The Sunshine Coast & Hinterland branch, originally known as the Caloundra branch, came into existence in 1963, becoming the first ‘country’ branch to be formed, due to the fact that one of the founders of the Society, Kathleen McArthur, lived in Caloundra.

Rampant development along the coastal strip, and its attendant destruction of wildlife habitat has always been a major concern for the branch, which plays an active role in lobbying for the conservation and preservation of the natural environment.