Sunshine Coast is a metropolitan area and the
third most populated area in the Australian state
of Queensland. Located 100 km north of the state
capital Brisbane in South East Queensland on the
Pacific Ocean coastline, the urban area of
Sunshine Coast spans approximately 60 km of
coastline and hinterland from Pelican Waters to
Tewantin. The estimated urban population of
Sunshine Coast as at June 2014 was 297,380.,
making it the 9th most populous in the country.

The area was first settled by Europeans in the 19th
century with development progressing slowly until
tourism became an important industry. The area of
Sunshine Coast has several coastal hubs at
Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Maroochydore and
Noosa Heads. Nambour and Maleny have
developed as primary commercial centres for the
hinterland.