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.
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Sunshine Coast, Australia
Why visit the Sunshine Coast? Think turquoise beaches, emerald rainforests and laidback coastal lifestyle.
The Sunshine Coast has it all - from hinterland hikes to sunrise swims.
Leave only footprints and take away unforgettable memories when you book a holiday to the Sunshine Coast, Australia - a destination defined by 100 kilometres of golden beaches, diverse wildlife and scenic hinterland landscapes, just one hour north of Brisbane.
Along the coast, each town offers a distinct experience. Enjoy laidback luxury and coastal walks in Noosa, discover Mooloolaba’s thriving food scene or soak up the relaxed seaside charm of Caloundra. Just inland, the Sunshine Coast hinterland reveals a different side of the region, with rainforest waterfalls, volcanic peaks and artisan villages waiting to be explored.
Adventure seekers are well catered for, with experiences that range from snorkelling with turtles to swimming alongside humpback whales - the Sunshine Coast is home to Australia’s first swim‑with‑whales experience. Those who prefer to slow the pace can enjoy coastal hikes, scenic lookouts and stargazing under clear hinterland skies.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy too, thanks to local produce, farmers’ markets and craft breweries, where paddock‑to‑plate dining and breezy cafés define the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
Looking for a sun‑soaked Queensland escape that’s relaxed, scenic and full of variety? Your Sunshine Coast holiday offers the perfect balance of beach, nature and unforgettable experiences.
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.
LIMITED OFFER
Explore Mantra Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Mantra Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
Mooloolaba sunset cruise
from
$
1599
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1359
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Oceans Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Oceans Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1849
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
INCLUDES 2 FREE NIGHTS
Explore Essence Peregian Beach
Sunshine Coast
Essence Peregian Beach
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1869
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Breeeze Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Breeeze Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1999
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Mandolin Beachfront Resort & Bluey's World
Sunshine Coast
Mandolin Beachfront Resort & Bluey's World
7 nights
7 day car hire
Bluey's World Tickets
from
$
785
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Explore Sense Noosa North Shore
Noosa
Sense Noosa North Shore
5 night Private House Stay
from
$
2595
total per holiday home (based on up to 4 people). Flights are additional
Meet our Sunshine Coast specialists
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington City
Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026 :)
Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way
into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality
industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also
founded my love for all different types of foods.
After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few
years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have
been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.
I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to
know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that
perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of
comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the
corner, do we!
I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of
time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in
California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and
Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't
been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out
the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods,
and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we
wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to
hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)
Chloe
Laura Simpson
House of Travel Taupo
When I first started in the travel industry, I didn’t even have a passport! Fast forward a few months, and that had all changed – I hit the ground running on my first overseas adventure, and I haven’t stopped since. Whether it’s getting immersed in the local culture, or ticking off bucket list moments, travel has a unique magic that stays with you forever.
I love using my own travel experience to bring that personal, unique touch to your dream holiday, making a seamless experience from the planning stages right through to your return home. From navigating the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to exploring the USA on a road trip, there’s a world out there just waiting to be discovered.
Let’s have a chat, and make your travel dreams a reality!
Laura
Carmel Layton
House of Travel Nelson
Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.
I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.
Carmel
Catherine Johnson
House of Travel Ashburton
Travel is my passion and to
be able to share this with others is the best part of my job!
I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly
making life long memories.
Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful island
escape, I can’t wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Catherine
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