Direct flight services from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast are available on a seasonal basis. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is
Sunshine Coast
Signature Experiences Guide
Business Events Sunshine Coast, Visit Sunshine Coast +61 7 5458 8800
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businesseventssunshinecoast.com Front cover: Long table dinner by Beyond Experiences, Maleny Botanic Gardens
Discover our Sunshine Coast
Wonders of nature, beachside culture, fresh local food, immersive encounters and world-class events. The Sunshine Coast is one of the most vibrant regions in Australia; renowned for its natural environment, subtropical climate and friendly locals.
Barefoot Breakfast, Maroochy River
Location and access Air Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is centrally located just 10 minutes north of Maroochydore. Regular daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne, and three times weekly services from Adelaide, connect the Sunshine Coast to more than 55 Australian and international destinations. Direct flight services from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast are available on a seasonal basis.
Travel times Brisbane to Sunshine Coast
1 hr 10mins
Sydney (SYD) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
1 hr 30 mins
Melbourne (MEL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 2 hr 20 mins Adelaide (ADL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
2 hr 45 mins
Auckland (AKL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
3 hr 30 mins
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the international gateway to Queensland and is an easy one hour drive to the Sunshine Coast. Self drive For those coming from further afield, it is an easy one hour drive from Brisbane’s domestic and international airports before arriving at the Sunshine Coast’s Glass House Mountains. All major car rental companies have outlets at both the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast airports. Ground transport Regular bus shuttle services, group transfers, limousines and business class mini-coaches operate door-to-door between Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport seven days a week. Transport between Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast can also be accessed via rail to Beerwah, Landsborough or Nambour train stations.
Climate The Sunshine Coast enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year with a subtropical/temperate climate ideal for outdoor activities and events virtually all year long.
Darwin Cairns
QUEENSLAND
Alice Springs
SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT
Brisbane Gold Coast Perth
Adelaide
Sydney Canberra Auckland Melbourne Hobart
Rainbow Beach Tin Can Bay Gympie
SUNSHINE COAST
Mary Valley
Noosa Eumundi
Coolum Beach
Maroochydore Montville Mooloolaba Maleny Caloundra Glass House Mountains
Where to stay Whether it is five star luxury beachfront resorts and apartments, international standard hotels, luxury lodge escapes, eco-accredited accommodation, quaint bed and breakfasts, golf and spa resorts, a private island, houseboats, or camping and caravanning; the Sunshine Coast offers accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Average temperatures Summer (Dec - Feb) Low 17C / 63F
High 28C / 82F
Autumn (Mar - May) Low 13C / 55F
High 25C / 77F
Winter (Jun - Aug)
Low 7C / 45F
High 22C / 72F
Spring (Sept - Nov)
Low 13C / 55F
High 25C / 77F
Sunshine Coast signature experiences From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast region includes over 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. Enviably positioned, the region is tucked between Brisbane and Fraser Island and is a natural haven of specialty experiences just waiting to be explored. Kayak amongst dolphins, swim with rescued seals, ride a horse along the beach, try yoga poses on a stand up paddle board, or fly over the landscape in a seaplane or helicopter... the options are endless.
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, Rainbow Beach
Taste the Sunshine Coast A natural food bowl, the Sunshine Coast is becoming one of Australia’s favourite taste destinations. Paddock to plate has never been closer with farm gates, food and wine tours and farmers markets.
Belmondos Organic Market
The region has an appetising variety of producers, waterfront restaurants, wineries, breweries, food festivals and cooking schools.
Craft beer tasting, Brouhaha Brewery
The Tamarind Cooking School, Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Artisan cheese, Maleny Food Co
Mooloolaba is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Australia The wharf is a hive of daily activity - with trawlers bringing in fresh catches of fish, Mooloolaba prawns, lobsters and spanner crabs, all available for purchase at the local seafood shops.
Outdoor dining, Maleny Manor
Sunshine Coast pineapples
Only on the Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast is a country and coast natural utopia brimming with surprising, enchanting and delightful activities and world-class natural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else.
