South East Queensland is the fastest growing and most populous region in the Australian state of Queensland. It encompasses a full corner of the state, and is a major drawcard for both domestic and international tourists. The reason for this popularity is the incredible diversity, beauty and both natural and man made attractions that can be found there. Things that only a good guide to South East Queensland can cover!
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So let’s have a look at what regions are covered by the area of South East Queensland.
- Brisbane – The city of Brisbane lies at the very heart of South East Queensland.
- The Gold Coast – The coastal strip that lies between Brisbane and the NSW border.
- Sunshine Coast – The coastline and hinterland north of Brisbane
- Scenic Rim – South of Brisbane and West of the Gold Coast, stretching to the foot of the Great Dividing Range.
In this guide to South East Queensland, we are going to discuss each of these regions, including what lies in and around them. We will also cover where they are, what to do, and where to stay.
Ready? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Brisbane
We will start this guide to South East Queensland with Brisbane.
Brisbane is the capital of South East Queensland, and is the third largest city in the country. It is a river city, and is located on a wide sweeping bend of the Brisbane River, 15 km inland from the rivers mouth. Most of the activities in Brisbane are based around the river, as it is the central geographical feature of the area. There are, however, plenty of other things to do in an area as large and diverse as the city of Brisbane offers.
Things to do in Brisbane
The city of Brisbane has come along in leaps and bounds in the last couple of decades, and as the center of South East Queensland, has really upped its tourism game to match the surrounding regions. No longer just a “city” that you pass through on the way to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, Brisbane now has plenty to offer, and tourists would be remiss not to stop and sample the delights that the River City now has on display.
Let’s have a look at things to do in Brisbane.
Take a stroll along Southbank
Brisbane’s amazing Southbank precinct is located on the southern shore of the Brisbane River, directly opposite the CBD. Easy to access via bridges from the city by bus, train, or car, it is Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination.
Southbank covers 17 hectares, and was once the site of World Expo back in 1988. It was then converted into Southbank and opened to the public in 1992. Now, the public and tourists to the area are able to enjoy lush parks, swimming pools, river views and entertainment all year round. With eateries, restaurants and cafes everywhere, Southbank is a place that is certainly not to be missed!
Climb the Story Bridge
The Story Bridge in Brisbane is iconic to the Brisbane skyline. Constructed over 80 years ago, it was eventually opened to the public in 1940. Located at Kangaroo Point, it has recently come onto the radar of many tourists as much more than “just a bridge”.
The most popular activity surrounding the Story Bridge is the actual Bridge Climb. That’s right, you can don a harness and special suit and climb to the top of this famous landmark! When you do, you might also be interested to know that the Story Bridge in Brisbane is one of only 5 bridges in the world that you can actually climb! As a Brisbane local, this fact blew me away, as 3 of those bridges are right here in Australia. I always assumed that bridge climbs were common all over the world. How wrong I was!
Underneath the Story Bridge can be found Howard Smith Wharves. This historic shipyard has now been converted into a precinct, and is home to parkland, cafes and a very popular brewery where you can let your hair down after you descend from the bridge!
Soak in the views from Mount Coot-tha
Next up on our Guide to South East Queensland is Brisbane’s own Mount Coot-tha.
Mount Coot-tha is the closest mountain to the CBD of Brisbane, and a great place to check out the city views. In truth, Mount Coot-tha is not that big, but it still provides wonderful views, amongst plenty of other activities.
To get to Mount Coot-tha, you can driver all the way up, or even catch a bus. At the top you will find a beautiful lookout area, with a great restaurant and café. Continue driving and you will pass by all the television towers before the road sweeps back down the mountain again to complete the loop. The panoramas are very popular with locals, and on weekends you will find dozens of cyclists braving the climb to the top.
The other activity that is very popular on Mount Coot-tha is hiking. There are literally over a hundred well established hiking trails covering the mountain, and as someone that grew up near its base, I have personally covered nearly all of them, plus plenty that are not even on the map! There are also two waterfalls, plenty of park areas, BBQ’s and nature walks.
