8 Sunshine Coast holiday rentals for comfy nights-in

The four-star Saks on Hastings is a welcoming retreat right in the heart of Noosa Heads. Just a whisper away from the beach, these inviting holiday apartments provide an elegant yet homely base for your Sunshine Coast escape. Begin your day on the large balcony, sipping freshly brewed coffee beneath the balmy Queensland sun. Drift out the front door to Hastings Street to browse the boutiques, then explore Noosa’s glittering waterways by kayak, ferry or on a leisurely guided river tour.

Afternoons are best spent soaking up the sun, so why not take to Noosa’s golden sands and enjoy the view over Laguna Bay? A scoop or two of pistachio ice cream from Massimo’s Gelateria is the perfect accompaniment to a soothing splash in the ocean. Head back to your accommodation and take a dip in the outdoor pool before freshening up for dinner in your apartment’s sleek bathroom. If you’re in the mood for sizzling steak and sausages, you can cook up an evening feast on the rooftop barbecue, or take a 2-minute stroll to Boardwalk Bistro and treat yourselves to an oceanside meal of fresh seafood.

Escape to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for a dreamy stay at Altitude on Montville. With 23 individual studios and modern apartments that sleep up to six people, it’s an ideal spot for families seeking a home away from home. Treat yourself to a One Bedroom Spa Apartment and snuggle up in a fluffy robe with a Nespresso coffee after a decadent soak in your forest-view spa bath.

You might whip up breakfast in your stylish kitchen, or relax and let the on-site restaurant do the work for you. Meals can be delivered directly to your door, so all you need to do is enjoy delicious house-made granola and poached eggs while gazing over the lush valley.

Inspired by the view? Gather the troops and spend the morning exploring the magnificent trees and tumbling waterfalls in the rainforest. Call in afterwards to Gypsy’s Table for a satiating lunch of chilli seafood before returning to your apartment for an afternoon siesta. As night falls, drift down to the restaurant and feast on antipasto and slow-cooked beef cheeks.

For coastal relaxation in calming Caloundra, Norfolks On Moffat Beach is a prime beachside base for families and groups. Set down your bags in a spacious self-catered apartment and enjoy incredible views over the ocean from your 4-metre deep private balcony. You can then start the day with a family splash in the on-site pool before heading out to explore the local area.

Take a five-minute drive into central Caloundra for a zingy acai bowl at Greenhouse Cafe and some playground time at the beachside Clark Place Park. Call in to Caloundra Village Bakehouse and pick up some sweet treats for later. The shimmering ocean beckons for a cooling midday dip, followed by a soothing sauna session back at your accommodation. Gather ’round the barbecues in landscaped gardens for a glorious group cookout, then retire to your apartment for some Foxtel or a well-earned nightcap.

If you’re after a coastal retreat with unforgettable views, Noosa Crest Resort might just be the place. Perched atop the verdant Noosa Hill, this apartment complex is ideal for groups and families seeking a calming escape close to Noosa’s main attractions. Opt for a Premium Deluxe Apartment and wake in a king-size bed looking out over the ocean. A fully equipped kitchen invites an alfresco breakfast on your spacious balcony, while a tiled bathroom with complimentary toiletries makes for an easy start to the day.

Stroll 15 minutes to Noosa Heads Main Beach for a calming stretch on the sand, stopping off at Cafe Le Monde for a chilli-tinged Noosa spanner crab omelette. Grab a flat white to go and venture to Weyba Creek to watch the boats quietly slip through the undulating water. A holiday isn’t complete without some indulgence, so head back to the resort and take a soothing soak in one of the bubbling spas, followed by a chilled beer from your in-room fridge.

Moments from the magic of Noosa National Park is Bella Casa Noosa. Unwind among the beautifully appointed interiors of your self-catering apartment and begin each day with a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor pool. Sip mid-morning coffee on your expansive private balcony before heading to Gympie Terrace, 8 minutes by car, where you’ll discover boutique shops and thrilling activities like jet skiing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Slip into Aromas Restaurant, just steps away from your apartment, for a well-earned cheese plate and a pitcher of white sangria (little ones can tuck into classic fish and chips). If you’d prefer an afternoon at home, relaxation awaits in Bella Casa’s bubbling spa where you can soothe away any aches before retiring to your private balcony. As the light begins to fade, fire up your barbecue and throw some steak and prawns on the grill for an evening feast beneath the stars.

For a family break that combines lush rainforest, beachside bliss and truly personalised service, head to Raintrees Resort in Caloundra. Settle into your light and airy apartment and unwind amidst the resort’s two acres of beach-adjacent forest. Your spacious, equipped kitchen and dining table are ideal for social breakfasts before venturing out to explore the local area.

There’s plenty to do right on your doorstep. Adventurous types might be tempted by a morning of kite surfing or a thrilling skydive over the turquoise bay. A coastal walk offers the opportunity for some family time, while the exhilarating rides of Aussie World theme park are only a 17-minute drive away. Try a mouthwatering lunch of fish tacos at The Pocket Espresso Bar, or head back to your apartment for a self-catered barbecue feast.

Afternoon entertainment is easily taken care of by the resort’s two pools and 8-metre water slide, plus a bubbling spa to occupy parents. For a relaxed sunset dinner with the family, pack a picnic and stroll 400 metres to the beach.

Caloundra’s Kings Beach is just moments from the doorstep of Capeview Apartments. Accommodation here has a homely feel, with a comfortable living area and well-equipped kitchen to help you cater to your group. Rise early for a satiating homemade brekkie on your oceanview balcony before grabbing your towels and heading across the road to the beach. Dive into the sparkling water for a refreshing morning dip, then treat everyone to a creamy milkshake from Coffee Cat.

It’s an easy meander along Caloundra’s famously sun-soaked boardwalk, so it’s easy to stretch your legs in the noonday sun. To venture further afield, take the 30-minute drive to Australia Zoo and mingle with the animals. Head back to your apartment before the sun sets and indulge in a thirst-quenching tipple on your private balcony as you watch the golden light show. Freshen up for dinner in your pristine ensuite, then gather the troops and wander into town for spicy curry puffs and platters of fresh stir fry at Blue Orchid Thai.

Nestled in the heart of the natural wonderland of Noosa is Noosa International. With a range of fully furnished apartments, this resort is an ideal base for families or groups seeking a comfortable getaway in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most exquisite destinations. Just minutes from Noosa National Park, Main Beach and the bustling shops and restaurants of Hastings Street, you’ll have plenty of things to do, see and eat. On Sundays, seek out Miss Moneypenny’s for bottomless brunch. Devour a gut-busting feast of freshly baked treats, barbecued meats or seafood, not to mention the extensive cocktail menu for a cheeky holiday tipple.

Work off your indulgence with a hike around Noosa Woods, less than 2 kilometres from your apartment, or raise your heart rate in the on-site gym. Dip into the lagoon pool to cool off, then recline on your private balcony and watch the kids splash below as the surrounding palm trees rustle in the breeze. Dinner options are plentiful – try Japanese tempura and sashimi at MakiMoto or burgers at Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. Alternatively, prepare a gourmet feast in your apartment’s own stocked kitchen.