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
Leonie Paul
House of Travel Blenheim
With nearly two decades at House of Travel, I’m always dreaming of the next adventure. The more I explore, the longer my bucket list grows! The thrill of planning a new journey and learning from each experience excites me.
Discussing travel daily is my passion, I love helping clients realize their travel dreams and living vicariously through their experiences.
Getting to know my clients and understanding what matters most to them is something I truly enjoy. This insight allows me to craft itineraries that are as unique and special as the travelers themselves.
There's nothing more satisfying than a client returning with tales of their adventures. I love hearing their stories, as each journey is different—there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel.
For me, travel offers the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. With every journey, I find new perspectives, cultures, and places to love.
Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it's about the growth we experience along the way.
Leonie
Kelly-Ann Thomas
House of Travel Lower Hutt
Travel ignites the fire in my belly, daily and I'm lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences.
I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime.
A recent highlight was travelling to New York with my sister, followed by Japan, and a Christmas in Bali with my family.
Whether I'm working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I'm always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life.
Passionate about what I do, I'm always ready for the next adventure - both for my clients and my own family.
Kelly-Ann
Linley Pearce
House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square
I have travelled to many countries & experienced many forms of travel - plane, train, river boat, coach, helicopter, longtail boat ....... I love to travel to old cities as I love buildings & architecture, food, wine, people watching & taking photos.
Travel constantly challenges me, I especially love interesting flight itineraries. I have over 35 yrs experience in this complex and dynamic industry, I can use my knowledge to work with you to create your journey no matter the destination.
Linley
Jo Coolen
House of Travel Kapiti Coast
For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.
What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?
My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.
Jo
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