5 Best Hotels in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

These sleek and spacious self-contained studios and one- to four-bedroom apartments are just around the corner from Coolum's restaurants, shops, and beach. Each unit has a kitchen, lounge area, entertainment systems, and a large balcony; the ritziest have private rooftop terraces with ocean views, barbecues, and outdoor kitchens. On-site facilities include three swimming pools, four Jacuzzis, a well-equipped gym, a tropical garden with barbecue areas, and a full tennis court.

Located across the road from the beach and surrounded by trendy restaurants and cafés, this popular, upscale apartment complex on Mooloolaba's main drag has spacious, self-contained two- and three-bedroom apartments, an impressive pool and Jacuzzi area, and a large fitness center. Rooms feature sleek modern furnishings, hot tubs, cable TV and DVD players, full kitchens with laundry facilities, and magnificent beach views (spot dolphins and whales from your balcony!).

The stunning white sands of Kings Beach front this modern, airy resort comprised of well-equipped one- to three-bedroom oceanfront and poolside apartments enveloped in tropical gardens. All rooms have hot tubs and full kitchens; many also have large, curved balconies overlooking the beach. There's a well-equipped gymnasium, a sauna and steam room, an arcade-style games room, and a 197-foot heated pool that can be directly accessed from some ground-floor units, or viewed via underwater portholes from the gym and lobby.

Each spacious one- or two-bedroom apartment in this stylish, view-rich, 15-level hotel has a curved feature wall and full gourmet kitchen bristling with modern European appliances, and most have separate media rooms. Glass doors lead to spacious, furnished balconies with views over Maroochy River, the beach, or Mt. Coolum and the Hinterland. The rooftop barbecue area (with hot tub and sauna) is the perfect place to unwind. A clutch of cafés and restaurants is a short walk away, as is the beach.  Request an ocean view room on a high level when booking.

Facing fashionable Hastings Street on one side, the river on the other, the Sofitel is the place to stay in Noosa. Its chic white facade highlights the sparkling central pool, with its iconic swim-up bar and luxury poolside cabanas. Indulge in a facial or massage at AQUA Day Spa, or enjoy a generous buffet breakfast or à la carte meal at the hotel's designer restaurant, Peter Kuruvita's Noosa Beach House. All rooms come with a kitchenette, spa bath, terrace or balcony, many with river or ocean views. Luxury rooms add an outdoor Jacuzzi.