Sunshine Coast, Queensland

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Published: 12:00am, 2 Apr 2006

An hour's drive north of Brisbane, Queensland's Sunshine Coast has kilometres of sandy beaches and some of the best surfing conditions in Australia. With sunshine almost all year round, and a maze of waterways that promote an aquatic lifestyle, it's no wonder the area's boutiques specialise in beachwear. From the Aussie bikini to chic European fashions, here's where to go to stuff your beach bags.

Sunburn (www.sunburn.com.au), a chain of stores throughout Queensland, stocks a large range of bikinis. Popular Australian brands such as Seafolly (from A$64/$356), Bond Eye (from A$54) and Heaven (from A$29) specialise in bright, eye-catching designs. For a more sophisticated look, try the Finch range (from A$74). The chain has recently added two new home-grown upmarket labels to its list: Shine by Zimmerman and Lisa Ho.

Hi Tech Clothing (shop 4, Rovera Plaza, 2 King Street, Cotton Tree, tel: 617 5443 2448) has a multitude of bikinis in the A$35 to A$100 range. Lorna Jane (shop 202, Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore, tel: 617 5451 0666; www.lornajane.com.au) is a popular clothing brand that produces bikinis for the active woman (from A$50). For the sleek, sporty swimwear that Australia's iron women wear to gruelling beach carnivals, head to Rebel Sport (shop G, 1/2 Sunshine Plaza, tel: 617 5479 2518; www.rebelsport.com.au).

Comfortable yet smart resort-style outfits abound. Lilly's Boutique (shop 1/87 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, tel: 617 5444 0899) is the place to go for gypsy-inspired bohemian skirts (A$50) and chiffon tops (A$35). Next door is Flash Boutique, which stocks Australian leisurewear brands such as Tomato, Ping Pong and Simona Sport. Slacks and matching tops cost about A$200. Yoshima Boutique (83 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, tel: 617 5444 4522) imports designer resort clothing from France and Italy. A pair of stylish flowered trousers by Jeans Votre Nom will set you back A$399. Bo Niks (85 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba) sells dainty painted beach shoes ($24).

In the Sirocco resort (59 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba), The Works is noted for upmarket outfits (from A$150). At Coco Beach, choose a lime-green, yellow, lily-white or orange top with shorts (A$189). And for anything black or white, head to Carmel's, where matching tops and slacks start at A$100.