SUNSHINE COAST
Firstly, let me start with where Sunshine Coast is, about 101 km north from Brisbane Airport. Located on the South East of Queensland, Sunshine coast is proud to show off its 60 km of coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Sunshine Coast offers fantastic hinterland full of tropical forests and native animals, magnificent waterfalls, canals and freshwater rivers and breathtaking pristine beaches. Sunshine Coast offers hundreds of activities for all ages and all budget, whether you are a solo traveller, couple, family or group of friends……. for Female Solo Travellers, Sunshine Coast is safe and easy to get around. One will need to use common sense when travelling alone, doesn’t matter where you are.
Things you must do, when visiting Sunshine Coast
(1) Wine tasting, after visiting some amazing vineyards in Italy, France, New Zealand and other parts of Australia, I thought no need to do wine tasting on the Sunshine Coast. I was so wrong, the day spent at Flame Hill Vineyard, truly impressed me, the views accompanied with great wine and mouth watering food was second to none,
(2) Golf, Sunshine Coast is golfers paradise, given the beautiful weather pretty much 10 months out of 12, all the outdoor activities here in Sunshine Coast is very popular and golf been one of them. Choice from resort style to club style, they all cater for all ability and budget.
(3) Spend the day relaxing at a DAY SPA, now this is my favourite…. hehehe. I am sure most of you ladies will agree with me on this one. Day to unwind and relax in the peace and serenity of amazing hinterland views, getting pampered with facial and massage with a nice healthy lunch …. life is meant to be enjoyed. There are many other options for SPA on Sunshine Coast. All you have to do is google it if you did not like the once in the link above.
(4) Hike up Mount Coolum and / Glass house Mountains – get active and amongst the nature, Both mountains have amazing out looks and proper hiking track, it suits all fitness levels. You might get lucky or unlucky depending on what your likes and dislikes are… and see some native wild life, snakes, blue tongue lizards to name a few.
(5) Visit the Local markets – there is no better way of feeling like a local then walking around the local markets, eating local street food and buying local produce, listening to the local artist sing, shopping for art and craft souveniors. You must have a go at playing a didgeridoo …. you haven’t experience Australia if you haven’t had a go at playing didgeridoo, I sounded horrible but I had loads of fun ……
(6) Spend the day on the beach – Sunshine Coast is a proud owner of some amazing and pristine beaches, Kings beach, Mooloolaba beach, Alex beach, Coolum beach, Sunshine beach, Noosa beach, rainbow beach ….. you are spoilt for choice here. A day one the white sandy beach enjoying the sizzling Sunshine Coast sun and surf will leave you wanting more.
(7) Do a Day tour – There is so much more to Sunshine Coast, then just beaches… best way to get the most out of your stay on the Sunshine Coast is day tours.
(8) You haven’t visited Sunshine Coast if you haven’t been to Australia Zoo (Get close and amongst the local Australian animals and wild life) Feed the kangaroos, Cuddle the Koala and Watch the crocodile been feed.
(9) Do a cooking class. I travel all around the world and my favorite thing to do at every destination I visit is cooking class. I believe it is the best way to connect with the local culture, eat local produce and learn some skills while I am having fun.
(10) Eat out at my favorite places on the Sunhine Coast.
Elegant dinning – Spice Bar
Modern Twist – Spirit house
Blow your mind – Ricks cafe
Fancy Japanissy – Sakana Sushi Bar
Bit of French – The Loose Goose
Dinner with view – The Terrace of Maleny
Sweet Teeth – Silva Spoon tea house
Go Brave – hot n spicy – The Curry Bowl
How to get to Sunshine Coast
Fly in to Brisbane or Sunshine Coast airport
Most international flights, fly direct in to Brisbane / Sydney / Melbourne
From Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast, is just over one hours drive, you will have to get a rental car or airport transfer
From Sydney or Melbourne, you can get a connecting flight to Sunshine Coast, choose a taxi or airport shuttle or rental car to get to your hotel.
Places to Stay
Sunshine Coast offers accommodation for all budgets, you can pick from camping, backpacking, Bed and Breakfast, Apartment style Hotels, Motel or Hotel.
My recommendation is to pick in the heart of Sunshine Coast like Mooloolaba – easy drive from Mooloolaba will take you to hinterlands, north or south of the coast.
My personal recommendation for accommodation:
– Spinnaker Quays Mooloolaba
– Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
– Rumba Beach Resort Caloundra
– Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
One of my favourite Travel Quote,
“The Traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. by G.K Chesterton”
