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Holiday houses on the Sunshine Coast
Turn Queensland's sunny spot into your own by staying in a home on your next trip to the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast
Travel Guides
Keen to steal away from the crowds while revelling in beachside views and pristine waters? The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's better kept secrets. It's well-loved but by no means as busy as other Queensland hotspots like the Gold Coast.
Being a sleepier city, you'll not fall short of affordable stays that are moments from the sand and surf. To get you started, we've uncovered some of the best sites to find and book your perfect stay.
Where to book holiday homes on the Sunshine Coast
Airbnb: Best for retreats
Airbnb offers more than a handful of unique stays you can make your own. Its retreat options are unparalleled and include ocean treehouses, mountain-side cabins and guest houses surrounded by botanical gardens.
Airbnb offers more than a handful of unique stays you can make your own. Its retreat options are unparalleled and include ocean treehouses, mountain-side cabins and guest houses surrounded by botanical gardens.
- Free cancellations
- Taxes and fees aren’t always included in the price
- You’ll need to pay for your stay upon booking
Stayz: Best for families and large groups
At the best of times Stayz has 140+ properties scattered throughout the Sunshine Coast suitable for groups of 4 and more. These range from beachfront apartments to pet-friendly houses.
At the best of times Stayz has 140+ properties scattered throughout the Sunshine Coast suitable for groups of 4 and more. These range from beachfront apartments to pet-friendly houses.
- Free cancellations
- Taxes and fees are included in the price
- You’ll need to pay for your stay on a date set by your host
HotelsCombined: Best for holiday parks and caravan parks
Road tripping around the Sunshine Coast? Perhaps you're keeping costs low? HotelsCombined brings the best holiday parks within reach in hotspots like Noosa and Forest Glen so you can keep your budget right on track.
Road tripping around the Sunshine Coast? Perhaps you're keeping costs low? HotelsCombined brings the best holiday parks within reach in hotspots like Noosa and Forest Glen so you can keep your budget right on track.
- Free cancellations
- Taxes and fees are included in the price
- You’ll need to pay for your stay on a date set by your host
Booking.com: Best for a entire place to yourself
Not just a hotel booking site, Booking.com offers a small number of holiday homes on the Sunshine Coast too. Expect waterfront units in Maroochydore and luxury cottages in the Glasshouse Mountains that you'll have all to yourself.
Not just a hotel booking site, Booking.com offers a small number of holiday homes on the Sunshine Coast too. Expect waterfront units in Maroochydore and luxury cottages in the Glasshouse Mountains that you'll have all to yourself.
- Free cancellations
- Taxes and fees are included in the price
- You’ll need to pay for your stay on a date set by your host
FlipKey: Best for budgets
Skip the big names and hit up Flipkey for bargain stays. Prices can fall below $100 per night for entire homes that are a stone's throw from the Sunshine Coast's best beaches.
Skip the big names and hit up Flipkey for bargain stays. Prices can fall below $100 per night for entire homes that are a stone's throw from the Sunshine Coast's best beaches.
- Free cancellations
- Taxes and fees aren’t always included in the price
- You’ll need to pay for your stay on a date set by your host
Where should I stay on the Sunshine Coast?
- For beaches: While the Sunshine Coast is not short on beachy townships, the main hubs of activity are in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Both are popular tourist destinations and boast bountiful beaches, buzzing promenades and marine activities to fill your schedule. If you feel so inclined, you can also venture north and stay in Noosa Heads.
- For surfing: Popular beginners' surfing spots are Caloundra (Kings Beach, Happy Valley, Dicky Beach, Noosa (Little Cove, First Point, Noosa Main Beach) and Coolum. For more seasoned surfers, check out Coolum Beach, Noosa Heads and Double Island Point.
- For families: Sunshine Coast CBD/Maroochydore has entertainment for all ages. However, if you'd prefer a more catered destination, stay in Caloundra for family-friendly marine activities such as snorkelling, or Mooloolaba where you can visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
- For romance: Stay in Twin Waters to wake up to ocean views that will make you swoon. Or, retreat to the Glasshouse Mountains or Maleny for cottages tucked away in the rainforest where you'll feel miles away from civilisation.
- For hiking: Veer away from the coast and make your stay in the Hinterland. There are stacks of driving trails, hiking tracks and swimming waterfalls to tuck into.
Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast for cheap
To keep costs down, don't search for beachfront apartments. Instead, home in on suburbs just inland of the beach or north and south of the main Sunshine Coast strip to save a pretty penny.
Down south, suburbs from Mooloolaba to Caloundra run cheap homestay options. Up north, look around Coolum Beach, which sits between the Sunshine Coast CBD and Noosa Heads for budget rooms.
