A trip to Australia’s Sunshine Coast doesn’t need to break the bank if you know a few cost-saving tricks, Sarah Pollok writes Sunshine Coast has long been reserved for Kiwi travellers willing to spend up for direct flights or chase a cheap Brisbane flight with a two-hour drive to the Sunny Coast. Fortunately, it’ll be easier and cheaper than ever to reach the beachy Queensland region from December when low-cost carrier Jetstar launches direct flights from Auckland. Even better? With a few insider tips and tricks, you can enjoy the stunning stretch of coastline without paying top dollar.

From soaking up local vibes to hiking in lush rainforests and browsing large markets, here are six ways to plan a cheap trip to the Sunshine Coast. 1. Stay outside Noosa and visit on a day trip Noosa is one of the most famous Sunshine Coast spots but the resort town doesn’t come cheap.

Instead of staying in the heart of this manicured town, pick one of the many surrounding coastal spots like the newly developed town of Maroochydore , which has picturesque coastal views and trendy beachfront eateries at much more reasonable prices. Then hop in a car and zoom up to Noosa for a day trip to enjoy the laid-back luxury without paying a premium. Start the day by window-shopping (or actually shopping) around Hastings St’s chic boutiques and trendy cafes, before settling somewhere for lunch or nabbing a spot on the popular beach.

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