We recently got home from a journey to the southern hemisphere for the all joys of the salty sea, an unforgiving sun, and barefoot life. Hellooo, Sunshine Coast!
My knowledge of Oz is quite extensive now, and after visiting many times throughout different stages of life, I have a full list of must-do’s. This February, we flew directly from the U.S. to Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia and capital of Queensland. The Sunshine Coast is the stunning region that stretches from Caloundra (near Brisbane) and north to the Great Sandy National Park (just north of Noosa). Alex’s family lives here so we spent the majority of our time exploring Noosa and Coolum Beach.
Little Rock to SFO, SFO to Brisbane… it’s time to head south! United Airlines is flying more routes between the US and Australia than any other US carrier. After arriving in Brisbane, we drove 1.5 hours north to the Sunshine Coast. Looking back, I wish we had known of the airport in Marcoola (MCY) which would have saved us the rental car chaos (IYKYK) and time on the road. Next time we connect within Australia, I will be booking flights to MCY.
Pssst..Brisbane is a perfect connection point for anyone wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef or Whitsundays.
Brooke was my very first travel blogger to follow way back around 2014, and everything she touches turns to gold. Travel blogger turned bakery owner, Brooki Bakehouse is a must visit when in Brisbane. Her daily Tiktoks are having people all over the world order her cookies, and she now ships to the United States!
Open everyday from 9am-5pm, this is the perfect first stop in Australia. Lone Pine is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Day passes start at $39 for ages 3-13 and $54 for adults. You can even add on one of their many wildlife encounter experiences.
Coolum Beach is about an hour north of Brisbane in the beautiful Coolum National Park. We spent the day hiking Mount Coolum and my GOSH this 208 meter climb is not for the faint of heart. It takes about 45 spicy minutes to reach the peak and then it is all worth it – look at that view!
We have loved finding parks around the world for Nora to play. Tickle Park is a great spot for burning some afternoon energy! It’s beachfront property and offers barbecues, a playground, and wide open space to run around. Yum Gelato for a treat afterwards makes for a dreamy combo.
Amore Pizza is sooo good, and I would say it is the best restaurant in town. This is the perfect spot after a long hike, an afternoon in Tickle Park, or a beach day. Order any of their Italian wood fired pizzas and you will thank me later!
Located just 1 hour north of Brisbane is the home of the Crocodile Hunter! Steve Irwin’s legacy lives on in the most wonderful way – the Irwin family has created the best wildlife conservation facility in the world. Adult admission starts at $70 and child admission (3-14yrs) starts at $45. They offer countless additional wildlife encounters and the can’t miss Conservation Shows. Australia Zoo‘s Wildlife Warriors Show is my personal favorite!
As the biggest artisan market in Australia, Eumundi does not disappoint. We spent the whole afternoon eating and shopping in the countless stalls ranging everywhere from hand crafted pottery to delicious coffees and baked goods. Saturdays (7am-2pm) and Wednesdays (8am-2pm) are a must as they are the only Market Days.
Noosa Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen! The fabulous shopping, the dreamy sunsets, the surfing – Noosa is the perfect coastal town. We spent a week here with Alex’s family this last trip and what a dream it is. We had such precious time with the Kav Clan as we celebrated Nora’s 3rd birthday on the Sunshine Coast.
Just behind the main beachfront in Noosa is the best shopping street around. Combining beachy vibes and city bustle, Hastings Street has it all! From lux shopping to relaxed coffee shops and cafes, we had the best day wandering the boardwalk. Seed Heritage and Kivari are two of my favorites!
Noosa is a well known surf town with gentle waves ideal for beginners. Be one with the locals and take a surfing lesson along Noosa Main Beach! There are local surfing school along the main beachfront and each one will offer lessons and instructions.
The perfect way to end a beach day – dinner and a fabulous sunset! They say they offer the best seat on the beach and this I can confirm – we saw the most beautiful beach sunset here and I am dying to go back already.
If you are headed South to Sydney, check out my blog on Manly Beach.
Cheers, mate!
