Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and less than an hour away from Brisbane, the small town of Maroochydore is home to 65,000 residents... and nearly as many tourists from Australia and around the world who flock to this highly sought-after destination! This beachside resort is beloved year-round for its permanent mild climate and long white sandy beaches. The lively town of Sunshine Coast is brimming with restaurants, cafes, and a variety of shops, and it is also home to the largest shopping center in the region: the Sunshine Plaza. Ideally situated on the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Maroochy River, Maroochydore offers students countless activities, including hikes in the breathtaking Glasshouse Mountains, a wide range of water sports, and opportunities to encounter marsupials and cetaceans. During your language stay in this region of Australia, don't miss the chance to explore the many small coastal islands, some of which remain completely untouched, for an exceptional and unforgettable weekend excursion.
287,000 inhabitants
Ocean, Forests, Mountains
24 hours from Geneva
The Sunshine Coast, or "côte ensoleillée" in French, is a territory in Australia, stretching along the Pacific Ocean coastline for 65 kilometers. This region is located on the eastern side of Australia, specifically southeast of the Queensland region and about a hundred kilometers north of Brisbane, the state capital. The territory extends from Bribie Island to Noosa Head. The environment combines golden beaches, forested hinterland, and the peaks of the Glass House Mountains. The humid subtropical climate is influenced by warm ocean waters, with average temperatures reaching 22°C, and abundant sunshine throughout the year.
The Sunshine Coast, like the rest of the Queensland state, was inhabited by Aboriginal people. European colonization in the 19th century began in Redcliffe, south of the Sunshine Coast, in 1824. The Australian Federation, established in 1901, incorporated the state of Queensland. The growth of tourism started in the 1960s and 1970s. While the neighboring Gold Coast was considered too flashy, the Sunshine Coast attracted a more laid-back population who discovered magnificent beaches and a high quality of life. Since 2008, the Sunshine Coast has been a local government area with Caloundra as its main city.
The Sunshine Coast is abundant in natural treasures, including beaches like Sunrise Beach and Mooloolaba Spit. Surfers flock to Moffat Beach for its renowned surf spot, while others indulge in sailing, scuba diving, or deep-sea fishing. The forests and nature reserves are perfect for hiking adventures, such as Conondale National Park, Parklands Reserve Forest, and Bribie Island National Park. The charming beachside towns provide all the amenities you need, including restaurants, shops, and parks. From Mooloolaba's whales to Twin Waters' turtles and the breathtaking waterfalls of Glass House Mountains, this region offers unique and unforgettable experiences.
To reach Sunshine Coast, you first need to travel to the capital of Queensland, Brisbane, which has an international airport located approximately a hundred kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or train to Bribie Island and then Caloundra, as well as for getting around different sites in the region. The cost of living in Australia is generally high. Shopping in Sunshine Coast focuses on artisanal products, particularly at the weekly markets such as Eumundi Markets, Cotton Tree Market, and Peregian Beach Market.
Sunshine Coast Tourism Office:
Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd
Airport House, 10 Electra Lane, Marcoola, 4564
Phone: 1300 847 481
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