Fraser Island beach landing with Air Fraser
Journey along the Great Beach Drive, paddle through the Noosa Everglades, explore Fraser Island by private plane or four wheel drive vehicle and learn about the region’s quintessentially Aussie surf culture.
Walking the Coastal Trail, Sunshine Beach
Stand up paddle boarding on the Pumicestone Passage
Kayaking through the Noosa Everglades with Kanu Kapers
The best place to view the Glass House Mountains is from the beautiful lawns of Maleny Botanic Gardens, preferably accompanied by a picnic of local produce.
The Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach. Credit: Glen David Wilson
Get up close and personal The Sunshine Coast is full of authentic and immersive encounters!
Sunrise yoga, Mount Coolum
Noosa Red Tomatoes at Eumundi Markets
Experiences abound – swim with humpback whales, enjoy canapés with a camel, cuddle a koala, help conserve local wildlife. Learn to surf with a pro, salute the sun overlooking the ocean or meet local artisans at Australia’s largest open-air market.
Animal encounter at Australia Zoo
Fun at Aussie World
Swim alongside majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the Queensland coast between July and October. Swim with the whales by Sunreef Mooloolaba Credit: Migration Media
Camels & Canapés experience with Live it Tours
Relaxing massage, Noosa Main Beach
Experience nature’s ampitheatre
Corporate gala dinner on Noosa Main Beach by Tipi Luxe & First Class Functions. Credit: Skypix Aerial Photography
Almost every week of the year the Sunshine Coast hosts a major national or international event, ranging from major sporting events to cultural, food and business events. Compete, join in, learn, be entertained or simply soak up the atmosphere and discover why the Sunshine Coast’s natural ampitheatre is the perfect place to experience an event.
Mooloolaba Triathlon
Noosa Food & Wine
Caloundra Music Festival
Horizon Festival of Arts and Culture
Noosa Triathlon and Multi Sport Festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting over 10,000 competitors to the Sunshine Coast every November.
Velothon Sunshine Coast
March
Ocean Swim Festival Mooloolaba Mile Mooloolaba
January
Ginger Flower and Food Festival Ginger Factory, Yandina
Noosa Festival of Surfing Noosa Heads Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival Mooloolaba
Maleny Wood Expo Maleny
Queensland Triathlon Series R6, Caloundra
Big Pineapple Music Festival Woombye Noosa Ultimate Sports Festival Noosa Heads
August
Gympie Muster Amamoor State Forest 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon Maroochydore
July
Queensland Garden Expo Nambour
Wanderlust Sunshine Coast Twin Waters Caloundra Music Festival Caloundra Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival Caloundra
November
Sea N Sound Festival Mooloolaba
April
Grape Stomp, Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville
Noosa Food & Wine Noosa Heads
June
Ocean Swim Festival Noosa Heads
February
October
May
Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival Noosa Heads
September
Noosa Alive! Noosa area
Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival Maroochydore
Velothon Sunshine Coast Maroochydore
Tin Can Bay Seafood Tin Can Bay Horizon Festival of Arts and Culture Sunshine Coast Ironman 70.3 Mooloolaba
December Woodford Folk Festival Woodford
Clean, green and protected for future generations Living in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet comes with a certain responsibility, and the Sunshine Coast takes great care to protect its environment for today’s residents and for future generations. The region offers a range of nature and wildlife experiences, from the rocky outcrops of the iconic Glass House Mountains to the pristine waterways of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. The adjoining Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres are home to many rare and endangered species, while the nearby Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world, provides serene tranquility. Glass House Mountains view from Mt Ngungun. Credit: Jason Charles Hill
3 NIGHT INCENTIVE ITINERARY
A taste of sunshine Day 1 Take a walk on the wild side at Australia Zoo Experience an exclusive behind the scenes VIP tour of the Sunshine Coast’s premier attraction. Get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife, meet the animal handlers, hear the Wildlife Warriors conservation story and enjoy the best seats in the house at the famous Crocoseum show. Hinterland winemaker’s lunch Travel along the Blackall Range to the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland to discover the charming mountain villages of Maleny and Montville with sweeping views to the coast. Enjoy a winemaker’s lunch, amongst the vines whilst sampling the best of local produce and Queensland’s wine. Camels & Canapés For a true farm gate experience with a twist, take the opportunity to meet the resident camels of a local camel dairy. You will also meet the producer to hear their fascinating story, sample a delicious selection of canapés made from fresh camel milk and enjoy a glass of champagne watching the sunset over the stunning Glass House Mountains. Kayaking on the Pumicestone Passage
Beachside twilight market dinner Experience delicious local produce, cooked to order at food trucks and stalls garnered from some of the Sunshine Coast’s renowned markets at this exclusive market-style dinner. Soak in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of a beachside night market for a warm and colourful ‘Sunny Coast’ welcome. Overnight Caloundra, Mooloolaba or Twin Waters.
