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
Sarah Martelli
House of Travel Rotorua
Lovely to meet you! My love for travel began early—at 19, I
left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I’ve never
looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible
years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my
heart!)
I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.
Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy.
I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially
passionate about tours and cruising. Whether it’s your first trip or your
tenth, I’m here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from
start to finish.
I’m known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.
Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
Sarah
Sarah Jeffries
House of Travel Morrinsville
Hi, I’m Sarah—a Matamata local with a passion for making your travel dreams come true!
With over nine years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialise in creating personalised journeys that leave lasting memories. Working remotely from Matamata, I combine local charm with global expertise, bringing the world right to your doorstep.
Travel is not just my profession—it’s my passion. As an avid explorer, I’ve fallen in love with some incredible destinations. London has captured my heart with its royal landmarks, from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the storied Tower of London. Navigating the city on the iconic Underground is a breeze, making every corner of this vibrant city accessible. As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, visiting the Cotswolds and exploring filming locations like Lacock Abbey Cloisters (aka Hogwarts!) was pure magic.
In Asia, my adventures have taken me to many countries, but the Philippines stands out. Swimming with whale sharks and soaking up the island vibes were unforgettable experiences. It’s a destination rich in culture, beauty, and value—a must-see!
When it’s time to unwind, I love nothing more than a relaxing resort holiday. Picture this: a good book, a cocktail in hand, and the laid-back charm of the South Pacific. As a new mum, I’ve developed a knack for finding the best family-friendly resorts. Our recent family holiday to Fiji was a dream! We stayed at the Outrigger, and it was absolutely faBULAous—perfect for little ones and parents alike.
Whether you’re craving a peaceful beach retreat, an exhilarating adventure, or a family escape, I’m here to make it happen. My goal? To craft a travel experience tailored just for you, full of unforgettable moments and stress-free planning.
Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality. Life’s short—let’s make sure your story is one worth watching.
Ready to explore? I can’t wait to help you plan your next journey!
Sarah
Namrata Patel
House of Travel Hobsonville
Hi, I’m Namrata — a travel
consultant who genuinely cares about your time, your budget, and your hopes for
that memorable holiday. I love turning travel ideas into something real and
unforgettable. For me, building an itinerary is like solving a puzzle — shaped
by your interests, personality, and sense of adventure.
I’m research-driven and love digging into the details that make a trip special.
Whether it’s tricky airfares, island-hopping cruises, or crafting meaningful
family journeys, I’m here for it.
Travel is never one-size-fits-all, and I look forward to discovering your
unique travel style.
Every trip starts with a good chat — let’s start there.
Namrata
Lisa Crawford
House of Travel Lower Hutt
My love of languages and exploring the world has naturally evolved into
a career in travel. I enjoy discovering what motivates your travels and
tailoring your trip to suit your own style and interests.
I have travelled extensively across Europe and lived abroad both in the UK and
Paraguay. Recent travel highlights include cruising Hawaii’s Islands and
experiencing the best of Washington DC.
My special interest is in cruising, from the world’s largest floating resorts
to casually cruising Europe’s rivers or the more adventurous Expedition ships
to the Antarctic. There is a cruise possibility for every personality and
preference!
I look forward to getting to know you and helping you to get the most out of
your next adventure.
Lisa
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