The Sunshine Coast stretches along the Queensland coast north of Brisbane and reaches inland into a green hinterland of ridges, rainforest and small towns. A visit here can mean beach days, hinterland walks or both, depending on where you base yourself.
For a visitor, the coast divides into a few practical bases: the southern beach town of Caloundra, the central hub of Maroochydore and neighbouring Alexandra Headland, and the hinterland towns of Maleny and Mapleton, with smaller localities such as Witta, Balmoral Ridge, Landsborough, Woombye and Conondale scattered around them. Distances between coast and hinterland are short by road, but the character of each base is quite different. This guide covers which areas suit which kind of trip.
Best areas to stay in Sunshine Coast
1. Caloundra
Caloundra sits at the southern end of the coast and is the most straightforward base for a beach-focused trip. Accommodation here ranges from backpacker lodges to waterfront resorts and self-contained apartments, with several options within walking distance of the waterfront boardwalk and Bulcock Beach. It suits families and first-time visitors who want the beach, shops and dining close together.
One practical point: some Caloundra accommodation is set slightly further south, which keeps it quieter but still leaves Bulcock Beach a convenient walk away.
2. Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland
Maroochydore is the central coastal hub, set along the Maroochy River with beachfront apartment-style accommodation and easy access to the surrounding coast. Alexandra Headland, immediately to its north, offers a similar coastal setting. This area suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things, with river activities, beaches and dining within reach.
Note that some riverside apartment buildings here are older and may not have air conditioning in every room, so it is worth checking before you book.
3. Maleny and surrounds
Maleny is the main hinterland town, surrounded by localities such as Witta and Balmoral Ridge. This is cottage and bed-and-breakfast country, with properties set on ridges and forested slopes overlooking the Obi Obi Valley and Lake Baroon. It suits couples and travellers who want quiet, cool nights and easy access to rainforest walks rather than sand and surf.
Keep in mind that many properties sit a few kilometres outside the town centre, so a car is useful for reaching shops and restaurants.
4. Mapleton
Mapleton is a smaller hinterland town with a mix of holiday parks, cabins and bed-and-breakfast accommodation, including some larger conference and camping facilities. It suits families and budget-conscious travellers who want a green setting with practical amenities such as camp kitchens and playgrounds.
As with Maleny, the town is inland and elevated, so plan on driving to the coast for beach days.
5. Landsborough, Woombye and Conondale
These smaller inland localities offer caravan parks, motels and eco-oriented stays in bushland settings. They suit travellers with a car who prioritise space, quiet and value over proximity to the beach. One trade-off: some motel-style accommodation here is a fair distance from the coast, so a pool on site can matter on days you do not feel like driving to the beach.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: backpacker lodges and hostels with dorm and private rooms, caravan parks with powered and unpowered sites, cabins and bunkhouses, and simple motels. Camp kitchens, shared amenities and self-contained cabins are common.
- Mid-range: motels, bed-and-breakfasts, self-contained cottages and apartment-style resorts, often with pools, parking and breakfast included. Some sit in town centres, others on rural ridges a short drive out.
- Splurge: luxury cottages and resort-style hotels, typically with features such as private gardens, spas, pools and restaurants, on the coast or in the hinterland.
Best area for a first visit
Caloundra is the easiest first base: it puts you on the waterfront with the boardwalk and Bulcock Beach within walking distance, and it offers the widest spread of accommodation types, from budget to resort. From there you can drive north along the coast or inland to the hinterland towns on day trips. If you would rather split your stay, add a night or two in Maleny for the hinterland side of the region.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay on the coast or in the hinterland?
Choose the coast for beach days, waterfront walks and a wider choice of restaurants and shops. Choose the hinterland towns such as Maleny or Mapleton for cooler, quieter stays among rainforest and ridges, accepting that you will drive to reach the beach.
Do I need a car on the Sunshine Coast?
It helps. Several hinterland properties sit a few kilometres outside their town centres, and some inland motels are a considerable distance from the beach, so a car makes it easier to link coast and hinterland bases.
Where should families stay?
Caloundra and Maroochydore offer the most family-oriented options, including self-contained apartments and resorts close to the water. In the hinterland, Mapleton has holiday parks with cabins, camp kitchens, barbecues and playgrounds.
Where is best for a quiet, rural stay?
The Maleny area and its surrounding localities, including Witta and Balmoral Ridge, are known for cottages and bed-and-breakfasts on forested ridges overlooking valleys and Lake Baroon. Mapleton and Conondale offer similar green settings with camping and cabin options.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.