The Sunshine Coast, located in Queensland, is a stunning coastal region known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant communities, and laid-back lifestyle. It offers an idyllic setting for those seeking a balanced life, combining natural beauty with modern amenities. Here are ten compelling reasons to consider making the Sunshine Coast your home.
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Where Is the Sunshine Coast Located?
The Sunshine Coast is located in the state of Queensland, on the east coast of Australia, approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of Brisbane, the state’s capital. It stretches along the Coral Sea from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, and inland to the scenic Blackall Ranges and Glass House Mountains.
This coastal region is easily accessible via:
- Bruce Highway (M1) – the main motorway connecting Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast
- Sunshine Coast Airport – located in Marcoola, offering domestic flights and limited international routes
- TransLink buses and trains – including the North Coast railway line to Nambour and Landsborough
Its strategic location combines urban convenience, beachfront living, and proximity to nature, making it one of the most desirable regions to live or travel in Australia.
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Beautiful Beaches & Hinterland
Opposite to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is a real paradise for people looking for calm and serenity. Living there gives a feeling of eternal holidays. Locals are chilled and nice.
This part of the Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. From the iconic Noosa Main Beach with its pristine sands and clear waters to the quieter, more secluded spots like Sunshine Beach and Coolum Beach, there is a stretch of coastline for everyone. From the clear waters of Noosa Main Beach and Sunshine Beach to serene hinterland escapes like Maleny and Mapleton, you get a mix of coastal and forest life.
Amazing Subtropical Climate & Outdoor Lifestyle
True to its name, the Sunshine Coast enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, sunny weather most of the year. Mild winters and hot summers make it an ideal location for outdoor activities and a healthy, active lifestyle. The consistent weather allows residents to enjoy the beach, outdoor sports, and nature all year round.
It is never cold on the Sunshine Coast. Australian will say “Be careful, winter is freezing” or again “It is winter, of course you can’t go for a swim”. But in fact, day time temperature is unlikely under 20°C and a blue sky is almost always there.
Summer is hot, sometimes really hot. The tropical climate of Queensland makes temperatures go up to 35°C in summer and days often end with a storm. Sunshine Coast has also the advantage to be spared by hail and cyclones (most of the time).
Various landscapes
Sunshine Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, which offer opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Noosa Heads Beach is particularly popular and offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. But you can also take a dip into waterfall or even climb a mountain.
The Sunshine Coast is also surrounded by national parks, nature reserves, and rainforests. This means that residents can enjoy hiking, bird watching, camping, and other outdoor activities in spectacular landscapes.
The Glasshouse Mountains are situated south of the coast and have some incredible views to admire the sunset. Inland, the little town of Montville offers a particular and unique atmosphere. Its little shops all more original than others and the views from the restaurants’ terraces are a must see on the Coast.
A dynamic local life
Sunshine Coast hosts numerous events all year round. Festivals, concerts and any other kind of events are often set up. Also many markets take place every week, during the day and sometimes at night (Ex: Eumundi Markets). There are numerous local markets, community events, and festivals that foster a strong sense of community and provide opportunities to connect with others.
Sunshine coast offers many cafés, bars and restaurants of all kinds and for all budgets. Going out is often cheaper than in big cities but customer service and quality of choice stay excellent.
Maroochydore’s Sunshine Plaza boasts 345 stores including major retailers, cinema, and dining options. It’s the region’s biggest shopping hub.
Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Noosa or Caloundra are the places to go to if you want to have a bit of a party. You will find many restaurants, bars and night clubs.
A perfect place to have a family
Between city and countryside, the Sunshine Coast is a perfect place to have your family. The area is calm and feels secure. The crime rate is extremely low. Locals, with a strong community spirit, follow the law and watch their neighbourhood.
The diversity of landscapes is also a great bonus for families. It is possible to spend the day at the beach as well as in the forest. Many parks allow you to enjoy the sun around a BBQ or kids playgrounds. Top-quality primary and secondary schools abound, plus the University of the Sunshine Coast at Sippy Downs and TAFE campuses scattered across the region.
The Sunshine Coast is a warm and welcoming region, with a strong community of local residents. The people are generally friendly and have a relaxed attitude, making it an ideal place to make new friends and feel at home.
Finally, the beach is really secure. There are no crocodiles, deadly jellyfish and not many sharks. Going for a swim in Sunshine Coast is at low risks. There is sometimes an alert but there was never a shark attack in the area.
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Strong Local Economy & Innovation Growth
The Sunshine Coast has a growing economy with opportunities across various sectors. Tourism, healthcare, education, and construction are significant industries in the region. The Sunshine Coast Airport’s recent expansion has also boosted business and travel opportunities. Healthcare, education, retail, tourism, and food services account for around 30% of employment. The University of Sunshine Coast is fostering startups via its Innovation Centre and Sippy Downs Knowledge Hub.
Plenty of surfing spots
Sunshine Coast is full of surfing spots. From sunrise to sunset, the coastal line is full of surfers of any age. Beginners and professionals find their happiness; there are waves for all levels! Noosa had got a few easy spots, perfect for beginners whereas Maroochydore has got bigger waves. Of course, in surf everything is about weather. It is your job to get out there and look for the ideal wave.
The fauna
The region is full of wildlife. Lizards, koalas, whales, kangaroos or the famous bush turkey, you won’t miss out on meeting some animals. Open your eyes and keep an eye on the side of the road, you might get lucky and see some wild horses or kangaroos. In winter, whales travel along the coast, you will see them jumping and playing with their newborn, sometimes extremely close from the shore.
Affordability Compared to Major Cities
Although housing costs have risen sharply (median house price now over AU $1.14 million, up 76% over five years), suburbs like Nambour ($783K median) still offer relative affordability and potential for growth.
The Sunshine Coast offers a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront apartment, a family home in the suburbs, or a rural retreat in the hinterland, there are plenty of choices. The property market is diverse, with opportunities for investment and growth.
Excellent Transport & Infrastructure Investment
A light rail system between Kawana and Caloundra is planned, and a tram/bus rapid-transit line dubbed “The Wave” is set to launch to Maroochydore and the airport. Sunshine Coast Council+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
The Council’s 2025‑26 budget includes $343 million for coastal infrastructure and beach protection, and $262 million on roads, parks, libraries and trails.
Cost of Living Snapshot
According to mid-2025 data:
- Average net salary: ~AUD 4,960/month
- Typical cost of living (including rent) for one person: ~AUD 1,710/month
- Key costs: rent & utilities (~1,009 AUD), food (~510 AUD), transport (~64 AUD)
For more information about the Sunshine Coast check out our article What to do on the Sunshine Coast.
