Our Top 3 Activities We Enjoy Up The Sunshine Coast
1. Glasshouse Mountains
The 11 gorgeous peaks of the Glass House Mountains are found in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast. They are about an hour's drive south of the Sunshine Coast's main hub, Noosa, or an hour north of the state's capital city, Brisbane.
A natural playground of walking tracks, horse trails and abseiling locations, the mountains are also home to six small townships, linked by rail and country roads. You'll also find the incredible Australia Zoo. Beerwah is the area's largest town, and sits in the shadow of Mount Beerwah, the mountains' largest peak.
There are several pretty walking trails here, including the 30 minute Tibrogargan walking circuit and the easy Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit (which offers sweeping views to Brisbane and Moreton Island)
2. Double Island Point
You are only able to access Double Island Point via 4WD vehicle or on foot. Double Island Point is Rainbow Beach most eastern location and hosts the historic lighthouse and Conservation Park. The views are spectacular. Marine life, particularly dolphins, whales (in season), turtles, sharks, sting rays, manta rays, dugongs and fish can be enjoyed from the headland.
The point is easiest accessed on the southern side where a steep path leads up to the lighthouse and caretaker's houses. The Leisha Track connects the Rainbow Beach side to the Teewah Beach side and is often tricky to access with overhanging sticks impeding entry. Tides play a vital role in enabling movement along this stretch and as a general rule sightseers should plan their travel no later than 2 hours either side of low tide.
Travelling from the Rainbow Beach Township you will also pass the beautiful Coloured Sands. The cliffs boast over 70 different sand colours and are arguably better on the Rainbow side of Double Island.
3. Hastings Street
Noosa is one of the Sunshine Coast's biggest drawcards. Like a magnet, you'll be lured to its white beaches, crystal-clear waters and eclectic array of boutique shops, luxury accommodation and world-class restaurants.
The style is laid-back but invigorated, mixing the relaxed pace of beach living with a buzz created by the constant flow of visitors to Noosa from all over Australia and the world.
Hastings Street, behind the beachfront is Noosa’s fashion strip, specialising in high-end designs, familiar local labels, signature stores and affordable beachwear, footwear and local creations.
If you are up for the retail therapy challenge (we do not recommend you attempt this all in one day), within a 15-minute drive of Noosa’s Main Beach are several shopping precincts which are wonderful areas to explore and discover a diverse range of retail products.
Take your time to uncover the treasures to be found in Noosa Junction, Peregian Village Square, Sunshine Beach, Coolum Beach, Noosa Civic, Noosaville and Tewantin. And wander a little further to discover the hinterland treasures of Cooroy, Pomona and Eumundi.
Take your time to uncover the treasures to be found in Noosa Junction, Peregian Village Square, Sunshine Beach, Coolum Beach, Noosa Civic, Noosaville and Tewantin. And wander a little further to discover the hinterland treasures of Cooroy, Pomona and Eumundi.
The Sunshine Coast is perfect for an action-packed holiday or quiet escape at any time of year. Discover its vast beaches, a thriving food scene at Noosa and the many natural treasures of the surrounding hinterland.
Great post Tony. I wish we had read this before driving up the east coast and missing out on some of these! The views over the glasshouse mountains look absolutely stunning. We made it to Noosa, but only the national park and didn't spend any time actually in the town unfortunately. Right at the end you mentioned Eumundi and that is one place we did get to and the market there was brilliant, would definitely recommend. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by. We are lucky to live 50 minutes drive to the Glasshouse Mountains and visit there a few times a years, usually taking in a trek by foot or drive some 4wd track. (but normally winter, due to chances of coming across a snake). We go to Eumundi as we head to Noosa then to Teewah Beach, where we can drive on the beach and avoid the crowds of Noosa. Taking the dog to the markets and onto the beach is a bonus.
DeleteWhat a lovely post! I would love to go t Australia and NZ one day and spend some time there just seeing the scenery like the photos above. I especially love how colorful it looks! So much green and blue. This is future road trip material.
ReplyDeleteThe Glasshouse mountains are absolutely gorgeous, I loved driving through the local area. So green and lushious! I can't say I've ventured particularly far in the sunshine coast but definitely want to go back soon so will take your recommendations with me :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Australia looks awesome in any photo I look at :) Loved this post saving it for my trip to Australia.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved the pictures. That sunset at the beach is the killer. Australia is so beautiful, especially the coastal region. One day, I'll also go on such a road trip. :)
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