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Australia's Sunshine Coast (population 247,618 with up to an additional 50,000 in visitors and seasonal workers) is the coastal region north of the Queensland capital of Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast includes three local government areas, the Noosa Shire in the north, the Maroochy Shire in the middle, and the City of Caloundra in the south. The Sunshine Coast is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the east, and extends to the local government boundaries beyond the Blackall Range to the west. Occasionally, the towns of Gympie which is 30 minutes' drive north of Noosa Heads, and Caboolture 30 mins drive south of Caloundra, has been included in a broader definition of the Sunshine Coast region.
Other localities within the Sunshine Coast region include Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Buderim and Nambour.
The region is characterized by beautiful beaches, expansive coastal views and rich fertile soils in the hinterland. The Sunshine Coast produces many varieties of tropical fruit and nuts and, until recently, sugar cane.
The Sunshine Coast is a centre for tourism, containing attractions such as Steve Irwin's famous Australia Zoo, UnderWater World marine park, Aussie World with the Ettamogah Pub, The Buderim Ginger Factory, Big Pineapple and the Majestic Theatre.
Transport
The region is connected to Brisbane via QR CityTrain's Nambour / Gympie North Line and the Bruce Highway, with vast amounts of commuters using these services daily. Intercity and interstate coach operators also operate daily bus services to Brisbane.
The Sunshine Coast has an extensive public transport network, and is serviced by Sunbus, which operates TransLink bus routes connecting the suburbs and localities within the Caloundra, Maroochy and Noosa Local Government Areas.
Flights from the Sunshine Coast depart from Sunshine Coast Airport 10 km north of Maroochydore and fly direct to Sydney and Melbourne with both Jetstar and Virgin Blue.
Youth Culture
Youth culture on the Sunshine Coast is limited to a small number of facilities. The most popular of youth areas is Sunshine Plaza, a large river-side shopping centre located in Maroochydore close to the mouth of the Maroochy River. This is where many diverse groups gather for shopping, fun and entertainment with a cinema complex and casual dining.
Due to its proximity to the beach, the coast has a strong beach culture. Many surfers live on the coast, with beaches such as Mooloolaba famous for their cleanliness and large waves.
Annual events
- Schoolies (November)
External links
- Aerial Photos of the Sunshine Coast
- Queensland Government Profile of Sunshine Coast
- Sunshine Coast Tourism Board - Includes information on how to reach the Coast.
- My Sunshine Coast Life - Events, business directory, community news, real estate, employment and locals' and visitors' guide.
- The Mary Valley - About the Mary River valley, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
- Kenilworth Community Website - Includes visitor and other information for the upper Mary Valley region.
"Sunshine Coast, Queensland"