The Sunshine Coast in Australia comprises the rural areas of Maroochy, Noosa and Landsborough however Bribie Island is not considered part of the Sunshine Coast. The coast got its name from one of the traditional families namely, the Roberts of Roberts Creek. A man named Harry Roberts painted “The Sunshine Belt” in 1914 on one of the sides of the freight house where the first wharf was built in the Roberts Creek. For promoting Roberts Creek as a resort for the summer season, this name was used to attract tourists from all parts of the world. Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The coastal suburbs of Marcoola, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach and Mooloolaba make up the Sunshine Coast. Mapleton, Nambour, Montville, Maleny, Yandina, Eumundi and Gympie are included in the Hinterland and Inland locations. North of Brisbane is where the Sunshine coast commences continuing along the Queensland Coast in the northward direction to conclude at the beautiful National park of Cooloola. Along the coastline, you can find beautiful places as well as wonderful national parks.
The Gubbi Gubbi people are known to be the first people who inhabited the Sunshine Coast with their ancestors having come here as early as 30,000 years ago.
The Sunshine Coast is one hour drive north of Brisbane. Anyone travelling to the Sunshine Coast can look forward to not only sandy beaches, glorious sunshine and surfing, but also to the serene lakes, the rolling hills including the glasshouse mountains with their volcanic peaks. The area has a host of attractions and activities for people of varied age groups and interests.
Having a rich history and many attractions, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has become one of the biggest sources of tourism in Australia. Let’s discuss the 5 things that we love about the coast.
What to See?
The main attractions of the Sunshine Coast are its moderate climate, pristine beaches, white sand and natural beauty which can leave anyone mesmerised. Unknown to most tourists the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is also a treasure house of magnificent views, quaint villages and wooded valleys.
When you are visiting the Sunshine Coast, don’t forget to visit the following places to make the most out of your trip.
Yandina
Home to one of the oldest buildings in Hinterland, The Yandina Hotel was built-in 1887, Yandina is also the home of The Ginger Factory. Another attraction of this place is the Wappa Falls which come to life after the monsoon season.
This is a must-visit town when you are on the Sunshine Coast.
Eumundi
Eumundi is home to Berkelouw Books, which is known to be the oldest seller of books in Australia. This is a small little town which is quiet with not many activities, but every Wednesday and Saturday you can find a lot of action as Eumundi Markets which are famous all over the world. One can find stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, coffee that has been freshly brewed and as well as the crafts made by the local craftsmen.
The main street is dotted with cafés and restaurants as well as two pubs. The Eumundi Brewery which can be found in the Imperial Hotel offers a tasting session where you can enjoy live music.
Tinbeerwah
Tinbeerwah is another major attraction along with magnificent Mount Tinbeerwah which has the first lookout point giving the mesmerising view of Lake Cootharaba, Lake Cooroibah, Noosa and more. The summit of the mountain gives a spectacular view of Hinterland from a 360-degree angle.
You can also do rock climbing on the steep cliffs of Mount Tinbeerwah.
Pomona
Pomona is famous for the Majestic Theatre which is the only silent theatre for silent films. Silent movies are screened at noon on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. So, do watch a movie when you are on your trip.
What to do?
Sunshine Coast offers many activities along with sightseeing and is considered to be a haven for solo travellers as well as family outings. Let’s discuss some of the fun things that you can do to entertain yourself and also create memories.
You can go for a leisurely stroll on the sandy beaches and surf your way through the waves. In case you don’t know how to surf, you can learn the sport here.
You can get better acquainted with wild animals at the Australia Zoo and get to know the marine animals better at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast.
Bellingham Maze
Is a very popular tourist attraction that comprises a timber maze, a tire maze, a living hedge maze, along with many puzzles that challenge your brain and a mini-golf course of 18 goals. You can refresh yourself with some excellent coffee and amazing food at the maze coffee.
Queensland Air Museum
This is a great place to gather information about Australia’s aviation heritage. This is a diverse and historic display of aviation that is in constant action except on the day of Christmas. It is home to 100 aircraft of historical importance along with other displays related to aviation.
You can also collect souvenirs to take back home.
Gympie Bone Museum
As the name suggests, this museum is Australia’s first and only museum which is dedicated to the study of skeletons and bones and is located in the town of Gympie, one-hour north of the Sunshine Coast.
Clock Shop
Located in Montville, you can find a huge variety of clocks ranging from grandfather clocks that chime, mechanical cuckoo clocks to music boxes, anniversary clocks and watches. There is also a wonderful collection of barometers, German souvenirs, weather houses, German-made weather instruments, nutcrackers and more.
Where to stay?
Whether you are visiting Australia on a short visit or a leisurely holiday, The Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. You can indulge yourself in a luxurious hotel, go camping or book an entire villa.