At the base of the mountain you will also find the Botanic Garden and Planetarium, which are also great places to visit and spend a day or night!
Check out the links at the end of this guide to South East Queensland for a map of Mt Coot-tha Hikes.
Take a River Cruise
What better activity to do in a River City than take a cruise along the iconic river itself!
In Brisbane, there are plenty of options for cruising on the river. From paddle steamers to more luxurious and modern boats, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding yourself a way to get out on the water. Cruises in Brisbane will take you nearly anywhere you want to go in the central Brisbane area. You can even make a full day of it with a cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, way upriver from the city.
Cruising the river is something that any visitor has to do. The bigger and more expensive options are probably way out of the price range for most tourists, though, and are aimed at the corporate world, Christmas parties and wedding functions.
Fortunately, there is a FREE way to see the city from the water, and that is with the council’s own City Hopper. This little ferry bounces back and forth up and down the river stopping in at the CBD in several places, as well as Southbank. Jump on and enjoy the cruise and sights, before hopping off again right where you go on!
River cruises aren’t the only cruises you can do from Brisbane, either. You can do a cruise out to nearby Moreton Island in Moreton Bay, Stradbroke Island, or even whale watching!
A foodies heaven!
If there is one thing that can be said about Brisbane, it’s that there is no shortage of places to eat and drink! Of course, any guide to South East Queensland would be remiss to not mention them, too.
If you are in the CBD, there is no need to even leave. Head down to the riverbank near Eagle Street, and you will find some of the best eateries, cafes and restaurants in the city. The boardwalk will take you all the way from the Botanic Gardens to the Story Bridge, and along the way you will be spoilt for options to stop, have a feed and a drink overlooking the River.
Further afield, don’t forget Southbank, as I already mentioned. Not far from there, however, you will find West End. This quaint little suburb is becoming very well known for its quirky restaurants and cafes, especially if you are looking for somewhere really nice to have breakfast.
The other place I want to mention is Eat Street Northshore at Hamilton. This place is easily reached from the CBD by ferry, and is a collection of food carts that is an absolute foodies heaven. You can find everything from Brazilian BBQ to Gelato in this place, and listen to live music while you fill your plate. A not to be missed experience!
Where to stay in Brisbane
There are plenty of options to stay in Brisbane, but the most notable and central to everything is obviously the CBD. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, and if you are looking for a place with easy access to getting around, then you can’t go wrong. With ferries, trains and busses right on your doorstep, you will have no issue. The CBD is also brimming with great shopping, restaurants and eateries, and Southbank is just a stroll across the bridge.
Down the road and just out of the CBD you have three options, depending on which direction you go.
Fortitude Valley is the home of Brisbane’s nightlife and Chinatown. So if you are a night owl and don’t want to be catching a taxi home in the wee hours, this is probably the option for you.
Spring Hill is right on the doorstep of the CBD, but provides a more laid back and casual experience. The streets are wide and leafy, and accommodation options a lot quieter than down the road in the city. Many locals who live in the “inner city” choose Spring Hill to live.
Across the river from the CBD is, of course, Southbank. This is a wonderful choice of place to stay as Southbank provides so much, and is also a transport hub for getting around. Personally, this is the place I would choose to stay!
For more links, check the bottom of this Guide to South East Queensland article.
Getting around in Brisbane
Transport in Brisbane is easy!
As a matter of fact, transport around the entire South East Queensland is easy, and it mostly comes from the amazing options provides by the Brisbane network.
Firstly, there is TransLink. This will get you literally anywhere you want to go, and is run with the TransLink Go Card. This little gem will get you on all trains, busses and ferries to get you everywhere.
You can pick up your own Go Card from the airport, or from convenience stores around the city, as well as train stations. Top ups are simple. Just load it up with funds when you purchase, or from fare machines and retailers around the city as you go. They work on a “tap on, tap off” type function whenever you get on and off public transport.
