Sunshine Coast Tourist and Visitor Information
Sunshine Coast tourist visitor information
This page has been put together to help Brides and Grooms plan their Sunshine Coast Wedding. It has tips on the weather, detailed information about our beaches and the tide times, things to do and places to visit while you are on the Coast, links to the Sunshine Coast council to apply for permits for the locations that you wish to hold your wedding ceremony and lots of other useful information!
Miles of pristine coastline and lush hinterland, superb cuisine, action and adventure or just the perfect piece of sand on which to sit and ponder? The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland's premier holiday destinations.
The Coast begins at Caloundra, just one hour's drive north of Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. It takes in tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley; as well as more than 100 kilometres of beaches. The perfect combination for a dream holiday.
Kids can be kept happy fishing, visiting attractions, canoeing or wandering the markets. Rivers, sheltered bays and surf beaches provide a variety of swimming spots. Factor in a well deserved massage, a quiet rainforest walk, a round of golf or a romantic dinner in the mountains or by the sea.
Things to do!
You’ll never be short of things to do and see around the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're in the mood to get active or put your feet up and relax, you’ll find something to suit every mood. The fishing and diving are superb. And the golf courses are world class. From exciting theme parks to tranquil national parks, fresh food trails to pampering spa treatments, the choice is yours.
Place to Visit
From beautiful sandy beaches to pristine national parks, seaside resorts to charming hinterland towns, there’s a holiday in the Sunshine Coast for everyone.
Over 100 kilometers of sandy beaches stretch from family friendly Caloundra to the pristine Cooloola Coast. You could fall in love with vibrant Mooloolaba, sophisticated Noosa or rub shoulders with the international golfing jetset at Coolum.
You’ll be enchanted by the magic of the hinterland where magnificent coastal views, galleries, craft communities and friendly country towns can be visited in the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and lush Mary Valleys.
For more information go to www.sunshinecoast.org/index.cfm
For further information go to: www.sunshinecoast.org
Sunshine Coast Reception Venues
There are so many venues to choose from for your Sunshine Coast wedding reception and ceremony. Venues range from small intimate beachfront restaurants to huge 5 star resorts with function rooms. Some venues offer gorgeous grounds surrounded by rainforest, and landscaped gardens where you can hold your wedding ceremony. Check out some of my favorite wedding reception venues on the Coast on using the links on the right hand side of this page.
Sunshine Coast Weddings
This Sunshine Coast guide focuses on the coastal region stretching over 60km from the Glasshouse Mountains in the south to Noosa Heads in the north. The whole region continues to grow into a beautiful and truly cosmopolitan place. For brides and grooms, this is wonderful news. Sunshine Coast designers are nationally and internationally recognized for their innovation and creativity. Brides and grooms can confidently shop right here at home knowing the designs they are choosing are gracing the catwalks of Paris, London and New York – traditionally recognized as the fashion capitals of the world. The region is becoming increasingly popular for couples looking to wed outside the major cities and also due to the variety of services available. From the prestige of the restaurants and function centers to the informality and scenic beauty of the beaches, rivers and hinterland areas, the Sunshine Coast caters for all tastes and styles to ensure your day is exactly the way you want. The Coast’s gorgeous climate and the natural beauty of its parks and gardens provide wonderful locations for ceremonies, photographs and receptions.
If you are looking for an outdoor garden wedding you may be lucky and have your own beautiful garden or know someone who is willing to host your wedding. Otherwise there are a huge number of beautiful public parks and garden, each with their own special character, in and around the Sunshine Coast. If you have chosen a public garden or thinking about it, you will need to advise the local council up to 12 months in advance to avoid conflicting venue arrangements and arrange for any permits which may be necessary. For council information visit www.suncoast.com.au/wwwlinks/community.html. See our outdoor wedding section for more information.
