JavaScript Menus and DHTML Menus Powered by Milonic



   

Backpacker Resources
Australia
New Zealand
World Wide Hostels
Travel Insurance
Travel Forum


City Guides
Brisbane City Guide
Gold Coast Guide
Melbourne Guide
Sydney City Guide


Find a Hostel...
Where To? Select City/Town
  
When?
Number of Nights:
Select your currency:
Check your Hostel Bookings...
Book a hostel on Itchy Feet then check your itinery here by logging on.
Email Address :
Password:
Lowest Price Guarantee
Itchy Feet Hostel Price GuaranteeWe offer the best internet rate made available by each hostel, through our affiliate booking engine. There are no mark ups on the rates so you can be confident that booking on Itchy Feet is as cheap as it gets!


 





Backpacking on the Sunshine Coast

Itchy Feet is upgrading the look and content of its site. You have landed on an old page. The information is still good but we recommend you check out the new site!

Sponsored Links

Sunshine Coast Information
Things to Do |  Feature: Water Activies |  Discover Maroochy |  Discover Noosa |  Dining & Shopping |  Markets |  Noosaville |  Sunshine Beach |  Noosa Hinterland |  Rainbow Beach |  Tin Can Bay |  Gympie's Heritage |  Coastal Discovery |  Glass House Mountains |  Hostels | 

Sunshine Coast

Discover Maroochy

Maroochy means Black Swan in Aboriginal and is located at the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maroochy is famous for its expanses of golden beaches and the thrill of swimming or surfing in its clear blue waters, and for its
Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
sub-tropical rainforests and waterfalls located in the beautiful Blackall Range hinterland area.

Maroochy is a rich tropical fruit growing area where you can feast on freshly picked pineapples, avocados and other delicious fruit, and the produce is available in abundance from quaint roadside stalls. You can also do some shopping in the Mountain Villages like Montville, or the market town of Eumundi, a bargain hunter's paradise famous for its handicrafts.

Then escape to nature in some of Australia's most beautiful national parks and state forests. You'll find local wildlife, see Platypus and listen to the calls of native Whip birds and Bell birds, it truly is a nature lover's delight.

But if it's the sophisticated life you desire, then Mooloolaba provides world class accommodation, superb restaurants, shopping, a huge range of holiday activities. For wine lovers, wineries that are springing up all over the Sunshine Coast are a must.

You can also go canoeing, scuba diving or take in the excitement of the amazing theme parks and attractions in the area. Go for a hit of golf on one of the many world class courses; just don't hit one of the local kangaroos lounging in the rough. Then you can fish for Marlin in the fishing grounds off shore or simply find your own beach or bush track and get away from the world. Whatever it is you're into you'll be sure to find something to do in the beautiful Maroochy region.

Discover Noosa

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
Nestled at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa combines the natural charm of seaside getaways with casual sophistication. This blend of spectacular ocean beaches, National Parks and delicate ecosystems is combined with the comforts of contemporary living. It's this unique mix that gives Noosa the enviable lifestyle qualities that underpin its reputation as Australia's finest resort village. In fact, the whole shire is declared a fauna and flora sanctuary but when you do step off the 'beaten track' you'll find much to delight you.

Noosa National Park

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
Noosa National Park is one of Australia's most popular nature reserves. The park comprises 477 hectares of native forests and high cliffs opening onto panoramic landscapes. Noosa National Park cradles the picture-perfect and ever-popular Main Beach whose pristine waters are swimmable every day of the year. Laguna Lookout, at the summit of Noosa National Park looks out on to the tranquil blue waters of Laguna Bay sparkling away into the distance. The park is a well known flora and fauna sanctuary with koala sightings a common treat for visitors.

Dining & Shopping

Noosa's famous 'Eat Street' - Hastings Street - with its lively mix of fashionable boutiques, restaurants and beachfront accommodation expresses the essence of the distinctive Noosa style. Dining at any one of the dozens of restaurants, cafes and eateries throughout Noosa is an experience to remember. For water views, try the many fine restaurants in Noosa Sound or at Tewantin's marina. Fast becoming Hastings Street rivals for restaurant choice are the Noosa River stretch along Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, just off the riverside strip is Thomas Street or beautiful Sunshine Beach, a hub of multicultural dining. The freshest of local ingredients are harvested from the sea and local pastures, then combined to create popular, classic Noosa fare. This inventive regional 'cuisine of the sun' is distinctly modern and influenced by Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Noosa also has the country's largest range of resort wear, beach wear and specialised local arts and crafts. Many delightful hours can be wiled away searching for that special gift or personal shopping indulgence.

