Owning a piece of real estate on the Sunshine Coast is on many wish listsand it’s easy to see why. Just two hours’ drive and 140km north of Brisbane, this slice of paradise has been described by The New York Times as the place that appreciates nature and the good life. Whether you want to cruise around the canals and peek into multi-million-dollarhomes, or explore the surrounding hinterland –you’ll need an idea of where to go and how to get there.
Retail therapy
Located in the heart of Noosa Heads on Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junctionis Noosa’s most central business, retail and dining precinct and is easy to get to:
- Three-minute drive or a 10-minute walk over the hill from Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
- Ten-minute drive from Tewantin or Peregian Beach
- Twenty minutes from the Bruce Highway.
Beaches and wildlife
An under-ten-minute drive from the southern edge of Noosa Heads is Sunshine Beach. Across the road from the beach, set on a hill overlooking the ocean, is the Sunshine Beach Surf Club. From the beach, whales and dolphins can often be spotted frolicking in the ocean. Sunshine Beach also offers access to the southern side Noosa National Park and its secluded Alexandria Bay (where clothes are optional).
Market fair
Just 20 minutes from Noosa Headsare, the locals reckon, the biggest and best arts, craft and produce markets in Australia. The Eumundimarkets are held every Wednesday and Saturday. You’ll find world-class musicians, talented street performers, face painters, alternative therapists offering massages, palm readings and more.On the way, stop at the Eumundi Bi-centennial Lookout, located just off Duke Road in Noosa Valley for panoramic views to the coast and inland.
Country escape
For picturesque rural landscapes, travel via Tewantin to Cooroy and visit the Cooroy Butter factory, home of local arts and crafts.Then go to Pomona, famous for the annual King of the Mountain event. After checking out the famous ‘hill’, travel to Kin Kin and look through the historic Kin Kin Pub.Beyond Kin Kin is Cooran with a breathtaking lookout at the top of the mountain. On the return trip to Noosa, stop for a long lunch at Boreen Point and Lake Cootharaba, home of many sailing championships. For old English charm and spectacular views, venture south-west to the Blackall Ranges.Only 40 minutes’ drive from Noosa are the quainttownships of Mapleton, Flaxton, Montville and Maleny. As you wind your way through the ranges, take your time to admire the natural splendor of the waterfalls and rainforests.
Off the beaten track
Rainbow Beach is the northern most point of the Sunshine Coast and is the southern gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Beaches in this region offer excellent 4-wheel driving opportunities as well as surf fishing. Check that your car insurance covers you if you plan to use the off road tracks. Please note that roads may be closed at times due to community events, road works, flooding or other natural disasters such as bushfires, trees or power lines over roads or landslips. Before you leave, checkout the Sunshine Coast Council website for current conditions.
