Sunshine Coast residents and visitors will be spoiled for choice with plenty of places to see and things to do these holidays, with hundreds of beaches, parks and playgrounds to experience in our very own backyard.
Sunshine Coast Council's Beaches and Parks directory features detailed information on council's more than 300 barbecues, 220 beach access points, 35 dog exercise areas (fenced and unfenced), seven community gardens, 1145 parks and 350 playgrounds.
Highlights include the newly patrolled Bokarina Beach and upgraded Russell Family Park in Montville.
Sunshine Coast Council Manager Sport and Community Venues Grantley Switzer encouraged people to have fun but please remember to stay safe.
"We understand at this time of the year people want to unwind and relax, but please remember to carry out social distancing, maintain good hygiene such as regular hand washing and wiping down equipment after use, and please stay home if you're unwell," Mr Switzer said.
"If a place is too crowded, luckily we have plenty of other prime spots for people to enjoy.
"Sunshine Coast Council has provided a one-stop shop webpage providing all the information you need to be prepared and to take care for a safe summer on our Sunshine Coast.
"Visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/summer for council's beaches and parks directory, patrolled beach locations, pet-friendly areas and dog off-leash areas, parking and transport tips, activities and much more.
"Our lifeguards performed 389 rescues, 4806 first aid treatments and provided 262,018 warnings to more than seven million visitors to our beaches last year. Let's do them a favour and try to lower those statistics."
Surf Life Saving Queensland Regional Manager Aaron Purchase reminded beachgoers to only swim between the red and yellow flags.
"It's just not worth risking your life or others by swimming outside the red and yellow flags this summer," Mr Purchase said.
"Before you enter the ocean, take a moment to think about your loved ones and how devastated they would be if you got caught in a rip and help was not nearby.
"Our friendly lifeguards and lifesavers are here to help, so if you're unsure please go and see one of them at any of our patrolled beaches."
Remember to:
Always swim between the red and yellow flags;
Check beach conditions before swimming;
Learn beach safety rules regarding rips, stingers and sun safety.
For detailed patrol times and locations please visit the Beach Safe website.
Sunshine Coast patrolled areas include:
| Level |
Patrolled |
Areas |
| Level 1 – Major location |
All year. |
Kings Beach, Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba Main and Spit, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Discovery Beach and Coolum |
| Level 2 – Seasonal service |
Seven days a week between September to May, plus weekends, school and public holidays during winter. |
Bulcock, Marcoola, Buddina/Kawana, Coolum North |
| Level 3 – Weekend service |
Weekends, school and public holidays all year. |
Currimundi |
| Level 4 – Minimal seasonal service |
Weekends, school and public holidays from September to May. |
Kings Beach Pool, Boardwalk, Bokarina and Wurtulla |
| Level 5 – Holiday service only |
School holidays between September to May. |
Golden Beach and Yaroomba. |