Another way to score a cheap stay is to sacrifice a few luxuries. Forgo that pool or that beachfront view and watch the dollars fall off your final price.
The Sunshine Coast has a few caravan parks scattered up and down the cost which might be worth considering.
Find accommodation on HotelsCombined
HotelsCombined
Compare homes on Stayz
Stayz
Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast for luxury
You'll find some of the nicest waterfront properties in Twin Waters, Coolum, Yaroomba and as far north as Noosa Heads. They're often spacious, modern and soak up near-panoramic views of the beach. They often overlook smaller beaches which adds to your privacy and their price tag.
When seeking that lap of luxury, it's a good idea to filter for wants and needs such as a private parking spot, in-house gym and swimming pool, hot tub, patio or balcony. These will drive up the cost but also enhance your experience.
Find accommodation on Booking.com
Booking.com
Look for a stay on Airbnb
Airbnb
Compare homes on Stayz
Stayz
Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast for pet-friendly accommodation
Pet-friendly parks are a dime a dozen along the Queensland coast, so you'll not be short of options during your holiday. Fido can run as far as his or her legs can take him off-leash at Coochin Park Off-Leash Reserve in Battery Hill, Viridian Circuit Park in Golden Beach and a section of Wurtulla Beach, to name a few.
Many holiday homes are pet-friendly; simply check the "allows pets" filter to gauge your options. Depending on your pet, you might like to see whether they offer any specific extras for them such as water bowls and dog and cat flaps.
Look for a pet-friendly accommodation on Airbnb
Airbnb
Compare pet-friendly homes on Stayz
Stayz
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore hotels on the Sunshine Coast instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to stay at a holiday home in the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. Homestays and holiday rentals are legal on the Sunshine Coast and you can rent out full properties if you wish.
What do I need to bring to a holiday home in the Sunshine Coast?
Unlike hotels, holiday houses don't tend to come equipped with personalised extras such as towels, slippers, toiletries and sanitary bags. If you're planning on hitting the surf, it's good to pack your own kit as if you were staying at a mate's house. If you're staying in the Hinterland and planning to hike, bringing your own sunscreen and detergent to clean your dirty clothes and shoes is also a must.
What should I consider when I'm staying in a holiday home on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast welcomes sunny days in spades. Being so far north, the weather tends to become tropical with humid days, so it's a good idea to look for accommodation amenities to ensure a nice stay. This can include whole house air-conditioning and floor tiles if you're visiting in the warmer months. Those hitting the surf might also consider a place with an outdoor shower.
How do I get to my holiday home?
Sunshine Coast Airport is 10km from Maroochydore, which is the heart of the Sunshine Coast. That's approximately a 15 minute drive. Those staying in Noosa Heads though have closer to a 30 minute drive ahead of them. Shared shuttle services operate out of Sunshine Coast Airport and can take you to your doorstep. Otherwise, rental cars may be a good option, particularly if there is a group of you and you plan to do some exploring. If this is the case, it's also a good idea to check with your accommodation what your parking situation is.
Latest Sunshine Coast holiday home deals:
Groupon
Up to 73% off getaways + Extra up to 20% off with code
Available for travel on select dates to Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston, Newcastle, Noosa Heads, Cairns and much more. T&Cs apply.
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Wotif
Up to 66% off Australia stays
Available on stays until May 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 52% off 3-night Sunshine Coast treehouse stay
Available for travel until 28 February 2021 at Kondalilla Eco Resort. Includes a bottle of signature Kondalilla wine, $40 voucher to be used at Kondalilla Restaurant and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Groupon
Sunshine Coast: Up to 51% off South Pacific Resort & Spa stay
Available on select dates until 30 April 2021. Includes bottle of wine on arrival, $25 spa voucher, late check out, shuttle, Wi-Fi and more. Valid for 2 persons. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Airbnb
Brisbane stays from $29/night
Available on select stay dates from June 2020 onward. Sample accommodation is in Riverhills, Queensland. T&Cs apply.
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Wotif
Queensland hotels from $79
Available on select stay dates in 2020 in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Mackay and Coolangatta. Sample rate is for a stay at Reef Resort Motel. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Stayz
Sunshine Coast stays from $55 per night
Valid for travel on select dates from July 2020 onward. Sample fare is for a modern stay near Sunshine Coast centre. Destinations include Sunshine Beach, Hinterland, Waterfront, Noosa and more. T&Cs apply.
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Wotif
Sunshine Coast stays from $90/night
Available on select stay dates until December 2020. Sample rate is for Central Motel Mooloolaba.
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Expedia.com.au
Sunshine Coast stays from $65/night
Available on select stay dates in 2020. Sample rate is for a stay at Dolphins Beach House.
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Arise Hotels and Apartments
Extra 10% off Australia stays
Available on all dates when you use the code. Destinations include Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
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