Sunshine Coast and Hinterland
As its name implies, the major attraction here is the sunshine and enjoying it on the region’s 100 kilometres of beautiful surf beaches. The Coast begins at Caloundra, just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. It also takes in tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. Like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast has a very attractive hinterland that makes for a perfect escape from the commercialisation and high rise development of the coastal strip. This subtropical region is dominated by the Blackall Range where Montville, Maleny and the other villages perch on or behind the escarpment and feature wineries, art galleries and boutique shops. These towns are set against a scenic backdrop of the mountains, parks, rainforests and waterfalls. A day’s drive (or more if time permits) through the Blackall Range to these picturesque places is a must for visitors to the Sunshine Coast.
