Exploring the Sunshine Coast of Australia

The Sunshine Coast is located about an hour north of Brisbane in the tropical state of Queensland. There is plenty of Sunshine Coast accommodation that is available to meet all the range of budgets and you can find everything from simple backpacker's hostels to five store resorts.

Both the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the south of Brisbane are two of the top vacation spots in Australia, but their vibe is totally different. The Gold Coast has a lot of razzle dazzle with casinos and clubs and the Sunshine Coast's forte is the stunning natural beauty and a more relaxed and family centered feel.

There is plenty to do on the Sunshine Coast from lazing on the white sandy beaches and swimming or surfing in the azure waters to bushwalking along trails to bathe in fresh, natural waterfalls in the hinterland. You will come away from your Sunshine Coast vacation relaxed and with an appreciation for the rich natural landscape there.

One of the key attractions on the Sunshine Coast that is known internationally is Australia Zoo. This is'the crocodile hunter's zoo and you can often see Terri and Bindi Irwin around the place as well as get the opportunity to meet some of Australia's exotic native animals. There are plenty of crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, Tasmanian devils and so on that are resident there as well as some international residents like the endangered Asian elephants.

Further north of the zoo is Noosa, which is also well known internationally for its exceptionally beautiful beaches, river and rainforest. Noosa Main Beach is very protected and safe place for people of any age to go swimming. Right nearby is Noosa National Park, where you can often see wild koalas in the gum trees and enjoy a relaxing bush walk through coastal rainforest and past little beaches that have very few people on them.

Another very popular spot is Mooloolaba. This open beach is beautiful and has fantastic beach front park and barbecue facilities to enjoy. There are also many alfresco cafes and restaurants as well as some great shopping to be had in the area. A more quiet, but very charming area is Cotton Tree just a little down the road. This little hamlet is nestled into the pocket between Maroochydore Beach and the Maroochy River. You can enjoy scrumptious food at the cafes, take in some shopping and swim at the beach or river.

Behind Maroochydore on the coast is Buderim a ten minute drive up the hill. Here you will find the Buderim Waterfalls park, which has an easy, but beautiful hiking track through dense rainforest. It passes various waterfalls and cascades where you can bathe in freshwater.

While staying at Sunshine Coast you should also visit the hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. There are plenty of quaint shops in Montville and the area is also famous for its produce particularly cheese. The hinterland also has several waterfalls such as Gardener's Falls, which are great for swimming in.