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Sunshine Coast Airport Visual Story

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Arrival at the Sunshine Coast Airport

Access to Sunshine Coast Airport is via Friendship Avenue, which leads to a large, low-set white building with shaded walkways running along the front. Looking to the left from the car park area is the departures area, whilst to the right is the arrivals hall.

Accessible parking is available in the Long Term car park on Friendship Avenue North, in the Short Term car park on Friendship Avenue, and in the Park Value car park on Friendship Avenue South. A five-minute passenger pick-up and drop-off zone is located directly adjacent to the arrivals and departures areas.

The entrance to Sunshine Coast Airport is marked by white and yellow road markings guiding the way. Tropical greenery fills the planter box in the foreground, while on the right, a silver and a white car are parked for passenger drop-off. The entrance features a large shaded canopy prominently displaying the airport's name. Palm trees and landscaped plants line the front of the building, with its pitched roofing visible.
A pedestrian crossing with red and white markings leads to a winding shaded structure in front of the building. A sign that reads "Departure" is placed on top. Truncated domes and bollards are installed before it. On the right side, there's a road with a step-free ramp marked with white and yellow lines. Trimmed shrubs, palm trees, and signages are visible. Multiple vehicles are parked and moving about.
On the left is a concrete pathway equipped with a step-free ramp. Adjacent to the pathway, there is a waiting shed with bench chairs positioned to face the road. Behind the waiting shed, there is a low-set white concrete building. Next to it, there is another shaded structure. In the middle, there is a road with yellow and white markings. To the right, there is a car park bordered by a metal fence, trees, and landscaped plants. Moving vehicles, street lights, and signage are visible.
The driveway and car park feature a pedestrian lane marked with red and white markings. Bench chairs are positioned under the shade of trees. A metal fence and neatly trimmed shrubs border the road. In the background, a long shade structure bearing the facility's name is visible. Street lights and signages are positioned along the road, with moving vehicles also visible.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. PA announcements
  2. Greetings & farewells
  3. Vehicles stopping, engines running
  4. Trees rustling
  5. Aircraft taking off
Smell

Smells

  1. Coastal air
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Aviation fuel (occasional)
  4. External weather conditions
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. External weather conditions
  3. Change in floor surfaces
  4. Anxiety (crowds, flight)
  5. Elevated heart rate
Sight

Sight

  1. People with luggage
  2. Vehicles arriving & departing
  3. Signage
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Lush gardens

Bag Drop & Check In

Upon entering Sunshine Coast Airport's departures hall through the sliding glass doors, visitors access a wide and open carpeted space. Directly ahead, the Qantas check-in is to the left, and Virgin Airlines desks are to the right.

Adjacent to Qantas, the oversized baggage claim is situated beside gender-specific toilets, including a well-equipped accessible bathroom with handrails, shower, bench, basin, and baby changing amenities—complete with a microwave. During busy times large queues of people are observed standing in aisles created by retractable barrier tapes.

Entrance to the airport departure hall with a blue 'Departures' sign above the door, flanked by two poles and a ramp leading up to the automatic sliding doors. Non-slippery mat is positioned on the doorsteps. Landscape plants line both sides. The building's wall is white with corrugated finish and the ceiling is white with light fixtures.
The airport check-in area shows several passengers queuing at designated counters. The room features a white ceiling with large ceiling fans and digital screen light fixtures. The floor is carpeted in green. Ribbon bollards are positioned in each lane to create an orderly line. To the left, toilets are marked by signages above. Freestanding banners and signages are visible throughout the area, with staff present behind desks.
A deserted airport check-in area with multiple empty counters featuring airline logos. Roped-off queueing areas with stanchions are present, along with green carpeted flooring with designs. The white ceiling is fitted with light fixtures, large ceiling fans, and air conditioning. Digital screens are hung above the check-in desks, and luggage trolleys and freestanding banners are visible in the area.
Inside an airport terminal, on the right, passengers queue at check-in counters with suitcases, separated by retractable ribbon bollards. Adjacent, seated passengers with luggage are near wheelchairs and a wall with a colourful logo. To the left, a lobby shows several passengers pulling their luggage. The floor features a patterned green carpet, and the cove-designed ceiling includes white light fixtures, air conditioning, and ceiling fans. Digital screens hang above the check-in counters.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. PA announcements
  2. People talking & laughing
  3. Beeping & buzzing
  4. Directional instructions
  5. Banging & clanging (luggage)
Smell

