Most Australians grow up pretty spoilt when it comes to beaches.

I loved every minute of travelling through beach towns in France, Italy & Greece and always tried to appreciate each destination for what it was, not for what I might have wanted it to be. However, every time we’d be wincing as we hobbled across pebbly beaches in Nice or squeezed into our own spot of sand on a packed beach in Monterosso or felt slightly dirty (and still cramped) on the small, grey beaches of Amalfi, we’d promise each other a trip to the Sunshine Coast as soon as we got home.

The Sunshine Coast is a string of beaches and towns north of Brisbane. The closest town is Caloundra, about an hour and ten minutes’ drive from Brisbane. The farthest north is Coolum, with trendy Noosa also nearby.

Driving for an hour and fifteen took us to Mooloolaba, where we were rewarded with it’s sprawling, pristine beach. Because we weren’t swimming, we didn’t need to stick between the flags where the life guards patrol. We chose a big patch of beach, at least fifty metres away from the next nearest beachgoer. The soft sand was perfect for relaxing on, and all I could hear was the gentle crashing of the waves.

We spent the morning relaxing in the sun, until we got hungry. We packed up  before our tummies started grumbling too loudly and wandered down the leafy, shady boardwalk to the Mooloolaba Esplanade. We ate at the Surf Club, which had beautiful views and gorgeous decor celebrating the surf lifeguards, but was a little pricey.

The afternoon? Back on the beach. We tested the water, but it was pretty chilly so I settled in the shade to take a break from the sun.

Perfect way to say hello to Australia and I can’t wait to re-visit more of the Sunshine Coast this summer!

I acknowledge the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as the Sunshine Coast. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community.

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Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

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