Why the Sunshine Coast Belongs on Your 2026 List

The Sunshine Coast is where mountains meet the sea. It’s a place where you can surf at sunrise, wander rainforest trails by afternoon, and finish the day with a sunset over rolling hinterland hills. Plan a trip here and you’ll see why locals never seem in a hurry to leave.

Slowing Down on the Sunshine Coast

Unlike many coastal destinations, the Sunshine Coast balances vibrant beach life with quiet natural beauty, blending laid-back surf towns, green hinterland villages, and a strong sense of community. Its charm lies in what it doesn’t have; no high-rises, no rush, just space, sunshine, and a slower rhythm that feels instantly grounding. This is a place made for slowing down.

And it’s also one of Australia’s most sustainable regions. Defined by its eco-conscious culture, local produce, and a lifestyle built around wellness and the outdoors, it makes a getaway here feel like a total reset.

If the Sunshine Coast isn’t already on your Aussie to-go list, it certainly should be.

Why Consider a Getaway to the Sunshine Coast?

1. It balances coast and hinterland seamlessly. 

Unlike the Gold Coast or Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast offers a truly unique blend of coast and hinterland.

This is a place where you can surf at Noosa at sunrise, then be hiking volcanic peaks in the Glass House Mountains or paddling through the Noosa Everglades by afternoon. And the best part? Everything is within half an hour’s drive.

Where the Gold Coast stretches into high-rises and suburbs before giving way to its rainforest hinterland, the Sunshine Coast shifts effortlessly from ocean to open fields and mountain air. Meanwhile, Byron Bay has its charm of course, with rolling hills and a thriving creative scene, but it doesn’t have the same dramatic landscapes or such easy access to varied terrain.

The Sunshine Coast truly shines with its close connection between beach, rainforest, and mountains, giving it a rare sense of space, and making every kind of escape feel within reach.

How to experience the best of both

From the golden curve of Noosa Main Beach to the quieter stretches of Coolum and Peregian, you’ll find endless spots to swim, surf, or simply slow down by the sea. Then, head inland and you can chase waterfalls at Kondalilla National Park, take in the misty lookouts around Maleny, or climb the distinctive volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains.

Where to stay

Found on Lake Kawana, Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters perfectly reflects the region’s balance of coast and hinterland. Guests can enjoy lakeside tranquillity while being just minutes from surf beaches, mountain trails, and the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant coastal towns; a setting that captures the area’s natural harmony between sea, lake, and hills.

2. It’s got a calmer, less commercial vibe.

The Sunshine Coast has a quieter rhythm than many of Queensland’s busier beach towns. You won’t find high-rises lining the shore or crowded boardwalks here. Instead, you can wander through small coastal villages, eat at locally owned cafés, and feel part of a community that values space and simplicity.

Around Noosa in particular, strict environmental planning keeps the balance just right, protecting the region’s natural beauty and laid-back charm.

The Sunshine Coast is actually known as Australia’s “low-rise, high-quality” coast; more nature, less noise, and a pace that lets you actually breathe.

How to soak in the calm

To truly unwind on the Sunshine Coast, slow your pace and let the landscape lead. Paddle through the still waters of the Noosa Everglades, or walk beneath the rainforest canopy at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, where views stretch across mountains. Wander through Maleny or Montville for art, coffee, and mountain air, and finish your day at Dunethin Rock or by the sea, watching the sky fade.

3. The unique eco and wellness culture.

While other Queensland beach towns focus on tourism and development, the Sunshine Coast builds sustainability into everyday life.

In June 2022, the Sunshine Coast was officially named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, joining Noosa and the Great Sandy region to create Australia’s only three-biosphere corridor. But this title isn’t just symbolic, it feels like a blueprint for how the region thrives.

Across the Sunshine Coast, you’ll find projects that protect natural habitats and bring communities together. In practical terms, that means you can stay in eco-certified lodges, tour with operators who offset carbon and support local ecosystems, buy produce from nearby farms, and explore protected trails with minimal infrastructure intrusion.

And don’t forget the spas! Wellness is also woven into everyday life on the Sunshine Coast, where the natural surroundings make it easy to recharge. One of the region’s best examples is Ikatan Balinese Day Spa, a tranquil hideaway set in tropical gardens; a world away from everyday life.

Where to experience eco-harmony first-hand

You can experience the Sunshine Coast’s eco-spirit just by stepping outside. Join an eco-cruise to learn how this delicate ecosystem is being protected, spend a day at a spa, wander the Eumundi Markets, where local growers and makers showcase small-scale production, or visit the nearby wildlife sanctuaries to see conservation in action. It’s the simple moments that remind you how deeply nature shapes life here.

4. The natural landscapes are impressive.

As we mentioned, few places blend coast and countryside quite like the Sunshine Coast. Stretching from the soft sands of Caloundra to the wild beauty of Noosa North Shore, the region moves effortlessly between beach and bush.

But it’s worth mentioning just how unique these natural landscapes really are. Inland, the Glass House Mountains rise like ancient sentinels above green farmland, while winding roads lead to the Blackall Range, where charming hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville overlook deep valleys and forest canopies.

There are also some incredible rainforest walks shaded by strangler figs, a number of freshwater swimming holes hidden behind fern-lined tracks, and national parks that hum with birdlife.

And whilst we’ve all been to the beach, even the coastline feels varied here. One moment you soak in long, empty stretches of sand, the next, calm coves with turquoise water and headlands made for watching the sunset.

How to see the best of the Sunshine Coast

Start with a sunrise walk along Noosa National Park’s coastal track, where ocean views meet forest shade. Then head inland to explore the Glass House Mountains or take the scenic drive through the Blackall Range for panoramic views. Finish with a dip in a waterfall or swimming hole; Gardners Falls or Kondalilla Falls are local favourites!

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