Destination guide

Just coast – fun, sun and more on the Sunshine Coast

Grab your beach balls and sunglasses, and get ready for the Sunshine Coast! A major summer vacation destination on the Coral Sea, the Sunshine Coast is known for its sprawling upscale resorts, sandy beaches and gnarly surfing spots (their words). Further inland, you'll find a bounty of scenic, mountainous highlands, many of which are located within the area's numerous national parks. Whether you're looking for a high-energy adventure or a chilled-out day at the beach, Sunshine Coast vacation rentals will put you within a stone's throw of some of Australia's most stunning scenery.

Things to do

Wild, wild life – the Sunshine Coast's fantastic fauna

Animal lovers of all ages will find something to love about Australia Zoo, once owned by the legendary "Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin. Here, you can get up close with over 1,000 animals on 40 sprawling, leafy hectares of space. And if that's not enough, you can head to Sea Life Sunshine Coast, a 1-stop marine life shop where you'll find live animal shows, a wildlife sanctuary and an aquarium. Feeling outdoorsy? At Noosa National Park, you'll find walking and hiking paths, as well as a wide array of plant and animal life.

Activities

Surf's up! Catch a wave (or 2) on the Sunshine Coast

Looking to hang 10? Look no further – a number of Sunshine Coast vacation rentals offer easy access to some of the area's best surfing beaches. The scenic Double Island Point, with its historic 19th-century lighthouse, is a popular surf destination. For a more low-key waterfront experience, head to Noosa Main Beach, a wide stretch of coastline whose calm waters and fine sand make it a big hit with visitors. After that, it's time for a snorkelling excursion, whale-watching tour or jetski adventure, or you can hit the hiking trails in 1 of the area's numerous national parks.

Weather

Getting warmer – sunny seasons on the Sunshine Coast

Like most of the region, the Sunshine Coast has a humid subtropical climate, with warm-to-hot summers, cooler winters and plenty of rainfall all year round. Summertime highs regularly average 29 degrees in January and February, though temperatures can sometimes climb to 40 and above. Winters are milder, with average temps ranging from 10 to 22 degrees between June and August. Though rain is common throughout the year, the months between December and June are generally the wettest. The area gets hopping in the summertime, and you'll usually find the lowest prices on Sunshine Coast vacation rentals during the cooler winter months.

Natural highlights

The highs and lows of the Sunshine Coast's landscape

Along the Pacific Ocean's Coral Sea, the Sunshine Coast is moderately built-up – go ahead, call it suburban – where laid-back residential areas are interspersed with modern resorts, sandy beaches and untamed highlands further inland. Noosa National Park, 1 of the region's many preserved wilderness areas, features diverse ecosystems, from coastal headlands to arid mountains. It's also home to local wildlife species like koalas, possums and bandicoots, as well as countless types of local and migratory birds; during their annual migration, whales can also be seen off the coast.

How to get there

How to get to and around Sunshine Coast

The nearest airport is in Maroochydore, QLD (MCY-Sunshine Coast), located 12.8 mi (20.6 km) from the city centre.

If you prefer to travel by train, Cooroy Station, Yandina Station and Pomona Station are the main stations in the area.

Where to stay near Sunshine Coast?

Our 2019 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 2,145 holiday rentals near Sunshine Coast. From 1,041 Houses to 807 Condos/Apartments, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best place to stay near Sunshine Coast is on HomeAway.

What are the most popular points of interest and landmarks to stay near when travelling to Sunshine Coast?

HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday homes near great places in Sunshine Coast. From HomeAway travellers, the most popular points of interest to stay near are:

  • Point Cartwright: 1,423 holiday rentals
  • Moffat Beach: 1,052 holiday rentals
  • Dickey Beach: 1,041 holiday rentals
  • Underwater World Sea Life: 1,417 holiday rentals
  • Pelican Waters Golf Club: 1,089 holiday rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Sunshine Coast listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Sunshine Coast?

Yes, of course. HomeAway offers 1,041 Houses in Sunshine Coast. Our other popular types of Sunshine Coast holiday rentals include:

  • Condos/Apartments: 807 holiday houses
  • Villas: 35 holiday houses
  • Cottages: 71 holiday houses

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a holiday accommodation with pool in Sunshine Coast?

Yes, you can select your preferred holiday accommodation with pool among our 1,280 holiday homes with pool available in Sunshine Coast. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.

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