The Beautiful Sunshine Coast is located just over one hour from Brisbane. I would recommend spending at least 1 week on the coastal areas including Coloundra, Maroochydore, column Beach and Noosa. Then another 4 more days on the Glass House Mountains. But if you don’t have a huge amount of time you could see a lot in 1 week. There is soo much to do in the area, We have done a previous blog about the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Click Here (add blog). This Blog is all about the best free places on the coastline of the Sunshine Coast. There is beautiful places to walk along the beach, explore the mountains with epic views, Hiking through lovely national park’s and Kayaking along beautiful river’s.
Noosa National Park
There is two side to enter the National Park Seaview Terrace at Sunshine beach or Park Road at Noosa Heads. The Noosa Coastal Trail is 10.8km return stretch that offers spectacular views of Noosa North Shore and rocky outlooks. Highlights along the coastal trail include Boiling Pot, a lookout where waves crash onto the rocks, Tea Tree Bay, a and Hell’s Gates, offering views over Alexandria Bay. You could also split the walk into two parts. Begin first at Sunshine beach to Devil’s Kitchen. This is a 2.7km return trail and offers spectacular views over Sunshine beach. The second trail i would recommend is the Hells gate walk along the coastline. It is a 5.8km return trail and is one of our favourite walks in the park. It also passes the Fairy Pools.
Noosa Everglades
The Noosa Everglades stretch 65km long. It is one of just two Everglade systems found on Earth. The only other one is the Florida Everglades in the US. You can either camp along the way. Or what we did was leave early in the morning and returned at sunset. It was a long 8 hour day out on the water but totally worth it for the day trip.
Mount Coolum
The hike up the mountain offers beautiful views over Coolum Beach and beyond and is well worth the hike. It’s best suited to moderate fit Families and hikers. The return trail is 1.9km and will take about one hour.
Mount Ninderry
Mount Ninderry is located about 20 minutes from Coolum Beach. The hike is a moderate hike and will take about 1 hour return. It begins off a gradually up and down hills through open forest. Before heading uphill over rough rocky steps to reach the Summit. There are 3 lookouts in total. The first is halfway up on the East, There is no sign but it is a fairly obvious open rock with beautiful views. From here continue up the rocky path to the summit. Then the path splits into 2 East and west lookouts. It’s well worth adventure to both lookouts. From here you head back down the same way you came up. Dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash.
The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory is a popular spot on the Sunshine Coast and well worth checking out. The do offer train rides and Boat rides. If you after free you can walk through the Rainforest and check out the Rainbrella Project.
Coastal Walks
The Sunshine Coast has a spectacular coastline with beautiful white sandy beaches.The best way to see all of it, is via the Coastal Pathway which is 73km long and stretches from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.
Mooloolaba coastal walk
Cotton Tree Via Alex Heads to Mooloolaba is an easy 10.8km out and back trail along a beautiful section of coastline. There are pathways and a new boardwalk along this section so you can walk some of the way along the beach and some along the pathway. This is a great trail to begin riding and exploring the beautiful coast line. If you are after a walk you can do small sections of the trail. You can also add on 4.4km out to the Mooloolaba Spit.a
Point Cartwright
A much larger stretch of coastal path is from Point Cartwright to Currimundi which is 24km.
Currumundi to Bulcock Beach
This section 17.7km with additional short walk trails through Currumundi Lake which are sandy trails. You could also do this in much smaller sections if you are walking the trails.
Visit Buderim Forest Park
Picturesque waterfalls and cool cascades, nestled in a hidden tropical oasis less than a kilometre from Buderim Village. The walk is a 2.5km 40 minute return walk.
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden
If you’re looking to enjoy some native flora and fauna, head to the botanic gardens in Tanawha. Here you’ll find 82 hectares of beautiful gardens. You could take a self-guided tour on one of the walks through the gardens, and view the sculptures spread throughout. Pack a picnic to make the most of the peaceful atmosphere and this free day out on the Sunshine Coast. The gardens are open from 7am to 5pm (April to October) and 7am to 6pm (November to March).
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