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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.

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Stephanie Yip
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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, there's no shortage of affordable stays that are just 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

Stayz
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.
  • 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
Book now
HotelsCombined
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.
  • 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
Book now
Booking.com
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.
  • 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
Book now
FlipKey
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.
  • 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
Airbnb
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.
  • Free cancellations
  • Taxes and fees aren’t always included in the price
  • You’ll need to pay for your stay upon booking

How did we pick these Sunshine Coast stays?

Our editorial team selected these Sunshine Coast stays on this list based on price, location and real customer feedback from booking sites and review platforms. Where applicable, we used our own personal experiences in Sunshine Coast to make recommendations.

What's in this guide?

Our top picks for holiday homes on the Sunshine Coast

peregian

Have all the amenities you could dream of just walking distance from the shore.

Feel like you're a million miles away with this multi-story mansion. Enclosed in an array of palm trees and other flora, this holiday home offers complete serenity whether you're firing up the BBQ or having a splash in the pool.

  • Best for: Luxury living
  • Star rating: 5 stars
  • Features: Pet-friendly, heated pool, spa and close proximity to the beach

Book accommodation

beechayana

With plenty of space for everyone, you can bring the whole family along.

The Beecheyana Beach House offers a coastal retreat just a stone's throw away from Mudjimba Beach. Make the most of the outdoor entertaining area, woodfire oven, modern design and multiple bedrooms that fit the entire family.

  • Best for: Families
  • Star rating: 5 stars
  • Features: Pool, lounge chairs, big open living space, deck and sleeps 10 people

Book accommodation

bellevue

Cozying up with your loved one is easy at the Belle Vue.

Pop open the champagne and reignite the fireworks with this retreat nestled in Maroochydore. Head out onto your personal deck where you and your special someone can overlook vast green hills as the sun sets for the evening.

  • Best for: Couples
  • Features: Outdoor deck area, outdoor pool, large bedrooms and jacuzzi

Book accommodation

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
Find accommodation on HotelsCombined

HotelsCombined

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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.

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.

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.

The latest Sunshine Coast holiday home deals

Expedia.com.auExpedia.com.au

Up to 41% off last-minute Australia escapes

Available on stays within the next 14 days. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
AgodaAgoda

Up to 64% off Sunshine Coast stays

Available on select travel dates. Includes free breakfast, free cancellation and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

GrouponGroupon

Up to 73% off getaways

Available for travel on select dates to Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston, Newcastle, Noosa Heads, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Accor HotelsAccor Hotels

Australia and New Zealand stays from $105 per night

Plus members get 10% off on stays until December 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Uluru, Gold Coast, Queenstown, Wellington and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

WotifWotif

Up to 25% off last minute getaways

Available on stays until 30 June 2021 across Australia, including Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

WotifWotif

Up to 20% off Northern Queensland getaways

Available on stays in the next 14 days plus get free cancellation on select hotels. Destinations include Cairns, Townville, Port Douglas and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 60% off Australia getaways

Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 60% off Sunshine Coast stays

Available on Express Deals on stays until December 2021.

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Deal ends

Oaks Hotels & ResortsOaks Hotels & Resorts

Earn double points on stays

Available on stays until 30 September 2021 in Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, Broome, Sydney, Adelaide and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Expedia.com.auExpedia.com.au

Up to 20% off Sunshine Coast getaways

Available on select travel dates in 2021. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

StayzStayz

Sunshine Coast stays from $72 per night

Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is in Palmview. Destinations include Sunshine Beach, Hinterland, Waterfront, Noosa and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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StayzStayz

Noosa stays from $75 per night

Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is in Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast. T&Cs apply.

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Arise Hotels and ApartmentsArise 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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