The most distinctive thing about the Sunshine Coast is the people. It is a place where you will feel like a local from the moment you arrive. From sun-kissed surfers to bohemian artists, there is no shortage of friendly people with easy smiles.

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, is unique for its rare combination of pristine surf beaches and a stunning hinterland characterized by the Glass House Mountains—a series of dramatic volcanic peaks that are culturally significant to the Gubbi Gubbi people. It is also home to the Noosa Everglades, which is one of only two everglades systems in the world (the other being in Florida). Unlike the more developed Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast maintains a "village" feel in towns like Montville and Maleny. It features the World Surfing Reserve at Noosa, which offers some of the best longboard breaks globally. Furthermore, the region is unique for having over 300 days of sunshine annually, allowing for year-round outdoor exploration of its subtropical rainforests, such as the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, and the opportunity to spot the rare Mary River turtle in its natural freshwater habitats.