Below are some of the best places to stay when you are in Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Narrows Escape Luxury Retreat Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Six exclusive villas, secluded in the pristine rainforest of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, only 90 minutes north of Brisbane on the edge of Kondalilla National Park. They have designed the space especially for you. All the little details have been taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the moment. Unwind by the crackling log fire, soak in a spa made for two as you gaze out at the tree canopy above.
The Country House at Hunchy Montville
The Country House at Hunchy is multi award winning exclusive 5 Star Luxury Accommodation close to Montville, artisan centre of the glorious Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Altitude on Montville
This hotel is completely smoke-free and is a family-friendly hotel having all the modern accessories. They also cater to weddings. It also has a coffee shop and a restaurant for its guests at the property. This resort is located a short distance from Kondalilla Falls.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa
Located in Maleny, Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa is a place where guests can relax in the greenery around and rejuvenate themselves in the swimming pool while also enjoying a day spa. The Tamarind Restaurant, a winner of several awards is also located on the premises and you can enjoy both modern Asian cuisine as well as the locally brewed and imported beer and locally made wine.
Jetavana Grove
Located in Eudlo, this holiday home comes with an option of vegetarian and continental options for breakfast. The lounge and kitchen are shared and they also have a garden which comes with the barbeque services also providing a convenient service of airport shuttle which is paid for.
Country Charm
Located in Landsborough, these service apartments come with all the basic amenities like a fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and more. They also have a garden and an outdoor swimming pool as well as facilities for having a barbeque.
Mooloolaba and Caloundra are in close vicinity.
Mapleton Peaceful Provence BnB
This is a place where visitors can enjoy both a buffet breakfast and a continental breakfast. Mooloolaba and Caloundra are at a short distance and this place also offers free wifi along with a paid shuttle service to the airport.
What to Eat?
Eating is one of the most important parts of the vacation and enjoying the local cuisine helps you understand the taste and the culture of the people of that country. When you visit the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, below are some of the restaurants that you must visit.
The Long Apron
This restaurant is located at Montville Spicers Clovelly Estate and is famous for its three-course ala carte menu, a five-course degustation menu which changes as per the season breakfast along with cheese and charcuterie platters which are available throughout the day.
They also have an extensive list of wine and champagnes. Their menu is a blend of the best local produce along with the traditional technique
Secrets on the Lake
Join Secrets at their iconic Dining on the Deck daytime licensed restaurant for your next meal! Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Open Tuesday to Sunday – 8.30 am to 4 pm.
Winner of the AGFG Peoples Choice Award 2019, Dining on the Deck is a truly special place, situated in the rainforest on the shores of Lake Baroon with panoramic views of the water, mountains and rainforest.
Ricks Garage
Ricks Garage in Palmwoods is an American restaurant that specialises in Big one burger that is a whole meal in itself. This retro eatery offers barbeque, a whisky bar, a back beer garden as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Maple 3 Café
This café is situated right at the entrance of the Melany town and is known for sandwiches, Tasmanian smoked salmon and avocado salad, focaccias and homemade sweets. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options and you can also get your meals packed.
The Spirit House Restaurant
The Spirit House Restaurant is an Asian restaurant located in Yandina. It is known for braised beef short rib, pickled peppercorns, eggplant, green curry sauce, tom yum spices, Mooloolaba leader prawns, duck in red curry sauce, charred baby corn and lychee and wild ginger.
The Hong SA bar specialises in the blend of Bourbon cocktail and light savouries. This is a chef hat awarded restaurant that has a cooking school inside and is also disabled friendly with many positive reviews.
Flying West Coffee Roasters Café
Flying West Coffee Roasters Café is located in the Noosa Hinterland in Eumundi. Its plain tin like shed appearance from the outside leads into a contemporary dining area. The highlights of this café are smashed avocado, rib fille steak sandwich, toasted focaccia, and more. The specialty of this place is the finest coffee from around the world.
No holiday is complete till the time you fill in your bags with the best things a place has to offer. It can be various souvenirs or more. similarly, how can this blog end without sharing a list of the best shopping places with you?
From boutiques to malls to flea markets to the farmers market and the high street stores anyone visiting the Sunshine Coast can look forward to a great shopping experience and can fill your bags from exotic things to local produce.
To name a few, Sunshine Plaza is known as the biggest place for shopping on the coast.
Caloundra Street Fair
Caloundra Street Fair is another place where the entire family can enjoy a great shopping experience. 100 unique stalls offer local jewellery, handmade good, local food, honey, jam and more.
Kawana Shopping Mall is a great place for shopping and spending a day in an air-conditioned environment. It allows you to browse 160 different stores in the mall and try different food at the food court.
Eumundi Market operates every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. These markets are world-renowned and you can find local handicrafts.
While planning your holiday to Sunshine Coast Hinterland, above are the 5 things that we love about the coast. It offers you everything from having many nearby places to visit, activities to do, cafes and restaurants to eat, accommodations to stay and places to shop making it a truly wholesome and exciting experience.
We hope, this article gives all the information you are looking to plan your trip and take back nostalgic memories.
