If you love the outdoors, it’s hard to ignore the Sunshine Coast when considering your study options. Its stunning beaches, national parks, rainforests and lush hinterland offer endless leisure opportunities when you need a study break. It’s a giant natural playground and if you are looking to experience the Australian lifestyle at its best it’s all here. There’s so much to explore and do. Being in nature will allow you to indulge in your favourite leisure activity be it surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, hiking or horse-riding.
Head to the beach
With some of the best beaches in the world you can choose from gnarly surf or peaceful bay swimming. Kings Beach in Caloundra scored Surf Life Saving Queensland’s vote for the State’s second-best beach in 2018 and Noosa Main Beach and Mooloolaba Beach were listed in the country’s top ten beaches on Trip Advisor. Being two of the very few north facing beaches on Australia’s eastern coast they offer calm, warm water all year round.
Enjoy the Hinterland.
With over 60 National Parks and conservation parks to discover you will never be bored. The ancient volcanic peaks, lush rainforest, waterfalls and pristine waterways provide the perfect environment to de-frag and recharge. Grab some friends and spend a weekend camping or hiking. Highlights of the region include the Conondale National Park and the crystal-clear creeks of the Mary Valley. There are also many stunning waterfalls. Kondalilla, Boolumba, Mapleton, Gardners and Serenity Falls are popular picnic spots and great day-trip destinations.
Climb a mountain or take a hike
One of the best ways to experience the full beauty of the Sunshine Coast is on foot. Climb a mountain or take your pick of the outstanding coastal walks including Kings Beach to Bulcock Beach, the Coolum Boardwalk or Noosa National Park coastal trail. Mt Coolum is one of the most accessible climbs and a great way to keep fit. For those looking to be more challenged, you can tackle Mt Cooroora in the hinterland town of Pomona. It is a 291m climb (446m elevation) and has become well-known for the annual King of the Mountain race which has been running since 1979. The 360-degree view from the top makes it worth your while.
Get involved in outdoor sports
For those who love water sports you have the ultimate playground. Try kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the Noosa Everglades or Pumicestone Passage or water skiing on the Mary River. If you enjoy a bit of adrenaline hop on a jet ski or take a speed boat adventure. You may even decide to join one of the sailing clubs at Mooloolaba or Noosa. And, of course surfing and swimming at one of the many beaches is always on offer. Or ride a horse on one of the many hinterland trails. Beach and sea riding are also popular and unique horse-riding experiences.
Study Sunshine Coast: Your Future is Here!