If you’re travelling through the Sunshine Coast or staying in a different town, then make modifications as appropriate. There are several things to consider when you are planning your hike on the Sunshine Coast Trail. Probably with a well-earned swim: hit the waves at Mooloolaba Beach! Plus, you’re credit is refundable when you move on – bonus! #148 of 229 Outdoor Activities in Sunshine Coast. 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. Other than while in Malaspina Provincial Park (at the Sarah Point side of the trail) and Inland … Ideally, swim on patrolled beaches and between the red-and-yellow flags. Go out, climb a mountain, people watch while drinking table water at a cafe. 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. A couple of our staff went out for a 4 day backpacking trip on the Sunshine Coast Trail in British Columbia. 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. As I said, the Sunshine Coast is well-accustomed to travellers (winky-blinky). Half-price pizzas… boom! Keep your belongings on you and protect your cash – a well-hidden travel money belt is the best way to protect your stuff! At the rate you’re going, you’ll have a whole army of Australian fauna following you soon. And it rains more. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. Second-hand shops are the best kind of shops and a great thing to do in Maroochydore! Isn’t that grand! You’ve got plenty of good swell spread throughout the Sunshine Coast’s surf spots with a considerable amount of them to scope out. I am going to tell you to wake up at sunrise though… suck it, nerd! A tradition amongst the east coast tourist spots, this is a thing to do in the Sunshine Coast that provides a more unique experience than just seeing the dolphins from a distance. If you want to experience some great local produce and country hospitality, the Mary Valley is a good place to visit. They’re mega-pretty too; peaceful and further away from the Sunshine Coast’s busy tourist spots. It is apparently possible to flag it down Earls Cove. If you don’t drink AND are a vego, you’re probably better off eating somewhere else. The Sunshine Coast is well-accustomed to tourists of all types so finding yourself a backpacker job – short, mid, or long-term – is super viable. Oh! Learn More. Take it seriously. In fact, it’s 90 meters … Sechelt Peninsula The Soames Hill Trail (moderate) is Gibsons' answer to North Vancouver's Grouse Grind, a 40-minute stair-climb that seems to last forever, at the top of which you're rewarded with a … You know how this works: you’re in a beach town. Oh, talking to people face-to-face? Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! Beach Hostel Mooloolaba is a primo backpackers: multiple floors, kitchens, and lounge areas with all the free goodies you’re hoping for. Now, you’re going to finish your time in Noosa with the only way an Australian coastal resort town deserves: a goddamn BBQ! Meet the cuties, hang out, grab a bite together, discuss how you want to split the bill. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . If you’re looking for recommendations on choice spots to drink and socialise… sorry, I can’t really help you there. Trust me! “Find out how YOU can support the site. More information. I’ll give you a clue: it has four letters in it and rhymes with: ‘Oi, who ate the rest of my Nutella spread!’. Hitchhiking in Queensland can be iffy. But, it’s worth it for the better weather. That’s three good reasons to travel to the Sunshine Coast right there! Visit Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter! You’ll find a more earnest experience in the Sunshine Coast. Mooloolaba is located away from Noosa in the central coastal area and it’s a good option if you’re looking to splash a bit more cash on some of the vibrant restaurants and shopping in the Sunshine Coast. 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. The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 180 km hut-to-hut hike on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Ziggy has minor fame status throughout Asia for his incessant ukulele playing. That means if you’re hitching from the footpath or nature strip, you’re well within your rights. 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. Maybe get a casual job at the local kebab shop (bless you). There’s a pretty famous zoo in the Sunshine Coast: it’s called Australia Zoo. Website. Your email address will not be published. The wide, easy paths wind through the forest and horse-riders, … Email When my parents said we were visiting Powell River again this year, I immediately announced I would fly in early and hike the Sunshine Coast … – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker. On your bike! That’s right, an actual semi-decent train network in Australia – bless! Our favourite travel backpack is the Osprey Aether (comes in 55 – 85 litre sizes). The Sunshine Coast, much like the obvious comparisons of its sister towns, sees its fair share of comers-and-goers, but it’s got a different feeling. Corner of Sixth Avenue Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction. Noosa Flashpackers is easily the top pick for one of the best hostels in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. Fruit picking on the Sunshine Coast is also viable though iffier. Hit up Coles for whatchu need and then head on over to the BBQ facilities in Noosa Woods (in the Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve) to send your Sunshine Coast experience off in style. Well, on the off-chance you don’t like the beach, the Sunshine Coast might not be the place for you. A cheaper choice for a hostel in Noosa than Flashpackers, Nomads Noosa is the choice for those needing to tighten up their backpacking Sunshine Coast budget. 