Sunshine Coast cost of living: Suburb-by-suburb guide to help ease hip pocket pressure
We’ve compiled a list of places on the Sunshine Coast to try and nab a bargain or have some free fun to help you combat rising cost of living prices. Check out the list here.
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As average families have to find an extra $1400 a year for groceries we’ve come up with our own guide to try and help save your hip pocket in some of the region’s major suburbs.
An investigation by Daily Telegraph reporter John Rolfe shows supermarket prices have surged by at least 12 per cent since last year.
It means the average family needs to find an extra $1400 a year at the supermarket while fuel prices also continue to soar.
The hike has been attributed to the war in Ukraine putting pressure on wheat and energy prices, flooding across Australia’s food belt and China factory shutdowns due to the country’s zero-tolerance Covid-19 policy.
The Warana Fruit Shed manager Debbie Mountford said she had a woman cheer and high-five her because she paid less than $10 for a lettuce.
“You’ve got to shop smarter, follow the cheaper products, you’ve got to buy smart,” she said.
The manager, who has been at the helm of the shop for 15 years, also said the produce shortages seemed to have affected the green, leafy vegetables the most.
The manager said cauliflowers and sweet potato were cheap at the moment.
In Noosa Heads, Pardons Fruit Market owner Lloyd Pardon said he had been in the fruit and veg game for 36 years and had never seen the market in this state.
He said he was cutting his margins to remain competitive.
He also said he had diversified over the years and had made his shop a one-stop shop for people.
“I’m interested in buying and supporting a lot of niche businesses, we’re looking for gourmet stuff,” Mr Pardon said.
He said bananas, pineapples and mandarins and other citrus were cheap buys at the moment.
He also said lettuce was the talk of the town.
In terms of fuel prices, on Friday afternoon, June 10, 2022, the average price for unleaded fuel on the Sunshine Coast was 196.6 and for diesel it was 205.8.
The Sunshine Coast Daily has compiled a suburb-by-suburb breakdown of fruit and vegetable shopping options, fuel options, things to do and meal options for those of us starting to tighten our belts.
Check out the shopping options below.
Bli Bli
PRODUCE
Erbacher’s (Diddillibah)
Google rating: 4.7 (722 reviews)
Customers rave about the juicy fruit and veg and the cheap produce.
THINGS TO DO
Muller Park
On the shore of the Maroochy River, the park has a playground, barbecues, a skate park, a lot of space and good parking.
Buderim
PRODUCE
Fenwick’s Fruit Emporium
Google rating: 4.5 (46 reviews)
Customers rave about the quality and the good price.
THINGS TO DO
Buderim Forest Park
Buderim Forest Park is a favourite with tourists and locals. The much-photographed waterfall walk is popular, but check the Sunshine Coast Council website for any walk closures following the rain bomb earlier in 2022.
Caloundra
PRODUCE
Caloundra Fruit Market
Google rating: 4.6 (45 reviews)
Customers say the store has fresh produce and good prices.
Daniel Street Fruit and Vegetable Warehouse
Google rating: 4.3 (73 reviews)
Customers say there’s a good selection of fruit and veg.
THINGS TO DO
There are a number of patrolled beaches in the Caloundra area including Dicky Beach, Moffats, Golden Beach. Take your pick but swim between the flags.
FUEL
According to the Motormouth website, the Caloundra area had some of the best fuel prices on the Sunshine Coast on June 15, 2022.
Coolum Beach
PRODUCE
Matt’s Coolum Farm Fresh
Google rating: 4.5 (48 reviews)
A hidden gem many locals know about, there is cheap fruit and veg in abundance.
EATING OUT
Frank Beach Bar and Restaurant, Coolum Beach.
Local night: Wednesday night with cheaper pizza and cocktails on offer.
Formerly much-loved restaurant Castros, the space has reformed into a pizza restaurant.
FUEL
Fuel in Coolum Beach was among the cheapest on the Sunshine Coast on the morning of June 15, according to the Motormouth website.
Eumundi
Fruit and vegetables and things to do, Wednesdays and Saturdays
The famed Eumundi Markets has produce, arts and crafts, health, house and garden products and much more for sale.
The markets also offer live music and entertainment.
Kawana
PRODUCE
Kawana Waters Farmers Markets, on Saturdays
Customers say they do their weekly shopping at the markets to support local farmers.
