Abundant National Parks

More than 100 kilometress of sunshine - coated sands combine with an untouched patchwork of forests and parks to create the Sunshine Coast's stunning backdrop of natural attractions and experiences. The Sunshine Coast's national parks, state forests and reserves are all sanctuaries for hundreds of different species of flora and fauna, including some of the world's rare and endangered species. Just west of Beerwah, Bellthorpe State Forest alone is home top 600 identified plant species. Conondale National Park is home to the seldom seen yellow bellied glider and some of the Coast's most scenic rainforest drives. Cooloola's Great Sandy Strait National Park includes the Cooloola Wilderness Trail, an excellent two to four day camping trip with 21 walking tracks to choose from. Climb a 208 metre-tall ancient volcanic dome at Mt Coolum for rewarding 360 degree views or take a guided kayak tour of the Noosa Everglades or Caloundra's Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. The National Heritage listed Glass House Mountains, are an icon for the region and present a heavenly view of the Sunshine Coast. Experience a masterpiece of rocky shorelines, spiky pandanus and wild flowers just minutes from fashionable Hastings Street at Noosa National Park. Alternatively escape to Buderim Forest Park, a refuge of towering trees, cool streams and waterfalls just minutes from the centre of Buderim.

Enjoy Superb Beaches

The reputation of sweeping beaches, rolling surf and crystal blue water has established the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for the classic beach holiday. Try various water sports, horse riding and even camel riding on the beach. A thrilling 4x4 adventure along endless stretches of white sandy beaches, past towering coloured sand cliffs. Stroll the charming Norfolk Pine -lines boulevard at Bulcock beach, savouring a gelato along the way. The calm waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden beach are perfect for kids to make a splash or learn to fish. Long stretches of sandy beaches, including Kawana, Maroochydore, Coolum and Sunshine Beach are ideal for surfing, boogie boarding and relaxed walks. Kings Beach offers an unusual combination of surf beach with a new ocean front sea water pool. In Noosa, the national park is also fringed by magnificent beaches. from the protected bay of Noosa Main Beach at the northern end to the rolling surf of Sunshine Beach to the south.

There is accommodation to suit all visitors and budgets, many located along the beach, and parks and rivers. The coastal lifestyle is conducive to multiple types of water sports including, water skiing, sailing, surfing, jet skiing, and fishing. There are also some world class dive experiences on the Sunshine Coast including diving the wreck of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane off Mooloolaba or swimming with a rare family of Grey Nurse Sharks at Wolf Rock in Cooloola.

Explore the Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast's hinterland - from the Glasshouse Mountains, with their striking, pyramidical peaks, to the picture-postcard scenery of the Blackall Ranges and the tranquil Mary Valley - is an unspoilt paradise. The beauty of the region is breathtaking. A short drive from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, or from the busy throng of the coast will take you through pine-tree plantations, fertile farmlands, past classic weatherboard Queenslander houses, and colourful roadside fruit stalls. The hinterland draws all types. Adventurers such as rock climbers and abseilers can take on the spectacular rock faces. Others come to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the majestic hinterland with its lush forests, rural lakes, national parks and fascinating little towns. The quaint mountain villages of Montville and Maleny atop the escarpment of the Blackall Ranges are sleepy hamlets where a culture of coffee houses, country pubs, and restaurants, art and antique galleries and cosy bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation thrives.

Fabulous Fairways

Imagine playing golf against a backdrop of rolling surf or sharing the greens with a couple of languid kangaroos. Test your skills on rolling links running beside the Pacific Ocean and through groves of native melaleuca and eucalyptus. This is golf, Sunshine Coast style. Our 300 days of sunshine create a year-round paradise for golfers, perfect for playing a round or two.

The world's golfing greats, like five-times British Open champion Peter Thomson, Australias own Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Junior and world-renowned golf course designer Mike Wolveridge, have created courses to complement the Coasts shining natural beauty. Hone your game under blue skies as you stroll through pockets of rainforest past fresh and saltwater lakes and majestic stands of melaleucas. Join the gallery for all the colour and excitement of the Australian PGA Championship, hosted each year by Hyatt Regency Coolum. The worlds top golfers will be within putting distance!

