As one of the most biodiverse locations in Australia, the Sunshine Coast boasts many natural assets which have made the region one of Australia's prime tourist destinations and the perfect place to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name with clear blue skies, a vibrant, green hinterland and an abundance of sunshine averaging seven hours per day, over 300 days per year. The region's tourism industry and community events are also supported by a range of community areas and facilities. Residents of the Sunshine Coast have access to:

• 52.3 kilometres of open coastline
• 13,000 kilometres of watercourses
• 39,835 hectares of national parks, state forests and forest reserves
• 1,800 local cultural and sporting events each year
• 7,000 hectares of recreation parks, sport fields and botanic gardens.

Visit the Sunshine Coast for information on events, accommodation and what the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Climate

Australia's Sunshine Coast enjoys plenty of sunshine - an average of seven hours per day, 300 days per year - which is one of the highest ratings on an international scale.

Summer (December - February)	Low 20ºC	High 28ºC
Autumn (March - May)	Low 16ºC	High 25ºC
Winter (June - August)	Low 10ºC	High 21ºC
Spring (September - November)	Low 15ºC	High 25ºC

Events

There is something to appeal to everyone on the Sunshine Coast, which has developed a strong reputation as a premier event destination. Hosting international events that leverage off the region's stunning beaches and natural environments, the region's events calendar includes (among others):

• Caloundra Music Festival
• Ironman 70.3 Championships
• Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival
• Queensland Garden Expo
• Wanderlust

High quality education, training and research facilities

The Sunshine Coast has a full range of high quality education and training facilities including a university, a multi-campus vocational education and training institute (TAfE), over 400 training institutions and more than 70 private and public schools. The Sunshine Coast’s education sector is one of the largest in regional Queensland and is predicted to grow by 50% by 2033.

For more information on local schools, visit www.studysunshinecoast.com.au 

Entertainment - Food and Dining

The Sunshine Coast is famous for its fresh produce supplied daily to local restaurants, cafes and markets. Most locals do their regular shopping at large supermarkets such as Woolworths, Coles, Independent Grocers Australia (IGA) or Aldi located at most major suburban shopping precincts.

Local farmers markets are another great way to snap up bargains and indulge in beautifully fresh produce and gourmet products. Some of the local markets include Eumundi Market, Kawana, the Big Pineapple, Caloundra, Yandina and the recently launched Big Top Farmers Market.

Eating out on the Sunshine Coast is a multicultural affair with plenty of fresh seafood, colourful tropical fruits, excellent wines and boutique beers. You can choose from exclusive beachfront restaurants, to family-friendly surf clubs lining the coast, to great-value RSLs or simply treat yourself to the quintessentially Australian outdoor dining experience munching on crunchy fish and chips sprinkled with lemon juice and salt as the sun sets on a balmy beach evening.