The Sunshine Coast: Stay for A Week or Stay Forever

Sun, surf, stunning beaches and a laidback holiday vibe. What’s not to love about Queensland’s Sunshine Coast? It’s the perfect holiday destination for young and young at heart. But could it also be the perfect place to live?

With booming property prices and high demand, it would appear that more than a few of us are swapping our Sunny Coast holiday apartments for a permanent Sunshine Coast address.

As we’re spending more time at home and in our own ’hoods, getting out of the city and making a sea change has never been more appealing.

But with an almost endless selection of amazing beach towns along Australia’s east coast, what makes the Sunshine Coast the long-term destination of choice for so many?

Here’s four reasons why the Sunshine Coast is a fantastic place to live:

Location, location, location

The traditional home of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people, the Sunshine Coast is an abundant and stunningly beautiful region, flanked by the iconic Glasshouse Mountains and boasting some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

Beginning just under 100 kilometres from Brisbane, the Sunny Coast (as it is affectionately known) stretches a further 50 kilometres to the north, seemingly connecting one Instagram-worthy beach to another, from Caloundra at the southern end through to Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and on to Coolum and world-famous Noosa Heads.

Between these main attractions are vast stretches of equally spectacular, open surf beach. Wander down onto one of these beaches (most likely sharing it with just a handful of people) and it’s easy to forget that the Sunshine Coast is only a 90-minute drive up the M1 from Brisbane’s CBD.

And if you can’t fly to where you need to go from the Sunshine Coast’s own airport at Marcoola, Brisbane International Airport is only just over an hour from the southern end of the coast. Although, once you’re settled in, would you really want to leave?

Booming Business

It’s not just the property prices that are thriving on the Sunshine Coast. With the recent redevelopment of Maroochydore City Centre and business hubs springing up in key locations along the coast, the Sunshine Coast is well and truly open for business.

Known as ‘The Bright City’, Maroochydore’s long-term plan will see even more commercial and retail spaces developed and the city become a hub for technology and innovation.

Offering an incredible and inspiring work/life balance, the Sunshine Coast is becoming a popular base for new business start-ups like micro-breweries and fashion labels.

The enthusiasm is infectious so why not get amongst it?

Access All Areas

If, when you’ve hung out on the coast, your eyes have mostly been focused eastward to the beach and Pacific Ocean beyond, you could be excused for not realising the depth of facilities and services available on the coast.

Behind the touristy coastal strips, you’ll find just about every service you could ever need, if and when you want it.

Shopping is well and truly covered with major centres like Sunshine Coast Plaza at Maroochydore and the new Stockland Birtinya to add to the beachside boutiques and indy stores.

Tertiary education gets a big tick too with the Sunshine Coast University campus at Sippy Downs, just ten minutes inland from Mooloolaba.

And when it comes to health, the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct being developed at Birtinya is a sign that the local population’s health will be in very good hands. One of the largest health infrastructure projects in Australia the precinct incorporates the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, boasting world-class research facilities and advanced medical training.

More Things to Do Than You Can Poke A Piece Of Driftwood At

Not surprisingly, in a place blessed with amazing natural attractions and sensational, warm sub-tropical weather, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Sunshine Coast. From surfing to hiking, the Sunshine Coast region has it all.

For the little people, there are plenty of beautiful beachside playgrounds and skate parks to keep them busy. And as you’d expect in a health-conscious, outdoorsy community, there’s no shortage of sporting clubs and facilities to keep your weeknights and weekends filled.

Just one example is the massive Kawana Sports Precinct on the banks of Lake Kawana which sees rugby union, rugby league, soccer and touch games fought out each week of the season. The precinct is also home to the Kawana Aquatic Centre and the region’s number one sports and events venue, Sunshine Coast Stadium. And for water sports, Lake Kawana has it covered with rowing, canoeing, kayaking and outrigger paddling all on offer.

And if you’re into adventure, families can take on the challenge of navigating one of the terrifyingly high, high ropes courses on the Coast. The newly opened Next Level Adventure Park at Sunshine Plaza offers seven challenging circuits across four levels with over 145 aerial challenges including 16 ziplines. Or head to the Tree Top Challenge at the Big Pineapple to experience Australia’s highest and most thrilling adventure park.

And for a birthday celebration, school holiday outing or just because, the Aussie World theme park at Palmview is always a fun day out.

There’s so much more to do on the Sunshine Coast than you could ever fit into a week’s holiday, so you might just have to make the move and settle in for the long haul.

Ready to Move to The Sunshine Coast?

If you’re mentally already there, what you need is a ticket in the draw for Endeavour Foundation’s $1.2 million waterfront Prize Home at Birtinya. Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, this spectacular home makes the perfect base for a new life on the Sunshine Coast.

Take a virtual tour or take a day trip to the Sunshine Coast and explore the home in person. Find address details and opening times here.

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