Live and Learn on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, nature reserves, and relaxed vibe. Exceptional scenery, adventure and new experiences can be found around each corner. The Sunshine Coast has a naturally refreshing feel, from locally produced food and drink, to cool boutique stores with handmade goods, there is something for everyone.
The Sunshine Coast is situated 100km (62 miles) north of the state capital Brisbane, and contains over 70km (43 miles) of serene coastline. Its residential population of just over 300,000 is spread over the 462.4km² (287.3 miles²) area means that it is far from crowded. The Sunshine Coast is a urban area and the third most populated area in the Australian state of Queensland. The Sunshine Coast encompasses beach resorts, surf spots and rural hinterland in southern Queensland, Australia. It stretches from the coastal city of Caloundra, near Brisbane, north to the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, home to multicoloured sand dunes, mangrove forests, and shallow lakes. Upscale Noosa Heads has boutique shops, waterways, and walking trails through Noosa National Park.
View the Why Study on the Sunshine Coast Brochure
Things to do on the Sunshine Coast
Go Wild at
Australia Zoo
Relax on our
Stunning Beaches
Enjoy the Cafes
and Markets
Climb aMountain
and Soak Up the View
For more must see destinations and experiences on the Sunshine Coast visit www.queensland.com or www.visitsunshinecoast.com
Getting to the Sunshine Coast
By Air
From Sunshine Coast Airport you can fly direct to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland. From these cities you can easily connect to the rest of the world.
By Train
The Sunshine Coast Railway Line travels along the hinterland towns and connects to Maroochydore and the coastal towns via buses. Queensland Rail has daily services from Brisbane to Nambour.
By Road
There are a number of coach services that travel to Sunshine Coast with regular services from Brisbane, Sydney and other major centres. Coach companies include: McCafferty’s, Greyhound and Oz Experience.
Excellent sealed highways link the Sunshine Coast with the national road network. Brisbane is a 1 hour drive from Maroochydore. Most of the big car rental networks in Australia allow one-way car hire options.
By Sea
Splash out and arrive by cruise ship! The closest port is Brisbane just 1 hour by car.
Sunshine Coast Weather
With an average annual climate of 15.8 degrees to 25.4 degrees and 300 days of sunshine a year, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to live.
Temperatures are generally warm year round with summer temperatures averaging 17 – 28˚C from December to February and winter temperatures falling between 7 – 22˚C from June to August. However the coastal location benefits from cooling sea breezes on warmer days. Despite minimum temperatures falling in winter, the ocean remains a pleasant 19˚C while in summer the ocean is a warm 26˚C meaning the beaches are always busy with both locals and tourists alike.
Sunshine Coast Culture
With its sunshine, endless coastline, lush rainforests and easy smiles – it’s a place where you’ll feel like a local from the moment you arrive. It is no surprise the Sunshine Coast is an amazing holiday destination for Australians and international tourists. The population swells during holiday season as families come to enjoy the beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
There’ll never be a shortage of things to see and do while living on the Sunshine Coast. With glorious sunny days and warm water most of the year, it’s an ideal place for outdoor sports and recreation, alfresco dining, hiking, swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling, golfing and shopping.
Explore the crafty and eclectic hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny, enjoy the pristine Caloundra beaches and Pumicestone Passage, and savour the fresh, juicy seafood direct from the trawlers in Mooloolaba. Take in the awe-inspiring Glass House Mountains, indulge in the naturally stylish and effortlessly cool Noosa, and find your sense of adventure in Rainbow Beach.
Essential Services – Sunshine Coast
Money
Australia’s local currency is the Australian Dollar. Money exchange facilities are located throughout the city and at the airport. Banks are open Mondays to Friday between 9.30am and 4.00pm. Most of them have automatic teller machines (ATMs) which can also be found at shopping centres throughout the city and region.
Postage and Freight Services
Australia Post the national postal service, is located within a 5 minute walk from the college at Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre. It offers helpful information on postage costs, freight times and customs / export requirements. Freight services are available to send packages to any worldwide destination by express, sea or air at very competitive prices.
Open Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Shopping
All major international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners Club can be used in Australia and travelers’ cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Tipping is not obligatory in Australia and there are normally no service charges at hotels and restaurants (except for public holidays). You can of course tip if you want to, usually to waiters or taxi drivers.
Emergency
For a serious emergency in Australia the number to call is 000 for Ambulance, Fire and Police. This number is free from private and public telephones.
Medical
Sunshine Coast University Hospital is a 10 minute drive from the College. Chemists, doctors and a 24 Hour Medical Service centre are all within a 10 minute walk of the College.
Communications
Australia’s Country Code is 61 and Queensland’s area code is 07. To place an overseas call you need to dial 0011 and then the country code, area code and number.
Phone cards for cheap international calls are available in most newsagencies and internet cafes. The cost for international calls with these cards starts from 0.03 cents per minute.
Besides having free wireless internet at the college, most of our accommodation options also have the internet available and there are a number of internet cafes within 2 minutes’ walk from the college.
Daily News
For daily news try the local newspaper The Sunshine Coast Daily or the free weekly community paper My Weekly Preview.
Getting Around Sunshine Coast
With the Sunshine Coast being such a spread out place with little towns dotting the countryside and coastline there are various transport alternatives to help you around. Services include buses, car hire (self drive) and taxis.
Bus
A Local Bus Service links Maroochydore to other suburbs. The bus stop is located outside Sunshine Plaza just a 200m walk from the College.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day to take you on short journeys. There is a taxi rank just outside the college.
Car Rentals
Car Rentals are another option if you have a driving license and want the independence of self- drive in, out, and around the Sunshine Coast.