A trip down memory lane as the Sunshine Coast turns 50

IT IS one of Australia’s best holiday destinations, so it’s hard to believe just 50 years ago the Sunshine Coast technically didn’t exist.

IT IS one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, so it’s hard to believe just 50 years ago the Sunshine Coast didn’t exist — at least not by that name.

August marks 50 years since the Queensland coastal region ditched the name “Near North Coast” and became formally known as the Sunshine Coast.

The official renaming happened on August 1, 1967, following a vote by the Maroochydore, Noosa and Landsborough shires. The name, not surprisingly, was inspired by the region’s enviable weather.

An early advertisement for one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic treasures. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Five decades later, the Sunshine Coast is not just Queensland’s fastest growing tourism destination, but one of the 10 biggest cities in Australia, with close to 300,000 people calling this splice of paradise home.

But it’s best known to the rest of us as one of our most cherished holiday spots.

Who among us hasn’t soaked up the sun on Noosa or Rainbow Beach, explored the lush Glass House Mountains or Hinterland, taken a trip to Australia Zoo or stopped for a family snap with the Big Pineapple?

Or the Big Cow? Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

To celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s 50th anniversary, the region is putting on a series of events to celebrate its many charms.

And it’s also taking a long look down memory lane.

“The Sunshine Coast has always concentrated on showcasing its diversity: we are far more than just Sunshine and Coast, with our distinctive natural attractions, such as the Hinterland and Glass House Mountains, complementing our beautiful coastal attractions,” Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Simon Latchford said.

An early print ad for Caloundra. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

“And we are constantly innovating. The new [international] airport, plans for major new hotels and tourism attractions, blueprints for new town centres, massive expansion of our ‘agritourism’ sector and world-class tourism activities such as Swimming with Whales highlight our continuing commitment to offering fresh reasons to return.

“We invite the whole of Australia and the rest of the world to join us in the celebrations. Everyone is welcome.”

Find out more about the Sunshine Coast’s 50th anniversary celebrations here.

A Sunshine Coast promotion caravan distributing information to tourists, 1971. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Retro souvenirs, circa 1980s. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

A giraffe is delivered to the Seal Park at the intersection of the Tanawha Tourist Drive and Cosby Hill Road, Buderim, in November 1970. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Young holiday makers at the Memorial Pools, Coolum Beach, December 1952. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Prince Charles and Princess Diana ready to board the plantation train at the Sunshine Plantation, Woombye, April 12, 1983. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Paddle steamer ‘Ginger Belle’ on the Maroochy River at the Ginger Factory, Yandina, circa 1990. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Caravan built by Stephen Short returning to Maroochydore from a fishing holiday at Caloundra, circa 1950. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Ship in the International Shipping Channel passing close to the shoreline of Bulcock Beach, Caloundra, 2000. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast

Endeavour Replica, Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, Caloundra, circa 1976. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast