DEVELOPMENTS

Sunshine Coast goes International
Sunshine Coast Airport is set to undergo its biggest transformation in its history. An expansion project will deliver a new 2450m x 45m runway and upgraded terminal facilities, to be completed by 2020. The extension follows the official recognition of Sunshine Coast Airport as an 'International Airport' in 2016. Construction will get underway this year and is scheduled for completion by 2020. The Sunshine Coast will have an airport that can accommodate larger, more fuel efficient aircraft, enabling more direct flights to more locations in Australia and internationally - Asia and the Western Pacific.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre
A new Discovery Centre has been developed as part of an upgrade of tourist facilities at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Hinterland. The Reserve comprises 55 hectares of National Estate listed subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains with a wide variety of walking tracks for visitors. The new Discovery Centre includes an elevated viewing platform and boardwalk, cafe, theatre, and a conservation research area.

Downunder Drive
Sunshine Coast theme park Aussie World has launched a new precinct destination brand, Downunder Drive as the area launches into an exciting 5 year plan which aims to catapult the family owned precinct into one of Australia's largest tourist destinations. Plans will encompass the expansion and modernising of the Aussie World theme park as well as The Shed function and events venue, the sites existing retail village and a total redevelopment of the sites iconic Pub.

$400 million adventure park
A $400 million themed water park was announced by SANAD Capital on the Sunshine Coast. Phase 1, will be built over 17 hectares and will consist of a state of the art waterpark, a great lawn for major events, an outdoor adventure tower, and a 6,000 square meter retail zone along with a superb choice of restaurants. A 200 room hotel and function facilities will be included as part of phase 2. Work on the park commenced in 2017 and stage 1 is due for completion in early 2019.

A new era of urban development
New town plan concepts have been announced for Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, while the opening of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital this year will establish the region as one of Queensland's leading medical and education centres, transforming the Kawana Waters area.

IMMERSIVE ENCOUNTERS

Food Trail
Create your own personalised food trail taking in the region's best. With the Sunshine Coast's ease of access and relatively compact space, the drive trails can be designed to suit anything from a half day 'taste' to a multi-day 'buffet'. The Food Trail has been developed by Visit Sunshine Coast in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, the Department of State Development, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Noosa Shire Councils and Destination Gympie Region. www.visitsunshinecoast.com/foodtrails

Tropical Treks & Narrows Escape
Small-group guided walk specialists Tropical Treks and Montville's Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat have launched a three day Luxe Trekking package that includes a full day guided walk of a section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, two nights' accommodation in a rainforest pavilion, gourmet local-produce breakfasts, a dinner in Montville and a BBQ dinner at Narrows. In addition, Tropical Treks are introducing two new multi-day itineraries in 2018 of the Cooloola Great Walk and Conondale Great Walk.

Bespoke food experiences
A natural food bowl, the Sunshine Coast is rapidly becoming Australia's favourite taste destination. Live It Tours has launched two new foodie style tours. The Camel Cuddles tour offers an exclusive behind the scenes farm gate experience to a local Sunshine Coast camel dairy and cuddle up close with these gentle and intelligent creatures. The Bush Tucker Secrets tour unearths the intriguing secrets of local native Australian bush foods and discovers their importance to Australian indigenous culture.

Swim with whales
Sunreef Dive offers the opportunity to swim alongside the humpback whale, the world's largest and most majestic animal! Whale watching tours are also available and the region has some stellar viewing platforms and lookouts to watch these regal creatures frolic seasonally from July to late October.

Great Beach Drive
Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours offer intimate and personalised tours capturing the dramatic coastline, scenery and wildlife over 70 kilometres of golden sandy beaches from Noosa to Rainbow Beach return. Tours include Aboriginal interpretation and story-telling, including Dreamtime of the Gubbi Gubbi people who are the traditional owners of the region. You can also book a private charter tour or provide the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of driving on the beach with an instructed self-drive option.