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! Following spring, summer and autumn are hot with that Australian-humidity ‘sweaty as balls’ factor. The 20 million year old Glass House Mountains are 16 spectacular volcanic plugs that emerge dramatically from the lush green surrounds. It’s also just under a kilometre away from Noosa’s Main Beach. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Afterwards, I would highly recommend walking back via the northern end of the headland so you can see Hell’s Gates (don’t worry, they’re very pretty) and the Fairy Pools. The Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) stretches over 180 km and … Visit the charming and quaint towns in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and admire the surrounding beautiful and lush scenery. 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. Right, this is the part I’m really excited to talk about because, honestly, coastal resort towns don’t really do it for me. Ben Bennett Botanic Park. If you’re coming from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast though, that’s no stress because you’ve got the train. Following the return journey, find yourself some solid takeaway munchies from Noosa’s restaurants (ahem, a kebab, good sir) and go sit by Noosa Heads Main Beach. I completed two sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail with my friend Judy (who was a very good sport) during the third week in September. I like kids but not when they’re forming legions of gremlin-children to conquer the beaches with their unhygienic hands. Don’t pick up single-use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands. Most trips I have been on across the world have included at least a few mornings where I wake up knowing I went too far. One thing to note: whenever you choose to travel to the Sunshine Coast, avoid the school holidays like the bubonic plague. Sunshine Coast Highlights Excellent destination for surfers, with many great surfing locations all along the coast. By regional Australian standards, the options for transport in the Sunshine Coast are… well… existent! The area is also next to the southern end of the spectacular Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. The whole trail is 180 kilometers long and stretches the whole length of the northern Sunshine Coast … I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. Starting off with the Aussie-Middle-Eastern kebab because it’s an important cultural tradition. When you’re ready to travel to the Sunshine Coast, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! I’m pointing you to this Queensland Walking Track Guide because it’s got a map of the Sunshine Coast’s natural attractions with a mega-comprehensive index of all the walks. It’s not a huge area (by Australian standards) but there is a lot to see. Backpacking the Sunshine Coast means gorgeous sands, lush sub-tropical rainforest, and fish and chips at the beach. Located about an hour's drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's premier holiday destinations. 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. The best time to visit the Sunshine Coast is spring (September to November). Everyone in the hostel will hate you when you wake them up. Option two, and also my favourite option (and not just because it’s a free thing to do, THANK YOU) is hiking around (or up) the Glass House Mountains. The rest of the day is yours to kick around Noosa Heads as you please. Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment. Don’t worry, no more big adventures. The beach is only 5-minutes away and a lot of Mooloolaba’s tourist attractions are close by too so it’s a good place to head to if you’re wanting a change of scenery from Noosa. Distance: 7.7km one-way. The Mooloolaba Esplanade is the obvious spot for a romantic candle-lit dinner by the beach but you’ll find lots more cafes and restaurants in Noosa and Maroochydore too. Save the world, one backpack at a time. I wouldn’t stress it too much; chances are, wherever you go will be lollipops and rainbows. Ahh, the Sunshine Coast. We’ve gone ahead and hacked ALL display ads from the site, Danny Trejo, Machete style. Probably one of the easiest hikes on the Sunshine Coast, Eumundi Regional Park is a safe, accessible space with plenty of shared-use areas. The Mooloolaba River and surrounding canals are also popular places for other water sports such as boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Explore some of the stunning scenery in the national parks. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, take it bloody seriously. 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. If the bustle of the Esplanade and Mooloolaba Beach is too much, just take a walk east up the spit. Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those costs down so you have more money saved for fish and chips at the beach! 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. The trail offers a number of … In between the main centres include Maroochydore and Mooloolaba in the centre and Noosa Heads towards the northern end. First, there’s Australia Zoo of crocodile hunting, ‘Crikey… that’s not a knife!’ fame. There’s a whole bunch of water and adventure parks scattered around the Sunshine Coast’s attractions. Don’t get your phone stolen letting your guard down in a sleepy coastal town like I once did. 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. You’re still close to town, but it chills out a bit more. 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. 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.
. For those who want to get really close, why not climb them and then abseil back down. Another of the secret beaches of the Sunshine Coast off the tourist radar, Wurtulla Beach is mostly ventured by locals. Dolphins, crocs… you’re making friends with all of the Sunshine Coast’s wildlife! But the nature in the Sunshine Coast – oh wow! Close, Backpacking Sunshine Coast Travel Guide (2020) • EXPERT BUDGET TIPS, https://www.instagram.com/themanwiththetinyguitar/. Find the best transport, best time and the best fare with 12Go. I mean, you can try, but it’ll be crammed. What’s that? 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. Willingdon Beach Trail. Backpacking the Sunshine Coast: 3-Day Itinerary, Backpacking Sunshine Coast Tips and Travel Guide, Final Thoughts on Backpacking the Sunshine Coast. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are a couple of other options around the coastal area too, but you’re limited in choices if you’re looking for backpacker accommodation in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland. Na, I didn’t think so. It’s worth keeping up with what’s on in the Sunshine Coast, but if you’re looking for a few recommendations on choice spots with good music, look no further. If you are heading north, then this is definitely a place to stop along the way and spend some time. Walk amongst thousands of marine and freshwater animals including giant sharks, stingrays, sawfish and tropical reef fish in the 80 metre transparent tunnel in the 2.5 million litre Oceanarium at Underwater World. No more annoying distractions. 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. This is probably the best-known area on the coast and one of the nicest places to visit. The beautiful coasts that hold the name of this city are … There are plenty of nice beaches for swimming and surfing. In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. I’m structuring the itinerary as if you’ve based yourself in Noosa (which feels like the most likely scenario, all things considered). Powell River. Two buses and you’ll find yourself in Mooloolaba. After a quick dunk, you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast’s Sea Life Aquarium. So, backpacking through the Sunshine Coast area means moving around if you want to see it all. If you’re really looking to go backpacking through the Sunshine Coast cheaply, you’ll need to go about it broke backpacker style! It’s got good surf and good solace. A good source for backpacker jobs is the titularly named Backpacker Jobs Board but Gumtree or Google searches will find you something too. Thanks for your support. Phone 1800 644 969 Lastly, if dirt-cheap is your game, then your most budget option is to just to tent it. Of course, for that, there’s hitchhiking. The drive from Maleny to Mapleton, through Montville and Flaxton, is one of the most scenic on the Sunshine Coast. Most of the Sunshine Coast’s best hostels are in Noosa, the biggest traveller-draw in the area. Good place to learn to surf at one of the many surf … Need more guidance? 10 reviews. Nighttime swell under the moonlight with the rhythm of the waves is always a peaceful end to a fulfilling day. Your email address will not be published. Yeah, alright, so the Sunshine Coast may be pretty bloody exquisite actually. But there’s plenty of other Sunshine Coast activities to get behind… not that strumming a six-string all day at the beach isn’t good! 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! Now, there’s more than one mountain so you have a range of hiking options with spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland but Mount Tibrogargan is – arguably – the quintessential choice. Founded by a veteran traveller, this is the place to eat in Noosa for Asian food. Yeah, so it may be Asian street food at Aussie prices but they’re good Aussie prices! Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on your fares Coast excellent! 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