Maroochydore, Australia

3km north of Mooloolaba, MAROOCHYDORE's multi-lane highway tearing through the middle of the town maeans this isn't an immediately attractive place, but away from the centre the beaches and surrounding streets are quiet, and the surf – as usual – is great. Buses set down beside the visitor centre on Sixth Avenue, just a short walk from accommodation at Sea Breeze Caravan Park (Tel:1800 461 167, Web: www.maroochypark.qld.gov.au ; Price: campsite $33 Price: selfcat $131–200), on Cotton Tree Parade right at the northern end of the beach. Just around the corner, Cotton Tree Backpackers, 15 Esplanade (Tel:07/5443 1755, Web: www.cottontreebackpackers.com ; Price: hostel $29, Price: hotel $131-160), is a bright, airy place in an old beach house and hands out surfboards and kayaks. A final option is the hidden Maroochydore Backpackers, 1km from the bus and beach at 24 Schirrmann Drive (Tel:07/5443 3151, Web: www.yhabackpackers.com.au ; Price: hostel $22–29, Price: hotel $51-60); facilities include a pool, free use of bikes and surfboards and a courtesy bus into the town centre. Moving on, Noosa is an easy 30km north of Maroochydore along the coastal David Low Way, or a little more along Route 70 to Tewantin.