Key Facts

Sunshine Coast Key facts

The Sunshine Coast is paradise on earth. 300 days of sunshine a year, not too hot or cold, an easily accessible area and some of the best beaches in the world. If you are considering moving to the Sunshine Coast, there are plenty of reasons to do so.

Originally called ‘Near North Coast’, it was renamed in 1966 to Sunshine Coast. And it’s partially accurate: it’s 1633km2 of consistently warm and sunshiney bliss, but it’s not all coastline. The area goes inland to the Glass House Mountains, 20km from the coast.

There is little temperature variation year-round, with an average high of 25oC, and seven hours of sunshine 300 days a year with rain often occurring at night. It is a warm-weather paradise, with a great lifestyle and plenty for the whole family to do.

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Sunshine Coast history

The first inhabitants of the Sunshine Coast were the Aboriginals – The Gubbi Gubbi (incorrectly written in some records as Kabi Kabi) and Wakka Wakka people. They were nomadic tribes, hunting and gathering as they wandered the area. Then, Captain James Cook saw the Glass House Mountains in 1770. The first European inhabitants were three convicts, Thomas Pamphlett, Richard Parsons and John Finnegan who got lost, landed on Moreton Island, and lived with the Gubbi Gubbi people for eight months in 1820s.

It then became home to runaways during the 1830s and 1840s. Heading into the 1850s, battles broke out along the Blackball Range as indigenous people tried to stop the white encroachment of their lands.

These days, almost 20% of the Sunshine Coast population was born overseas. Of the 350,000 inhabitants, there’s a number of Kiwi and British ex-pats, and about 10,000 households have English as a second language. It’s truly a diverse place to live.

Economy of the Sunshine Coast

The economy is strong, even when the rest of Australia is slowing. It’s expected the population will grow by 200,000 by 2041, with tourism providing good employment options from retail and hospitality to construction. With around 3.2 million visitors each year, people flock to Australia Zoo, the Big Pineapple, the Ettamogah Pub, UnderWater World and the Buderim Ginger Factory.

The area is also home to many sporting and cultural events every year. The consistent weather makes it a favourite with organisers. From Ironman and Triathlon races to concerts and shows, the area is fast becoming a sought-after venue.

In part to the ethos of the local area, the Sunshine Coast is becoming an incubator for renewable, green and eco-positive technology. From LED lighting through to a large solar farm, the area has a healthy attitude towards retaining its natural beauty.

Rich natural resources

Probably the most famous thing about the Sunshine Coast is the beaches. 60km of white sand and blue water are irresistible. Noosa, Mooloolaba, Marcoola, Tea Tree Bay, Kings Beach, Caloundra Maroochydore and Buderim are just some of the beaches you can visit, and they have a range of surf conditions. Some are good for families, others are great for surfing. You can try a dolphin kayak tour or stand-up paddleboarding, or the simple pleasure of reading a book in the sun.

There are five national Parks in the region that help to protect the biodiversity of the area. Great Sandy National Park, Mapleton Falls National Park, The Glass House Mountains National Park, Kondalilla National Park and Noosa National Park.

These areas are amazing for treks, bushwalks birdwatching and for spotting the local wildlife. Also, the Glass House mountains are a top spot in Australia for spotting UFO’s. And if you’re walking in the Buderim area, keep an eye out for the ‘Yarri’, or as it’s more commonly known, the Beast of Queensland. It’s reportedly a large cat-like creature, with sightings going back as the early 1800’s.

The food is outstanding

It’s home to a range of people seeking alternative lifestyles; you’ll find meditation and yoga centres everywhere, as well as vegan or vegetarian foods (and numerous juice bars).

Because of the climate, the area is naturally very fertile. This means that the produce grown here is amazing, and the food culture that has sprung up around it will satisfy every foodie. As well as seafood, there’s a wealth of ‘bush tucker’ knowledge, and an array of local produce being grown including macadamia nuts.

Some of Australia’s best restaurants are here- get authentic Japanese food at Wasabi, fresh seafood at Pier 33, pizza at Bombetta, or Mexican at Ol’ Cactus. And of course there’s nothing better than fish and chips on the beach.

Culture

The area is laid back and relaxed. The friendly Aussie locals are everywhere, and usually happy to lend a hand. If you’re from a busy city like Auckland (or Sydney or Melbourne), the pace of life here will be delightful. It gives you time to do what you enjoy- whether that’s surfing, bushwalks or simply long dinners in the evening sun with a wine.

As well as all the natural beauty of the region, there’s an events centre in Caloundra that hosts music, dance and theatre. The J in Noosa has similar events, and Solbar in Maroochydore is a dedicated live music venue to catch the hottest talent in the area.

There are many artists in residence in the region. You’ll find the markets packed with hand-made jewellery, clothing, art, sculpture and pottery. There are art galleries in the region and a thriving creative scene.

Moving to the Sunshine Coast offers amazing opportunities

With great weather, heaps of things to do, great food and a laid back lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast is an easy choice. You can live Your Best Life in The Lucky Country.

The biggest reason you should move to the Sunshine Coast, and the best advertisement for it, is the number of Australians there who moved from other parts of Aussie. The story is almost universal- they came for a holiday and simply never left. And if so many people fall in love with the place, it’s got a lot going for it.

Make the move—you won’t regret it

Sunshine Coast is a great choice to move to. For Kiwis, there is not much of a change from your NZ lifestyle but it’s a bigger city with lots of opportunities and a great lifestyle.

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