The Sunshine Coast of Australia is about and hour north of Brisbane beginning at Calondra and down to Cooloola. This is where the Fraser Islands begin, and the place of the Glass House Mountains, Noosa Hinterland and Mary Valley. Also, there are over 100 kms of sandy beaches. This area is a little more classy than the Gold Coast and has the most beautiful beaches, as well as things for the whole family to do.
by ZaneArcher


The Sunshine Coast of Australia is about and hour north of Brisbane beginning at Calondra and down to Cooloola. This is where the Fraser Islands begin, and the place of the Glass House Mountains, Noosa Hinterland and Mary Valley. Also, there are over 100 kms of sandy beaches. This area is a little more classy than the Gold Coast and has the most beautiful beaches, as well as things for the whole family to do.

There are quiet rainforest walks, numerous top quality golf courses and Spas, lots of outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing and the many rivers, sheltered bays and of course the surf beaches provide numerous swimming spots. The sunshine coast is the perfect mix of coast and country and a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

Of course, you must visit the Australia Zoo in Beerwah. The late Steve Irwin , aka the Crocodile Hunter, made this zoo his home. It is very well laid out and has a nice variety of animals. There are many activities to do inside the zoo, and it is a great place to take the kids. The Irwin family members are still there, and readily seen, all of the staff is happy to help.

Other places of interest include: a trip to the Big Pineapple in Woombye. This is great for a photo alone but is also set on 80 hectares of a working pineapple plantation which you can tour on a unique train and visit a wildlife reserve. You can get struck by gold fever and pan for gold. Ride on the Mary Valleys Valley Rattler an old steam train departing from Gympie railway station along one on Queensland most picturesque railway lines and dive with sharks or swim with seals in Underwater World at Mooloolaba.

Because of the great surf and sun, as well as hinterland, it is obvious that the Sunshine Coast has great food. It is always fresh and a lot of times organic. It is a good place to taste all that Australia has to offer.

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