Go for a walk on the Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Walks
In the year 1770, when Lt James Cook was making his way slowly up the coast of what is now Queensland, he spied three hills near current-day Beerburrum and noted in his log "...They are remarkable for their singular form of their elevation which very much resembles a glass house and for this reason, I called them the glass houses..."
In fact there are 16 peaks of rhyolitic volcanic plugs in the group and eight of these and surrounds are protected in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
The national parks of the Sunshine Coast tourism region are an integral part of the inventory of natural attractions.
Its range of national parks also has wide appeal. The Noosa National Park occupies a priceless piece of real estate on the point of the famous beach resort centre and is one of the most visited national parks in Queensland. The walking track from Sunshine Beach to Noosa is a 'must do' for any visitor and can easily be completed in less than three hours. Walkers will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rolling surf, secluded beaches and the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat with million dollar views from their perch high up in the eucalyptus trees.
Discover the Sunshine Coast's natural beauty on the 58km Great! Walk through the Blackall Range. Experience some of the range's most scenic areas: warm subtropical rainforest, tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls.
Everyone can enjoy the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great!Walk. Take half-day strolls or full-day walks or stay longer and complete the entire walk.
The forests are a mix of warm subtropical rainforest and tall open eucalypt forest. While the wildlife is abundant with more than 100 species of birds, about 70 reptile species and more than 30 frog species have been recorded in the area. Watch overhead for soaring peregrine falcons. Listen for the wompoo fruit-dove or the rare Australian marsupial frog.
Need more of a challenge? Take on the 46.2 kilometre overnight camping trek in the Great Sandy National Park's Cooloola Wilderness Trail.
