If you’ve been up and down that side at all, you know what to expect. Found in Queensland, this invitingly pleasant part of Australia often attracts a sizable amount of backpackers. The Noosa Hinterland and Eumundi are good places to explore if you like to find out about local history and culture. Save the world, one backpack at a time. Here’s a deliciously informative travel guide for the Sunshine Coast covering all the best places to stay – and all the best places to go – in the region. But, there’s no cheaper accommodation in the Sunshine Coast than just pitching a tent somewhere (hidden) on the beach. There are plenty of nice beaches for swimming and surfing. A grungier, slightly frayed-at-the-edges style. The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 180 km hut-to-hut hike on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. The beautiful coasts that hold the name of this city are … Lucky for you, I picked some of the best places to stay from the Sunshine’s Coast’s hostels for backpackers. The aptly named Sunshine Coast Trail runs 180 km along British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast – from Sarah’s Point in the north to Saltery Bay at the southern end. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. On your bike! Endless white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, chilling out in the sun and other water activities. The Sunshine Coast Trail is an incredible 180km hut-to-hut hiking route in south-west British Columbia, Canada. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. Honestly, you’ll find good grub anywhere around the Sunshine Coast but if it’s cheap places to eat on the Sunshine Coast you’re after, that’s what I’m all about: Ok, so the nightlife may not be as full-power party as the other previously mentioned east coast classics, but the nightlife in the Sunshine Coast is still dope. Nestled into the south-western section of British Columbia, the Sunshine Coast is a hidden gem offering a little bit of paradise from the hustle and bustle of the city. All the same, here are some tips to keep you backpacking the Sunshine Coast in style. Book your transport on 12Go now and guarantee your seat easily. I am going to tell you to wake up at sunrise though… suck it, nerd! Located at the southern end of the coast, Caloundra is better known as a family holiday destination. Close, Backpacking Sunshine Coast Travel Guide (2020) • EXPERT BUDGET TIPS, https://www.instagram.com/themanwiththetinyguitar/. If you are looking for a more chilled out experience take a canoe, kayak or river cruise up the Noosa River, which extends through a series of lakes up to the stunning and pristine Noosa Everglades. Your Sunshine Coast trip expenses are going towards: I mean, one way or another, you’re still looking at Australia prices and Australia prices are pretty icky. Kondalilla Falls. Let’s call it the Gold Coast’s little brother: he still likes to party and surf but sometimes he gets into introverted headspaces and likes to stay home and sew. Ziggy has minor fame status throughout Asia for his incessant ukulele playing. To keep the ads off the site, we need your help. They may not have free breakfast, but they do have a kitchen and the supermarket is right around the corner so there’s no excuse not to be making lunch boxes of bulk curry! Corner of Sixth Avenue If you are in the area, some of the main nearby attractions include Australia Zoo, Ettamogah Pub and Aussie World, the Big Kart Track and the Queensland Air Museum. Located within the Kondalilla National Park, you’ll find a breathtaking waterfall that … You’ll get rides no sweat but there’s the off-chance the cops will try to stop you. A man who appreciates the simple things in life: free food from trash cans, nights out under the stars, and befriending street animals. The main airport thoroughfare for the region is the aptly titled Sunshine Coast Airport. The Maroochy River is good for other water sports such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating and around the river mouth is very popular for kite-surfing.
. The drive from Maleny to Mapleton, through Montville and Flaxton, is one of the most scenic on the Sunshine Coast. Open every Wednesday and Saturday, there are over 350 stalls selling everything from local produce, crafts, arts, fashion and so much more. Distance: 7.7km one-way. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! About an hours walk through Noosa National Park is Alexandria Bay with its secluded east-facing beach (do you get it now?) EWEN MADDOCK DAM MAIN TRACK. The wide, easy paths wind through the forest and horse-riders, … Waves, sunshine, and soft sand or hammock to lie on. Head to the Eumundi Markets with over 350 stalls to choose from. Copyright © 2002 - 2014 Backpack Around Australia Feel free to stop for a bite to eat because you really can’t go wrong anywhere along the Mooloolaba Esplanade or in Maroochydore. Yeah, so it may be Asian street food at Aussie prices but they’re good Aussie prices! There’s shopping in Noosa, restaurants, and lots of time to kick it at the beach. If you’re travelling through the Sunshine Coast or staying in a different town, then make modifications as appropriate. https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/backpacking-sunshine-coast-travel-guide At the rate you’re going, you’ll have a whole army of Australian fauna following you soon. The 20 million year old Glass House Mountains are 16 spectacular volcanic plugs that emerge dramatically from the lush green surrounds. There are lots of free things to do on the Sunshine Coast while backpacking through cheaply on your no-frills Australian travel budget! This means it will be public transport to your destination for about 2 to 2.5 hours so leave early! You’ll find a whole variety in cuisines. Overall, backpacking in the Sunshine Coast is pretty chill. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. The Sunshine Coast experience is geared more as a family holiday destination so getting king-hit at 2 A.M. is the rarity. Hiking the Sunshine Coast Enjoy one of many naturalist hikes on the Sunshine Coast, including the legendary Skookumchuck Rapid or the arbutus forest of Smugglers Cove Provincial Park. If you’re looking for recommendations on choice spots to drink and socialise… sorry, I can’t really help you there. Find jobs in Sunshine Coast, QLD. Maybe, it’s finally time to learn how to surf? I wouldn’t stress it too much; chances are, wherever you go will be lollipops and rainbows. A good source for backpacker jobs is the titularly named Backpacker Jobs Board but Gumtree or Google searches will find you something too. I’ll detail both and you can figure it out: I trust you. Over the Easter long weekend I spent three days backpacking a section of the Sunshine Coast Trail with a group of friends. An eighty-metre ocean tunnel with eight different species of sharks awaits. The region also includes the lush hinterland areas of the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. The Sunshine Coast is a hot tourist spot area which means keep your eyes peeled for petty theft. Visit Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter! You’ve got heaps of places to stay in the Sunshine’s Coast but the choices for budget accommodation is more limited than other comparable Australian east coast tourist spots. You’re right by the bustle of Noosa Heads so shops and food are never far. The best way there is by a couple of buses which will leave you right at Australia Zoo’s entrance near Beerwah where you can spend the day seeing… well… crocodiles. Trailhead: Carpark … Like everywhere else on the coast, there are great beaches for surfing and swimming. If you after a bit more adventure, you could go bushwalking in Mapleton National Park where you find the spectacular Mapleton Falls, or take one of the walking trails through the lush rainforests of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. But you know how I feel about free things. Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle. You have so many options for markets in the Sunshine Coast area: produce markets, craft markets, flea markets, twilight markets, night markets. Between the buses and trains, you’ll be able to get to pretty much any town in the area. If you want to visit some charming and quaint little towns and villages with great cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops, head to the Blackall Range. Just don’t miss out on seeing all the other awesome attractions during your Sunshine Coast trip. Na, I didn’t think so. The Appleton Canyon trail is one small section of the Sunshine Coast Trail that runs along the community of Powell River, BC. Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. Jol ted into action by the disappearing old-growth forests of the Upper Sunshine Coast, Eagle Walz and his merry band… Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment. That’s fair, beds and showers are a hard thing to walk away from. Technically, in Australia, the law states that flagging a ride from any ‘road-related area’ is illegal. I don’t really see the draw of jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft. Willingdon Beach Trail. Backpacking the Sunshine Coast Trail: Sarah Point to Powell River. I just really hate humidity – it’s the worst! Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code BACKPKR). When you’re ready to travel to the Sunshine Coast, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! So what about the nitty-gritty? There’s plenty of shopping on the Sunshine Coast; you’ll find yourself a cool shop, no sweat. It’s worth stopping there if you’re doing the journey north-to-south (or vice versa) along the east coast. They’re kinda stunningly beautiful. And if you get stuck in a rip, tread water to conserve energy, let the current take you, and then swim into shore when it’s passed. For every Active Roots water bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an awesome initiative aimed at educating people on the risk of single-use plastic and helping to clean up our oceans. Melrose Parade, © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. Continuing our foray into making friends with all the Sunshine Coast’s local wildlife, check out the Sea Life Aquarium in Maroochydore. Hike Australia offers a range of hiking and bushwalking services across Queensland including; - Single or part day hikes - Scheduled multi day … Second-hand shops are the best kind of shops and a great thing to do in Maroochydore! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online. Well, I’ve told you all the fun stuff: things to do on the Sunshine Coast and all the best places to stay. Probably one of the easiest hikes on the Sunshine Coast, Eumundi Regional Park is a safe, accessible space with plenty of shared-use areas. Your visit to the Sunshine Coast resembles much of the experience of backpacking the East Coast of Australia, albeit, (marginally) cheaper than places like Byron Bay. Right, so, I mean… at this point, we both already know that you’re going to the beach. There is the esplanade, which is full of great cafes, restaurants, shops and luxury resorts. You’d be better off catching the local bus service from the airport to anywhere else for a fraction of the price. In the warm sunshine. Let Hike Australia do the planning and organising. Tuesday nights you get $5 wings and $5 beers. You will find some nice little country towns with traditional Aussie pubs and great cafes. Powell River. It only takes 2 minutes! It’s got good surf and good solace. They’re also located right by Noosa Beach so it’s a primo location. I’m not saying don’t do that; it’s the best! Here you can discover long beaches backed by high sand dunes, wildflower heaths, freshwater lakes, woodlands, forests and plenty of wildlife. No more annoying distractions. Endless white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, chilling out in the sun and other water activities. It really is like all the best parts of the Gold Coast but without any of the yukkiness that that place draws in. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! First up, you have the buses and these get the job done. Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those costs down so you have more money saved for fish and chips at the beach! So, what are ya waiting for then? Wherever you plant yourself, plan to make some day trips around the Sunshine Coast to avoid missing out on all the prettiness: Pssssst! Backpacking the Sunshine Coast: 3-Day Itinerary, Backpacking Sunshine Coast Tips and Travel Guide, Final Thoughts on Backpacking the Sunshine Coast. Mooloolaba is one of the more vibrant areas on the coast. You can explore these mountains by taking a scenic drive around them, stopping off at one of the many lookouts, or taking a bushwalk to get up closer. But, it’s worth it for the better weather. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You can find booze, you can find things more fun than booze, and, most importantly, you’ll find good tunes. Our favourite travel backpack is the Osprey Aether (comes in 55 – 85 litre sizes). This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Queensland … In that case, you’ll probably be checking out the hostels. You may choose to do the whole 180 kilometres, one of several … Right, this is the part I’m really excited to talk about because, honestly, coastal resort towns don’t really do it for me. I just think if humans were meant to free-fall through the sky at terminal velocity, we would have naturally evolved organic parachutes/wingsuits. Once you’re back in Noosa, find yourself a bite to eat because it’s breakfast time! After your big day is over (I hope you didn’t cram both in, you maniac) you’re presumably tired and hungry. Between your bloodthirsty army of Australian native animals and your freshly raised crew of jet ski pirate-warriors, you are unstoppable! Maroochydore, Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city? The Sunshine Coast begins at Caloundra in the South and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island in the north. Good place to learn to surf at one of the many surf … So yeah, of course they have some crocs there. Take it seriously. There's … Of Steve Motherfucking Irwin fame! Half-price pizzas… boom! Heading into the national park offers lots more choices for beaches in Noosa with more advanced surfing. Head to Noosa Heads for great cafes, restaurants and bars. Starting off with the Aussie-Middle-Eastern kebab because it’s an important cultural tradition. Go canoeing and kayaking through the many waterways and lakes. Take a skydive over the coast and land on the beach. In these seasons, outside of Spring, you’ll find lower prices which is certainly a strong benefit. Check out SolBar – one of the Coast’s longtime mainstays – for some seriously good live music with a mixed vibe of different peeps. Camping in the Sunshine Coast is a totally viable option though, admittedly, a bit shit if you’re there in the hot, humid summer rains. As part of the BC … It sounds gross. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. More information. Granted, this is peak season so you’ll be battling crowds of kids, family holidayers, and other tourists. A nice way to explore the area is to take the walk from Cotton Tree to Alexandra Headland and along the way you will see some stunning ocean views. That wouldn’t be so bad, would it? There is some real magic tucked away in the Sunshine Coast’s national parks and hinterland. Other than while in Malaspina Provincial Park (at the Sarah Point side of the trail) and Inland … Although we have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the content on this site is correct and accurate, we do advise that the information provided by Backpack Around Australia on this web site be only used as a guide. Sunshine Coast Backpacking Every year backpackers flock to the Sunshine Coast to enjoy over 70 kilometres of beach, laid back vibe, Australian wild life attractions and cute Hinterland towns. The most famous of these is Aussie World which has all the cool rides but my top pick is The Treetop Challenge. We hiked from Manzanita Bluff to Rievely’s Pond, then finished near Powell River. Alternatively, just north of Mooloolaba, east of Mudjimba Island, you can explore the ex-HMAS Brisbane, a world-class diving site, which boasts over 80 different marine species. Backpacking around the Sunshine Coast resembles visiting the Gold Coast but with the intensity turned down. Unless you’re a huge fan of the humidity, in which case, I’ve just excommunicated you from my social circle for being a terrible human being that also smells funny, visit the Sunshine Coast in spring. Make friends with the dolphins kayaking on a Sunshine Coast tour. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Visiting Sunshine Coast? Not all the places to visit in the Sunshine Coast need drain your wallet and your carefully managed travel budget. Finding the hidden rock pools of Noosa will be no sweat for the veteran wanderer! Here’s the deal: there are two major Sunshine Coast attractions you’re here to visit but it’s tough to fit them both in one day. I’m mainly sending you here for the sharks. But surf shops, hippy shops, souvenir shops… bleh! And if you’re looking for a cracker water park in the Sunshine Coast, check out Blast Aqua Park in Coolum Beach! Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem. Beach Hostel Mooloolaba is a primo backpackers: multiple floors, kitchens, and lounge areas with all the free goodies you’re hoping for. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read our in-depth report on teaching English abroad. Need more guidance? The Sunshine Coast’s AirBnB accommodations are mega-sweet with heaps of options to choose from around the region. As I said, the Sunshine Coast is well-accustomed to travellers (winky-blinky). How do I charge it? Backpacking the Sunshine Coast means gorgeous sands, lush sub-tropical rainforest, and fish and chips at the beach. Blackwater Creek Trail. Located about an hour's drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's premier holiday destinations. Located near the Big Pineapple (hah, ‘Sunshine Coast Things to Do: Honourable Mentions’) it’s got the climbing and the ropes and the flying fox fun: a proper adventure park! 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