Markets

A 'must do' day-trip to the hinterland reveals other treasures like little townships filled with charm and character and fabulous country pubs as well as lovely arts and crafts. Visit the Eumundi Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays; they are renowned throughout the state for high quality handmade goods and fresh produce. Also not to be missed are the markets held every Sunday at Noosa Harbour, or the unique array of locally made treasures at the Peregian Beachside Markets held every second Sunday.

Noosaville and Tewantin

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
The Noosa River forms a natural artery through the heartland of the district and provides a haven for safe swimming and water-based activities. Its shady banks provide perfect picnic spots or departure points for leisurely cruises through the river's myriad of tributaries, wetlands, and lakes that lead to the mystical black waters of the Everglades.

Just up the river is Tewantin and Noosa Harbour Marine Village. It's an ideal spot to lunch on fish and chips, take a ferry ride on the river or head out for a day of deep sea fishing. You can also browse through the local art galleries. Tewantin is the heritage heart of Noosa Shire and it also offers many historical sites for visitors to see including a Heritage and Discovery walk. This naturally landscaped town is also the gateway to the North Shore of Noosa.

Sunshine Beach to Peregian

On the southern edge of the Noosa National Park lies Sunshine Beach and its neighbour, Sunrise Beach. These are excellent
Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
beaches for swimming and a mecca for surfers and boardriders. Sunshine is a patrolled beach environment.

Sunshine Beach has a casual, laid-back atmosphere with a charming village centre of shops and cafes. A popular location is Sunshine Beach Surf Club with its restaurant terrace overlooking the ocean.

One of the prettiest scenic drives is along the winding David Low Way south from Noosa. After Sunrise Beach you reach the exclusive Castaways and Marcus Beaches and then, just a little further, Peregian Beach which marks the border of the Noosa shire with Maroochy.

Castaways and Marcus are secluded and peaceful areas but within easy reach of all the region's attractions. Peregian Beach is becoming an increasingly interesting area for dining and shopping and its real estate is much in demand.

Noosa Hinterland

Picturesque towns, still retaining a yesteryear charm, include Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin, Cooroy and Boreen Point, many hosting special festivals such as the annual King of the Mountain race, Great Kin Kin Horse Race and the Silent Movie Festival. Boreen Point on the lakeshore is popular for fishing, camping, kayaking and sailing or just relaxing at the historic Apollonian Hotel on a leisurely Sunday afternoon.

National Park of Rainbow Beach

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
Rolling surf and kilometres of unspoilt, white sandy beaches is what Rainbow Beach is all about. The town takes its name from the towering coloured sand cliffs nearby. You can visit the Coloured Sands and other outstanding natural attractions such as the Carlo Sand Blow, Double Island Point and Inskip Point, the launching point for Fraser Island.

The Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park invites you into a four-wheel drive adventure land of rainforest, freshwater lakes and deserted beaches. Meanwhile, the Cherry Venture Shipwreck stands sentry along the beach, where it washed ashore in 1973. The Park is full of bush-walking tracks, lakes, and picnic facilities while offering the only beach camping facilities between Fraser Island and Noosa.

Dolphins of Tin Can Bay

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
This peaceful town is known for its recreational fishing and boating pleasures. Sailing along the Inlet is a popular pastime, with the protected waters also providing an ideal location for houseboat enthusiasts. The estuaries throughout the water system also make for brilliant canoe trips, while the popular facilities at the Norman Point boat ramp allow access to the Inlet for pleasure craft.

One of the very special features of Tin Can Bay is the regular visits of wild dolphins to the water's edge. The unique phenomenon attracts locals and visitors from far and wide. As the dolphins are wild animals in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However you can contact the Cooloola Region's Visitor Information Centre to find out when they are most likely to be around.

Gympie's Heritage

Gympie's proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. Nash made the five day journey down the Mary River from Maryborough, and after digging up 75 ounces of gold in
Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
six days, staked his claim. The Gympie Gold Rush was on which injected the boost to the Queensland economy that enabled the colony to survive. You'll see the golden history of Gympie by visiting the Gold Mining Museum.

The Woodworks Forestry and Timber Museum offers a wonderful display featuring the timber history of the region, while the 'Valley Rattler' steam train makes the historic 40km journey from Gympie through the Mary Valley.

The city's heart is Mary Street, a fantastic blend of shopping, heritage and nearby parkland that combines the activity of a regional centre with a relaxed, carefree experience. Try a heritage walk past traditional shopfronts as well as unique examples of 19th Century architecture.