Smells

  1. Controlled air environment
  2. Perfumes & deodorants
  3. Cleaning products (mild)
  4. Carpet
  5. Aviation fuel (occasional)
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity to others
  2. Anxiety (crowds)
  3. Waiting & confusion
  4. Excitement & anticipation
  5. Over stimulated (sounds)
Sight

Sight

  1. People with luggage
  2. Bollards & barrier tapes
  3. People mingling & queuing
  4. Colourful signage
  5. Large fans

Security Screening

Moving from the departure hall is through a set of automatic glass sliding doors underneath a yellow arched border with bold labelling of Departures. A long covered semi-external walkway with gardens on both sides and tiled flooring leads to the security screening area through another set of automatic glass doors. Retractable barrier tapes organise passengers into queues to move through the security screening process. 

Low benches with large numbers of stacked containers form a continuous height counter directly to the security screening equipment. Security staff actively provide directional instructions to passengers which may include removing some personal items to be scanned & luggage inspections.

An automatic glass sliding door with a yellow airport departure signage overhead. To the left, a clear glass door leads to a corridor with handrails and tropical plants. To the right, a colourful cartoon mural depicts a family on vacation at the beach. The glass door opens to a lobby with white tiles with black accents. Landscape plants are also in place.
A straight lobby lies between the shaded structure for drop-off on the right and the low-set building on the left. White shade cloths hang overhead the landscape. A landscape garden fills both sides. A blue directional signage is positioned on the left, next to a garden lamp. Safety cones are in place. To the right, vehicles and passengers are visible.
Entrance to the building. An automatic glass sliding door opens to a lobby with queue bollards. Reminder posters are affixed to the glass wall. The wall on the left has a corrugated design. To the right is a glass wall revealing trees outside. The floor has white tiles with grey accent, and the ceiling is white with light fixtures.
A room with queue bollards guiding the line. A sign bearing "No Trolleys Beyond This Point" is positioned in the middle. Large mural paintings and advert banners fill the walls. Chairs are positioned against the wall next to rubbish bins. A long bench table is against the wall on the right. The floor has white tiles, and the ceiling is white with large ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Directional instructions
  2. Challenging questioning
  3. PA announcements
  4. Whirr of machinery
  5. Beeping & buzzing
Smell

Smells

  1. Rubber & vinyl
  2. Cleaning products
  3. Controlled air environment
  4. Perfumes & deodorants
  5. Food aroma (mild)
Touch

Feel

  1. Invasion of privacy
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Queuing & waiting
  4. Confusion & frustration
  5. Luggage handling
Sight

Sight

  1. People queuing
  2. Security personnel
  3. Signage & notices
  4. Security equipment
  5. People organising hand luggage

Central Waiting Area and Retail Outlets

Navigating beyond the security screening area leads to the internal retail and dining area. Immediately to the left are food and beverage retailers and the central zone includes various seating arrangements with high tables equipped with PowerPoints and café style tables and chairs.

The high roofline and significant skylighting supported by fluorescent lighting ensure a well-lit area. This space includes a bar, newsagency, surfwear store, and café. Bathroom facilities, including a parent's room and an accessible toilet, are located further on the left beyond the newsagency.

An indoor area with stainless tables and benches. On the left, a food court offers various cuisines with a large blue sign overhead displaying directions. The right side features rows of movable tables with coordinating black and yellow chairs. In the foreground, a retractable queue bollard is positioned. Banners and digital screens are affixed to the upper wall. The high ceiling is equipped with light fixtures and hanging indoor plants. The floor has white tiles combined with black carpets.
On the left, rows of fridges offer cold beverages. Adjacent is a counter displaying food, lined with a retractable ribbon bollard. Brochures are also displayed in the corner. A directional signage, along with a digital menu screen, hangs overhead, with foliage decoration. To the right, movable tables and chairs are arranged. The floor has white patterned tiles and the ceiling has light fixtures.
On the left, a counter displays food, lined with a retractable ribbon bollard. Adjacent, tables and chairs are arranged. A long leather couch is also placed on the right. Directional signages, along with a digital menu screen, hang overhead, with foliage decoration. To the right, movable tables and chairs are arranged. More chairs are arranged on the left along with a vending machine. The floor has white patterned tiles, and the ceiling has light fixtures.
A spacious area with movable tables and chairs arranged. Directional signages and digital screens hang overhead, along with indoor plant decorations. The floor transitions from white patterned tiles to grey carpet. The ceiling is white with exposed beams, air conditioning, and light fixtures.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Aircraft sounds (muffled)
  2. PA announcements (sudden & loud)
  3. Tables & chairs on floors
  4. People talking & laughing
  5. Beeping & buzzing
Smell

Smells

  1. Food aroma
  2. Café aroma
  3. Air conditioning
  4. Perfumes & fragrances
  5. Cleaning products
Touch

Feel

  1. Anxiety (crowds)
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Elevated heart rate
  4. Over stimulated/overwhelmed
  5. Excitement
Sight

Sight

  1. People queuing
  2. Retail stores
  3. People talking, sitting & eating
  4. Food & drink stores
  5. Digital screens & signage

Departure Lounges

The Sunshine Coast Airport is undergoing extensive redevelopment and expansion to cater for increasing visitor numbers. From the central shopping area Gates 1 & 2 and Gates 5 & 6 are located through separate walkways to dedicated departure lounge areas.

The departure gates areas are filled with Low-set bench seating with armrests that are grouped together adjacent to the departure gate numbers. Departure Gates 3 & 4 are located within the central waiting area and each gate has a staffed area for ticket verification before boarding. Assistance for passengers with a disability is available.

Rows of connected black chairs are arranged on both sides, separated by a walkway with white tiles. Large advert banners and digital screens are affixed to the upper walls. Blue directional signages are affixed to the walls. The white ceiling has light fixtures and air conditioning. The ceiling in the middle is pitched with exposed metal beams and glass. Ornamental plants hang overhead.
A spacious area with strategically positioned connected chairs. Rubbish bins are arranged to the left. Blue directional signages are affixed from the ceiling. The area is surrounded by glass walls. The ceiling is white with light fixtures, and the floor has grey patterned carpet.
Rows of connected black chairs are arranged on the right. Blue directional signages are affixed to the walls. The white ceiling has light fixtures. The walls on the left feature a large mural painting, while the wall on the right bears the facility's name. Rubbish bins are arranged against the wall on the left. The floor has a grey carpet. The surrounding glass wall allows a view of the airport's exterior.
A lobby with white patterned tiles. On the left, a series of advertisements and the storefront of 'NEWSTRAVELS' offering news, books, drinks, and gifts. Directional signages hang from the ceiling and are mounted to the walls. Chairs are arranged on the right. Further ahead, the corridor turns to the left, where more signage is partially visible. The ceiling is white with an overhead shade cloth.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Beeping & buzzing
  2. Aircraft sounds
  3. People talking & laughing
  4. PA announcements
Smell

Smells

  1. Food aroma
  2. Café aroma
  3. Aviation fuel (occasional)
  4. Air conditioning
  5. Carpet
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity to others
  2. Excitement (about the flight or holiday)
  3. Anxiety (crowds)
  4. Change in floor surfaces
  5. Elevated heart rate
Sight

Sight

  1. Staff in uniform checking tickets
  2. People queuing
  3. Families with hand luggage
  4. People sitting & talking
  5. Digital screens & signage

Airport Tarmac

Moving through the glass doors from the departure gates leads to an external Airport Tarmac. Pedestrian zebra crossing patterns are prominent across the tarmac combined with significant white paint road patterns to direct airport vehicles. Significant airport equipment to load luggage and manage aircraft operations are notable surrounding the aircraft.

Boarding aircraft is typically via steps or wheelchair lift system, which is dependent on the specific airline carrier. Noises and smells on the Airport Tarmac may be a significant sensory experience with jet engines at full effort providing take off or landing effect on airplanes. Aviation fuel smells are strong.

A temporary white marquee with a peaked roof, set up on a tarmac surface between numbered parking bays 15 and 16. The marquee features a ramp with handrails, printed banners, and a glass door. The road has white and orange markings. Adjacent is a low-set building with a flat facade. To the left, the tarmac extends, bordered by street lights and bay number signages
To the left is a temporary white marquee with a peaked roof, featuring a ramp with handrails, printed banners, and glass walls. The ramp extends to the pedestrian walkway towards another ramp with handrails leading to the Arrival's entrance door. Adjacent is a low-set building with a flat facade. Street lights, orange, and yellow bollards are visible. To the right, a concrete barrier lines the tarmac.
On the left side is a paved walkway with a metal railing, leading towards a parking area with various airport vehicles and orange bollards. On the right side is a large building with reflective glass windows and a graphic banner depicting an outdoor scene with a person. A step-free ramp equipped with truncated domes is positioned to the left of the building.
To the right is a glass door entrance to the building. Warning posters are affixed to the glass walls. A mini garden is positioned to the left. Green corrugated walls surround both sides. The floor is concrete with foliage designs. The ceiling is white with an overhead shade cloth.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Jet engines (very loud)
  2. Directional instructions from staff
  3. Generators & machinery
  4. Vehicle sounds
  5. People yelling
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation fuel (significant)
  2. External weather conditions
  3. Coastal air
  4. Bitumen/tarmac
Touch

Feel

  1. Over stimulated (noise & smell)
  2. Disorientation
  3. Elevated heart rate
  4. Interpersonal anxiety
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Aircraft
  2. Staff in high vis & uniforms
  3. Vehicles & machinery
  4. Stairs to aircraft
  5. External weather environment

Main Baggage Reclaim (Southern Arrivals)

The main baggage claim area houses two luggage carousels, an oversized luggage zone, a small café, and a visitor information stand. As you enter the main baggage reclaim the bathroom facilities are to the right and include male and female toilets—one with a shower—and a parents room.

The LH-accessible toilet includes handrails and a basin. Upon exiting baggage reclaim, directly ahead is a pedestrian crossing to car parks, to the left is a taxi stand with a sheltered wait zone, as well as a designated area for accessible taxis. A blue line guides visitors to car rental desks.

An indoor baggage claim area with a moving carousel on the left, adorned with digital screens and digital posters. To the right, a row of wheelchairs is arranged in front of the accessible toilet and change rooms. A fridge filled with beverages is placed against the wall. In the centre, digital screens display flight details. The carpet flooring throughout features decorative geometric motifs and the ceiling is white with large ceiling fans and light fixtures.
A baggage claim area with a moving carousel on the left, adorned with digital screens and a metal fence. To the right, a row of chairs is arranged. A fridge filled with beverages is placed against the wall on the right. In the centre, digital screens display flight details. The flooring throughout features decorative geometric motifs, and the ceiling is white with large ceiling fans and light fixtures.
A baggage claim area with a moving carousel on the left, adorned with digital screens and signages. To the right are yellow counters. Chairs are arranged near a fridge filled with beverages. The flooring throughout features decorative geometric motifs, and the ceiling is white with large ceiling fans and light fixtures.
The main baggage claim zone at the Sunshine Coast Airport looking toward the exit. The floor is made of white and blue tiles with a number of couch seating areas in the background.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Squeaking noises (baggage carousel)
  2. Sudden banging & thuds
  3. Café sounds
  4. Directions from staff
  5. Aircraft sounds
Smell

Smells

  1. Café aroma
  2. Controlled air environment
  3. Body odours (close proximity)
  4. Carpet (faint)
  5. Cleaning products
Touch

Feel

  1. Anxiety (waiting for bags)
  2. Excitement (holiday or seeing family)
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Change in floor surfaces
  5. Relief
Sight

Sight

  1. Luggage moving on a carousel
  2. Emotional people greeting
  3. Low level roof
  4. Fluorescent lighting
  5. Luggage trolleys

Northern Baggage Reclaim

Arriving at the Sunshine Coast Airport's Northern Arrivals, international guests access the airport via Gate 7, while select domestic flights use Gate 8. The carpeted area leads to baggage carousel number 3 for luggage retrieval, with seats and a vending machine nearby for convenience.

Facilities include separate female and male bathrooms, each with two cubicles and a unisex-accessible toilet. Moving beyond the baggage reclaim is via a set of glass sliding doors which leads directly into the main bag drop & check-in zone.

Connected chairs are arranged on the left. Adjacent is a fridge with cold drinks and an information table. To its right is a door that leads to Gate 7. Queue bollards and foldable stairs are positioned on the right. Retractable banners fill the right wall. The wall on the left is a combination of mustard and cream. The ceiling is white with light fixtures and air conditioning. The floor has a green carpet with geometric patterns. Large advert banners are visible.
Connected chairs are arranged on the left. Adjacent is a fridge with cold drinks and an information table. To its right is a door that leads to Gate 7. Queue bollards and foldable stairs are positioned on the right. Retractable banners fill the right wall. To the left is an accessible toilet. Directional signage is affixed to the walls. The ceiling is white with light fixtures and air conditioning. The floor has a green carpet with geometric patterns. Large advert banners are visible.
Inside the accessible toilet. The toilet bowl, equipped with hand grabs, is positioned to the left. A rubbish bin and a tissue dispenser are placed beside it. To the right is a changing table. Adjacent is a wash basin and a tissue dispenser. Rubbish bins are placed underneath. The floor has grey tiles, and the walls and ceiling are white with light fixtures.
An indoor baggage claim area features an L-shaped stainless steel moving carousel. Digital screens and digital posters are affixed to the walls. To the left, a row of chairs is arranged against the wall. The carpet flooring throughout features decorative geometric motifs, and the ceiling is white with large ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Squeaking noises (baggage carousel)
  2. Sudden bangs & thuds
  3. Directional instructions from staff
  4. PA Announcements
  5. Baggage trolleys
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation fuel (occasional)
  2. Humidity (occasional)
  3. Air conditioning
  4. Body odours (close proximity)
  5. Perfumes & fragrances
Touch

Feel

  1. Anxiety (waiting for bags)
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Excitement (holiday or seeing family)
  4. Change in floor surfaces
  5. Relief
Sight

Sight

  1. Luggage on carousel
  2. People queuing to access luggage
  3. Luggage trolleys
  4. People greeting each other
  5. People mingling & meeting

Car Rental

Car rental offices are located 150 meters from the southern end of the main Sunshine Coast Airport. Follow the blue painted line on the concrete and bitumen from the main Baggage Claim area beyond the taxi rank to locate the Car Rental Offices. The Car Rental Building is a low-set white building constructed from timber and white cladding.

The facility is divided into two separate offices both elevated three steps above the adjoining concrete pathways. A 2.6 meter wide path and ramp lead up to the timber-covered verandahs that adjoin the Car Rental offices. Entry to the offices is via automatic glass sliding doors. Extensive car parks are located beyond the offices filled with rental cars.

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Hearing

Sounds

  1. Aircraft take off & landing
  2. Moving vehicles
  3. Footsteps
  4. Dragging suitcases
  5. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Aviation fuels
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Coastal air
  4. Bitumen & concrete
  5. External weather conditions
Touch

Feel

  1. Disorientation
  2. Walking/movement
  3. Interpersonal anxiety
  4. Elevate heart rate
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Blue painted line
  2. Roads & pathways
  3. Taxi rank
  4. Bright retail signage
  5. People queueing
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Thank You

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