Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport's domestic and international travel aspirations are coming together with the launch of Bonza Airlines, a new low-cost, independent Australian airline, committed to providing affordable, convenient, and comfortable air services to Regional communities.

It’s worth noting that you can’t fly Bonza from Sydney Airport, and that this low-cost air travel is only from Newcastle with Bonza connecting to the Sunshine Coast from just $59 one way and to the Whitsundays from $79 one way.

Bonza is wheels up to the Sunshine Coast on March 28, with four flights a week. Visit Newcastle Airport’s website for all the schedule information.

With over 100km of pristine coastline, the Sunshine Coast is often credited with being a relaxing, beach-getaway location—and rightly so!

Its diverse geography and expansive tourism industry ensures that if adventure is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are just some of the ways you can make the most of a trip to the Sunny Coast.

Explore the Coastline

Stretching from Pumicestone Passage in the south, to Tin Can Bay in the North, the stunning coastline on the Sunshine Coast can be enjoyed by everyone. Sign up for a surf lesson at Coolum Beach or Maroochydore, enjoy the gentle, glassy waves on a longboard at Noosa National Park, or head to Alexandra Headland or Moffat Point if you’re a more experienced surfer.

If surfing’s not for you, why not cruise through the protected shallows of Pumicestone Passage or Cotton Tree on a stand-up paddle board? Or perhaps you’d like to snorkel or dive with dolphins, turtles, stingrays, starfish, and wobbegongs, around Mudjimba Island, or off the coast of Mooloolaba! 

Whatever your preference, there are no shortage of ways to experience the Sunshine Coast’s stunning oceans and beaches.

Experience the Uniqueness K’gari (Fraser Island)

With over 250km of beaches, sand cliffs, dunes, rainforests, lakes, banksia woodlands and mangrove-lined coastal environment, Fraser Island’s UNESCO World Heritage listing is hardly surprising. Known for its whale-watching, four-wheel-driving, and some of the best fishing in the world, a trip to K’gari is a must while visiting the Sunshine Coast.

Jump Aboard a Fishing Charter

Head out on the water with some of the keenest fishermen in the game as your skippers and guides, and drop a line in the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant blue waters to try your hand at catching some deep sea or reef fish. 

Head into the hinterland

A visit to the Sunshine Coast wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the region’s incredible hinterland. Wetlands, ancient rainforest, and the famous Glass House Mountains are hallmarks of the area, and offer visitors countless opportunities for hikes and bushwalks.

Breathe in the fresh air and admire panoramic views of the mountains’ rugged peaks as you trek to the summit of Mount Beerburrum and Mount Ngungun, walking the paths that the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people have walked for time immemorial. 

For the thrill-seekers out there, canoe and abseiling adventures are sure to get your adrenaline pumping, and offer the chance to become completely immersed in the stunning natural surrounds. 

Enjoy an ice-cold brew in Australia’s Craft Beer Capital

What better way to wrap up a day in the sun, than with a locally-brewed beer at one of the esteemed breweries that helped to earn the Sunshine Coast its reputation as Australia’s Craft Beer Capital? Pick one venue and settle in for the afternoon, or hop between a few with a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, offered by a range of providers.

Engage with local culture

The Sunshine Coast is home to rich history and culture, and as a tourist, there are plenty of ways to engage with, and learn about it. Visit the heritage-listed buildings and archives in Eumundi, engage with the dynamic Indigenous cultures of traditional owners, or visit the shipwreck of the ex-HMAS Brisbane off the coast of Mooloolaba.

Food

The Sunshine Coast’s teeming oceans and volcanic soils place the region as a haven of seafood and organic produce, as is evident at the local Eumundi, Kawana, Fisherman’s Road, or Streatside markets. Spend the day browsing and sampling local farmers’ stalls, overflowing with the freshest, artisan products the region has to offer.

If a meal out is what you’re after, book in for a fine-dining experience at Harry’s on Buderim, Spice Bar, or Spirit House. Coffee and brunch? Look no further than The Caf Coolum, Burrum Coffee Shack, or local bakery, 10 Acres.

No matter what you’re after, the Sunshine Coast’s never-ending list of things to see and do makes it a perfect destination for holidaymakers from all walks of life. 

To be on your way download the Bonza app, Fly Bonza, and start planning your Sunny Coast holiday.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Newcastle Airport. Thank you for supporting the partners who make HUNTERhunter possible.