Noosa Wedding Information
Noosa has long been known as romantic destination to tie the knot and relax after wards with a range of options for that perfect wedding. With natural beauty in abundance why not hold your ceremony on the beach, at the Noosa National Park or on the Noosa River but make sure you enquire about permits for your outdoor nuptials so you have a smooth wedding in Noosa.
Noosa has every service that you need to make your wedding day a memorable one. From florists and caterers of fine food to hair and beauty specialists, photographers and wedding planners, everything is at your fingertips for your wedding in Noosa.
If you’d like assistance in planning your Noosa wedding day, why not utilize the services of a local, professional wedding planner who can arrange everything for you and your guests.
Permits: Tie the knot in the beauty of Noosa’s natural scenery. Choose a place beside beaches, in riverside parks or gardens for your ceremony and celebrations.Permits If you wish to hold your wedding (or group activity) in a reserve/park or on a beach, you are required to apply to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to do so.
There are certain guidelines that your wedding must follow to protect Noosa's parks and reserves and ensure they remain available for the enjoyment of all park users. An administration charge of $130 plus GST applies to all applications.
Locations: Most parks in Noosa are available for wedding ceremonies.
Reserves and Parks
- Noosa Woods: a riverside at the end of Hastings Street. Suitable for all weddings
- Noosa Spit: At this site choose from a river or beach setting for your wedding. Located at the end of the Woods area, this location is suitable for all types of weddings
- Riverside Grove: This secluded wooded area on the Noosa Spit is suitable for all types of weddings.
- Lake Macdonald Amphitheatre and Botanical Gardens
- This magnificent paved amphitheatre with views of the water can be booked for public weddings and events.
- Noosa Heads Beaches and Foreshores
- First Point - Main Beach: Suitable for weddings with up to 40 guests
- Little Cove Deck: This location is suitable for weddings with up to 15 guests only and has very limited parking available.
- Noosa National Park: Found at the very end of Hasting Street
- Seahaven Reserve: Located in front of the Sandcastles Resort on Hastings Street, at the end of the boardwalk. Suitable for up to 70 guests.
- Maison La Plage: Located on the beach side of the boardwalk opposite Maison La Plage resort. # Casuarina Garden: Adjacent to Seahaven Reserve at the end of the boardwalk. Look for the ‘Beach access 17’ sign. Suitable for all weddings. # Hidden Grove: To the left of Casurina Garden. Very private.
- Laguna Grove: Again to the left of Hidden Grove. There is a car park going into this area but it can be very difficult to actually find a park especially in summer. # The Groyne: To the left of Casuarina Garden beside the emergency access to the Groyne. Look for the ‘Beach access 16’ sign. Suitable for weddings with up to 50 guests. # Noosa River Entrance: Found at the opposite end of Hasting Street where the ocean flows into the Noosa River.
- Woods Bay and Noosa Woods: This is on the opposite side of the beach facing back to the Noosa river.
For further information about Noosa event locations and application forms, visit the Sunshine Coast Regional Council's website. More Information available on www.visitnoosa.com.au/index.cfm/contentitem/show/noosa-weddings
Sunshine Coast Weddings and Wedding Venues
The Sunshine Coast , Noosa to Caloundra offers such a variety of wedding venues and honeymoon resorts, from superb beachfront venues to intimate, romantic wedding venues. Planning your wedding - take a look at the wedding venues available on the Sunshine Coast
www.itsmywedding.com.au/sunshine-coast-wedding-venues.aspx Lindy Photography is a Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer. She also is a Noosa Wedding Photographer, Mooloolaba Wedding Photographer, Maleny, Coolum, Maroochydore, Montville, Caloundra, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Wedding Photographer.
Wedding Information
For information on any of the following wedding locations click on the Noosa Information link above.
Coolum Wedding Information
Coolum is the largest beach side resort on Queensland's southern Sunshine Coast. The area is fast growing with a population of 18 000. Although visitors will always be welcome to this beautiful resort, the population may be capped to preserve the resources and standard of the living in the area.
