The Sunshine Coast in the state of Queensland, Australia, begins at Caloundra – just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to Fraser Island.

It takes in tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. The region is most famous for taking in more than 100 kilometres of beaches stretching through the coastal towns of Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

A clear favouare for the Queensland locals over it’s more southern beach resort rival of the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast retains a more relaxed, holiday feel than the toursit and light filled Gold Coast.

Sunshine Coast Attractions

Glass House Mountains

The first European to see the remarkable Glass House Mountains was Captain James Cook who named the mountains after seeing them from his ship the Endeavour. Many of the towns and suburbs around the area (such as Beerwah and Beerburrum) pay tribute to the local Aboriginal legends who created the mountains in the ‘dreamtime’.

Australia Zoo

Amongst the Glasshouse Mountains is Zoo, Steve Irwin’s famous wildlife park. Unfortunately Steve past away tragically in 2006 which made worldwide news, but his family continues to uphold his amazing legacy.

It is a full day experience to visit Australia Zoo which, unfortunately, most Contiki Tours passing through the region don’t have time for.