Both stretches of coastline and hinterland from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are in the state of Queensland, Australia, stroking the Pacific Ocean. Surfers are drawn to the area like bees to honey, with some of the best surf spots in the world found here. Attractions are numerous, from both man-made and naturally-occurring. Discover some of the many highlights to visit in the area with our guide below.
Noosa National Park. Photo by: Darren/Stock
Sunshine Coast
This 37-mile area between Pelican Waters and Tewantin receives around 3.2 million visitors per year. There’s no dry season and rain is generally quite high, but it doesn’t put people off!
There are a variety of water sports on offer, not just surfing. Visit Sunreef at Mooloolaba to book snorkelling lessons. Divers can head to explore the shipwreck of ex-HMAS Brisbane and the conservation area around it. Alternatively stay dry with a place for whale watching. Visiting July-October increases your chance of spotting a whale when they are migrating.
If you prefer to keep your feet on land, there’s also championship golf courses. At Noosa Beach, you can go horse riding, or take surfing lessons.
In Yandina, visit the ginger-related theme park set in sub-tropical rainforest, The Ginger Factory. From this 9-hectare property and factory, discover more about the process of getting growing confectionery ginger, harvesting it and getting it to the plate. Take a ride aboard Moreton, the 115-year old Ginger Train.
Other quirky highlights include the Big Pineapple; a 16-metre tall pineapple. Learn more about pineapple farming and take in the incredible views from the observation deck. The site became heritage listed in 2009. There’s also an on-site café and zoo.
The hinterland, just a touch in-land from the white sand shores, is filled with green valleys, rainforests and mountains. Take a trek around the Glasshouse Mountains– this National Park was formed by rhyolite and trachyte volcanic plugs; the cores of extinct volcanoes.
Visit the lookout in Beerburrum State Forest for incredible views. Take the scenic walks or challenge yourself with the more strenuous tracks. Explore the tracks to the summits of Mount Beerwah, Mount Tibrogargen and Mount Ngungun. Mount Beerwah stands as the highest peak in the park but access is restricted. There are plenty of caves available to explore and other cliff-based activities, such as abseiling and rock climbing. Certain sites are protected as they hold significant spiritual meaning to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners. Flora highlights include several species that are endemic to the area, including the Glasshouse Mountains Tea Tree and Mount Beerwah Mallee Red Gum.
Gold Coast. Photo by: zstock/Stock
Gold Coast
This is the 6th largest city in Australia and the 2nd largest in Queensland, incorporating 43 miles of coastline. It’s been known as the Glitter Strip due to it’s high-rise skyline. The city is due to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Filming for movies such as The Inbetweeners 2, Superman Returns and Thor: Ragnarok has taken place here, as the area is a major film production hub.
It’s also home to the tallest building in Australia; the Q1 skyscraper, spa and residential building- head up to the observation desk on Level 77 to have your breath taken away. You can even take an external climb of the building!
Spend some time at Sea World, the Australian Outback Spectacular, or the Warner Bros Movie World.
All factors have led to the Gold Coast being Australia’s 5th most visited destination by international tourists.
Surfers highlights here include South Stradbroke Island, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise, among others.
The hinterland contains 530 miles of navigable waterways, along with rainforests and National Parks. Explore the Tweed Range, Nimmel Range, Tambourine Mountain and the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The trek is of moderate difficulty, connecting Lamington and Springbrook- a 34 mile walk sure to take around 3 days.
Your Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast trip
Have you got a trip booked to the east coast of Australia? What highlights are you hoping to include? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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