Sunshine Coast family-friendly travel guide

Boasting perfect year-round weather with an average of seven hours of sunshine daily, it’s no wonder this Queensland holiday favourite is called the Sunshine Coast.

During summer months, the average maximum temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius.

During winter months, the average maximum temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

The Sunshine Coast is accessible by road or air. You can drive an hour north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway or fly direct from Sydney and Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast Airport and hire a car.

Taxis are readily available throughout cities of the Sunshine Coast. 

Major coach companies also service the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane.

The Sunshine Coast is a foodies haven, offering a feast of flavours and a tempting array of places to eat. Enjoy dining in a surf club with amazing views, cosy hinterland hideaways, or one of the dozens of award-winning restaurants. Noosa has the greatest concentration of upmarket eateries, though you will a multitude of high-quality restaurants throughout other major hubs as well.

If that’s not your idea of fun with the family, then head to the local fish and chip shop, or pick some fresh strawberries to eat on the beach from a nearby farm.

The Sunshine Coast offers a diverse shopping experience for visitors, from small roadside craft and antique stores to classy fashion boutiques and sophisticated art galleries.

Markets remain one of the most popular shopping and cultural activities for visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Visit a well established market such as the iconic Eumundi Market, Noosa Farmers Market, or a market at Sunshine Plaza.

For art and antiques visit Montville village, a picturesque destination in itself with its Irish and English cottages of log and stone, Swiss and Bavarian chalets and colonial and old Queenslander houses.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

Casual, lightweight clothing is sufficient for most of the year in the Sunshine Coast. A jacket or warmer clothing may be required for cooler winter evenings. Long pants and comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to do any bushwalking or horse riding. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential all year round.

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, the Sunshine Coast is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

If you want that quintessential Australian beach holiday photo, then look no further than Kings Beach. Located in Caloundra, this pristine spot is renowned for its spectacular beachfront offering great picnic and barbecue areas, kid-friendly waves, a saltwater ocean pool and general laid-back beach vibes. For the best vantage point, head up to the Caloundra Coastal Walk.

Just 10 minutes from Maroochydore, this little oasis feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Buderim Falls (otherwise known as Serenity Falls) are one of the most photographed places on the entire Sunshine Coast and it is truly spectacular from any angle – the bridge overlooking the falls, downstream or the rock ledge behind the falls themselves. A boardwalk leads to the falls and its an easy stroll for little ones.

The 55-kilometre Blackall Range Tourist Drive offers panoramas around every corner and is arguably the most scenic drive in the area. With plenty of lookouts and roadside picnic tables, it’s a stress-free day out for the entire family.