Mention Australia and beaches in one sentence and most people think of Surfers Paradise. But waiting to be discovered is the fabulous Sunshine Coast!

Christie McKay decided to head to the sunshine coast and loved it, read on to discover why...

We arrived late in the evening and after collecting our rental car (great to explore the coast) made our way to our apartment and hit the sack. We woke early ready to make the most of our first day on holiday and upon stepping out on our lovely balcony were instantly reminded as to why we came to the Sunshine Coast. Greeting us was an amazing vista that had been hidden in our middle-of-the-night arrival… an endless stretch of white sand beach bordered with a beachside promenade and scattered with a few keen walkers and joggers. Perfect!

Opposite the beach, tables were just being put out on the street at the myriad of little cafes, umbrellas were being raised in anticipation of the sunshine to come and the welcome whistle of the cappuccino machines could be heard being fired up for their first customers. Holiday sounds that gladdened my heart! Looking back, one of the most surprising things about our holiday was how we managed to decide what we were going to do each day as there was just so much choice. The lure of the beach was strong from the first day and it got its fair share of attention.

But there is so much more to do on the Sunshine Coast. We were convinced on more than one occasion that a river cruise would be just the thing, and it was… sitting back and relaxing as we cruised the local waterways, indulging in a little local chardonnay and nibbles while gazing at the “back yards” of the rich and famous.

We also ventured into the hills to Montville, a local craft village and well worth the trip, both for someone looking for a unique “little something” to take home in remembrance of their holiday, or just for the beautiful drive up through the bush. Other highlights included visiting Noosa (that’s why the car was so great!), golfing, shopping at the nearby boutiques or the Sunshine Coast shopping mall, wonderful Italian food and some of the most amazing seafood I have ever tasted, the list just goes on and on!

A holiday that has it all… beaches, warm weather, shopping, sightseeing, nightlife and great restaurants can in my mind be all wrapped up in two words… Sunshine Coast!