As the only place in Australia where three UNESCO-declared biospheres sit side-by-side, we’re uniquely positioned to offer the very best of natural beauty on the Sunshine Coast. From our rare Everglades system to our ancient Glass House Mountains, hiking trails, waterholes, National Parks, and pristine beaches, you’ll find plenty of scenic spots to fill your days.
Conondale National Park
Local favourites include soaking in the turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek, paddling through the glassy waters of the Noosa Everglades, and marvelling at the other-worldly beauty of the Carlo Sand Blow.
Hike around the base of Tibrogargan, trek to the summit of Mt. Ngungun and walk in the footsteps of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people, the region’s traditional owners, as you embark on the Yul-yan-man track that traverses amazing country between Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerburrum.
Long before white settlement, the Glass House Mountains region was a special meeting place for Aboriginal people to gather for ceremonies and social activities. Events were planned for times of the year when local food sources were abundant, like the bunya nut festival.
The Noosa Everglades
Kayaking down the Noosa Everglades. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The Noosa Everglades (one of only two everglades systems on Earth) is a spectacular 60km stretch of sparkling waterways, fringed by ancient tea tree forests and floating lily pads. In short... it’s seriously dreamy. Here, the subtle current and dark, tannin-stained waters create a surface so reflective it's earned the nickname ‘the River of Mirrors’.
Stretching across two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, this unique environment has remained relatively untouched for thousands of years, making it one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems. In fact, more than 40 per cent of Australia's bird species call this spot home. Within the watery labyrinth you’ll spot pelicans, eagles, osprey, and the rare jabiru and glossy black cockatoo.
The Great Beach Drive
Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands, Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach
For day-trippers, the Great Beach Drive connects Noosa with Rainbow Beach in the Gympie Region and up to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), making it one of the longest and most epic beach drives in the world. Accessible only by four-wheel drive, the beach highway takes you along the sand. With wide stretches of beach as your road, you’ll be cruising alongside humpback whales during the migration season, dolphins, turtles, and rare bird species. But the best bit? The area is steeped in Indigenous culture with sacred spots, rock art, and places of Dreaming stories to be discovered.
National Parks
Kondalilla Falls in the Kondalilla National Park, Montville
Make tracks to the coast and you’ll be hard-pressed to miss a sighting of Mount Coolum National Park. Towering above the coastline is Mount Coolum, a greenery-strewn ancient volcanic peak that is second in rock size only to Uluru. The centrepiece of the sprawling National Park, it rewards hikers who conquer it with spectacular views over the ocean. While any time of the day is beautiful to visit, there’s nothing quite like being the first to see the sun’s rays bounce off the glittering sea from up high.
Sunrise at Mount Coolum
In the Sunshine Coast Hinterland you’ll find several spectacular National Parks, including Kondalilla National Park. Here, dense rainforest and moss-covered granite boulders fringe hidden waterholes and rock pools that are just begging you to float away the day in them.
Disconnect from reality and plug into nature at Imbil and Amamoor state forests, where creek-side camping, walks, horse trails, and roads for mountain-bike adventure are on the itinerary. While we don’t like to play favourites, Conondale National Park offers some particularly stunning camping spots along the pristine waters of Booloumba Creek.
Emu Mountain, Noosa National Park
Just a short stroll from buzzing Hastings Street but feeling like a world away, Noosa National Park absolutely deserves a spot on your must-visit list. The bushland here is brimming with wildlife (including koalas), and incorporates the Noosa headland and areas around Lake Weyba, Sunshine Beach, and Peregian. If you’re keen to get away from the crowd, jump in the car, roll the windows down and do the short drive to Tewantin National Park, Eumundi or Parklands conservation parks, where forest trails beckon walkers, mountain-bike riders and horse riders into their dreamy green surroundings.
Couple at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, located in Maleny on the Blackall Range, is 55 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest that offers spectacular views over the Glass House Mountains. First, get a caffeine hit from their onsite cafe, expand your mind and learn about the region at their Rainforest Discovery Centre, before venturing deep into the heart of the rainforest, following the bubbling creeks to natural pools that are ripe for swimming.
To find some of the best waterfalls in Queensland, you’ll only need to venture a short distance inland from the coast - we’re talking less than the time it takes to binge your favourite Netflix show. Just 10-minutes from Mooloolaba beach you’ll find Buderim Falls. At this natural haven, walk amongst towering trees, listening for the sound of the water cascading over rocks to guide you to the waterfall.
