Sunshine Coast, Australia : The Gold List 2021 — 10 Best Destinations

Sunshine Coast, Australia : The Gold List 2021 — 10 Best Destinations

Vast & Varied Holiday Destination

Text: Sweezy Tan Photos: Courtesy of Tourism Australia - 22 October 2021


White sandy beaches and pristine waterways sit alongside lush rainforests and heritage-listed national parks, the Sunshine Coast is a coastal city near Brisbane with charming historic villages sprinkled throughout, offering holiday-makers with exceptional and varied nature experiences.

The journey from the coast to the hinterland is a perfect self-drive adventure route that will pass through Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Noosa and Mary Valley. On this road trip, visitors are open to explore the open roads and take in the stunning views of lush green valleys and magnificent mountains, through to the glorious Pacific Ocean. 

Discover the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, walk through the lush rainforests, enjoy true hospitality at charming and elegant cafes or award-winning restaurants with postcard-perfect views, explore unique shops and discover the thriving art trails – hinterland provides a spectacular experience to any type of holiday-maker.

The 11 gorgeous peaks of the Glass House Mountains is a hinterland’s natural playground loaded with walking tracks, horse trails and epic lookouts, and home to six small townships, linked by rail and country roads. Beerwah is the Glass House Mountains area’s largest town, besides Tibrogargan walking circuit and Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit, the real must-do here for visitors is to visit Australia Zoo founded by “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.

For wine lovers, perfectly positioned 420 metres above sea level at the highest point in Montville, Flame Hill vineyard produces 100% estate-grown wines, hand-harvested and sourced from plantings up to 80 years old. Through their farm products, kitchen garden, award-winning restaurant, on-site luxury cottage accommodations and signature events, such as the annual Stomp grape harvest festival, the vineyard is constantly enhancing the Sunshine Coast wine- tourism experience.

Located right along the Noosa River in Noosaville, Noosa Boathouse is an iconic waterfront dining hub best known for stunning water views and fantastic food and service. Whether you’re after a morning coffee, takeaway fish and chips or a refreshing dining experience, this is a place for you.

For art and shopping lovers, they can head to the Original Eumundi Markets at Noosa which opens on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. As the biggest and renowned artisan market in Australia, Original Eumundi Markets has more than 500 stalls selling unique artwork, craft, fashion and gifts by local designers. 

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