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.
Explore BreakFree Alexandra Beach
Sunshine Coast
BreakFree Alexandra Beach
Return flights
5 nights
from
$
1029
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Qantas
Explore Mantra Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Mantra Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1719
per person share twin
Flying with
Qantas
Explore The Rise Noosa
Sunshine Coast
The Rise Noosa
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1649
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Qantas
Explore Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1569
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Qantas
INCLUDES 2 FREE NIGHTS
Explore Essence Peregian Beach
Sunshine Coast
Essence Peregian Beach
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1939
per person share twin
Flying with
Qantas
Explore The Rise Noosa
Sunshine Coast
The Rise Noosa
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2159
per person share twin
Flying with
Qantas
Explore Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2139
per person share twin
Flying with
Qantas
Explore Add on this exclusive offer to your Queensland escape
Queensland
Add on this exclusive offer to your Queensland escape
Rental car
from
$
109
per car per day. Flights and accommodation are additional. Conditions apply.
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
Ellie Gallagher
House of Travel Hobsonville
Working within the Travel industry was always my dream, I'm passionate about experiencing different cultures and immersing ourselves in history; it broadens the mind. I look forward to connecting with you, and being a part of your next adventure.
Ellie
Alyssa Kane
House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing
After achieving my New Zealand Level 5 & 6 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism, I’m excited to have joined the team at House of Travel Rotorua back in December 2022 - not even Covid could derail my dreams of becoming a travel consultant.
My years of studying and my personal experience of travelling to Australia on family holidays has fuelled my passion for creating unforgettable holidays. I spend my days designing holidays within New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, and I absolutely love arranging cruise holidays. Working with you to create your perfect getaway is what I enjoy the most, so bring me your dream holiday, and we can build it together! Leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!
Alyssa
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
Lesley Masters
House of Travel Lower Hutt
Why book with me?
Because your holiday deserves more - it deserves care, tailored advice, and personal attention every step of the way.
With over 20 years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialise in designing trips that fit your needs perfectly, whether it's a fun family escape to the Gold Coast or a complex, multi-country adventure across the globe. I'm here to handle the details, solve the unexpected and make sure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish.
Travel isn't just my job - it's my lifelong passion. Since catching the travel bug at age 12 on a trip to England, I've explored around 35 countries, discovering the joys of rail journeys, river and ocean cruises, guided tours and solo travel. This hands-on experience means I can give you first-hand tips and recommendations.
My favourite destinations include Italy, England and Niue, but truly, I've fallen in love with almost everywhere I have explored. Next on my list? Japan, Samoa and Sri Lanka - always planning, always exploring, so I can share the very best with you.
I feel privileged to work in such an exciting, dynamic industry, and I'd love to help to plan your next unforgettable holiday. Let me take care of everything - so all you have to do is enjoy.
Lesley
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