From Brews to Beach Views: An Escape to the Sunshine Coast
There’s nothing quite like a holiday that combines cold beer, great food and warm sunshine. It’s a winning trio we can all get behind. Queensland's Sunshine Coast delivers it all without the fuss, and for our latest Beervana x Visit Sunshine Coast Scavenger Hunt prize winner, Sammi, it was the kind of trip that reminds you what holidays are supposed to feel like. The getaway was a chance to slow down, soak up the scenery and experience a region that knows how to do flavour and fun exceptionally well.
From the moment you land, the Sunshine Coast makes a lasting impression. Big blue skies, palm-lined streets and seemingly endless beaches immediately set the scene. As Sammi put it, “Woweeee, look at this place! It honestly felt like stepping into a postcard”.
Getting to the Sunshine Coast is easy, with direct flights from Auckland and Wellington on Jetstar Airways year-round, and Air New Zealand operating from June to October. All that’s left to do is grab your passport and start planning your own Sunshine Coast escape, preferably with a cold beer in hand.
A craft beer scene made for exploring
The Sunshine Coast has built one of Australia’s most exciting regional craft beer scenes. Breweries are dotted throughout the region, each with its own personality. You will find beachy, breezy taprooms near the water and lush green settings in the hinterland.
You've probably acquainted yourself with the excellent brews created by Moffat Beach Brewing Coolum Beer Co ,Terella Brewing and Black Flag at Beervana. But there's so many more to experience - from Your Mates Brewing with its laidback coastal setting to Noosa Hinterland Brewing showcasing the local landscape. Together, they capture the true spirit of the region, blending quality brews with authentic hospitality and a deep sense of community.
What really stands out is how approachable it all is. Brewers are happy to chat, visitors are welcomed like locals and no one's in a hurry. With over 25 breweries across the region, it’s no surprise the Sunshine Coast proudly wears the title of Australia’s craft beer capital. To plan your own brewery-hopping adventure, check out the Sunshine Coast Beer Trail map here.
Where food and location shine
Food plays a leading role on the Sunshine Coast, and it goes hand in hand with the beer. Menus lean into fresh, local produce and coastal flavours, making it easy to eat very well whether you are after something casual or settling in for a long lunch.
A great way to sample the region's produce is by exploring the Queensland Sunshine Pantry where you can discover local culinary specialities such as fresh seafood, macadamia nuts, pineapples (there’s even a Big Pineapple to visit if you’re that way inclined) and SO much more. Meals blur happily into long afternoons, and dinners are well earned after a day in the sun. According to Sammi, the verdict was simple - “10/10 everywhere we went’’.
Beaches, views and that holiday feeling
When you’re not eating and drinking, the Sunshine Coast is all about switching off and relaxing. Golden beaches are perfect for early swims and sunset walks, and ocean views pop up everywhere you look. Even the downtime becomes part of the experience. Balcony beers, sea breezes and watching the waves roll in. It’s that balance between doing stuff and relaxing that makes the region work so well.
Why the Sunshine Coast belongs on your 2026 trip hit list
Sammi (pictured above left) summed up the Sunshine Coast in one word - ‘’Bliss’’. It’s a place where relaxation meets exploration, inviting you to create your very own blissful escape.
This trip was made possible through Beervana’s partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast, a natural match. The Sunshine Coast offers exactly what our community loves, memorable beer experiences, exceptional food and a destination that invites you to relax and explore at your own pace.
To start planning your getaway, check out what the Sunshine Coast has to offer here.