Destination Guide | SUNSHINE COAST

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.

Event Line-Up

Get ready for a truly EPIC event weekend on the Sunshine Coast, including a fantastic Pump Track Challenge with the local club!

Rocky Trail Academy

Endurance, Speed and Tech Skills for School Age Kids Year 7-12

The Rocky Trail Academy presents the Sunshine Coast Schools MTB Comp for secondary school students. ​It’s all about fostering the grass-roots development of the cycling sport.

This event is part of the Rocky Trail Academy junior development programme and this will be the ‘epic edition’ of the popular schools comp with timed flow trail sections. It’s fun and all about building confidence.

Find out more…

Shimano MTB GP

This is cross-country endurance lap racing at its best!

The Shimano MTB GP events are all about ‘seriously fun racing!’ Podium chasers can line up with Australia’s elites and experienced amateur racers plus casual racers will have a blast, all feeling safe and part of an inspiring community.

Race for four hours solo or in relay pairs. There are age-group and eBike categories. From the first time between the tape to people that have spent a lifetime training for power output, we have you covered when you line up at the Rocky Trail start line!

Find out more…

RT Shootout

Get ready get loud – we are returning with an epic pump track shootout edition for 2022.

Be ready for a new kind of Pump Track Challenge as Rocky Trail Entertainment introduces a revolutionary new racing format with LIVE timing throughout the event!

Find out more…

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

As always, please make sure to stay up to date with travel requirements and restrictions. At the time of writing, there are no restrictions on entering Queensland from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand. Please stay up to date and check current requirements here:

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/border-closing


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!

Mantra Zanzibar

A: 47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade
T: 1300 987 604
W: https://www.mantra.com.au/zanzibar/
E: info@mantra.com.au

Located opposite the beach, Mantra Zanzibar is just a short stroll to the cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques of the Esplanade.

Stay 5 nights and save up to 10% on selected room types. Access this special deal here.


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 Gympie Music Muster is celebrating its 40th birthday from 25th to 28th August, and the Horizon Festival is on until 4 September and is a must-see event.
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.
3.
RefuelThe Sunshine Coast is brimming with fresh local produce. Refuel after the race and discover why foodies are raving about the coast!
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!
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. 
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.
7.
UnwindRelax, refresh, and rest after your race, and discover the best places to unwind and reconnect on the Sunshine Coast.
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?
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!

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