Australia | The Sunshine Coast is a series of beautiful coastal towns lying tucked away on the Eastern Coast of Australia. The 100km stretch of the local coastline and sweeping mountains has a small population of 335 thousand people spread across its vast region. The climate is beautifully warm, living up to its name, the Sunshine Coast, with sweeping pristine beaches filled with fun for everyone from all walks of life. The low lying coastal region is a retreat sandwiched between bushland and ocean.
An essential staple of the Sunshine Coast is the Glass House Mountains, labelled by Captain Cook in his discovery of Australia as they reflected light just like a glasshouse. The Glasshouse Mountains are beautiful to climb facilitating for a variety of climbing skills. For those who do not enjoy the perils of actual rock climbing, there is Mount Ngun Gun which allows for a relatively easy walk with fantastic views. The trail begins through Australian bushland with a lovely fern understory. The winding track gradually becomes steeper, providing incredible views of the neighbouring mountains and the local coastline to the pristine ocean. For those who enjoy a little adventure without much danger, the like of Mount Beerwah and Mount Tippregargin are available. These mountains combine a little hiking at the start with a steep walkway winding around the Mountain, which requires visitors to climb over specific boulders and steeper faces. But rest assured, these walkways are 110% safe. Whilst I was there locals were bringing up their children for a bit of fun, to enjoy the incredible views. For those who are adrenaline junkies, there are many abseiling, and rock-climbing outposts cropped up along various faces of different mountains allowing for an incredible experience.
Moving North from the Glass House Mountains and their many wonders is Moffat Beach, a hidden gem. The beautiful beach is protected by the prominent headland providing safe and calm swimming conditions. However, make no mistake, the angle of the point allows for a series of crisp rolling waves reaching up to 5 foot coming through on the inside of the headland, making it a prime location for surfers. However, that’s not all the tucked away treasure has to store. Most of the beach is primarily flat (aside from the shoal on the inside of the headland). The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling as they back onto a nearby reef. Many turtles, dolphins, and various fish species are seen tucked away in different rock crevices underwater. In addition to this, the water is a beautiful temperature allowing for you to swim comfortably for hours. However, this little coastal inlet still has plenty to offer for those who aren’t fans of the water. Offering a junction of lively alfresco cafes and diners, filled with chatty and friendly locals. As well as many viewing platforms and nooks to tuck away in on the beach and headland, to enjoy local takeaway staples such as the amazing fish and chips.
Another staple you can’t miss is Currimundi lake, a pristine lake partly surrounded by rolling sand dunes bordered with breakfast cafes and local fashion parlours. Whilst the other part is surrounded by rolling bushland with walkways to enjoy the views. The bushland also provides access to a couple of small rocky outcrops, which make for great fun to jump or dive off (100% safe seems to be the local fun). One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sunshine Coast is the locals. They are genuinely friendly, kind and caring, always greeting you with a good morning or how’s it going (displaying the classic Australian charisma). They are always there to lend a helping hand and are never too busy to chat about their recommendations as to what you should check out.
Continuing North, we reach the Maroochydore and Noosa regions, being the prosperous regions of the coast. With many dazzling diners on the beach, allowing for a beautiful dinner with an incredible view. There is quite a multicultural population providing an endless number of different cuisines to try out. The Noosa headland is a lovely spot to surf with large rolling perfect waves. Surrounded by a beautiful headland with a wide range of accommodation with awe-inspiring views. Be sure to check out all of the local shops in Noosa with a rich culture of art, food and beauty parlours.
For those who enjoy escaping from society, be sure to check out the many wondrous waterfalls and national parks that border the western side of the coastal regions. One beautiful example is Kondallilla falls only a 20-minute walk from the nearby car park. It is where the Schene creek drops over 90m in the beautiful scenery. Higher up, the riverbed is divided into various waterholes and small waterfalls, making for a fantastic swimming experience. Amongst the many swimming holes dotted through the national park, some come with local treasures of varying rope swings and cliff jumps to add a little fun. However, in saying this the stream has many peaceful pockets of bliss surrounded by rainforest a location you will forever treasure.
The Eumundi Markets are the place for those who love to find unique handmade crafts and a lively atmosphere. Located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast, the markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday of the year, rain, hail or sunshine. The markets are an incredible experience, with many locals hosting stalls with handmade crafts and bakes and many local musicians busking, adding to the lively atmosphere. The Markets are a fantastic place to find a bargain and unique trinkets. On top of this, there are a wide variety of food stalls, making it the ideal place for a great day out. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my travel across the Sunshine Coast and would highly recommend to anybody interested in a peaceful beach getaway.