Maleny
PRODUCE
The Crystal Waters Country Market, held on the first Saturday of each month (except January), offers fresh fruit and vegetables for sale along with breakfast and lunch options, second-hand clothing and more.
THINGS TO DO
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is more than 22ha of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains. Hikers can take advantage of several walking tracks of varying difficulty.
Marcoola
Produce and eating out
Marcoola Market
The twilight market every Friday evening offers dinner options and the Saturday farmers market offers fresh produce options, a butcher and more.
Market manager Michael Bryan said some Friday night meals were as low as $10, with the average price between $13 and $15.
“I know the stallholders are saying things are going up for them,” he said.
“One said the cheese they buy had gone up substantially but none of the stallholders have put their prices up.”
Maroochydore
PRODUCE
Fresh Fruits
Google rating: 4.3 (69 reviews)
Customers say there is a good selection of fruit and vegetables with plenty of parking.
THINGS TO DO
Beaches
Beach options on this part of the coast including Alexandra Headland beach and Cotton Tree, which is especially good for littlies.
There are expansive playgrounds at Cotton Tree and some are under shade.
Sunshine Plaza
Visitors can have an expensive or cheap day out, depending on how much you are willing to spend. Retail stores for those on a budget include Big W and Kmart.
El Camino offers $2 taco Tuesdays.
Mooloolaba
PRODUCE
Fruity Life
Google rating: 4.7 (31 reviews)
Customers say there is fresh produce here and easy parking.
EATING OUT
Taps Mooloolaba
Need to offload some change? Taps offer 50c wings on Wings Wednesday.
Mountain Creek and Warana
PRODUCE
The Fruit Market
Google rating: 4.5 (73 reviews)
Customers say produce is well-priced and the service is good.
EATING OUT
Your Mates Brewing
Offering weekly specials including a “parmy party” on Thursday nights – $20 for a parmy and a pot of beer.
FUEL
Warana was also offering some of the cheapest fuel on the Sunshine Coast, on June 15, according to MotorMouth.
Mount Coolum
COFFEE
Daily Dose
The Mount Coolum cafe offers a free coffee when you purchase its coffee beans.
THINGS TO DO
The Mt Coolum hike has become increasingly popular. The State Government Department of Environment has labelled it a Grade Four track, which means it is only suitable for fit walkers.
Nambour
PRODUCE
Fruity Life
Google rating: 4.8 (37 reviews)
Customers say the store offers fresh produce and great customer service.
THINGS TO DO
Dulong Lookout
Pack a picnic and head to the Dulong Lookout for expansive views of the coastline.
Noosa
PRODUCE
Fruits of Noosa (Doonan)
Google rating: 4.5 (44 reviews)
Customers give the opening hours a big tick and say products are well-priced.
THINGS TO DO
Noosa Botanic Gardens
On the shores of Lake Macdonald, the calling card for this botanic gardens is the Greek-style amphitheatre but there is also a playground and a bush chapel.
Noosaville
PRODUCE
Noosa Farmers Market, every Sunday
There is produce, condiments, skincare, nuts and more available at this weekly markets.
Peregian
THINGS TO DO
Peregian Markets
The Peregian Markets are on the first and third Sunday of every month. Stalls include produce, craft, homewares, second-hand clothes and more.
Sunshine Beach
EATING OUT
Sunshine Beach Surf Club
Sunshine Beach Surf Club has some of the best views on the Sunshine Coast and it offers specials including on Mondays – $22.50 for a 250g rump steak with chips, salad and mushroom sauce.
THINGS TO DO
Beach
A popular and expansive beach. Explore Duke Street and then step out onto the sand, for free.
Tewantin
PRODUCE
Tewantin Market Garden
Google rating: 4.8 (55 reviews)
Customers say there is quality fruit and veg and friendly service.
Yandina
PRODUCE
Yandina Country Markets, every Saturday
The Yandina markets have a number of produce stalls along with plants, second-hand goods and much more.
THINGS TO DO
The Ginger Factory
At first glance, The Ginger Factory may feel like a tourist trap but there are ways of visiting on the cheap. Pack your own lunch and buy the season passes for the train and boat rides, if you are a regular. Free activities include the Gruffalo walk and the new rainbow umbrella art installation and it is free entry.
What are your tips for budgeting? Have another super special to tell us about? Email scdaily@news.com.au.
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