Coastal Discovery

Start your drive at the Caloundra information centre and visit some of the world's best beaches, Golden, Kings, Moffat, Dicky, Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Sunshine and last but not least, Noosa Main beach. Take in Pumicestone Passage, Sunshine Shopping Plaza then head via the scenic David Low Way to explore the Noosa National Park, Hastings Street and the beautiful Noosa River.

Glass House Mountains Discovery

Itchy Feet - Backpackers Guide to Hostels in Australia
Take the road up through Caloundra's beautiful countryside and take in the breathtaking Glass House Mountains. On the way see the world famous Crocodile Hunter's magnificent zoo and Ewen Maddock dam. Then stare in wonder at the sights before you from the Glass House Mountains lookout. Visit the area's original Cobb and Co coach stop before stopping at the site where Aboriginals used to grind their axes.


Photography by Tourism Queensland

Things to Do

Ramblers have been taking people skydiving in Australia since 1972 and would like to take you too. Come and get your knees in the breeze, your head in the clouds and find out why Ramblers is Famous for Fun!


The Big Pineapple
The Ginger Factory
The Big Kart Track
Nostalgia Town
Forest Glen Wildlife Sanctuary
Aussie World
The Mary Valley Rattler
Underwater World Imagine yourself an alien in an unknown world. Water is the natural element - sharks, whales, crocodiles and stingrays the natural rulers. These mystifying, primeval creatures preside over an enormous range of fascinating underwater inhabitants...
Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains tourist Route Beerwah Qld 4519 Phone (07) 54941134
Big Kart Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive Landsborough Qld 4550 Phone (07)54941613

Hostels


Hostel Information & Bookings
The below listings are a guide to accommodation in this area. For current information on each Hostel including booking availability and prices click on the Hostel Accommodation tab at the top of the page.



Mooloolaba Beach Backpackers Mooloolaba Australia

Cotton Tree Beach House 15 The Esplande, Maroochydore, Australia

Maroochydore YHA Backpackers 24 Schirrmann Drive, Maroochydore, Australia

Dolphins Beach House 14 Duke Street, Noosa, Australia

Suncoast Backpackers Lodge 50 Parker Street Maroochy 4561 QLD Phone (07) 54437544

The Noosa Backpackers Resort 9 William Street Noosa 4567 QLD Phone 1800 626673

Koala Beach Resort 44 Noosa Drive Noosa Junction 4567 QLD Phone 1800 357457

Dolphins 14 Duke Street Sunrise Beach Phone 1800 454456



Sponsored Links

Queensland
 Airlie Beach  Bowen  Brisbane  Bundaberg  Cairns  Fraser Island  Gold Coast  Hervey Bay  Mackay  Mission Beach  Rockhampton  Sunshine Coast  Townsville


Disclaimer: Itchy Feet provides links to other companies so that you can purchase products or services from them. These companies are responsible for all fulfilment and customer service. Itchy Feet may receive commissions from these companies. Please ensure you read their privacy policies in relation to your private information. Itchy Feet provide information on this web site 'as is' and have tried to make it as accurate as possible. We accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from any information provided. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. Adelaide | Airlie Beach | Albany | Alice Springs | Batemans Bay | Bowen | Brisbane | Broome | Bundaberg | Byron Bay | Cairns | Canberra | Ceduna | Central Victoria | Coffs Harbour | Coober Pedy | Darwin | Dunsborough | Esperance | Exmouth | Fraser Island | Fremantle | Geraldton | Gold Coast | Grampians | Greater Melbourne | Hervey Bay | Hobart | Itchy Feet Home Page | Kalgoorlie | Kangaroo Island | Katherine | Katoomba | Launceston | Mackay | Melbourne | Mission Beach | Murray River | New South Wales | Newcastle | Northern Territory | Perth | Port Arthur | Port Augusta | Port Macquarie | Queensland | Rockhampton | Drinking Politics | Slang | Snow Fields Victoria | South Australia | Sunshine Coast | Sydney City | Sydney Kings Cross | Sydney Surryhills Glebe | Sydney Bondi Beach - Coogee | Sydney Manly Kirribilli | Tasmania | Tennant Creek | Townsville | Travel Inforamtion | Tweed Coast | Shout | Vegemite | Victoria | Warnambool | Western Australia | Australia | New Zealand | World Wide Hostels | Submit a Hostel-Australia | Submit a Hostel - New Zealand |  Link to Itchy Feet Australia | Link to Itchy Feet New Zealand |  Privacy Policy/ Disclaimer | Links | E-mail Itchy Feet | Site Map |