Coolum is approximately 90 minutes (135 km) north of Brisbane and about 15 km south of Noosa. The resort town is renowned for its quality world-class golf courses and accommodation and is home to a lively cafe and restaurant scene.
Coolum provides the perfect seaside escape for a lazy holidays. The area is well known for its surf beaches and its main beach is well patrolled to ensure safe swimming. South of the township, Mount Coolum sits within the Coolum National Park dominating the landscape with its rugged escarpment.
There are many beautiful beach side locations for weddings such as Point Arkwright Park, Coolum Beach and Bay 1, The Point at Coolum Beach, Point Arkwright and further on Yaroomba Park.
For more information on Coolum go to www.sunshinecoast-australia.com/coolum.html Sunshine Coast Wedding Photography.
Things to do and see on the Sunshine Coast
Encompassing the coastline from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach and the lush countryside of the hinterland, the beauty of the Sunshine Coast will captivate you.
The beaches of the Sunshine Coast are varied from gentle waves to serious surf, while idyllic coastal towns are perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays. If you prefer a cosy holiday nestled amongst the hills and beautiful Glasshouse Mountains, then wander through the hinterland where you can browse among local delicacies at markets and fresh food stalls.
So be prepared to tempt your tastebuds in Noosa, untie your purse-strings at Eumundi Markets and bring out your inner child at Australia Zoo. You’ll soon realise that one visit to the Sunshine Coast is simply not enough.
There are plenty of amazing things to see and do around the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're in the mood for something relaxing, action-packed or guided, there's something to suit everyone's tastes. So come see for yourself, we're sure you'll agree too!
Visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/sunshine-coast/places-to-visit/places-to-visit_home.cfm
Place to visit on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful coastal area that starts just north of Brisbane, Queensland. Beaches, hinterland, bush, forest and villages merge to form the Sunshine Coast. An area that stretches from Caloundra in the south to Tin Can Bay in the North.
Alexandra Headland
Locally called 'Alex', is a small coastal community surrounded by Mooloolaba, Buderim and Maroochydore. Alexandra Headland's main attraction is the beach, headland and parks. The beach is patrolled and good for surfing. There is an outdoor skate park on the beach.
Beerburrum
Beerburrum is located on the Glass House Mountains Road and a major pineapple growing area. The main attractions are the Queensland Reptiles and Fauna Park, Aboriginal Bora Ring, The Big Kart Track, Glass House Mountains National Park, State Forestry Lookouts, Matthew Flinders Park and the Wild Horse Lookout.
Beerwah
Beerwah is a small town off the Bruce Highway on the Glass House Mountains Tourist Route. Good views of the volcanic peaks and home to Australia Zoo.
Bli Bli
Bli Bli is a swampy area with boardwalks and home of Bli Bli castle with its drawbridge and moat, dungeon, and torture chamber. The cable water ski park is a good place to wake board, knee board or water ski and next door is a Barramundi fishing lake.
Boreen Point
Boreen Point is a small village overlooking Lake Cootharaba with sandy beaches and pleasant picnic spots and the historic Apollonian Hotel. A good sailing spot with easy beach launching.
Buderim
Buderim sits on a mountain plateau with ocean views and is about 15 minutes inland from the coast. The name is derived from Budderam, an Aboriginal word for honey suckle. The village has art and craft galleries, and is known for its floral exhibitions. Buderim rainforest park has easy walks with waterfalls and picnic areas.
Caloundra
Caloundra is at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. Check out Dicky and Kings Beach and the more sheltered Bulcock and Golden Beaches. Fishing and boating is easy in Pumicestone Passage protected by Bribie Island. Caloundra has a full range of accommodation options and is popular with families. Read more about Caloundra.
Cooran
Cooran is a small village located at the bottom of Mt. Cooran. A good picnic spot is at Mothar Mountain Rockpools. The origin of the name is a dialect for tall, referring to local trees.
