What is the temperature like?
They call it the Sunshine Coast for a reason. The sunny subtropical climate is ideal for year round activities with summer temperatures averaging 28°C (82F) and winter a mild 20°C (68F).
When is the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast?
This part of the country has the ultimate climate for holidays, no matter what the time of year. The Sunshine Coast is perfectly positioned to capture comfortable winters and warm summers and you can swim in the ocean year-round.
Is getting to the Sunshine Coast easy?
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) located in Marcoola is serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas domestically as well Air New Zealand who provide seasonal flight services from Auckland. Centrally located in Marcoola, the Sunshine Coast Airport offers a range of transport options including shuttle buses, hire cars, taxis, and public bus services.
Travel from Sydney is about a 90-minute flight and from Melbourne it will take around two and a half hours.
The Sunshine Coast is also easily accessed as a self-drive destination. Located about 100 kms north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.
Is the Sunshine Coast a good destination to take children?
The short answer is yes! A holiday to the Sunshine Coast offers families a fun-filled adventure that spans from Caloundra, famous for its kid-friendly Kings Beach; to Mooloolaba, a vibrant cafe and surfing haven; to Noosa, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, cafes and hotels; and to the enchanting Maleny, Montville, Mapleton and Mary Valley in the hinterland.
Kids will love Australia Zoo, the legacy of a true Australian icon, Steve Irwin, the wide, open beaches and everything in between.
Is it safe to swim?
The Sunshine Coast beaches of Australia all come with soft white sand and a clear blue ocean but to stay as safe as possible, it is best to always visit patrolled beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Where can I download a copy of your visitor’s guide?
Please click here to view an electronic version of our latest Official Visitor and Event Guide.
During your visit
How do I get around the Sunshine Coast?
Once you’ve arrived in the Sunshine Coast, there’s so much to see that you won’t want to stay in the one place. You’ll be happy to know there are plenty of ways to get around, whether you want to travel by car, bus or even bicycle!
The Sunshine Coast is a great destination for a self-drive holiday. You can hire a car at the airport or bring your own, and there are excellent roads winding from the coast up into the hinterland or north to Noosa.
If you don’t want to drive yourself there are a range of options from local buses to luxury tours to enjoy.
What events are on the Sunshine Coast?
Events are pumping all year round on the Sunshine Coast from triathlons to music festivals to markets. Check out the What’s On page here for the most up-to-date list of events.
What is there to do?
Whether it's a day trip, a long weekend or a week-long family holiday, you'll find a selection of fantastic drives, journeys and itineraries to help you make the most of your time on your Sunshine Coast getaway. Find an itinerary to suit your holiday.
When is whale season?
Official whale season is from June to November here on the Sunshine Coast.
Generally speaking, the best time to spot whales on the Sunshine Coast is in July and August, because that’s when the largest numbers are passing by as they head north on their migration to the warmer waters of tropical North Queensland to breed.
From mid-August through to November the whales slowly head back south to Antarctica with their calves, often resting and playing along the way.