprisingly, many city-dwellers dash up to Sunshine Coast for weekend surfing, walking and picnicking breaks, so the area has become a popular tourist draw, for both Australians and international visitors.

Granite Bay in Noosa National Park – one of many surfing spots at Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast beaches are primarily the domain of surfers as the ocean provides reliable surf all year round. The crashing waves, rough frothing water, regular strong rip currents and jellyfish found along this region of Australia’s coast do not always lend to safe or enjoyable swimming. However, 12 beaches have beach patrol stations with life guards and flags set out for safe swimming areas.

Generally instead of swimming, people enjoy plenty of other beach & sea activities here: fishing, walking, jogging, body-surfing, wind-surfing, suntanning and walking their dogs. Several beaches, designated as ‘dog beaches’ allow canines to run without leashes, so there are always plenty of dogs chasing balls & sticks, jumping in the sea, chasing each other and generally having a grand doggie time.

Whales make their annual migration along Australia’s eastern coast and are often sited just offshore at Sunshine Coast, particularly between Coolum and Noosa. Predatory birds sail overhead. Kookaburras, parrots, mynas, herons, brush turkeys and other native birds also make the region home.

Noosa National Park, located on the hilly headland beside Noosa town, and several other shoreline areas provide miles of walking & cycling trails.

wooden bridge over Weyba Creek in Noosa

Three gentle rivers flow into the ocean along Sunshine Coast: Maroochy River, Noosa River and Weyba Creek. Their shores are also lined with beaches, walking trails and forests. Boats ply the rivers, offering tours.

Just inland from Coolum, Mt. Coolum offers a steep hike to the summit for phenomenal views over the coast. A massive rock cliff on Coolum’s western side is popular with advanced rock climbers who take on the challenge of its difficult over-hanging climbing routes.

Residents tend to be outdoor & fitness enthusiasts. You’ll see people jogging, hiking, cycling and cycle-training in addition to the many water sports.

giant homegrown mushrooms at Noosa Weekend Market

Sunshine Coast is also famous for its markets – over two dozen weekly markets set up around the area. The most famous is Eumundi Market, full of upscale clothing, art & handicrafts and gourmet food booths. Noosa Sunday Market, Yandina market and several others sell locally-grown fresh produce. Noosa Market also has many gourmet food booths, serving up homemade sauces, jams, yogurts, spreads, vinegars and other delectables.

I first discovered Sunshine Coast back in 2003 when I cycled up the east coast from Byron Bay. I camped at several beach-side campgrounds as I slowly made my way northward, then promptly got ‘stuck’ at Noosa, enjoying the superb nature and making new friends. I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow, Sunshine Coast would be a great place to live.”

Noosa is my favorite section of the coast. Its single street full of chic boutiques, upscale restaurants, bars & cafes is surrounded entirely by nature. Just behind the street lies beautiful Main Beach.

Main Beach – Noosa

Directly south is Noosa Headlands National Park, a forested hill lined by rocky shores, golden beaches and walking trails. The town’s north end runs right into Noosa Spit, another forested park, this one set along placid Noosa River which arches gracefully around then flows into the sea just north of Main Beach.

So this year when I returned to Australia, I was absolutely stoked when I struck a wonderful helpX gig right in Noosa. While staying with my awesome hosts last month, tending their beautiful landscaped gardens, one thing lead to another and they asked me to look after their home while on vacation this month.

enjoying Yaroomba Beach

In addition to staying with friends in the area and other HelpX gigs, I’ve now found myself happily spending two whole months at wonderful Sunshine Coast, primarily at Noosa and Coolum, another beach-side town just 20 km south. Yippie!

With the superb beaches, abundant nature, fabulous weather and cute boutique towns, it’s hard to beat Sunshine Coast for a place to live or hang out during travels.

So who knows, maybe one day (in the distant future, that is) I’ll make Noosa my home? It’s one of the best places I’ve found thus far in my 16 years of travels. Considering that I’ve felt the same way about this place on two separate visits, it seems like a winner.

QUESTIONS:

Have you ever visited the Sunshine Coast and/or Noosa?

If so, what did you think of it?

If not, does this sound like a great place for you, too?

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You might also enjoy:

Mishaps at Noosa (from my 2003 visit)

10 Free Things to do in Brisbane

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