Microbrewery scene
The Sunshine Coast now has a thriving microbrewery scene following a swag of breweries opening over the past 12 months! From well-established Sunshine Coast Brewery to newcomers Brouhaha & Macleod Brewing Company both located in Maleny, 10 Toes Brewery (Alexandra Headland), Your Mates (Nambour), Moffat Beach Brewing (Caloundra), Wild Rocket Micro Brewery (Montville) and Sunshine Brewery (Kuluin). A novel way to get around and sample the ales is with new tour, Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours. Also to come online by mid-2017 is Eumundi Lager at the Imperial Hotel recreated by Chuck Hahn of Lion Nathan.
 
Epic adventures
Epic Ocean Adventures offers some unique Australian aquatic experiences in a secret location accessed only by
the Great Beach Drive. Kayak with dolphins and whales, learn to surf of Australia's longest wave, stand up paddling, kitesurfing and scenic tours. Tours depart Noosa and Rainbow Beach daily.

Surf culture
Groups can get involved in the iconic Aussie surf lifesaving culture as Live It Tours take you behind the scenes at a local Sunshine Coast Surf Club. Enjoy hands on experiences while learning about the history of surf lifesaving and the skills and dedication required by our volunteer lifesavers in keeping our communities safe at the beach. You will participate in a range of team activities such as beach flag races, surf ski skills, visiting the rescue tower or participating in a mock rescue. All activities are tailored to the levels of individuals and you don't even have to get wet!

Underwater adventures
Formerly UnderWater World, Sea Life Sunshine Coast rebranded in late 2016, and has opened a new exhibit, Jurassic Seas. Designed as an education on evolution and conservation issues, people can encounter mysterious marine creatures such as the fascinating nautilus, dragon-like mudskippers and more. Featuring innovative digital technology, visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed a digital 3D Plesiosaurus, marvel at the giant teeth of the Megalodon and test their bravery in the face of an angry Liopleurodon. The attraction also offers a dive with sharks and Seal Trainer for the day programs.

See your own reflection
The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglade systems in the world. For the ultimate in serene tranquility, the area is best explored on an eco-cruise or in a kayak with The Discovery Group. There are banksias, tea trees, melaleucas, reeds and water lilies along the water's edge. Marvel at the reflections of the flora on the banks of the water that appear like a mirage; it's no surprise that the upper reaches of the Noosa River is often referred to as the River of Mirrors.

Nambour vintage & retro trail
Nambour has a flourishing retro and vintage scene and has launched a trail of 22 of the curio and collectable stores, op shops and retro fashion. There are also unique cafes and quirky bars, including a craft brewery to explore along the trail. It is the perfect place to discover original items and treasures from times past.

Eco Safaris to Fraser
Australian Sunset Safaris provide the most diverse and sought after tourism destinations in South East Queensland including regular departures from Brisbane to visit Fraser Island for and 2 and 3 day tours. This includes 2 pick up and drop off options (Big Pineapple & Noosa).

Corporate & Group Xperiences
Xperience the thrill of gliding your 'All Terrain Segway' over sand, rocks, beach and off road tracks, and then head into the night to explore the ultimate Night Vision tour where you may spot local wildlife.

ACCOMMODATION

It's a Breeze
The first new luxury resort accommodation in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast in over a decade opened just prior to Christmas. Breeze occupies a prime position on The Esplanade, overlooking Mooloolaba's north facing beach. Developed by the Aria Property Group, the building incorporates 57 luxury apartments over 10 levels with pool, spa and recreational area. The unique architecture by Tony Owen Partners is like a fluid sculpture and offers 57 one, two and three bedroom apartments, most with ocean and coastal views. The apartment complex is close to a vast range of restaurants, cafes and retail outlets. 

