Flights from Adelaide to Sunshine Coast

The best time to visit the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast boasts one of the highest sunshine ratings in the world. With relatively moderate temperatures averaging between 15°C (60°F) and 28°C (82°F) year-round, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists head to Sunshine Coast all year long. Summer rains in January can be frequent and heavy, however don’t generally hamper too many travellers’ outdoor plans. The summer months can be humid and are also peak season for the Sunshine Coast, especially over the week covering Christmas and New Years Eve. This leads to an increase in flight prices and accommodation rates. The spring months of October and November experience mild 24°C (75°F) temperatures and little rainfall. With schools in term and fewer crowds to contend with, this is a great time to plan a trip from ADL to MCY. The late autumn months of April and May, as well as early winter in June, are some of the best times to find cheap flights from Adelaide to Sunshine Coast. While the water temperatures may be a little colder, you will certainly love the consistent surf breaks and scarce crowds.

Departing From Adelaide

Virgin Australia and Qantas provide the quickest flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Sunshine Coast’s airport in Maroochydore (MCY). These cheap airfares include a stopover in Sydney (SYD) and have passengers arriving at MCY in less than six hours. Jetstar will get you from ADL to MCY in a little more than 10 hours and include a stopover in Melbourne (MEL).

Getting to Adelaide Airport

Want to save money getting to the airport? Take advantage of the Adelaide Metro’s Jetline routes. There are six lines that connect ADL airport to different points in Adelaide: J1, J1a, J1x, J2, J7 and J8. If you’re not bringing a lot of luggage to the Sunshine Coast, consider taking the Metro’s J1a for the shortest route to ADL. If you have more to carry or you’re with a large group, consider taking the J1x route. It’s the only double decker bus line and has luggage racks on its lower deck. J2 connects Harbour Town Centre Interchange to City via West Beach, Adelaide Airport and Sir Donald Bradman Drive. J7 connects via Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide Airport and Marion Road and J8 connects via Torrens Road, Arndale Centre Interchange, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide Airport and Marion Road. Taxi fares from the heart of Adelaide to the airport will take about 15 minutes and can run between $25 to $30, not including the $2.20 airport tax. Uber drivers can get you to ADL for about $23 including the airport tax.

Parking at Adelaide Airport

If you’re driving yourself to Adelaide airport, it is strongly recommended you pre-book your parking prior to your departure date. This not only ensures your spot, but it can also save you money.

Where to Park at Adelaide Airport

There are two car parks located at Adelaide Airport. The Terminal Parking and Long Term Car Park can both be reached from Airport Road.

• Terminal Car Park: This area has more than 1600 spaces available on levels 1 to 4 and is conveniently located only a few minutes’ walk from check-in and baggage collection. You can find your spot by utilising the special parking guidance system that directs you to vacant spaces. Then use the direct covered access to the terminal, available via the link bridge on level 2. Two-day parking in the Terminal Car Park is $80AUD with a $20 fee for each subsequent day.
• Long Term Car Park: This option can leave more money in your pocket before you set out for a holiday to the Sunshine Coast. Storing your car here will put you within a 10-minute walk to the terminal or you can take advantage of the free shuttle service operating between the car park and the terminal. Shuttles run every 20 minutes from 4:30am to 11:20pm. Two-day parking in the Long Term park will cost $51 and $15 for each subsequent day.

Arriving on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Airport is conveniently situated for travellers heading to different parts of the Sunshine Coast including Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Caloundra, and the Hinterland.

How to Get from Sunshine Coast Airport to Your Sunshine Coast Hotel or Accommodation

If you’re heading to Noosa and other northern Sunshine Coast regions, Henry's Airporter can take you from MCY to your hotel destination. Prices start from $35. If you need to head to the southern Sunshine Coast region, look for the Con-X-ion shuttles located to the left as you exit the arrivals hall of MCY. Shuttle prices vary between $25 and $60 depending on your hotel destination. The taxi rank is located outside the arrivals hall as well. Depending on your hotel location, fares from MCY can be upwards of $75 and include the mandatory $2.20 airport fee.

Things to do in Sunshine Coast

Accurately named, the abundance of sunshine on the Sunshine Coast paves the way for a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the year. Stretch your legs and don your floppy hat as you soak up the sun on Noosa Beach. Or hire a kayak to spend the day on the water; you may even encounter a friendly dolphin or two. Book a tour into the Noosa Everglades to explore this incredible ecosystem (one of only two in the world), cruise its network of waterways and look out for local birdlife. For a peek into the underwater world, take a trip Mooloolaba and check out Sea Life Sunshine Coast wildlife park. The interactive aquarium features an 80-metre ocean tunnel the houses eight different species of shark, as well as jellyfish tanks, a Finding Dory exploration centre, and opportunities to swim with seals. Have you ever wanted to visit the Australian Zoo made famous by crocodile hunter Steve Irwin? You can make that happen on your visit to Sunshine Coast! Take a tour of the more than 1000 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds that are well cared for at the Australian Zoo. The Sunshine Coast also isn’t all beaches and ocean though. It has an incredible Hinterland region. Take in views of the volcanic peaks in the Glass House Mountain ranges, or pack a picnic and walk through lush rainforest to discover picture-perfect waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and stunning lookouts from Flaxton, Mapleton, Maleny and Montville. Looking for big adventures? Sunshine Coast can deliver. Check out the wildly exciting rides at Aussie World for belly-dropping laughs and heart-pounding thrills. Or head to Yandina for a bit of adventure and learning at Ginger World. If you visit Sunshine Coast in July through October, make a point to book onto a tour out of Mooloolaba for an amazing opportunity to witness humpback whale migrations.