Destination Guide | SUNSHINE COAST

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The Sunshine Coast is brimming with the best that Australia has to offer. Pristine beaches sit alongside subtropical rainforests and majestic mountains, interspersed with villages steeped in history. 

Discover an array of attractions, tours and experiences – from wildlife encounters to getting lost in a hedge maze – there is a veritable goldmine of activities.

Feel like a local from the moment you arrive, where the people are friendly and genuine. For real.

“The Naturally Refreshing Sunshine Coast, official destination partner for the event”

About the Trails

Supported by Sunshine Coast Council, our events are happening at the Sugarbag Mountain Bike Trails.

Located in the middle of Caloundra, these trails are a perfect location to stage Rocky Trail’s Shimano MTB GP and Rocky Trail Academy events on the Sunshine Coast: an amazing array of trails, a dedicated local club with the Caloundra Off Road Cycling Association (CORCA) plus a council committed to ongoing investment into the sport of Mountain Biking – you will love it as much as we do, we’re sure!

With a busy trail network featuring lots of timber features, log roll overs, sweeping berms and surprising pinchy climbs, riders will need to be on their game. The course has been designed to provide key overtaking sections but you will need to be quick and strategic. This location will be extremely popular as the trail network is well known but has had minimal racing before now.

Address: Sugar Bag Road, Caloundra West QLD 4551.

Transport Information

Plane
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas. Centrally located in Marcoola and just 15 minutes from Maroochydore, there are regular direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and Cairns.

Road
Self-driving with either a rental car or your own vehicle is one of the best ways to explore the region, and the Sunshine Coast Airport offers a range of transport options including shuttle buses, hire cars, taxis and public bus services.

Airport transfers operate hourly with door-to-door shuttle services seven days a week. Intrastate and interstate bus services also regularly service the region, with private charter services available as well.

Train
A railway line connects the region to Brisbane in the south and Gympie and beyond to the north, with major stations at Beerwah, Landsborough, Nambour, Cooroy and Gympie North.
For timetables visit translink.com.au.

Don’t forget to read all about our top tips for how to travel with your bike!

Read the blog

Destination Information

From the stunning Glasshouse Mountains in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, to the wide-open beaches, there is a new experience waiting at every turn on the Sunshine Coast.

Accommodation

Book your accommodation now to discover more than just the trails while you’re on the Sunshine Coast for our events!

The Waterford Prestige Apartments

A: 13-19 Leeding Terrace, Caloundra
T: (07) 5492 0444
W: www.thewaterford.com.au
E: bookings@thewaterford.com.au

The Waterford Prestige Apartments offers large open plan apartments in the heart of Caloundra and steps away from Bulcock Beach. They have a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, with a mix of King, Queen and Single bed configurations.

Driving time to Brisbane airport is 1 hour, to sunshine coast airport is 30 minutes, and The Australia Zoo is only 25 minutes away by car.

Caloundra Central Apartment Hotel

A: Cnr Nicklin Way and 36 Browning Boulevard, Caloundra
T: (07) 5490 2400
W: www.caloundracentral.com.au
E: reservations@caloundracentral.com.au

The variety of suites available in this 4-star apartment hotel makes it ideal for travelling groups. Apartments are elegantly furnished and have fully-equipped kitchens and large entertainer balconies overlooking the pools and tropical gardens. Most importantly, all apartments are home-sized, with plenty of room to stretch out.

A variety of eateries and shops are also only minutes away. Caloundra Central Apartment Hotel offers two refreshing swimming pools and a heated spa pool, a barbecue area and lush tropical gardens for those looking to relax.

Get 10% off for your booking when you book directly online on the website!

Browse other deals and accommodation options
via the Visitor Portal

Our top tips for #rockytrailracers

1.
Check out what else is on!No need to be bored once the race is over – there is PLENTY more to do while you’re in the area. The annual Mary Valley Art Festival is on from 20 to 23 July, and Noosa Alive! is celebrating its 21st anniversary – a ten-day festival offering music, theatre, ballet, comedy, opera, literature, visual arts, cabaret, circus, burlesque, debate, environment, food and wine, and more!!
Our tips:Event calendar
2.
For the adrenaline-seekersLocals from the southern-end of the Sunshine Coast like to get up early and make the most out of each and every day. This is an easy task in Caloundra, because no matter where you look there is a barista with one hand on the group handle and the other ready to take your order.
Our tip:Create a WOW moment
3.
RefuelThe Sunshine Coast is brimming with fresh local produce. Refuel after the race and discover why foodies are raving about the coast!
Our tip:Top ten
4.
Take a walk on the wild sideGet up close and personal with all the animals at Australia Zoo. Not only will you get to see the incredible crocodiles in the Crocoseum, you can book in an animal encounter and experiences the creatures for your self!
Our tip:Meet the meerkats, tackle a tiger cub, and greet the gentle giraffes.
5.
Head to Market TownWhether you want to fill your pantry with farm fresh fruit and veg, feel like blissing out to local music whilst devouring drool-worthy eats from food trucks or are keen to pick up some unique art – the Sunshine Coast markets always deliver the goods. 
Our tip:Grab your (reusable) bags
6.
Whale watching season is back!From June to November, experience the aquatic acrobatics and majestic presence of the humpback whales as they travel through the waters of the Sunshine Coast. Get up close to experience their breathtaking breaches, loud tail and pec slaps and tail lobs as they make their way up and down the coast.
Our tip:Where to see the whales
7.
Take a (bath?) on the wild sideForest Bathing, nature bathing or nature therapy, is the practice of slowing down and immersing your senses to deepen your relationship with nature. You might find yourself sitting watching the trees sway in the breeze, listening to bird songs and cicadas, exploring the feeling of different barks and mosses under your fingertips or using your imagination to visit the forest deep in time.
Our tip:Connect with nature
8.
Soak up the sunWith a place as picturesque as the Sunshine Coast, there is no shortage of spectacular vantage points to watch the sun rise and set. Check out the locals’ advice for where in Coolum to catch the best views, as well as how to make the moment special with great food, a walk on the boardwalk, or with live music and the ocean as your soundtrack.
Our Tip:Top 5 spots
9.
Beat the coldPack away the puzzles and cards, winter is the perfect time to get out, explore and have the most magical (and adventurous) experiences on the Sunshine Coast. With plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, why not immerse yourself and try them all?
Our Tip:Nail the perfect winter escape
10.
Hikes to take your breath awayA hike in the Hinterland is an opportunity to see the Sunshine Coast in a way you have never experienced and will never forget. Have a look at some of the best hikes, bush walks and hidden waterfalls that will make you want to grab your camera, strap on your backpack and hit the road. Of course if driving is more your thing, there are plenty of amazing road trips you can take as well!
Our Tip:Find out more!

Check out the Insider’s Guide for even more ideas – with inspiring imagery, bite-sized info and local recommendations, you’ll be beaming from the inside out as you plan your trip!

INS(TA)PIRATION:
There are so many experiences that await,
here are just a few to get you started:

Share your stories, tag
#sunshinecoastforreal
Official Rocky Trail hashtags:
#rockytrailracer #rockytrailentertainment