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Sunshine Coast

Golden sands, lush hinterland...


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.

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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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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.

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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

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Discover Sunshine Coast's epic food scene

The restaurant scene is buzzing here and we guarantee you’ll be able to taste the sunshine.

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A kid with Kangaroos from Australia Zoo

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.

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Watch the sunset from the water

Take in the pink and orange hues of the sun going down while gliding along the Mooloolaba River.

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Explore Noosa National Park

Discover scenic walking trails, spot dolphins, whales (June-October), sea turtles, and even koalas in the wild.

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Expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next adventure

Meet our Sunshine Coast specialists

Jason McKay

Jason McKay

House of Travel Nelson

As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.

I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!

Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must! 

Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.

Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.


Jason

Angela Delany

Angela Delany

House of Travel Taupo

Bula, Bonjour, Talofa, Konnichiwa – and welcome!


From the moment I could dream, I dreamed of travel. At just 17, I set out on that path by diving into my first travel course, and I’ve never looked back. For the first decade, I poured my heart into everything South Pacific – those sparkling waters, warm smiles, and sun-soaked cultures became my world.


Now, my map has expanded far beyond the Pacific, and I’m proud to say I sell the entire world. And what a breathtakingly vast world it is! Over the past 30 years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of its most magical corners – Samoa, Bali, Vietnam, Hawaii, Italy, and Switzerland are just a few of the places that have left footprints on my soul.

But this journey isn't just about me. It’s about you – your dreams, your adventures, your once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’m here to ignite your excitement, guide your decisions, and help piece together your perfect travel jigsaw. Whether you’re hopping over to Australia, meandering through the Scottish Highlands in a small group, or gliding past alpine peaks on a Swiss rail tour – I’ll be right beside you, making it all seamless.


There’s nothing quite like nabbing that dream tour, then weaving in the best flights, stopovers, and secret gems to create an itinerary that’s more than a trip – it’s an experience. Over the years, I’ve learned something simple but powerful: every place is unique, kindness connects us all, and life’s most precious souvenirs are the memories we make.


So let’s start building yours.


Angela


Lisa Crawford

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

Teri Campbell

Teri Campbell

House of Travel Greymouth

What truly sets me apart is that I believe in creating travel experiences as unique as you are. I take the time to understand your preferences, your dreams, and even those little quirks that make your ideal trip special. 

It’s not just about booking flights and hotels; it’s finding that hidden gem of a restaurant in Barcelona or securing the best view of the Pyramids in Egypt, I’m committed to delivering experiences that go beyond the ordinary. 

I also pride myself on being incredibly accessible and responsive. If a last-minute change or unexpected challenge arises, I’m just a phone call or message away, ready to jump in and ensure everything goes smoothly. 

My goal is to make every moment of your trip memorable, stress-free, and tailored just for you.

Teri
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