Day 2 Aussie Surf Culture experience For teambuilding with a twist, be immersed in iconic Aussie surf lifesaving culture with a behind the scenes experience at a local surf lifesaving club. Meet the volunteers, learn the history of Australia’s surf lifesaving legacy and participate in a range of beachfront team activities. Perhaps even be part of an exhilarating mock rescue!
Sunshine seafood spectacular No trip to a Sunshine Coast beach is complete without sampling the beautiful local seafood caught right from the coastal waters. Enjoy a beachside feast of Mooloolaba prawns, spanner crabs or reef fish, washed down with a local craft beer. Life on the river Explore one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden water ways - the Pumicestone Passage, Maroochy or Mooloolah River. Choose from a leisurely kayak, stand-up paddle board (SUP), jetski or cruise along one of the region’s tranquil rivers. Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School Experience destination dining at its best at local Yandina icon, the Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School. Start with an exclusive cooking demonstration entrée by one of their head chefs, followed by an extravagant banquet inspired by the vibrant flavours of South East Asia, all set in magical, candlelit tropical gardens. Overnight Caloundra, Mooloolaba or Twin Waters.
Day 3
Day 4
Salute the sun with nature Early risers will be rewarded with a sunrise yoga session on the beach. Relax afterwards with a refreshing cold-pressed juice or smoothie before a leisurely stroll to breakfast.
Long table farm lunch Feast on a specially designed menu showcasing local produce served at a long table ‘farm to fork’ lunch, set in the picturesque grounds of a working organic farm.
Free Ranging Chef bush food discovery Discover the secrets of native Australian bush foods with a local chef and bush food culinary expert. Be introduced to the intriguing world of bush tucker whilst exploring the renowned Eumundi Markets and some of the lesser known rural areas of the Sunshine Coast. During an interactive cooking demonstration, learn how to incorporate local ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.
Resort R n’ R Make the most of your enviable resort location: relax at the spa, enjoy a book, make use of the recreational facilities or enjoy some retail therapy. Advance Australia Fare dinner Choose from a sumptuous degustation at an historic rural homestead, showcasing true Australian country at its best, or all the fun of the fair at Aussie World, the Sunshine Coast’s only theme park where you can enjoy the park exclusively for an evening of great food, thrills and spills. Overnight Caloundra, Mooloolaba or Twin Waters.
Long table farm lunch by Beyond Experiences. Credit: Chevaune Hindley
Swim with humpback whales Between the months of July and October, the waters off Mooloolaba present a rare but special opportunity to swim with humpback whales. Expert dive and whale watching operator Sunreef Mooloolaba, offers this once in a lifetime experience enabling guests to get up close to these gentle giants. Beach BBQ Enjoy lunch like a local at a beachside park. Play some cricket or throw the frisbee in the sun, while the prawns, snags and hamburgers sizzle away.
4 NIGHT INCENTIVE ITINERARY
Live the Sunshine Coast dream Day 1 Noosa Hinterland paddock to plate trail Journey west into Noosa’s picturesque hinterland, a region renowned for its abundance of fresh, local and delectable produce. Visit farm gates to unearth local food and interact first hand with the farmers. Hosted by a renowned Sunshine Coast foodie, the trail delivers a genuine and authentic farm experience.