Noosa Hinterland
Cooroy
In the Noosa Hinterland. Here you will find gems such as Twig and Grace Florist and cafe and venues for your wedding reception such as the RSL.
Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a white beach with parkland, playground and barbecue areas. Coolum has cafes, restaurants and a variety of accommodation including the Hyatt Regency Coolum with a championship golf course.
Eumundi
Here you will find Eumundi's Hidden Valley B&B which you can hire for your country wedding in an historic house with views overlooking the valley.
Flaxton
Flaxton a small village on the Blackall Range, with arts and crafts and a winery. The Flaxton Barn and Model Railway is a miniature railway with trains based on real German trains.
Forest Glen
Forest Glen is just off the Bruce Highway on Tanawha Tourist Drive and home to Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary, Super Bee Honey Factory and Buderim Forest Park.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth is country town inland from the coast and about one hours drive from most resort areas. Kenlwortht is lovated on the banks of the Mary River. Famous for it's cheese at the Kenilworth Cheese Factory (07 5446 0144) and historical buildings. The Kenilworth Historical Museum is at Alexander Street (07 5446 0581) .Kenilworth Homestead in a fantastic country venue for your wedding and wedding reception. Kenilworth is home to the famous Kenilworth Cheese. A walk to the Booloumba Falls will result in a large rock pool that is good for swimming. The Kenilworth Historical Museum is Alexandra Street provides a history of the region.
Kin Kin
Kin Kin is a small village at the corner of Noosa Shire with an old and famous pub, the Country Life Hotel. Kin Kin is the aboriginal name for a species of small black ant that is common in the area. It grew in the 1870's into a settlement for bullock drivers hauling logs to the sawmill at Elanda point. The quality of the Kin Kin timber was famous throughout Australia. In the early 1990's dairy farming flourished.
Kawana Waters
Kawana Waters is a popular residential area just south of Mooloolaba with patrolled beaches at Buddina and Wurtulla, with a large shopping centre and a marina.
Landsborough
Landsborough is an old inland town, just off the Bruce Highway that served the coaches running from Gympie to Brisbane. Named after William Landsborough a famous Australian explorer. The Landsborough Museum has a good social history collection and Austrlalain memorabilia.
Mapleton
Mapleton is a small village on Blackall Range with restaurants and cafes and Mapleton Falls National Park. Close to the village are the Mapleton Falls. The views from the car park are impressive but the water fall trickles most of the year! A pleasant circular walk of 1.3km provides a good introduction to the rain forest. This walk winds through rainforest and eucalyptus forest. The Peregrine Lookout provides an excellent view of the Obi Obi valley.
Maleny
Maleny is high up on the Blackall Range well inland from Maroochydore. Maleny has great views of the Glasshouse Mountains, rainforest walks at Mary Cairncross National Park and lots of arts and craft galleries and Maleny Cheese. There are many delightful places to stay in and around Maleny. Wedding's at Tiffany's, Maleny Manor, House of Laurels, Tranquil Park Mountain Retreat are just a few of the wonderful wedding reception venues up in the Hinterland for your wedding.
Marcoola
Marcoola is an area of fast developing beach resorts just north of the Maroochy river. Very easy to reach from Sunshine Coast airport which is just a few kms away. Most of the Marcoola accommodation is on the beach and there are a number of shops, restaurants and the Marcoola Surf Club.
Maroochydore
Maroochydore is the main commercial centre for the Sunshine Coast and is home to the Sunshine Plaza shopping centre. The river is ideal for boating and fishing and the ocean good for surfing.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba has a harbour with fishing fleet, beach and well landscaped esplanade with restaurants. Home to 'Under Water World' oceanarium with live sharks and daily shows located near the Wharf.
