Laguna Bay, Noosa Heads
Photographer: Peter Lik - Courtesy Tourism Queensland

Located a little further north of Brisbane than the Gold Coast is south, and with a smaller permanent population, the Sunshine Coast, while commercially developed, will never reach the same proportions of the Gold Coast. The main centres of the coast are Caloundra at the southern end, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland in the centre and Noosa Heads at the northern end. The Maroochy area is the main commercial hub of the Sunshine Coast. Here are a variety of shopping centres, places of accommodation and fantastic surf beaches.

Noosa is a more upmarket region with a high concentration of stylish shops and eating places, and accommodation ranging from cheap to expensive. There is also the beautiful Noosa Heads National Park, which is located on the headland at Noosa. The mountainous hinterland of the coast is dotted with small rustic towns, which have over the years become increasingly popular with tourists. Towns such as Montville, Maleny, Mapleton and Flaxton sell a variety of home made wares, such as pottery, clothing, jewellery and artwork.

Aerial view of Maroochydore Photographer: Peter Lik Courtesy Tourism Queensland