A great place to escape to

There's more to the Sunshine Coast than Noosa, the ultra-fashionable tourism enclave of
the rich and famous. Of course, that's not to underestimate Noosa's hip appeal.

>> Conference venues on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.

One hour's drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is also serviced by direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne via Virgin Blue and Qantas.

Interestingly, the first European to abscond to Noosa was doing just that. In the late 1820s, David Bracefell staged the first of a number of escapes from the Moreton Bay prison colony to spend time at the area around Noosa. Fast forward to the 21st century and Bracefell's spiritual descendents continue to escape the southern states for all the creature comforts they know back home.

Further south, and in such towns as Coolum, Maroochydore and Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast reverts to a relaxed, family-style resort area that, aside from a few high-rise buildings and large resorts, has changed little in generations.

Conference groups are well served throughout the Sunshine Coast. Large-scale resorts and small boutique hotels offer meetings products and services for all tastes and all budgets.

With more than 65 kilometres of pristine, often deserted beaches, the Sunshine Coast is a leisure destination without measure. Every activity under the sun is available from swimming, fishing and diving to the most eco-friendly pursuits.

In the hinterland, there's such great places to explore as Maleny, Montville, Mapleton and Flaxton. There are quiet country lanes, quaint handicraft stores and the type of laid-back country pubs that only Queensland can produce, where visitors can kick back and chat with a local over a cold brew and reflect on what life could really be like.