A Guide to the Sunshine Coast, not Just Noosa.

Beautiful Noosa is a world famous destination that could claim to be the unofficial capital of the Sunshine Coast. It’s a stunning beach haven for wealthy international tourists, backpacking travellers and escapees from the colder climes of the southern states of Australia. The kilometres of pristine beach, Noosa National Park and the shopping and fine dining of Hastings Street draw the crowds to this breathtaking part of the world. But revelling in the natural wonders and urban hustle and bustle of this popular resort is just one experience you can take away from a visit to the Sunshine Coast; this region has a lot more to offer than the delights of Noosa.

Fraser Island

Like Noosa, this place needs no introduction. A World Heritage Site, Fraser Island is also the world’s largest sand island and a visit here will show you a wonderland of startlingly white sand dunes, soaring rainforests and freshwater lakes. A vast array of Australian wildlife, (over 350 species of animals and birds have been recorded on the island), are there to be spotted on one of many walking trails or along the 4WD circuits.
http://www.fraserisland.net

Glass House Mountains National Park

The sight of distinctly gorilla-shaped Mount Tibrogargan, just one of many mystical peaks in the Glass House Mountains National Park, can be glimpsed from far and wide on the Sunshine Coast. The mountains are central to local Aboriginal legend and the national park offers wonderful panoramic views and a wealth of opportunities for walking, climbing, BBQ’s and camping adventures.
Glass http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Hinterland Driving

Winding through the Blackall Ranges is an easy day trip to remember. The Hinterland region is a place of great natural beauty in the form of rugged mountains, waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. There are a number of lookouts to stop at along the tourist trail and the quaint historic townships of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton, amongst others, are also dotted along the way so you can visit the cafes, book stores, art & craft galleries and boutiques.
http://www.centralcoastaustralia.com.au/the-hinterland

Aussie World & Ettamogah Pub

Once you find a 1927 Chevy parked just off the Bruce Highway you know you’re close to Aussie World, a fun park where you’ll find Oz-themed rides and games for all the family. For a classic taste of Australiana at lunch time you can’t go past the iconic and much-photographed Ettamogah Pub.
http://www.aussieworld.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/EttamogahPubSunshineCoast

Underwater World

In the heart of Mooloolaba you can come face to face with sharks at Underwater World. At this world-class marine life park you can partake of the Shark Dive Xtreme experience: for only $175.50, (if you are a certified SCUBA diver), you can experience the heart-stopping thrill of swimming with up to 8 species of sharks, stingrays and fish.
http://www.underwaterworld.com.au

Caloundra S.L.S.C

Chilling out doesn’t get much better than having lunch and a few cold beers on the balcony of Caloundra’s Surf Life Saving Club. Kicking back and watching the surf rolling onto the broad, clean sands of Kings Beach is a fantastic way to break up a day of sun and surf. You can experience the quaint practice of signing-in to gain entrance to the club and if you turn up with a member you’ll benefit from a discount on all food and drinks.
http://caloundrasurfclub.com.au

Eumundi Markets

There’s a lot of art and craft going on in this part of the world and the Original Eumundi Markets, Australia’s premier artisan market, is just the place to check out the results. The organisers’ ethos of “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it” bears great fruit on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when you can stroll amongst over 300 stalls filled with a wide array of locally produced food, fashion and handicraft.
http://www.eumundimarkets.com.au

That’s just a selection of what you can see and do on the diverse and beautiful Sunshine Coast, so there’s every reason to go out and experience more than the fabulous tourist mecca of Noosa alone.

For those looking to visit this part of the world from the UK, you'll need your travel money.

The following table shows real time rates for exchanging £1,500 into Australian Dollars:



  • 1.9142

  • $ 2.00

  • FREE

 

Established in 2008 with one mission, to bring the retail foreign exchange business online identifying an opportunity to redefine how people purchase travel money. The team of three partners has over 30 years experience in the retail foreign exchange market.


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.9110

  • FREE

 

Established in 2007 with three bureau de change branches in London as well as running a postal delivery service in the UK with a focus on reputation, trust, reliability and quality of service.


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.9075

  • $ 7.00

  • FREE

 

Established in 2008, Travelfx are solely an internet business providing an alternative to a Bureau de Change with some of the best exchange rates online. The company has been ranked 34th in the 2012 Sunday Times Fast track 100.


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.9070

  • FREE

 

Established in 1981, Covent Garden FX is a family-owned and operated Bureau De Change located in the heart of Central London, providing some of the best exchange rates online for branch collection or home delivery.


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.9026

  • $ 5.00

  • FREE

 

Established in 1979. Moneycorp also have retail bureaux de change at Gatwick, Stansted, Southend and Southampton airports, and across Central London. They provide next day delivery and can deliver on Saturdays for an additional fee


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.9020

  • $ 3.00

  • FREE

 

Griffin Financial is a leading provider of financial services designed to help you manage your money better.Operating from our headquarters based on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff-on-Sea, we are dedicated to helping make our customers lives that little bit easier and provide the following financial services online and in-store:


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.8986

  • $ 4.00

  • FREE

 

Established in 1973 ICE Plc is one of the largest and most respected retail foreign exchange operators in the world with a combined annual group turnover in excess of US.8 billion and with over 300 branches in addition to providing an online service.


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.8892

  • $ 6.00

  • FREE

 

At the Post Office our aim is to provide you with the things that are important to you, Post Office Travel Money has great rates on Euros and US Dollars


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.8688

  • $ 9.00

  • FREE

 

As a well known British high street retailer, M&S stock one of the widest ranges of currency on the high street (up to 42 currencies) available online, by phone or in store operating as one of the most competitive providers for those needing to purchase last minute from one of their 120 stores nationwide.


  • 1.8422

  • FREE

 


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.8400

  • $ 10.00

  • FREE

 

RBS offer an online service for home delivery or collection from a local of your choice in the UK. Please note there is a minimum order of £100 and a maximum order of £2,500


  •  Travel Money
  • 1.8392

  • $ 11.00

  • FREE

 

Established in 1968 and acquired by RBS in 2000, foreign exchange forms part of the general financial services offered by the bank. You can purchase notes or travellers cheques for collection from your local branch or home delivery.



Written by Lynda Roderick
Culture & Lifestyle Journalist - Currency Today