Sublime Beach welcome dinner You will not find Sublime Beach on any map. It’s not a location - it’s a ticket to a one of a kind dining experience. Drink in cocktails and the sunset as you feast on prime Queensland produce in a natural amphitheatre with the sand between your toes, twinkling lights overhead and the soothing sound of waves breaking on the beach.
Long lunch in the macadamia groves A spectacular long table lunch is served amongst the groves of a private macadamia estate. Prepared by a local chef passionate about creativity and real local food, the hero will of course be the delicious macadamia nut. Wine tastings will also be included to complete this unique Sunshine Coast food and wine experience.
Overnight Noosa.
Noosa chill - spa, explore, café life Explore Hastings Street, Noosa National Park and riverside Noosaville with a local guide for those only-a-local-would know recommendations. Or choose to relax in one of Noosa’s indulgent spas.
Day 2 The best of the Great Beach Drive Today is a ‘road trip’ like no other along the Great Beach Drive in a convoy of four wheel drive vehicles. En route, kayak with the dolphins at Double Island Point or take a relaxing horse ride along pristine Rainbow Beach, one of the region’s best kept secrets.
Great Beach Lunch A surprise location, nestled off this stunning coastline, will provide the stunning outdoor venue for lunch. Fresh seafood platters, a typical Aussie barbecue or white table cloths and silver service, the choice is yours. Up and away Take time to explore the coloured sands and striking Carlo Sand Blow at Rainbow Beach before being whisked by helicopter to World Heritagelisted Fraser Island. Land directly at eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort, the perfect base for exploring this pristine island. Edible garden experience at Kingfisher Bay Resort Be prepared for a dining experience like never before. The talented chefs of Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort will build an edible garden on the table before your eyes. A garden which not only contains numerous local and indigenous ingredients but also tells the story of the island and its people. Overnight Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island.
Sublime Beach dinner by Queensland Signature Events
Day 4 Day 3 Fraser Island discovery Join a local ranger on a guided discovery of the world’s largest sand island. Expect pristine wilderness, off-road four wheel driving, abundant wildlife, wide sweeping beach vistas and maybe a whale sighting! Wonders of Fraser picnic lunch Choose from a selection of secluded natural locations for a delectable picnic lunch. Naturally refreshing Lake McKenzie Explore the jewel in the Fraser Island crown, the crystal clear Lake McKenzie. Surrounded by pure white silica sand, this perched lake is perfect for a refreshing afternoon swim.
Sunshine Coast by private plane Take off directly from the sand by private plane to experience one of the most amazing scenic journeys in the world. Witness from the air white sandy beaches, the iconic coloured sands, crystal blue pristine waters abundant with sea life and majestic Mount Coolum before landing at Sunshine Coast Airport. A taste of Sunshine Coast history Travel by Kombi convoy to an historic rural homestead, nestled between the coast and the hinterland. The venue is true Australian country at its best and is renowned for farm-fresh, produce driven menus. Cruise, cocktails and canapes Cruise the Noosa River at sunset on a stylish river boat, with on-board entertainment, cocktails and canapés. The perfect way to relax before dinner.
Flames of Fraser Enjoy a glowing over-water sunset from the Jetty Hut bar with a cool drink in hand before being guided to a private candlelit clearing for the Flames of Fraser dining experience, complete with roaring campfires and storyteller.
Hastings Street on a plate Soak up the relaxing vibes of Noosa’s Hastings Street at one of the many world-class restaurants and bars. Guests will be spoiled for choice with myriad cuisines and dining styles within walking distance from many of Noosa’s hotels.
Overnight Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island.
Overnight Noosa.
Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island
Day 5 Sunshine Coast tipi surf village World famous for its beach and surf culture, indulge in your own exclusive beach surf village, stylishly designed with Noosa-chic coastal furnishing under a giant tipi. A variety of beach activities will be available for guests to enjoy including surfing, stand up paddle boarding lessons and jet boating, complemented by a chill-out zone with massage stations. BBQ beach feast As morning moves into lunch, refreshing mocktails will be served along with a beachside feast, showcasing fresh local seafood and produce.
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