Mooloolah
Mooloolah is located on Glass House Mountains Road and is the aboriginal expression for 'black snake'. Famous for the Ettamogah Pub, a cartoon style building viewed from the Bruce Highway. Next door is Aussie World with a number of attractions.
Montville
Montville was first settled in 1887 and sits high on the Blackwall range with shops, small art galleries, potteries and cafes on the main street. Close to Montville is the Kondalilla National Park. There are lots of small luxury retreats in Montville. Lake Terrace is an amazing wedding reception venue up in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Nambour
Nambour is the administrative centre for Maroochy Shire and main hinterland town for the Sunshine Coast.
Noosa
Welcome to Noosa! Do enjoy all that Noosa has to offer and try our Noosa restaurants, swim, relax with a Noosa massage or maybe adventure is what you crave. Enjoy walking or in the Noosa National Park or window shopping on Hastings Street, or a cruise on Noosa river. Read all about Noosa by clicking here.
Noosa Harbour
Noosa Harbour at the Noosa Marina has some wonderful venues for your wedding reception. Try The Riverdeck or the Rumphouse.
Palmwoods
Palmwoods is a small countrey torwn at the foot of the Blackwall Range.
Peregian
Peregian has some awesome cafes and restaurants for your wedding reception.
Pomona
Pomona in the hinterland.
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach has the Surf Life Saving Club, Coconut Grove Bistro and many other gorgeous wedding reception venues and restaurants for your wedding.
Tewantin
Check out Tewantin Park overlooking the Noosa River for your wedding ceremony.
Tin Can Bay
Tin Can Bay is a small fishing port in the picturesque Tin Can Inlet and is well known for its fishing and boating. It is at the far northern end of the Sunshine Coast close to Gympie.
Woombye
Woombye used to be called Cobb’s Camp due to the fact that it was a staging post for the Cobb & Co coaches. The local pub celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2000, and is certainly worth a visit. Myriad delights await the visitor to Woombye. It is home to luscious sub-tropical fruit - and popular Macadamia Nut. The macadamia, of course, used to be known as the Queensland nut until some generous soul introduced Hawaiians to its taste and growth potential.
Yandina
Yandina was surveyed by Fryer in 1870 as a location for the metropolis of Maroochy shire. Yandina relied on timber and saw milling until the 1960's and has now become famous for Ginger and sugar. The Yandina Ginger factory was established in 1980. Do not go past the Yandina Station for your wedding!
For all the information you need on Noosa and the Sunshine Coast go to: www.sunshinecoasteguide.com/places.php
Wedding Permit Information
Information provided by: https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/weddings-ceremonies The Sunshine Coast region has many attractive parks and beaches where weddings and other formal ceremonies can be held. Whether you prefer ocean views, peaceful bush settings or open parkland, an outdoor ceremony on the Sunshine Coast can make it a day to remember.
All beaches and parks are available for ceremonies, except Noosa Main Beach between 'First Point and Middle Groyne'. If you propose using a beach for your ceremony, it must take place outside the flagged bathing area that is setup on the day.
How to apply
Complete an Application for Wedding/Formal Ceremony [PDF 61KB]. Please note that a receipt for payment does not constitute approval. Your booking is confirmed once you have received an approval letter from council.
Detailed information and policies are available via the Toolbox website.
Costs
A non-refundable fee is payable by cash, cheque or credit card. Payment can be made via email (with scanned copy signature), fax, post, or in person at council's customer service centre. See application form for application lodgement and payment details.
Application process
If your application has been fully completed, you should receive a payment receipt and approval letter within ten (10) working days. If there is another booking or event which conflicts with your application, we will contact you by telephone to discuss.
