SUNSHINE COAST IS SPARKLING

The Queensland Sunshine Coast & Hinterland has all the elements needed for a great meeting destination perfectly lined up.

There’s a good road network feeding north from Brisbane; the balmy climate lends itself to outdoor events for most of the year and, most importantly, the region is a great incentive in itself. People just like going there.

One of the beauties of the place is the diversity it offers. A ribbon of beautiful beaches of 100 km and more are matched by a fertile green hinterland where creative people have brought their skills to a wide range of activities, including the culinary arts.

>> Conference & meeting venues Sunshine Coast, QLD

Step back from the coast and your eye is drawn to the Glasshouse Mountains, a collection of 10 striking mountains which originated in the wake of volcanic eruptions eons ago. The tallest is Mount Beerwah at 550 metres.

At the northern reaches of the coast is the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The area is renowned for its fishing, the crystal clear fresh water lakes and the magnificent stands of protected forest which has managed to withstand time.

Spa treatments are big on the Sunshine Coast & Hinterland, with much variety to choose from.

If a tranquil retreat is what you need, book in at an Asian-style spa surrounded by lush tropical gardens. You can indulge your delegates or guests in a uniquely Sunshine Coast treatment – a Cooloola sand and sea salt scrub which will
leave their skin smooth and scented.

Time-out together is also important and that’s why some of the day spas feature spa suites for couples, complete with private courtyards, double spas and treatments for two.

Just south of Fraser Island is Noosa, one of Australia’s most fashionable and popular holiday destinations, which is well equipped to meet all the needs of the event planner for small to medium-sized meetings.

Noosa is a good option for meetings well outside the school holiday seasons as it does tend to get very full, with parking and other congestion issues arising. That said, it’s a very laid back town whatever the season. Hastings Street, the main place to dine and shop in Noosa Heads adjoins the Noosa National Park and you can be eyeballing a wild koala up a tree within five minutes of downing your café latte. There are not many places you can do that!

Noosaville, which is just a couple of minutes from Noosa Heads is significantly less expensive than its fashionable neighbour with regard to holiday rentals and restaurant prices.

At the nearby Noosa Harbour you can board a vessel with capacity for up to 150 passengers to cruise the Noosa River and Noosa Sound. You can enjoy the Queensland sunshine, experience the breathtaking sunsets and cruise amongst moonlit waters by night.

Heading south the beachside townships of Coolum, Caloundra, Marcoola all have their special attractions and boast a wide range of activities.

The Sunshine Coast & Hinterland is renowned for the variety and quality of its golf courses, several of which host major championships each year.

The Pumicestone Passage Marine Park can be explored by kayak or sunset cruise. This tranquil sanctuary also offers calm waters to swim, fish or go boating. The Passage has extensive mangroves and sea grasses and feeds into creeks and estuaries on its journey south from Caloundra to Moreton Bay. This stretch of water separates mainland Caloundra from Bribie Island and is home to more than 350 species of birds, including pelicans, black swans and migratory terns.

There’ll never be any grumbles from your delegates about the destination if you choose the Sunshine Coast & Hinterland.