Kayaking down the Noosa Everglades. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Fortunately, the Sunshine Coast is packed with epic eco-friendly travel experiences and accommodation that puts the environment first—and no you don’t have to compromise on the bucket list-worthy factor.
Take note, these are some of the best sustainable travel experiences on the Sunshine Coast.
Saltwater Eco Tours
Saltwater Eco Tours on the Mooloolah River, Mooloolaba
If you want to learn more about Mooloolaba waterways and the traditional custodians of the land, then book yourself a spot on Saltwater Eco Tours. You’ll climb aboard an authentic timber sailing boat in Mooloolaba, and go on an eye-opening cultural journey led by Aunty Bridgette Chilli while cruising the canals. You’ll be treated to native bush foods, listen to live music and learn so much about the Indigenous history of this stunning spot. There are several different tours you can check out, including a sunset tour, seafood cruise and cultural whale watching tour.
Kanu Kapers
Kanu Kapers, Noosa Everglades, Great Sandy National Park
Looking for one of the best sustainable and eco-friendly travel experiences on the Sunshine Coast? Kanu Kapers is absolutely it. Owned and run by World Champion gold medal kayaker Vivienne Golding, Kanu Kapers offer sustainable guided and self-guided kayak adventures into the beautiful Noosa Everglades. Each expedition is custom designed to ensure you
get an up close and personal experience with the area’s rare plant and animal species—with minimum impact on the environment. The almost totally carbon neutral company offers a multitude of tours, ranging from half-day to luxury group experiences, and even encourages visitors to offset their carbon emissions from their car journey there, with the money going towards supporting koala habitats.
Sunreef Mooloolaba
Swimming With Whales, Sunreef
With roots dating back to 1976, Sunreef Mooloolaba is the longest established dive and whale watching operator in the Sunshine Coast. These guys live and breathe the ocean, ensuring the wellbeing of the animals comes first on all of their tours. Offering a wide range of experiences you can swim with Humpback whales, go night diving at the coral reef or on the ex-HMAS Brisbane, or you can try out our personal favourite—snorkelling with turtles at Mudjimba Island.
Cruise Maroochy
Cruise Maroochy, Maroochy River, Maroochydore
Soak up all of the best things mother nature has to offer with Cruise Maroochy’s special Eco Tours. You cruise along the Maroochy River, exploring the diverse local ecosystems, learning about the incredible flora and fauna that call this region home. Whilst on board you’ll be treated to a delicious Devonshire Tea and BBQ lunch whilst checking out the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary showcasing awe inspiring displays of healthy extensive mangrove forests, leading into Maleluca, Casuarina and rainforest.
Surf & Sand Safaris
This eco-certified family run business offers half day, full day and overnight tours showing off the natural rugged beauty and Indigenous history of Noosa to Rainbow Beach. Along with an uber knowledgeable guide, you’ll cruise along the great sandy highway in a 4WD stopping at the lighthouse, rainforest and Honeymoon Bay. You’ll also be treated to a demonstration of the traditional techniques used by the Kabi Kabi Peoples to create artwork and decorate boomerangs. It’s truly a bucket list-worthy experience.
Glasshouse Mountains Eco Lodge
Glass House Mountains Ecolodge, Glass House Mountains
Surrounded by giant volcanic plugs in every direction, Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge is the perfect stay for the environmentally-conscious traveller. The lodge has adopted many sustainable initiatives to help minimise its impact, including harvesting rainwater, recycling grey water, composting, using low energy lighting and non-chemical cleaning products. Guests are also encouraged to walk and explore the surroundings, rather than hopping in the car—which isn’t difficult with some of the best mountain hikes on the Sunshine Coast on your doorstep.
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
Narrows Escape, Montville
Curl up in the hammock and read a book, stroll through the rainforest, or feast on all locally sourced goods in your gourmet hamper—you’ll do it all at Narrows Escape. This romantic
hideaway in Montville features six eco-friendly pavilions nestled deep in the forest. The team is committed to sustainability practices such as using rainwater tanks to supply the pavilions, selecting natives for the gardens, using LED light globes and giving food scraps to the on-site hens. But it doesn’t stop there. These guys also stand by sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses by only supplying guests with locally-sourced food and seasonal produce.