Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a 60 km stretch of surf beaches in Queensland, Australia, running from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, with a subtropical hinterland of rainforest and volcanic peaks behind it. January averages 29.1°C (84°F) and July 21.2°C (70°F), with 1,492.6 mm of rain a year concentrated in the summer. Most visitors fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Marcoola or Brisbane Airport (BNE) 90 minutes south. Use the guides below to plan the beaches, the zoo, the mountain towns, and where to sleep.

Welcome to the Sunshine Coast

The coast is a chain of separate beach towns, not one city. Noosa Heads at the northern end is the premium walkable base, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore form the commercial centre, and Caloundra at the southern end is the value option. Inland, Montville and Maleny sit 400 metres higher on the Blackall Range and run several degrees cooler than the sand. A car is the easiest way to move between them, and distances are short: Caloundra to Noosa is about a 45-minute drive up the Bruce Highway.

Sunshine Coast Weather at a Glance

The climate is subtropical: hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Summer highs run 28 to 29°C with afternoon thunderstorms, and February is the wettest month at 217.5 mm. Winter days average 21 to 22°C with lows of 9 to 10°C and only about 70 mm of monthly rain, which is the best season for hiking. Sea temperature ranges from about 20°C in August to 27°C in February. Stinger season runs November to May, so swim between the flags.

Seasonal Snapshot

• Summer (Dec to Feb): Highs of 28 to 29°C, humid, with February the wettest month at 217.5 mm. Sea 26 to 27°C, peak prices and crowds.
• Autumn (Mar to May): Cooling from 28°C to 23.6°C with the sea still warm. April and May are calm, good-value months.
• Winter (Jun to Aug): Dry and mild, 21 to 22°C days, 9 to 10°C nights. Best for hiking and whale watching from June to October.
• Spring (Sep to Nov): The driest stretch, September averaging 51.1 mm, warming to 27.3°C by November. Top season for outdoor events.

Quick Facts

• Best beach months: September to November and March to May
• Warmest month: January, 29.1°C average high
• Coolest month: July, 21.2°C average high
• Wettest month: February, 217.5 mm
• Driest month: September, 51.1 mm
• Sea temperature: 20°C (Aug) to 27°C (Feb)
• Airports: Sunshine Coast MCY (10 to 30 min) and Brisbane BNE (90 min)

Sunshine Coast Guides

1. Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: monthly highs, lows, rainfall and rain days from the airport station, plus humidity and sea temperature.
2. Best Time to Visit the Sunshine Coast: weather, price, and crowd windows, and the months to avoid.
3. Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast: beaches, Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE, Eumundi Markets and the Glass House Mountains.
4. Sunshine Coast Events and Festivals: the surfing festival, food and wine festival, triathlon and weekly markets.
5. Sunshine Coast Neighborhoods: Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum and the hinterland compared.
6. Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast: hotels in every area with luxury, mid-range and budget picks.
7. Sunshine Coast Travel Tips and FAQ: airports, transport costs, visas, tipping and water safety.

Suggested Hotels on the Sunshine Coast

Elysium Noosa Resort (MGallery)

Elysium Noosa Resort is a full-service property on Hastings Street with a restaurant, day spa, and heated pool, 1.6 km from the national park. Best for couples who want a premium stay in the walkable heart of Noosa. Check rates and availability

Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba

Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba has apartments with balconies, a heated pool, and a rooftop deck, 400 metres from the beach. Best for families who want the central coast location. Check rates and availability

Caloundra Central Apartment Hotel

Caloundra Central Apartment Hotel offers self-contained rooms with kitchens at the budget end of the coast. Best for travelers who want apartment space and the lowest rates. Check rates and availability