Sunshine Coast
Must Do
The Glass House Mountains, a collection of 11 peaks, are located north of Brisbane near Bribie Island and can be reached in a drive of around an hour and 15 minutes. There are only six villages in the Glass House Mountains, among them Beerwah, known for housing Australia’s largest zoo, the Australia Zoo.
Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Ngungun, both offering scenic hikes to their summits with breathtaking views, particularly at sunset. These mountains offer various hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. Please note that climbing rocks is necessary, especially on the Mount Tibrogargan Peak Track. For a more manageable option, take the Mount Ngungun Summit Track, a 2.9 km round trip through a beautiful forest to the top of the mountain.
Just 10 minutes from the town of Coolum, you can explore Mount Coolum National Park. Mount Coolum is the result of a volcanic eruption that took place over 20 million years ago. Don’t miss the hike to the top, which offers a magnificent view of the Sunshine Coast: ideal for watching the sunset.
The Everglades are a sprawling wetland comprised of swamps and waterways, including the river, Lake Cootharaba, Lake Cooroibah, and Laguna Bay. Located only 40 minutes from Noosa Heads, there are only two in the world, the first is in Florida and the second here in Noosa. 40% of Australia’s native birds are found in the Everglades. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by this natural haven. These Everglades are the only ones where swimming is possible, as there are no crocodiles or alligators, unlike the Everglades in Florida. So hop on a boat, kayak or canoe and explore the Everglades!
For those who enjoy walking, Noosa National Park will be a delight. It is the most visited park in Queensland and offers various hikes with breathtaking ocean views. Based on your skill and your desires, you will have the choice between rather short hikes and others a little longer.
The original Eumundi market, located just a 20-minute drive from Noosa, takes place every Saturday and Wednesday. With over 600 exhibitors, the market offers a relaxed atmosphere and a true display of originality, as its name suggests. A local craft market where the diversity of stalls is considerable ranging from handcrafts (clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, ect), plants, to food. An awesome place not to be missed!
Discover the Kondalilla Falls near Montville, where multiple paths lead you into the heart of nature. Bring good shoes because the walk is steep.
Further south and less touristy than Kondalilla, discover Gardners Falls where you can swim. For thrill seekers, there are hanging ropes that you can swing from and dive into.