Make summer last longer with a visit to the Sunshine Coast
Shake off the past two years with a visit to the Sunshine Coast
Picking a holiday destination is all about the setting. Do you want beaches, rainforest, mountains or surf? There's no need to choose on the Sunshine Coast. With pristine natural environments - including not one but two UNESCO declared biosphere reserves and one of only two everglade systems in the world, more than 100km of talcumpowder beaches, pockets of sub-tropical rainforest, the soaring peaks of the Glass House Mountains this is what the locals affectionately call the Sunny Coast.
The traditional land of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people, the Sunshine Coast reaches from Caloundra, about 90 minutes' drive from Brisbane, north to Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Until the 1960s, the region was known as the Near North Coast. But then some bright spark realised how, well, sunny it was. Since then the region has been a magnet for Kiwis seeking a mid-winter break.
So pack your togs, load up on sunscreen and 'immerse yourself, for real' and visit the Sunshine Coast.
Start your holiday with a bang by jet skiing down the Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra. This 35km ecological marvel can be explored from the water or on foot along the coastal pathway, and is the perfect spot to catch the sun set over the Glass House Mountains. Set to be a crowd pleaser, Caloundra is a beach lover's dream with rolling surf, ocean pools and culinary offerings to satisfy your taste buds.
From there, head north up the coastline to Mooloolaba where you can swim with humpback whales in the wild. The Sunshine Coast was the first place in Australia to offer this incredible experience so sign up with Sunreef Mooloolaba who'll take you out past the mouth of the Mooloolah River where you can spot one of the world's largest mammals in their habitat. If that's not your jam, jump on a 100-year-old restored timber sailing vessel with Saltwater Eco Tours. This cultural tour shares the fascinating songs and stories of the Kabi Kabi people.
You can't come to the Sunny Coast and not dive into the ocean. If lying on the golden sand is your thing that's great (no judgement here), but if you want to get your surf on, head to Coolum Surf School, 20 minutes south of Noosa Heads, where you'll be hanging 10 like a local in no time.
Noosa, as the saying goes, is so nice they named it thrice: there's Noosaville, Noosa Junction and Noosa Heads. Once you've refuelled at one of the many eateries lining Noosa Head's Hastings Street, head to the Noosa Everglades. Aside from the Florida everglades, this is the world's only 60km stretch of mirrored water in the upper reaches of the Noosa River. Kanu Kapers and Everglades Eco Safaris run guided boat and kayak tours.
The Aboriginal word Noosa means ‘shadows' or ‘shade', two things you'll be hoping for when the mercury climbs higher. Fortunately there's ample rainforest to offer respite from the heat. The Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat Great Walk package features four days of guided walks across the Sunny Coast Hinterland, five nights of luxury accommodation and all meals, including a fivecourse menu with paired wines at the acclaimed
Long Apron Restaurant and a delicious banquet at the Asian-fusion fine-dining restaurant, The Tamarind.
Drive through the Sunny Coast's hinterland and you can't miss the Glass House Mountains, the 11 volcanic peaks that dip and rise across the skyline like a roller-coaster. The range comprises molten lava peaks that are perfect for hiking, wandering and photographing. Stroll the tracks, admiring the gobsmacking views across the region, and soak in the history and culture of the mountains which are of significant importance to the First Nations people.
After all that action, you'll need a place to lay your head. Head to Spicers Tamarind Retreat for luxury treehouse-style cabins that reach out into the rainforest, or Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort where self-catering apartments are tucked around the 18-hole golf course. At Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge, you're a short walk from the ancient volcanic peaks but if you fancy falling asleep to the sound of the waves, check into Oceans Mooloolaba or Rumba Beach Resort.
Sounds like you? Check out visitsunshinecoast.com/immerseyourselfnz and let the holiday begin.