Things to consider
How important is it that you have control of the area chosen? Other users may be in the area picnicking, playing or walking dogs. There may also be another ceremony both prior to and/or after your booking. Can the official party and all your guests access the area safely? Do you have elderly or mobility impaired guests? Is the area easily accessible for manual delivery of equipment and setup? Vehicle access is not permitted into park or beach areas. Vehicles must be parked in designated car parking spaces. Do you have a wet weather alternative? Council suggests you speak to your function venue for possible assistance. Your booking will confirm that no other bookings exist for the nominated time and in the nominated location. However, an approval does not guarantee exclusive use of the area and/or its facilities.
Due to the popularity of the Noosa Main Beach foreshore areas, a maximum two hour time limit applies for bookings (including setup, ceremony and cleanup) at this location. All other locations have a maximum time limit of three hours (including setup, ceremony and cleanup).
Council maintains its parks and gardens on a routine maintenance program. Special mowing or additional servicing of the area is not provided. Council is also unable to control leaf or branch debris resulting from inclement weather conditions or irresponsible people using the area prior to your ceremony.
Some areas are more exposed to the elements than others, for example, late afternoon winds along the coastal strip. The available space and ambiance of beaches are also affected by high or low tides. Council recommends you check the local tide times.
Popular locations
All beaches and parks are available for ceremonies, except Noosa Main Beach between 'First Point and Middle Groyne'.
Below, for your convenience, is a list, maps and photographs of the most popular locations across the region:
Location Site map and photos Alexandra Headland Churinga Alex Bluff area [PDF 424KB]
HMAS Brisbane Dog Memorial Korean War Memorial Mooloolaba Ocean Beach Boreen Point Boreen Point area [PDF 317KB]
The Jetty Foreshore Park Boreen Point Park Buddina La Balsa Park [PDF 248KB] Point Cartwright Reserve [PDF 317KB] Caloundra Anzac Park [PDF 253KB] Bulcock Beach [PDF 312KB] Centaur Park [PDF 273KB] Happy Valley [PDF 264KB] Kings Beach [PDF 187KB] Kings Beach Headland [PDF 98KB] Lions Park [PDF 261KB] Shelly Beach and Park [PDF 245KB] Coolum Beach Coolum Beach area [PDF 216KB]
First Bay Second Bay Third Bay Coolum Boardwalk Point Perry Lookout Point Perry Shelter Cotton Tree Park Cotton Tree Park [PDF 216KB]
First Jetty Second Jetty Currimundi Buderim Street Ballinger Beach [PDF 335KB] Currimundi Lake [PDF 207KB] Dicky Beach Dicky Beach [PDF 230KB] Sir Leslie Wilson Park [PDF 221KB] Golden Beach Apex Park [PDF 269KB] Ayliffe Park [PDF 210KB] Fraser Park [PDF 272KB] Leach Park [PDF 277KB] Kawana Island Double Bay Beach and Park [PDF 252KB] Maleny Mary Cairncross Reserve – Gardners Falls [PDF 263KB] Tanawha Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens [PDF 1MB]
Contemplation Garden Friendship Colonnade Open Lawn Sculpture Garden Moffat Beach Eleanor Shipley Park [PDF 251KB] Moffat Beach Reserve [PDF 272KB] Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Spit Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Spit [PDF 607KB]
Charles Clarke Park Loo with a View (upper deck) Mooloolaba Main Beach Mooloolaba Spit Beach Mooloolaba Spit Parkland Northern Rocks Pirate Ship Park Penny Lane Park Mount Coolum Mount Coolum Boardwalk Development and Platform [PDF 438KB] Noosa Lake McDonald Botanical Gardens [PDF 158KB] Noosa Sound [PDF 282KB] Noosa Heads Noosa Heads area [PDF 113KB]
Casuarina Gardens Doggy Beach First Point Laguna Grove Little Cove Maison la Plage Noosa Woods Park Sandcastles Grove Seahaven Grove River Entrance Beach Sandy Cove Point Arkwright Point Arkwright [PDF 411KB]
Andrew Street Parkland Dewar Street Lookout Point Arkwright Lookout Yaroomba Beach Wurtulla Crummundi Park [PDF 329KB]