Relocate to Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Australia’s dream destination
Glorious beaches, surf spots, jungle-like forests, well-preserved national parks, hiking trails and lakes in an unbeatable climate that allows you to make the most out of the great outdoors and inviting local culture… Australia’s Sunshine Coast is exactly what the name suggests! Covering the coastal area from Caloundra near the state capital, Brisbane, to the Great Sandy Park up North, this region is a major attraction to Queensland.
While the area is a popular vacationing spot, it is also home to many permanent residents. With a steadily growing population, the Sunshine Coast is the third most populous district of Queensland. The divergent landscapes that paint the Sunshine Coast truly showcase the best of Australia’s natural wonders while offering an immersive social and cultural experience with boutique shops, artisanal markets and an unmatched local food scene.
The Sunshine Coast’s History
The Sunshine Coast’s first residents were the indigenous and nomadic Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka people.
With the British settlement the abundance of tree growth in the area paved the way for a profitable timber industry in the late 1800s, and as ports and jetties subsequently increased along the coastline, small villages were established to house workers and their families. By the end of the century, the timber industry was mostly substituted by small-scale farming of sugarcane and dairy produce, which was distributed to and sold in nearby towns.
Around 50 years ago, the Sunshine Coast became particularly known for its alternative tourist attractions such as a theme park, spiritual centres and creative pursuits. The district remains a holiday charm as the local retail and tourism market appeals to both interstate and international travellers exploring the coast of Australia.
In 2014, the Sunshine Coast was officially divided into two geopolitical areas, now respectively known as the Sunshine Coast Region and the Shire of Noosa. The Sunshine Coast Region consists of a handful of urban centres including the sub-regions of Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Maroochydore, Buderim, Coolum and Nambour, each functioning with its own CBD. Various suburbs, towns and rural districts are also categorised under the Sunshine Coast Region, while the Shire of Noosa contains a number of its own settlements.
What is the climate like?
With seven hours of sunshine every day, the Sunshine Coast’s pleasant climate leaves plenty of time for enjoying the astonishing beaches and green landscapes this region is so famous and loved for. You may need to pack a wetsuit to brave the waters during cooler times of the year, but, thanks to the largely consistent temperatures year-round, the beaches remain popular even during winter months!
The humid subtropical climate results in warm summers averaging 17-28°C from December to February. Autumn in the Sunshine Coast (March to May) and spring (September to November) are both typically warm with temperatures being only two or three degrees below that of the summer months — still ideal for beach days and outdoor adventures! From June until August, winters are slightly cooler but still enjoyable with temperatures ranging between 7-22°C. During spring and summer, the average ocean temperatures range from around 21-27°C.
What is it like living in the Sunshine Coast?
Sunshine Coast living equals a lot of Vitamins D and hours spent outdoors. This part of the country is known for its healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity, well protected by five major national parks in the surrounds. No other district in the state of Queensland has as many separate national parks as can be found in the coastal and inland regions of the Sunshine Coast. Walking along the coast, it’s not uncommon to find uninterrupted stretches of beaches as long as 20km at a time!
As a major tourism hub, the towns situated along the Sunshine Coast attract over 3 million visitors each year. Aside from the explosive tourism industry, life goes on as usual with a fine selection of schools and higher education institutes to pick from, along with plenty of opportunities for work and business ventures.
Naturally, due to the high traffic volume of tourists visiting the area, many of the businesses are centred around retail, hospitality and entertainment to appeal to visitors. Expect to find a copious amount of charming cafes, beach bars, weekend markets and one-of-a-kind boutique shops. While many restaurants, hotels and shops aimed at tourists are on the higher end of the market, it is definitely possible to live a fairly affordable lifestyle in the Sunshine Coast by familiarising yourself with the various accommodation options, reasonably-priced grocery stores, and weekend activities that won’t break the bank, especially for those considering long-term residency.
What is there to do along the Sunshine Coast?
The area in between Mooloolaba and Marcoola serves as the action-packed centre of the Sunshine Coast. Incidentally, Mooloolaba Spit is also one of the safest and most popular spots for swimming in this neck of the woods, which means that this coastal stretch is always buzzing with locals and tourists enjoying the waters or hanging out at the restaurants, cafes and bars lining the scenic waterfront. July to October is whale season. These are the best months for whale watching with tour boats allowing you to get reasonably close to see the whales in their natural environment!
The settlement of Noosa is the hip and happening neighbourhood when it comes to dining and shopping, specifically the experiential eateries and restaurants (sometimes manned by local celebrity chefs!) on Hastings Street. The annual Noosa Festival of Surfing is one of the many highlights on the calendar, right up there with the Noosa Food and Wine Festival and the major cycling event, Velothon Sunshine Coast, that takes place in June each year. Artisanal markets with local produce and designer crafted items are customary, particularly so in suburbs and villages that tourists frequent most often. The Noosa Farmers Market, Caloundra Street Fair and Peregian Beach Market are among the area’s best-known regular markets.
Noosa River, the Stanley River, Maroochy River and Mooloolah River are some of the largest rivers in the district. These rivers play host to many cruises taking visitors on awe-inspiring trips to must-visit spots on the list of natural attractions such as the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, where Australian wildlife like indigenous birds, kangaroos and wallabies can be seen and appreciated.
Relocate to Sunshine Coast with Claymore Thistle
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