The earliest inhabitants of the Sunshine Coast were the Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka mobs. Later, the first recorded sightings of the Sunshine Coast were by Cpt. James Cook in 1770. However, it wasn’t until the 1820s that the first white settlers arrived. These were convicts who had escaped from the nearby Moreton Bay (Brisbane) colony. The main pioneer industries in the early days were timber, then cattle, and later gold.

Our volunteers are involved recording and documenting the development of the Sunshine Coast region from pioneer days to modern times as well as self publishing books on aspects of the history of the Sunshine Coast, to preserve it for future generations and for sharing with local historical groups and with our community.

We maintain extensive databases of research material as well as a library of books and memorabilia all relating to local history.