Sunshine Coast Tourism Statistics

Visitors spent over AUD 4 billion on the Sunshine Coast in the last few years.

• Visitor spending totaled AUD 4.7 billion in 2025, a 10.1% increase from 2024.
• Visitors spent AUD 3.03 billion in 2019 before the pandemic.
• Tourism spending dropped to AUD 2.01 billion in 2020 during the pandemic, a 33.3% decline from 2019.
• Spending increased to AUD 2.69 billion in 2021 as recovery began.
• Domestic overnight visitor spending reached AUD 4.26 billion in 2022. However, no data on international visitor spending for 2022 is available.
• In 2023, visitors spent AUD 4.32 billion, which decreased slightly to AUD 4.27 billion in 2024.

How much did visitors spend on the Sunshine Coast in 2025?

• Visitors spent AUD 4.7 billion in 2025, representing a 10.1% increase from the previous year.
• Domestic visitors spent AUD 4.22 billion while international visitor spending totaled AUD 475.5m.
• Day trippers spent AUD 839.3 million

How much did visitors spend on the Sunshine Coast in 2024?

• Tourists spent AUD 4.27 billion on the Sunshine Coast in 2024.
• Domestic overnight visitors spent AUD 3.95 billion while international visitors spent AUD 317.8 million.
• Day trippers spent AUD 810.9 million.

How much does it cost to visit the Sunshine Coast?

• Each domestic overnight visitor spent AUD 988.4 on average in 2025, while each international visitor spent AUD 1579.7 on average.

• People mainly visited the Sunshine Coast on holiday (2.55 million) in 2025.
• 1.66 million people visited their friends and relatives (VFR).

• The Sunshine Coast was rated #1 in the world in the Tourism Sentiment Index (2021/22), ahead of global destinations like Bora Bora.
• The region topped the annual “Most Loved Destinations” list.
• In 2023, Caloundra (a coastal town at the Coast’s southern end) was crowned Queensland’s Top Tourism Town.
• The Sunshine Coast tour company won Gold for Food Tourism, and a Hinterland retreat, Bli Bli House, won Gold for Hosted Accommodation in the QLD Tourism Awards 2022.

• Noosa National Park: This coastal sanctuary draws crowds with winding shoreline paths, dense forests and diverse wildlife. The park welcomes more than 1.5 million explorers yearly.
• Australia Zoo: The wildlife paradise created by Steve Irwin (the "Crocodile Hunter") and his family sits in the hinterland near Beerwah. Over a million animal lovers visit each year to experience its renowned conservation work and exhibits.
• Eumundi Markets: This twice-weekly artisan gathering in the hinterland town of Eumundi reigns as Australia's largest craft market. With over 600 stalls selling local art, food and crafts, it attracts around 1.2 million visitors a year.
• Mooloolaba Beach & Coastal Walks: Mooloolaba Beach & Coastal Walks feature pristine beaches, vibrant esplanades, and picturesque seaside paths perfect for exploring the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty.
• Glass House Mountains & Hinterland Towns: Glass House Mountains & Hinterland Towns boast ancient volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and charming villages rich in history and local culture. Thousands of visitors travel up the range for day trips, especially during cooler months.