Sunshine Coast provides an idyllic escape from Brisbane’s hectic metropolitan environment, featuring idyllic beaches, rainforest and numerous outdoor landmarks that will help you unwind after a hectic day in the big city.

UniSC, located on the Sunshine Coast region, is an internationally acclaimed university that excels at environmental studies and was named Queensland and Australia’s number one university for student experience in 2021.

Beaches

Queensland’s Sunshine Coast provides everything from family beaches, dog-friendly coves and relaxing spots for sunbathing to stunning landscapes filled with forests, farms and charming villages – everything you could need for the ideal beach holiday! Here you’ll find stunning beaches perfect for family fun as well as peaceful spots perfect for dog walking – plus everything else in between.

Shorncliffe Beach lies about one-half hour north of Brisbane and draws families with calm waters and an adjacent playground. Redcliffe Museum also provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about this vibrant part of Australia’s past.

Bongaree Beach offers everything you could want in terms of Queensland white-sand beaches – turquoise waters and pure white sand, plus an idyllic jetty and idyllic picnic tree! Plus there’s Pumicestone Passage nearby which makes for a relaxing boat cruise or snorkelling adventure and Glass House Mountains are nearby to climb.

Entertainment

Sunshine Coast’s vibrant entertainment scene draws visitors in droves. Whether it’s just for a day trip from Brisbane or longer exploration of its hinterland, there’s a vast variety of choices.

From world-class restaurants to quirky bars and cafes, there’s something to satisfy any palate in Noosa/Moololaba/Peregian/Coolum. Beach lovers will especially love Noosa while Peregian/Coolum offer charming town centres featuring boutique shops. Get close to local wildlife at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo; or swim alongside humpback whales between July-October!

Play beach-side Caloundra or Gympie for live music, attend the Big Pineapple Festival, or dance the night away in one of Brisbane’s clubs – Howard Smith Wharves offers upmarket restaurants and bars while Northshore features Eat Street made out of shipping containers!

Food & Drink

The Sunshine Coast is an ode to culinary excellence, from farmers markets and gourmet restaurants alike. Here you will find innovative producers and artisanal makers. Tasty Tours small-group day tours offer delicious bites from this region while classic beachfront spots highlight its best offerings.

From breezy riverfront spots to cozy neighborhood eateries, modern Australian beachfront haunts are elevated by bountiful local produce. At Market Bistro, floor-to-ceiling windows and plush green finishes lend meals a stylish European neighbourhood feel, from roast Mooloolaba king prawns to hand-made ravioli filled with confit duck leg.

Honeysuckle Restaurant in Buderim provides delicious East Asian share-style fare. At lunch, or ‘yumcha’ time, indulge in dishes like the Mooloolaba Prawn Milk Bun, Cashew Satay and Sweet and Sour Eggplant with Pineapple; while their dinner banquet menu should not be missed! For something a bit different head over to Rice Boi in Peregian Beach for an izakaya bar experience that focuses entirely on food!

Lifestyle

The Sunshine Coast has taken significant strides toward becoming a vibrant city that embraces local art, food, and nightlife scenes. Beachside hot spots such as Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Caloundra as well as charming coastal towns and lush hinterland escapes such as Yandina Maleny Glass House Mountains provide something for everyone on this coastline.

The area is well known for its friendly and welcoming community, making settling in easy from day one. There are ample opportunities to connect with locals through festivals, markets and dining; it makes an ideal destination for newcomers looking to experience everything that Australia has to offer!

Residents have access to high-quality healthcare facilities on the Sunshine Coast, such as Sunshine Coast University Hospital. There are family-friendly dental clinics and pharmacies located in most larger towns; alternatively, Brisbane’s extensive network of medical centres may be more appropriate. Tipping isn’t expected in restaurants or cafes but you may wish to leave one as a mark of appreciation for great service rendered.