It’s that time of year again – winter is coming. As it begins a slow and inexorable assault on our lives and starts to tighten its cold grip around everything from what we wear to what we do, it can be difficult to even imagine a day at the beach anytime soon. Warm and summery holidays are what Australia’s east coast is known for though, and even in the depths of winter, it can still provide magical days of sitting on the sand or swimming in the surf.
Nowhere does this ‘endless summer’ exist more than the aptly named Sunshine Coast, making it the perfect place to escape to when you’re sick and tired of grey clouds and cold drizzle. With daytime temperatures remaining steady at around 20 degrees Celsius, winter may actually be the perfect time to experience the region’s sub-tropical climate and wealth of activities.
So what are you waiting for? Rent a car on the Sunshine Coast and travel to one of our three top towns in the area.
The Sunshine Coast is ready for action all year round.Noosa
Relaxed and carefree, Noosa is the perfect retreat for those in search of some well-earned peace and quiet. Don’t let the sleepy suburbs fool you though, if you decide that a night on the town or a spot of retail therapy are on the cards, Noosa can provide. The central hub of Hastings Street is well-equipped with everything from chic restaurants to designer outlets, as well as a veritable feast of local goodies.
If a spot of off-peak surfing is what you’re after, look no further than Peregian Beach and the surrounding area for everything from regional markets to curling waves. The beach is far less busy in winter than during the summer months when visitors from every corner of the nation flock here for their vacations. Take advantage of their absence and experience the thrill of having the surf to yourself.
Coolum
Don’t let the name fool you, this beach-side town is warm all year long. In fact, you might even go so far as to say that it can get too hot in summer – especially considering that some of the area’s best activities involve hiking through the bush or scaling the heights of Mount Coolum itself. Working up a good old-fashioned sweat is one thing, but not when you’re so sticky that you can’t enjoy the view and simply want to get back to the beach.
Another of Coolum’s highlights is its wealth of world-class golf courses. There’s a circuit for every level of experience, and with less people to compete with, you’ll stand a much better chance of procuring that perfect tee time.
Mooloolaba
Once regarded as something of a surfer’s haven, this once quiet town has boomed into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular areas, and it’s not hard to see why. Located about an hour’s beautiful drive from Brisbane, Mooloolaba is still great for surfing, especially when the crowds thin out in winter, but there’s far more to the region than that. From exploring natural rock pools to getting up close and personal with some of the coast’s native sharks at Sea Life Underwater World, Mooloolaba is truly jawsome.
To get a taste of some uniquely Australian cuisine, head along to the Ginger Factory to learn how this simple root is grown, harvested and then turned into one of Queensland’s most delicious treats. Chow down on a scrumptious snack while riding the Ginger Train – before hitting Ginger Town and picking up a few crumbs of knowledge about Australia’s past (no we’re not making this up).
Contact the team at East Coast Car Rentals for more information, and whatever you’re looking to escape from this winter, make sure to do it on the Sunshine Coast