Ferries run on the TransLink system up and down the river. Trains will take you nearly anywhere, including to the Sunshine Coast up north, or the Gold Coast down south where they will then link up with the Light Rail system.
Buses run all over the city, and closer to the CBD have their own tunnel network, so there is no fighting traffic at peak hour! Major locations such as Southbank even have their own major hubs close by.
If you prefer to get around on your own, you can always go on foot or bicycle. Brisbane has an amazing network of cycle ways that will take you many of the places you want to go. So don’t be afraid to get pedaling! Click HERE for an interactive map.
The Gold Coast
Next up on my Guide to South East Queensland is the famous Gold Coast!
The Gold Coast is located south of Brisbane, and is the strip of coastline just north of the NSW border. It is an iconic location in Australia, and is the holiday destination of choice for people from all over the country. Famous for its amazing beaches, high-rise skyline, nightlife, theme parks and hinterland, the Gold Coast is a place that no tourist can afford to miss.
Personally, I spent many years growing up on the Gold Coast, and have returned to live there since. Trust me when I say that there is so much to see and do on the Gold Coast, that even I am still discovering it.
Things to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a playground for anyone that enjoys getting outdoors. From the golden sands of the endless beaches, to the thrilling rides of the Theme Parks, this is a place that is sure to please everyone. Add to that the idyllic weather and the fact that everything is so accessible, it is little wonder that millions flock to the Gold Coast every holiday season!
So let’s have a look at some things to do on the Gold Coast.
Get the blood pumping at the Theme Parks
As I just mentioned, the Gold Coast is home to no less than four massive Theme Parks. Other than Sea World, which is located on The Spit, beside the ocean, the rest of the Theme Parks can be found within Stones Throw of each other on the Gold Coast Motorway. This makes it handy if you want to stay nearby, or just easy for you if you are driving and need to find them. Find one, and you found them all!
Warner Brothers Movie World is arguably the most popular of the Theme Parks these days. Featuring thrilling rides themed on such characters as Superman, Batman, and Scooby Doo, adults and kids alike will find a day of entertainment. Movie World is not just about the rides, however, with live action shows running at intervals during the day, and movie characters strolling the streets.
Among the other Theme Parks are Sea World, which features Dolphins, penguins and other ocean animals alongside their rides. Dreamworld, which is all about the rides, and Wet and Wild, which is exclusively about waterslides and other water themed entertainment.
You can click HERE for a multi-day pass to the Theme Parks, or check the links at the end of this Guide to South East Queensland.
Catch a wave at the amazing beaches
The one thing that the Gold Coast is famous for above all else is its amazing surfing beaches. The CBD of the Gold Coast is called “Surfers Paradise” after all.
You can surf, or learn to surf, almost anywhere on the Gold Coast. From the Spit and Main Beach, all the way to Snapper Rocks at the NSW border, you won’t have to go very far to find that perfect wave. The beaches are not just all about the surfing, however.
These beaches are some of the widest, cleanest and most idyllic that you will find in a city anywhere in the world. Sure, there are better beaches, but not in a major city rimmed by skyscrapers!
Along Main Beach you can walk for miles, all the way down to Burleigh Heads. Then, one after another the beaches just keep appearing, each as good as the one before. Take a stroll along any of them, at any time of day and you will pass people walking, jogging, exercising their dogs or simply chilling out. The beaches on the Gold Coast are a part of everyday life, and a lifestyle unto themselves. It is a part of the culture on the Gold Coast, and one that is not to be missed.
Discover Currumbin
Currumbin is an area of the Gold Coast that is unique. This place has so many things to see in such a small area, that it deserves its own heading. So, here it is.
I will start with the amazing Currumbin Creek. Similar to Tallebudgera Creek just to the north, Currumbin Creek is very popular with locals and tourists as a place to bring the young kids to swim in safe, almost still water. People can be found flocking in here on weekends for BBQ’s, picnics, or to practice their SUP. If you have a young family, you can’t go wrong with Currumbin.