High in the hills
Altitude on Montville is a unique development that opened in late October 2016 and comprises luxury studio suites, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments with a stunningly picturesque hinterland backdrop. Celebrity Chef, Matt Golinski is providing the inspiration for the restaurant, bar and function mezzanine which is the centre point for the innovative building design. Boasting breathtaking views across the coast, luxury accommodation and an eclectic wine offering, Matt will add to the five-star experience of Altitude by creating seasonally inspired, produce driven menus for both a la carte diners and those wanting an individually tailored wedding or function package.

Camping in style
South-east Queensland's first new-build camping and caravanning resort in 40 years has upgraded the image for the sector with luxury glamping and conference options. Rivershore Resort opened on the Maroochy River front in mid-2016. The resort offers 15 premium safari tents equipped with ensuite and kitchens, providing guests with a luxurious 5 start experience. Other facilities include café/restaurant, bar, playground, pool, onsite pontoon and boat ramp for water sports activities.

Glass House Mountains Ecolodge
Spend a night in a converted chapel or railway carriage at the Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge. This quiet accommodation in the heart of the Hinterland is only minutes from Australia Zoo. NEW – see coffee trees, through to the roasting and bean process and best of all – sample a fresh local brew.

Verve on Cotton Tree
Verve on Cotton Tree is a newly constructed modern hotel located right by the ocean in Maroochydore.  Managed by Direct Hotels and consisting of 45 apartments, Verve on Cotton Tree is an eight level beach side residential development. With stunning landscaping, beautiful resort-style facilities and first class architecture, apartments consist of self-contained 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments with spectacular ocean and hinterland views from most levels. 

5-star plans
Two new 5-star hotel developments were recently announced. Starwood's Westin brand was announced as part of a proposed new integrated development at Yaroomba Beach; while a 5-star hotel was also mooted as part of a major redevelopment project in Mooloolaba. 

First Light Mooloolaba
The new holiday apartment complex features 67 stylish 2-bedroom apartments as well as two luxurious 3-bedroom Skyhomes with uninterrupted ocean and Hinterland views from the Coral Sea out to the Glass House Mountains. First Light is the latest property in the Dreamtime Resorts portfolio and each apartment features high quality fittings, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, lounge area and private balconies. Guests also have access to a fitness room, swimming pool and outside BBQ area.

Future plans - Sleep at Australia Zoo
World-renowned Australia Zoo is planning to expand onto its adjoining Beerwah site, providing a dedicated 'live in' experience for zoo patrons. The nature based tourism project will consist of eight cabins, 32 recreational vehicle sites and 68 bush camp sites, a reception area and amenities. No completion date has been released at this stage.


EVENTS

Noosa Food & Wine - May
This event has been revamped and from seafood extravaganzas to long lunches or even dining on the beach, there is something for everyone. There is over 70 events, 50 chefs and 30 winemakers in Noosa for 4 days of food, wine and live entertainment. Local chefs such as David Rayner, Peter Kuruvita and Matt Golinski will be involved through to chefs from around Australia including Luke Mangan, Ben O'Donoghue, Spencer Patrick or even Matt Sinclair – the Masterchef Runner Up in 2016.

Velothon – July
Velothon is a global cycling event in and around the renowned hinterland and coastal roads of the Sunshine Coast. There is options of either a 3 day Velothon 355km 5,091m of climbing Solo or team option of 1 day Velothon 155km or 95km and 2,050m. Alternatively there is a 1,041m climbing Solo Ride for the love of it, or participants can set their sites on the daily King of the Mountain, Sprint, Team or Stage winners' jerseys. Velothon Sunshine Coast is a new take on the traditional European rides.

Horizon Festival of Arts & Culture – August/September
Horizon Festival connects, disrupts and delights through arts, culture and creativity. Over 10 arts-fuelled days across the Sunshine Coast, Horizon collaborates to deliver more than 200 events in visual art, film, literature, performance, street art, comedy, music, theatre and new media. As the signature multi-arts festival for the region, Horizon's curated program of events celebrates local artists alongside Australian and international guests, building the capacity of local creative talent and exposing the audience to unique arts experiences.