Useful Information for visiting the Sunshine Coast

Here is some information that should help your Sunshine Coast holiday run smoothly.

Phone Numbers

• Emergency (Police, Fire & Ambulance): 000
• International dialing code: +61

Weather

As its name suggests, the Sunshine Coast in sunny; in fact, it has one of the highest sunshine readings in the world, averaging seven hours of sunshine a day. Being on the coast, this area also receives a cool breeze.

• Spring (September to November): 13-25C
• Summer (December to February): 17-30C
• Autumn (March to May): 13-25C
• Winter (June to August): 7-22C

Temperatures may be one or two degrees lower in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland.

Surf and Sun Safety

The Sunshine Coast and, more generally, Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world so it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind. Always play it safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags in beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards. Protect your skin from sun damage by following the simple Slip, Slop and Slap rule - Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat.

Money

Across Australia, the official currency is the Australian dollar. Most establishments accept all major credit cards. If you plan to use travelers cheques, first confirm that the store, restaurant, or hotel accepts them as many do not.

Generally, banks on the Sunshine Coast are open from 9am till 4.30pm Monday to Friday. There are several ATMs in the commercial areas.

Find currency exchange bureaus at all airports or visit one of the following foreign exchange kiosks:

• Travelex Foreign Exchange
  Address: Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5479 0601
• Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange
  Address: Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5479 0601

GST

A 10% Goods and Services Tax is added to most items that you purchase and is included in the display price. Visitors to Australia may be issued a refund at the airport for the GST of goods over $300 purchased within 30 days of leaving Australia.
For more details, consult the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Ph: 1 300 363 263

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Australia. However, if you experience really good service and want to show your appreciation, 10% of the bill is an acceptable amount for a tip.

Time Zone

The Standard time zone on the Sunshine Coast is GMT +9:30 hours. The Sunshine Coast does not use Daylight Saving Time.

Bars

The minimum age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol is 18. Minors will not be permitted to enter a bar if not accompanied by an adult.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited at indoor public places and cigarettes will not be sold to minors.

Medical Services

• Aerodrome Road Medical Practice
  Address: Cnr Aerodrome Rd & Second Ave, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5443 6777
• After Hours Medical Service
  Address: 32- 34 Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5443 7622
• Buderim Medical Centre
  Address: Suite 5 ,Cnr King & Box St Buderim, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5456 1011
• Noosa Health Centre
  Address: Suite1/1 Cnr Cooyar St & Lanyana Way, PO Box 245, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5447 1234
• Coolum Beach 7 Day Doctors
  Address: 8- 26 Birtwell St Coolum Beach QLD 4573, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5471 6333

Visitor Information

Sunshine Coast Visitor Information Centres provide unbiased information on region and its surrounds. This following is a list of some of the information centres in the Sunshine Coast’s largest areas:

• The Sunshine Coast Airport Visitor Information Centre
  Address: Sunshine Coast Airport, Friendship Drive, Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5459 9050
• The Noosa Visitor Information Centre
  Address: 61 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5430 5020
• The Maroochydore Visitor Centre
  Address: Melrose Parade, Crn of Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5448 9088
• The Mooloolaba Visitor Information Centre
  Address: Crn First Avenue and Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5478 2233
• The Coloundra Kawana Visitor Information Centre
  Address: Jessica Park, Nicklin Way, Minyama, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5470 9171
• The Gympie Cooloola Tourism Visitor Centre (Matilda Roadhouse)
  Address: 107 Mary Street, Gympie, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5483 6656
• The Glass House Visitor & Interpretive Centre
  Address: 6 Reed Street, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast.
  Ph: 07 5438 7220

Sunshine Coast Accommodations

The Sunshine Coast caters well to its many visitors. It offers accommodations for every budget and every preference. Check out some of the options at the Sunshine Coast’s tourism page at http://www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/stay.cfm?type=accommodation.