Sunshine Coast

All beach, no drama. The Sunshine Coast does exactly what it says on the tin. It's warm, relaxed and full of reasons to stay horizontal. From perfect surf beaches to hinterland hikes and market mornings, this is the kind of place where one day turns into three without much effort. 

Things to do on the Sunshine Coast include swimming at Mooloolaba, sunset watching at Noosa, and grazing your way through the Eumundi Markets with a fresh juice in one hand and something deep-fried in the other. Say hi to the locals at Australia Zoo, where wildlife gets the full Steve Irwin treatment, or head into the hills for a hike around the Glass House Mountains. 

If you've got a full day to spare, take a trip to Fraser Island (K'gari) for freshwater lakes, 4WD beach drives and rainforest that somehow grows out of sand. Back on the coast, settle in with a seafood platter, a local brew and a sea breeze that handles the rest. 

The Sunshine Coast is easy to get to and even easier to stay in holiday mode. Bring togs, pack light and don't be surprised if you start Googling real estate.