Located about 60 miles north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s tourism hubs. More than three million people each year come to visit the zoos, parks, beaches, and other attractions here. If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot in Queensland, this is it. Just be sure to purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance before you go.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting the Sunshine Coast – FAQs
No one likes to think about getting hurt or sick on vacation. But no matter how careful you are, it can happen to anyone. When you’re in need of medical treatment, you’ll also need a way to pay for it without draining your bank account. Travel medical insurance can help.
Do I need travel medical insurance for the Sunshine Coast?
While travel medical insurance isn’t a legal requirement for Australia, you should strongly consider it. The reciprocal healthcare agreement Australia shares with some countries doesn’t cover anyone on a short-term visa, and only covers certain situations. You could be stuck paying for any treatment your receive out of your own pocket if you don’t have travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting the Sunshine Coast?
There is no shortage of quality healthcare available on the Sunshine Coast, but don’t expect it to be cheap. You need to have valid insurance that can cover you when traveling internationally. Travel medical insurance can provide this coverage.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting the Sunshine Coast – FAQs
Traveling to Australia can be expensive. By the time you add up the cost of airfare, hotels, and tickets to attractions, it’s a lot of money you’ve spent before you even take off. But what if you had to cancel your trip? In that unfortunate case, you’d absolutely need trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to the Sunshine Coast?
The biggest prepaid expenses of a trip, such as airline tickets and lodging, are usually nonrefundable. If you have to cancel your trip, you may still have to pay for it.
Not with trip cancellation insurance. So long as the cancellation was for a covered reason, your trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your travel expenses.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for the Sunshine Coast?
More things can happen to a well-planned trip than just trip cancellation. You could lose your bags, have to interrupt or delay your trip, or even need emergency medical care. Luckily, travel insurance can cover all of those things. Just be sure to double check the plan before you purchase it. Different travel insurance policies can offer different coverages.
The Sunshine Coast’s Most Popular Activities
Whether you’re visiting with your significant other, going solo, or bringing the whole family, you can find something for everyone to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast. We suggest starting with the following:
Experience the Australia Zoo
Owned by Teri Irwin, widow of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, the Australia Zoo is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions for good reason. The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from all over Australia. Perhaps the most popular activity at the zoo is feeding kangaroos, but you can also take part in canopy tours, crocodile cruises, and so much more.
Explore Noosa National Park
Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa National Park boasts a cornucopia of native flora and fauna including koalas, kangaroos, and dolphins. Visitors here can enjoy hiking on popular trails such as the Coastal Walk and Noosa Hill Track, swimming, surfing, and fishing. You can even take a boat cruise on the Noosa River or go kayaking in the Noosa Everglades.
Visit the Eumundi Markets
The Eumundi Markets are a popular arts and crafts shopping spot located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. They operate every Wednesday and Sunday, and sell everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to fresh produce and other goods. You can run into locals and tourists from all over the world here, so it’s the ideal place to spend a few hours and people watch.
Go Surfing
The Sunshine Coast is home to popular surf spots such as Noosa Heads, Coolum Beach, and Maroochydore Beach, making it a world-renowned surfing destination. If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry. There are number of surf schools available to give you lessons, and waves suitable for all levels.
Boat Through the Noosa Everglades
The Noosa Everglades is a unique wetlands ecosystem comprising the lakes, rivers, and mangrove forests of the area. You can book a boat tour through this fascinating ecosystem to see the native dolphins, turtles, and birdlife. Some tours even give you the opportunity to swim or kayak in the water.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to the Sunshine Coast
Plan Your Transportation in Advance
The Sunshine Coast is over 600 square miles, and not all attractions are close to one another. You’ll need to make a plan for how you want to get around ahead of time. Renting a car is the best option to explore at your own pace, but there are also buses and trains to access to certain areas.
Expect Crowds
A place like the Sunshine Coast draws a lot of tourists both from Australia and abroad. You should be prepared for large crowds if you visit during the peak season. It’s best to avoid visiting large attractions during the middle of the day unless you want to wait in line.
Respect the Environment
This region is home to a huge variety of native plants and animals, and they deserve to be protected. Dispose of all of your trash properly, stay on the trail when hiking, and absolutely never disturb wildlife.
Before You Visit the Sunshine Coast – Do This
- Pack for sun and bugs – The Sunshine Coast got its name for a reason. You’ll want to bring along sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Use them all while you’re here.
- Make a point to eat local – Although there are plenty of chain restaurants here, you really should support the local economy by eating at small restaurants that serve local seafood and other fare.
- Purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance – You don’t want to risk your health or your financial stability, so be sure you have the right coverage before you go.