How To Travel From The Gold Coast To The Sunshine Coast EASILY
Everyone and their mother has heard of the Gold Coast, but what about the Sunshine Coast? Named for its endless sunny days, the coastline is just as stunning as its well-known neighbors and has dozens of national parks, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints to check out. In this post, we'll be exploring the different ways to travel from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast that are easy and quick, so that you have more time for discovering the best hotspots.
Unlike the nearby Gold Coast, which can be quite crowded during peak season, the Sunshine Coast is relatively quiet and relaxing, which makes it the perfect place to escape to after the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay and the surrounding area. Whether you're hiking through one of the region's many national parks or simply soaking up the sun on one of its pristine beaches, you're sure to fall in love with this incredible corner of Australia.
Where Is The Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is situated in South East Queensland, just north of the capital city — Brisbane. It stretches over 60 kilometers / 37 miles of golden sands and remote hinterland up the coast to Cooloola National Park.
The area includes the coastal towns of Caloundra, Noosa Heads, and Mooloolaba.
The Gold Coast sits on the same coastline, a little to the south of Brisbane, which makes it easy to travel between the two.
How To Get From The Gold Coast To The Sunshine Coast By Car
The easiest way to get from The Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast is to drive the short distance. It's the ideal next destination on your Australian travels, as it only takes 2.5 hours to travel to and the views are exceptionally scenic along the way. The journey between the two follows the picturesque coastal road and passes through dense forest to the vibrant turquoise waters and beach towns that make up the Sunshine Coast.
If you're a nervous driver, you've got nothing to fear. The route follows just one road — the M1, for the duration of the journey. There are also plenty of remarkable stopping points along the way, including Beachmere and Bribie Island. You can also take a trip into the city of Brisbane itself, where you'll find attractions, such as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, South Bank Parklands, and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
How To Get From The Gold Coast To The Sunshine Coast By Bus
If you're getting around Australia via public transport, you'll be pleased to know that catching the bus from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast is relatively straightforward and budget-friendly.
The best service is provided by Greyhound Australia and departs from the Surfers Paradise transit center, traveling up to the town of Maroochydore. The journey takes just over three hours and is the quickest of all bus routes to the Sunshine Coast. The bus leaves every day at 11:45 AM and reaches Maroochydore at 2:05 PM. Tickets start at around $45 AUD if you book early.
Greyhound Australia also provides services to several other places along the Sunshine Coast, including Coolum, Cooroy, Mooloolaba, and Peregian.
How To Get From The Gold Coast To The Sunshine Coast By Train
Taking a train to the Sunshine Coast includes a change in Brisbane, which is perfect if you want to stop and see the sights in the sparkling capital for a few days on your way through. Starting at Cypress Avenue station, take the tram to Helensvale station. The journey takes around half an hour and the service runs every 15 minutes. You'll pay less than $6 AUD for a ticket.
Once you reach Helensvale station, you'll need to do a quick platform change and take a train to Brisbane's central station. It takes just over an hour to reach the city and a ticket costs around $10 AUD. The service runs every half an hour throughout the week.
If you're taking a train to the Sunshine Coast, you'll likely head to Nambour. It's the most accessible station by rail and it's easy to reach other towns, such as Caloundra. There is a direct train from Brisbane Central to Nambour, which runs several times an hour and takes just under two hours. Your ticket will cost around $14 AUD, which takes the grand total of a trip from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast to $30 AUD. If you choose to travel at less popular times, you can save even more on your journey.
Places To Visit Along The Sunshine Coast
It's all well and good telling you how to get to the Sunshine Coast, but once you're there, then what?
The coastline is full of hidden treasures, sweeping ocean views, and sand as soft as silk, and here are some of the most incredible locations that you NEED to add to your itinerary:
Point Cartwright Lighthouse - for scenic vistas and photo opportunities.
Hell's Gates - for jagged cliffs and crashing waves, with the opportunity to spot sharks, whales, and turtles.
Buderim Forest Park - for hiking and waterfalls amidst the vibrant rainforest.
Mount Coolum National Park - for exploring the area from above, via a steep hike up a volcanic mount.
Noosa National Park - for cliff-top walks and unbeatable coastal scenery.
Laguna Lookout - for impressive views over Sunshine Coast from a scenic spot in Noosa Heads
Glass House Mountains National Park - for strenuous hiking surrounded by stretching views over the hinterland.
Australia Zoo - for seeing exotic native animals up close, including koalas, kangaroos, and snakes.
Are you traveling to the Sunshine Coast solo? While traveling alone is a beautiful and transformative journey, it can get a little lonely from time to time. Use our community feature to connect with other females who are also exploring the world unaccompanied. You can chat about your highs and lows, and you never know, you might end up grabbing a coffee on the coast together!
Final Thoughts On Traveling From The Gold Coast To The Sunshine Coast
Getting to the Sunshine Coast from the Gold Coast is a piece of cake if you have a car, however, even via public transport, you won't have any issues. If you want to continue your exploration of the powdery beaches and relaxed brunch spots that Queensland is notorious for, traveling from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast just makes sense.