Gourmets, Be Tempted

The sub tropical climate of the lush hinterland provides ideal growing conditions for an enormous variety of produce from organic ducks to award winning goat's cheese and ginger. Coastal locations provide an array of 'catch of the day specials' and fresh seafood delicacies. The dining experience on the Sunshine Coast is a combination of rich diversity in both flavours and varied locations. Fish and chips on the beach, fresh prawns on the jetty, a table for two with a hinterland view, outdoor beachside restaurants or a picnic in national parks all contribute to those wonderful holiday moments. Discover the art of creating mouth watering Asian and European cuisine, by trying one of the many cooking schools scattered throughout the Sunshine Coast. Take a food trail through the Noosa hinterland, taste the local produce and meet the growers at the farm gates. The many local wineries in the region are testimony to this thriving hinterland industry and the productive, cooler climate of the Blackall Range.

Sunshine Coast for the Family

There is no better place than the Sunshine Coast to give your children and unforgettable holiday experience. Image the view from the top of the second largest ferris wheel in the Southern Hemisphere at Aussie World, or the expression on their face when they catch their first wave. If it's days full of action you desire, why not become a family of explorers? Step back thousands of years in time and kayak through ancient waterways, learn how to build a raft or explore more than 300 acres of the Beenham Valley on horse back. Sand castles, frisbee competitions and the thrill of jumping waves in the shallows - a day at the beach has not changed and that's why it continues to impress. Explore a 2.5 million litre oceanarium, home of more than 25,000 sea creatures at UnderWater World or hear the jaws of a 600kilogram crocodile snap shut at Australia Zoo. Nature is what the Sunshine Coast is all about. Share your family camping trip with a family of eastern grey kangaroo', search the bay for dugongs, turtles or dolphins and between April to November watch the whales frolic!

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a kaleidoscope of scenic impressions and rich cultural diversity. The calming environment of the Blackall Range nurtures day and overnight visitors alike, offering time for reflection or simply the perfect vantage point for that classic holiday snap. Take the opportunity to stroll the cobbled streets of Montville, or the eclectic mix of shops at Eumundi. Experience the National Heritage listed Glass House Mountains, or if you prefer a cool refreshing stream, the hinterland is blessed with numerous idyllic locations waiting to be explored. The picturesque town of Maleny has a genuine earthly feel, while quaint rural towns such as Kenilworth and Mooloolah coexist with Witta and Reesville with their German heritage, and the villages of Flaxton, Palmwoods and Mapleton. Take time to discover the gems of the hinterland. Watch a silent film in Pomona or visit the heritage museum in Gympie. Experience cheese making in Maleny, Kenilworth and Coolabine, horse riding in the Mary Valley or fishing on a lake of dam. In the winter months, mountain towns provide the perfect ambience for romance and rejuvenation.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

This world-class walking track is a new and exciting way to explore the most scenic and spectacular parts of the national parks, forest reserves and conservation parks in the Blackall Range. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland GreatWalk is an eco-friendly adventure for everyone, from experienced bushwalkers who want a three to four day trek with overnight camps, to daytrippers who just want to go for a relaxing stroll along a shorter section and admire the highlights plunging waterfalls, rock pools, palm-filled gorges and expansive vistas. The walk can be accessed at various starting points (all with a range of facilities) to explore natural features such as Obi Obi Creek and Narrows Gorge, Kondalilla Falls, Baxter Creek, the breathtaking lookout at Mapleton Falls, Gheerulla Creek and Gheerulla Falls. Look and listen for the birds, reptiles and frogs that live here. If you need a base from which to explore this Great Walk, there is plenty of accommodation close at hand in towns such as Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.

Swim at Superb Beaches

The Sunshine Coast encapsulates sun-drenched beaches, sparkling water and year-round swimming in temperate waters. Truly special are the dramatic coloured sand cliffs in Rainbow Beach. It's 4X4 land. Kilometres of unspoilt, white sandy beaches and turquoise rolling surf, The vast Pumicestone Passage, its sheltered waters dotted with kite surfers and small crafts. Noosa National Park is one of the few absolute beach front national parks in Australia. It is also fringed by magnificent beaches. With over 100 kilometres of pristine coastline, the Sunshine Coast has a beach experience for everyone.