At the mouth of Currumbin Creek you will find the surf break. To the right, past the rocks is the main Currumbin Beach, and to the left of the creek is Palm Beach. All these locations are great spots to surf, with the mouth of the creek, or Currumbin Alley, known as one of the best spots to catch a wave on the coast!
The area around Currumbin, and the things to do here are not limited to the beaches, however. Head up to the hill just above the creek and you will find the incredible Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This has been an institution on the Gold Coast for decades, and only increases in popularity. For something different, you can even head inland. Follow the creek until you find the Currumbin Rock Pools. These amazing swimming holes are a fantastic place to cool off in summer as you swing on ropes, leap from ledges, or simply sunbake on the nearby rocks.
Simply – Explore!
The Gold Coast is an endless experience of fun. With easy access and great transport, you can move up and down the coastal strip as much as you like. Check out the Casino at Broadbeach, or dine your way along the great Broadbeach strip. Hang around till after dark and watch as it comes alive with live music and nightclubs.
Make your way into Surfers Paradise and see where you Gold Coast all began. This is still the “capital” of the Gold Coast, even if most things have moved down the road to Broadbeach in recent years.
Head north to Southport, and check out the beginning of the amazing Broadwater. This shallow estuary is huge, and provides a great body of flatwater that is protected from the ocean by South Stradbroke Island. Parasail, jetski, or hiring a yacht are just the beginning of the activities available in the Broadwater.
Where to stay on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a tourist destination from North to South. You can literally stay anywhere!
Basically, when it comes to choosing a place to stay, you really have to know what you are wanting to do. From there, you can work out the best place to stay to be local to where you want to go. I will try to help a little though.
Surfers Paradise is the central part of the Gold Coast. It is well connected, and a great place to stay if you are after a bit of a party, surf, and want access to public transport. The new Light Rail at your front door will take you all the way out to the theme parks (with bus connection as well) and basically give you access everywhere else.
Broadbeach is just down the road from Surfers Paradise, and is fast becoming the “new” capital of the strip. You will find plenty of places to stay in Broadbeach, plus great restaurants, cafes, shopping and eateries. I personally find it a bit nicer these days than Surfers Paradise, with a lot more options. There is still great transport, and if anything, it is even easier to get around.
Coolangatta is the most southern suburb of the Gold Coast. It is literally right on the border with NSW. If you are looking for accommodation here, check out Greenmount as well. The area is great for families, surfing, and great beaches that are right away from the main tourist beaches. It is surrounded by beautiful tall pine trees, and offers a lot of diversity in a small area.
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
If you are wanting to experience some different sides of the Gold Coast, then personally I would split my holiday between Broadbeach and Coolangatta/Greenmount areas. You can check them all out on Booking.com. Just follow some of the links in this article.
Getting around on the Gold Coast
Public transport on the Gold Coast is amazing, with TransLink set to be your best friend, as it was in Brisbane. They run most of the busses on the Gold Coast, as well as the Trains and Light Rail. Simply pick up a Go Card from any station or outlet, and top it up as you go. Tap on and Tap off as you get on and off public transport, and you will be able to go pretty much anywhere.
Other ways to get around on the Gold Coast are
- on foot or bicycle – the cycle ways and paths are pretty awesome on the Gold Coast, especially along the beaches
- Taxi – not exactly a cheap option, but they are everywhere
- Uber – download the app. Definitely cheaper than a taxi
- Ferries – if you are interested in checking out Stradbroke Island or major waterways
My pick over the rest HAS to be TransLink. Pick up a Go Card as soon as you arrive on the Gold Coast. If you fly into Brisbane, you can get one at the airport and simply catch the train to the Gold Coast. Easy as!
Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim is located an hour west of the Gold Coast, and an hour south of Brisbane. It covers an area 4254 km square, and boasts some of the most amazing views in South East Queensland! So basically, a guide to South East Queensland would not really be a guide to South East Queensland without it!
