Flight time
Flying from Auckland to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) takes around 4 hours. You can also fly to Brisbane and hire a car to drive to the Coast.
From sunrise swims to starry hikes – this coast has it all
Leave only footprints, take unforgettable memories. The Sunshine Coast’s 100km of golden shoreline is where lazy beach days, wildlife wonders and hinterland magic collide – just an hour north of Brisbane.
From the bougie beach vibes of Noosa to Mooloolaba’s foodie scene and the relaxed charm of Caloundra, each coastal town has its own tale to tell. But the real surprises lie just inland: rainforest waterfalls to chase, volcanic peaks to hike, and artisan villages to explore.
This is a place where you can snorkel alongside turtles one day and swim fin-to-fin with humpback whales the next – Australia’s first swim-with-whales experience is right here.
And let’s not forget the flavours – local produce that travels from paddock to plate faster than you can say “another craft beer, thanks.” Think breezy cafes, thriving farmers markets and seriously good breweries.
Ready for a sun-soaked escape that’s anything but ordinary? Chat to your House of Travel consultant and start planning your holiday.
Best time to go
Visit from September to November for warm days, and fewer crowds - best for swimming, exploring and alfresco dining. December to February is whale season and best for beach weather but it is peak holiday season so book early! March to May is great for hinterland walks and waterfalls with mild temperatures and clear skies. June to August is the best for crisp mornings and sunny days, and is also whale migration season.
Time difference
Sunshine Coast is 2 hours behind New Zealand (or 3 hours during daylight saving). This small time difference is easy to adjust to, making for a seamless transition.
Our favourite things to do in the Sunshine Coast
Discover the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland feels a world away from their sandy shores, but in reality, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from the coastline
Discover Sunshine Coast's epic food scene
The restaurant scene is buzzing here and we guarantee you’ll be able to taste the sunshine.
Australia Zoo - Home of the Crocodile Hunter!
Just 45-minutes drive from Mooloolaba, this world-famous zoo—founded by the legendary Steve Irwin—offers up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
Watch the sunset from the water
Take in the pink and orange hues of the sun going down while gliding along the Mooloolaba River.
Explore Noosa National Park
Discover scenic walking trails, spot dolphins, whales (June-October), sea turtles, and even koalas in the wild.
Meet our Sunshine Coast specialists
Shaunice Bray
House of Travel Hornby
Since 2016, I’ve been
helping travellers like you design unforgettable journeys – backed by my own
travel experiences across Europe, Southeast Asia, the USA, the Pacific Islands,
and Australia. I’m not just passionate about travel – I live it, and I bring
that energy to every itinerary I create!
With a calm approach under pressure and a sharp eye for detail, I make sure no
moment of your trip is left to chance. But most importantly, I take the time to
truly connect with you, so every adventure feels personalised, seamless, and
stress-free.
Let’s plan something incredible together.
Shaunice
Georgia Barnes
House of Travel Botany Junction
I might not have traveled far and wide… yet! But I love learning about new places, planning adventures, and helping others make the most of their travels. Travel for me is all about curiosity, fun, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Georgia
Kimberley McCormick
House of Travel Botany Junction
Think of me as your travel partner-in-crime. We’ll map out every detail, so your trip is stress-free, seamless, and totally you. From hidden gems to bucket-list adventures, we’ll turn your travel dreams into reality — passport stamps and epic memories included!
Kimberley
Hannah Smaha
House of Travel Johnsonville
Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.
Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?
Hannah
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