Escape winter, follow the sun to the Sunshine Coast

Even if you don't need much convincing to flee the southern winter, this singular fact might seal the deal: in the middle of July, water temperatures are warmer off the Sunshine Coast than they are in the peak of summer off Melbourne's coast.

No wonder so many people argue that there's no such thing as winter on the Sunny Coast.

Of course, if log fires and hot spas are your thing, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers atmospheric, boutique accommodation that is perfect for cocooning, though you have the added advantage of being less than thirty minutes from the warm coastal waters if you fancy a frolic with whales.

Whale migration season has already begun and from Mooloolaba to Rainbow Beach, visitors can experience these magnificent creatures through a range of tours in Sunshine Coast waters.

The Wharf Mooloolaba is 'whale central' from now until October, with the bustling hub of entertainment, dining and marine adventure celebrating the season by diving deep with whale theming.

Children will be able to discover whale clues throughout the venue, a Whale Pale Ale has been brewed locally by Blackflag Brewing, and local tour operators - including Sunreef Mooloolaba, Adventure Rafting and Cavalier Cruises - are gearing up to take visitors on whale watching tours off the coast.

You can even swim with whales with Sunreef Mooloolaba, an experience you're guaranteed to never forget.

Mooloolaba plays host to one of Australia's largest fishing fleets, which has established the port as a premier destination for export quality seafood.

The seaside town is famous for its Mooloolaba prawns, but you'll also find tuna, swordfish, crayfish and spanner crab on the menu here.

Seafood will be a focal point of The Curated Plate festival, the Sunshine Coast's biggest food event, which is being held from 28 July to 6 August.

The festival comprises more than 100 different events, and one of the most enticing is the Trawler to Table deep-dive into Mooloolaba's seafood sector. Any seafood lover should pencil this into their diary now.

The experience starts with a scenic cruise to the Mooloolaba fisheries to sample their famed prawns, before returning to the beautiful waterfront See Restaurant, where you both see and eat more of the Sunshine Coast's delectable seafood.

The festival is all about exploring the region's incredibly rich produce and the talented chefs and artisans who have put the Sunshine Coast on the national foodie map. Brewers and distillers also feature in the festival calendar, reflecting the region's title as the Craft Beer Capital of Australia.

The Sunshine Coast always throws up surprises. While sunshine and beaches are a "given," perhaps not as well-known is the region's artistic prowess. Hinterland towns such as Eumundi, Maleny and Montville have well established art trails, which suggests that the dramatic landscape and fresh air clearly fuel inspiration.

The Sunshine Coast's artistic flair can be viewed year-round, but the annual Horizon Festival (August 25 to September 3) is the perfect time to appreciate the diversity and energy of the art scene.

More eclectic, and just as colourful, is the Australian Wearable Art Festival on the weekend of August 11 and 12.

Music is also prominent in the winter events calendar with Buskers by the Lake (August 19 and 20) showcasing emerging talent, while the Gympie Music Muster (August 24 to 27) celebrates many of the best Australian and overseas music acts, from the Angels and Hoodoo Gurus to country favourites such as Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley.

With more than 100 artists, performing in six venues, the Gympie Music Muster is Australia's original and best camping and music experience.

Just bring suitable footwear for some boot scootin' drills.

The Muster is staged deep within the natural surrounds of the Amamoor State Forest, but if you prefer your flora experience to be a little less muddy, then the Queensland Garden Expo (July 7 to 9) at the Nambour Showgrounds is the place to be.

You can still get your hands dirty with a brilliant range of workshops for the whole family, and with 360 exhibitors on site, even if you have just a balcony to green, you will find inspiration.

A quick guide to travelling to the Sunshine Coast, booking accommodation and tours.

GETTING THERE

Sunshine Coast is serviced by direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide by Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.

Bonza has its base at Sunshine Coast with direct flights from Melbourne as well as many regional hubs in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

STAYING THERE

New boutique villa famstay accommodation, Sixty6 Acres, has opened at Woombye, ideal for family stays. Go to sixty6acres.com

Peregian Beach, next to Noosa, has an outstanding new luxury resort, Essence, that can accommodate couples, families and groups. Go to essenceperegianbeach.com.au

There are a range of special accommodation deals available from the Visit Sunshine Coast website. Go to visitsunshinecoast.com/deals

EVENTS AND TOURING INSPIRATION

Go to www.visitsunshinecoast.com