Basically, if you are heading to the scenic rim, you only have to drive west from the Gold Coast until you hit the mountains. Once you reach Mount Tamborine, you are there. Waterfalls, hiking, bushwalking and mountain climbing await. Further afield you will find Wineries, dams, lakes and endless grazing lands before you reach the foot of the Great Dividing Range. This is, simply, Scenic Rim.
Things to do at Scenic Rim
There is no limit to things to do in the Scenic Rim. The name of the place says it all. Scenic.
From drives to hikes to walks to simply enjoying the views. The place has it all. There are also 3 huge dams, world class wineries and six national parks to explore! Let’s take a look.
Take a drive along the Beechmont – Tamborine loop
I take poetic license in using the name “Beechmont – Tamborine loop”. This is not actually the name of the drive, but it is what I will call it for this article.
When I lived on the Gold Coast, I used to drive this loop a lot. I also did it regularly on my motorcycle, and on weekends you will find a lot of people doing the same. Especially on the Beechmont leg of the loop. The views and the winding road are amazing!
To get there, head out from the Gold Coast through Nerang and take the Nerang – Murwillumbah Road. You will then turn onto Beechmont Road. Once you do, you will know why I love this drive so much. Immediately it begins heading UP. The road switches back constantly, and after only 5 minutes of driving you will begin to see amazing views of the Gold Coast out to the left!
Follow the road right up through Lower Beechmont into Beechmont itself. Here, the road will hit a roundabout and you continue to follow it as it follows the rim around, with more incredible views, before dropping back down the mountain to Canungra. At Canungra you hit the main road, turn left, and then right onto Tamborine Mountain Road which you follow all the way to Mount Tamborine.
Get lost at Mount Tamborine
You won’t really get lost, but there are so many walking trails, waterfalls and hikes at Mount Tamborine that maybe it IS possible!
Hiking at Mount Tamborine is a big drawcard. Most of the hikes are not too hard, with very well established trails, boardwalks and viewing areas. At least half a dozen trailheads are accessible almost from within the town center, so you don’t have to go very far.
The town of Mount Tamborine is a major drawcard for tourists and locals alike, especially during the warmer months when it is only a short drive up the mountain to escape the heat below. Find a park in town and take a wander past artsy stores, quaint restaurants and cafes, and don’t forget to stop and enjoy some of the famous Scones with jam and cream!
Away from the town center there is also plenty to keep you entertained, even if you aren’t a hiker. Check out the famous Glow Worm Caves, or take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Give your tastebuds a treat at the Witches Chase Cheese Company, or enjoy the Rainforest Skywalk. The sky is the limit!
If you don’t have your own car and want to head up to Mount Tamborine, there is always the option to take a tour. Just click HERE, or check out the links at the end of this Guide to South East Queensland article.
Be amazed at Natural Bridge
Now, when it comes to hiking in the Scenic Rim, there are so many options that even a comprehensive guide to South East Queensland is not going to be able to mention them all. There are a couple that I WILL mention, however, and one that I will single out. That one is Natural Bridge.
The hike into Natural Bridge isn’t exactly a long one. I used to do it many years ago as a kid growing up on the Gold Coast, and back then it was a dirt track through rainforest with a dodgy sign on the road.
These days, it is a full boardwalk through the forest, with stopping locations and plaques providing information about flora and fauna along the route. When you arrive at Natural Bridge, you have barriers to stand behind, and viewing platforms. It has come a long way since the days we could get close enough to jump through the hole into the cavern below.
Because that is exactly what Natural Bridge is, and no amount of progress can take away the fact that this place is simply beautiful. The river cascades down through a hole in the rock, transforming itself into a free falling waterfall until it plummets into the green waters of a cavern below.
Take photos from above, then follow the track that winds down the hill until it reaches the cavern beneath. Here, you cannot go any further into the cave in order to protect the local population of glow worms within. You CAN get some amazing photos of the falls from down here though.
Explore!
The Scenic Rim is an amazing part of South East Queensland, and most visitors, even local Australians, just don’t realize it exists so close to the Gold Coast.
Other places I would recommend for hiking are definitely Binna Burra, which is easy to find off my Beechmont drive, and O’Rielly’s Resort. There are multiple hikes from both locations, ranging from 15 minutes to multi-day treks! If you love waterfalls and exploring, then get out and find some of these amazing locations.
Further afield, you will find dozens of mountains and peaks scattered across Scenic Rim. Some are hikes that are tough, such as Mount Barney or Mount Maroon, and then there are some that will get the heart racing, but anyone is capable of climbing, such as Mount Edwards. All have amazing views that stretch for days!
For more information about the Scenic Rim, and what there is to do, visit THIS link.
Where to stay at Scenic Rim
For such as diverse place covering some areas of remote wilderness, there are actually quite a few places you can opt to stay. Some are more obvious than others, but here is a list.
- Mount Tamborine – for hiking and the quaint mountain town feel
- Binna Burra – resort feel in the middle of the Rainforests
- O’Reilly’s Resort – another beautiful Rainforest retreat for nature lovers
- Beaudesert – The “capital” of Scenic Rim and central place to base yourself
- Beechmont – great views and mountain air. Think – hang gliding, drives, views and hikes
Getting around in Scenic Rim
Now, as this is a guide to South East Queensland, we have to add this in here. But the truth of it is there is only really one way to get around in the Scenic Rim, and that is by car, or at the very least, private transport.
You CAN catch bus from Brisbane or Gold Coast to Beaudesert, but other than that, you are really on your own.
The other great option for those who are on the Gold Coast or Brisbane, is to do a tour. You can get day tours that will take you to Mount Tamborine or Springbrook, and see most of the sights. Check THIS tour as a recommended one, or click on any of the Affiliate Links in this article for tours I recommend.
The Sunshine Coast
The final stop on our guide to South East Queensland is the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast lies to the north of Brisbane, and comprises the coastal strip as well as the amazing hinterland area. For many years, it was overshadowed by the Gold Coast as the holiday destination of choice for the people of Brisbane. These days, however, it has well and truly emerged from the shadow of its big brother, and now commands plenty of attention.
The Sunshine Coast was once only seen as a “family” destination, where the Gold Coast was viewed as more “fun” and a bit more of a party atmosphere. In fact, when I was growing up in Brisbane, people were either Sunshine Coast people, or Gold Coast people. A bit like in Perth you are North, or South of the river!
That has certainly changed now, and for someone that grew up on the Gold Coast, I can certainly attest to how amazing the Sunshine Coast is. I am definitely a convert!
Things to do on the Sunshine Coast
There is an amazing array of options when it comes to things to do on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, there might actually be more options than the Gold Coast, minus the Theme Parks.
From the incredible views of the hinterland, and the amazing Glasshouse Mountains, right down to the golden sands of the beaches, there is sure to be plenty to keep anyone occupied.
Let’s take a look.
Explore the incredible Beaches
If one thing can be said about the Sunshine Coast, it’s that it has amazing beaches! Strips of sand that are golden and unblemished, you will find a place to kick back, relax and enjoy the sunshine here.
Start with King’s Beach in Caloundra. This is perfect for families, and is located right in the middle of Caloundra. Parks, swings, cafes and restaurants line the foreshore, with Caloundra holiday rentals and accommodation right across the road. It doesn’t get any more accessible than that.
If you have a 4WD, then head to Rainbow Beach. Obviously, if you are a 4WD’er then you know all about Fraser Island already. This amazing beach is nestled between Fraser Island and Noosa, and can be accessed from Noosa. It is 23km of flat beach driving and endless sand and sky!
The other two beaches to note are Peregian Beach and Coolum Beach. Peregian has awesome cafes and shops nearby, and the beach has a great, chill vibe. Coolum is constantly patrolled, safe, and a classic “aussie” beach. You can even climb nearby Mount Coolum (it isn’t very high) to catch some great views and do some whale watching during the migration season.
Be amazed at the Glass House Mountains
The incredible Glass House Mountains are 11 peaks that can be found in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Each of the peaks was once the volcanic core of a volcano. Now, they stand as rocky monoliths from an ancient time.
