Sunshine Coast Accommodation — Where to Stay & How to Choose
From luxury beachfront resorts in Noosa to budget-friendly holiday parks in Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast offers accommodation to suit every traveller. This guide explains the best areas, types of lodging, price expectations and booking tips to help you find the right base for your trip.
Where to stay: neighbourhoods explained
Noosa Heads — Luxury & boutique
Best for: couples, foodies, beach relaxation.
Noosa offers high-end resorts, boutique hotels and waterfront apartments close to Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach. Expect premium prices and peaceful mornings — great for romantic getaways.
Mooloolaba & Maroochydore — Central & family-friendly
Best for: families, restaurants, easy transport links.
These towns balance beaches, cafes and value. You'll find mid-range hotels, self-contained apartments and easy access to Mooloolaba Wharf and Maroochydore's surf beaches.
Caloundra — Budget & relaxed coastal vibes
Best for: budget travellers, families, older couples.
Caloundra has affordable motels, holiday parks and beachfront apartments. It's quieter than Noosa and well-suited for longer stays on a budget.
Hinterland (Montville, Maleny) — Country escapes
Best for: couples, nature lovers, B&B fans.
Choose the hinterland for cottages, B&Bs and boutique stays among rainforests and scenic lookouts. Ideal for slow weekends and food/wine experiences.
Accommodation types & when to pick them
- Resorts: Choose for luxury, on-site facilities and beachfront access — best in Noosa during shoulder season.
- Apartments / holiday rentals: Great for families or longer stays; look for self-contained kitchens and laundry.
- Motels & budget hotels: Good for short stays and road-trippers — often better value in Caloundra and outlying suburbs.
- Holiday parks & cabins: Family-friendly and wallet-friendly — book early in school holidays.
- B&Bs & boutique stays: Perfect for couples seeking personalised service in the hinterland.
Price guide (approx.)
Prices vary by season and proximity to the beach. Typical nightly ranges (AUD):
- Budget: $80–$150
- Mid-range: $150–$300
- Luxury: $300+
Booking tips & timing
- Book early for school holidays and Christmas — Noosa fills fast.
- Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) offer better rates and pleasant weather.
- Look for self-contained apartments if you want to save on meals.
- Check cancellation policies — flexible rates are often worth a small premium.
Accessibility & family-friendly features
Many Sunshine Coast hotels offer accessible rooms, ground-floor units and family-friendly facilities like pools and playgrounds. If mobility or specific needs are important, contact properties directly to confirm features.
Sample picks (placeholders — swap with live inventory)
Luxury: Noosa Oceanfront Resort — Noosa Heads
Beachfront suites, spa, on-site dining. Ideal for honeymooners and special occasions.
Mid-range: Mooloolaba Seaview Apartments — Mooloolaba
Self-contained apartments within walking distance of the Esplanade and family beaches.
Budget: Caloundra Holiday Park — Caloundra
Cabins and powered sites close to family-friendly beaches and parks.
Insider tips from locals
- For quieter beach mornings, stay near the river entrances or in Noosa's eastern beaches.
- If you want nightlife and dining, choose Mooloolaba or Maroochydore for more options after dark.
- Consider staying one or two nights in the hinterland for a different pace and scenic drives.
Need help choosing the right base for your Sunshine Coast trip? Contact Cooee Tours and we’ll recommend accommodation that matches your travel style and budget.