Named one of the Most Loved Destinations in the World by the Tourism Index Sentiment, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is renowned for its Sunshine Moments – feelings of uncontainable joy that accompany each visit.
With diverse landscapes and experiences, from nestling your toes in the white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal water, to hiking ancient mountain peaks and immersing yourself in lush verdant rainforests, there’s something here to tempt all kinds of travellers.
Stunning Queensland hikes
If you enjoy a mountain climb with the promise of 360-degree views, Mt Coolum is where you want to head. This dome-shaped volcanic rock is the second largest in the world after Uluru, rising 208 metres above the coast. The challenging 800-metre walk to the summit will get your heart pumping, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views of the coastline, hinterland, and Glass House Mountains. The track has several sets of natural stone steps, formed in the volcanic period about 26 million years ago. These are best tackled in dry weather to avoid slippery conditions.
If you’re up for a longer hike, you can continue along the stunning Noosa Heads Coastal Walk all the way to Alexandria Bay. This gorgeous 5.6-kilometre trail winds through abundant rainforest while offering breathtaking views of the ocean. This hike is the perfect escape for those who wish to immerse themselves in wildlife and escape the stresses of everyday life for a little while. Make sure to pack a picnic as there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. This 3-hour walk showcases the best of Australian native wildlife, giving you a chance to spot koalas, black-cockatoos, turtles, and if you are able go during the winter months, the stunning Humpback whale migration just off the coast. Once you reach Alexandria Bay – known for its sweeping golden sand and secluded shores – you can enjoy a swim or if you’re game, you might get your gear off and take full advantage of the local nudist beach.
There are also some great walking tracks around the Glass House Mountains, although to appreciate these distinctive peaks, it’s best to view them from a distance. The craggy peaks are volcanic plugs, which are the centre points of several extinct volcanoes. While there are difficult summit tracks up a few of the peaks, these are culturally significant to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people, who ask visitors to refrain from climbing the mountains. We recommend Tibrogargan circuit or Trachyte circuit instead, both of which offer great views of the surrounding mountains. More adventurous walkers may like to tackle the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, a 58km track through the Blackall Range with overnight camps along the way.
Best beaches on the Sunshine Coast
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on the Sunshine Coast, starting with Mooloolaba Beach. You’ll find a sweeping crescent-shaped beach with safe water conditions, stretching from the surf club all the way around to the spit. There’s a little beach break, perfect for bodyboarders or beginner surfers, and calmer waters at the spit end for those who prefer a peaceful float. If you like to get a little further offshore, you can even swim with the humpback whales during their annual migration, or otherwise stay dry on a whale watching cruise. Onshore, there’s a lively beachfront esplanade nearby, if that’s your thing. But for us, the clear blue water of the Coral Sea, white sand, and picturesque coastal views makes this the perfect beach for swimming.
Also making the top ten list of beaches is Noosa Main Beach, of course! It’s a busy tourist hub year-round for good reason. The gorgeous, protected, north-facing beach is surrounded by bay, river, and national park. However, if you prefer to escape the sun-loving crowds on Main Beach, head out into the national park, taking the forest and coastal trails around the headland. You’ll enjoy spectacular sea views and, if you’re lucky, may spot whales or dolphins from Dolphin Point. There’s a series of stunning beaches, including Little Cove, Tea Tree Bay, and Sunshine Beach. The surf gets more challenging as you follow the bays around the headland and they’re unpatrolled, so take care when swimming. Perhaps seek out The Fairy Pools for a dip instead. These off-trail natural tidal pools are an Instagram favourite at low tide. Aim for an early morning visit if you want the pools to yourself.
Sunshine Coast Shopping
While there’s certainly fantastic shopping in Noosa Village, our pick is the slightly quirkier, more unique experience that is The Original Eumundi Markets. This vibrant market was founded in the 1970s for artisans and farmers and retains its character to this day. The focus is on handmade products by local craftspeople and sustainable practices. With several market operations now making up the overall Eumundi Market experience, it’s become the biggest art and craft market in the country, with over 600 stalls. You’ll find homewares, artworks, ceramics, fashion, and jewellery alongside plenty of fresh produce and gourmet delights, with a fabulous line-up of musicians and street performers to entertain you.
Another great day trip is a visit to the quaint mountain villages of Montville and Maleny. The drive to get here forms part of the Blackall Range Tourist Drive, offering amazing views into the valleys below these hinterland towns, both of which have an artsy vibe with galleries, cafés, and boutiques to explore. You can visit the workshops of sculptors, painters, craftspeople, and potters in search of a one-off piece. There are some beautiful nature walks in this area, too. Check out Kondalilla Falls near Montville, where you’ll find a lovely rockpool in a lush rainforest at the top of the falls and perhaps even sight a pademelon. Another great place for wildlife spotting is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny, which has a Rainforest Discovery Centre and some good walking tracks.
Mindful Puzzle’s top tips on travelling to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast:
Getting there: The Sunshine Coast Airport is located in Marcoola and serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas domestically as well as Air New Zealand from Auckland. There are a range of transport options including shuttle buses, hire cars, and public bus services once in Marcoola.
Where to stay: From tranquil retreats and luxury seaside apartments to glamping under a blanket of stars, there are countless incredible places to stay on the Sunshine Coast. There are even pet-friendly accommodation options.
Best places to eat: Known for its fresh seafood thanks to the year-round warm waters, the Sunshine Coast is also home to a thriving café and restaurant scene, as well as some amazing farm to fork tours and paddock to plate experiences.
This article was originally published under the title Moments in the sun in Issue 34 – Secrets of Self-Care. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