There are many things to do in the Glass House Mountains. The most obvious is bushwalking and hiking, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. Some of the mountains can even be climbed, but to reach the peaks can sometimes involve a bit of rock scrambling, so be prepared and be careful. You can also go abseiling, which is a very popular sport in the region.
Another thing you can do in the Glass House Mountains area is visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. This is a wonderful place to see some of Australia’s natural wildlife, including Koalas and Kangaroos. In true Steve Irwin fashion, though, it is the Crocodiles that are the stars of the show!
Take a scenic drive to Maleny
Maleny is one of the most beautiful places I know of, especially if you love driving with a view. This picture perfect place will have you thinking that you stepped inside of a postcard.
Located high in the Blackall Ranges, Maleny is essentially dairy farms and pasture land, albeit with amazingly uninterrupted views down across the Glass House Mountains. Take a drive along the tops of the range and don’t forget your camera!
The township of Maleny itself is the perfect place to stop off for a break, especially if you like quirky country cafes, gift shops and eateries. It reminds me a lot of Mount Tamborine, but then, totally different too! If you are there on a weekend, then make certain to check out the Sunday Markets. Remember this is a Dairy Farming area, and the stalls are abundant with Cheese, Cream and other Dairy Products.
And….that’s just the beginning
There is still so much to see and do on the Sunshine Coast that I have only just scratched the surface.
To the north, at the farthest reaches of the Coast, you will find 4wd heaven in Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world at 123 km long. To the south, you will find Bribie Island, the only island in Queensland that is attached to the mainland by bridge. Bribie boasts beautiful long white sandy beaches and natural wildlife.
The other great thing about the Sunshine Coast is that, unlike the Gold Coast, it seems to be made up of many small “towns” along its length, that all have their own unique feel and vibe. Caloundra is different to Noosa, and Mooloolaba is nothing like Coolum. No matter where you go, it’s never the same!
Oh. If you love weekend markets, the best on the Sunshine Coast are in Eumundi. Get there early!
Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast
With a place like this, it is nearly impossible to tell someone exactly WHERE to stay. The Sunshine Coast is just so diverse, that really it comes down to finding the right place and right price. The only other factors to come into play would be if you need to be close to the beach, or in the mountains. And that is decided on exactly what sort of holiday you actually want.
Having said that, here are some of the best choices, from my perspective.
- Caloundra – Very laid back vibe, with an “older” perhaps circa 70’s feel to it. Family beaches.
- Peregian Beach – Beautiful Beach and not as busy as other places. Quiet
- Coolum Beach – shopping and dining! Quiet, leafy but still classy. Best of both worlds.
- Noosa – Luxurious hotels and apartments. Also has Noosa River so you have river and beach!
- Maleny – Mountains, hiking and views!
Getting around on the Sunshine Coast
Transport options may not be as varied or easy as on the Gold Coast, but there are still ways to get around.
Firstly there are the public busses run by Sunbus. You can catch these nearly everywhere, and are the easiest option for public transport.
Trains run adjacent to the main highway, as they do throughout most of Queensland. There are no rail services actually along the coastal areas of the Sunshine Coast though.
The absolute best way to get yourself around is to hire a car. This is the easiest and simplest option, and the roads are great! Getting from point A to point B is a breeze.
Summary
So that is it for my guide to South East Queensland! I hope you have enjoyed it and that it answers most, if not all of the questions that you might have had.
This really is an amazing part of the country, and a place that I personally have called home for many years. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
Handy Links
Now, for a few handy links that you might find…well….handy.
Bookaway – my favorite site for catching buses and trains all around Australia!
Accommodation Gold Coast
Accommodation Brisbane
Accommodation Sunshine Coast
Things to do Brisbane
Things to do Gold Coast
Things to do Tamborine
TransLink – for all your public transport…..well….nearly all….
Gold Coast Theme Parks Multi Day Pass
DON’T FORGET to leave a comment below. I promise to reply!
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