Sunshine Coast Holidays - Experiences - National Parks

You'll discover some of the most special natural places in the world on the Sunshine Coast. Spectacular national parks offer a mix of rugged mountains, dramatic beaches, tranquil everglades, peaceful rainforest and lakes, wild rivers, rushing waterfalls and wetlands teeming with birdlife.

At the southern end of the coast, the dramatic volcanic crags of the Glass House Mountains create a region that's ideal for scenic drives, bushwalking and adventure rock climbing. Kondalilla National Park atop the Blackall Range takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning rushing waters, no doubt named for the beautiful Kondalilla Falls which cascade almost a kilometre into a rainforest valley. Or you can picnic by the bank of a gently rippling creek in the nearby Mapleton Falls National Park.

In the heart of the hinterland village of Buderim, you'll find the 45 hectare Buderim Forest Park which offers excellent walking and bird watching. A short stroll from Noosa's fashionable Hastings Street you'll find the sublime Noosa National Park, one of Queensland's few coastal national parks. Follow the picturesque bush and sea-view tracks past secluded coves and turquoise seas.

Spy a koala dozing in the fork of a gum tree as you follow the trail around the headland to the crashing surf of Sunshine Beach. If you crave pristine wilderness, the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park is a must. Here the towering cliffs of the Coloured Sands look as if they've been hand painted, the rainforest air is cool and clean and adventure abounds. Discover the Double Island Point Lighthouse and the amazing Carlo Sand Blow.

In Cooloola National Park, from Lake Cootharaba to Rainbow Beach is an unspoilt haven of ancient massive dunes, mangrove ecosystems, rainforest, fragrant wildflower plains and eucalyptus forest. Make the most of your pristine surrounds with a spot of bushwalking, scenic driving, beach fishing, canoeing, boating or swimming in lakes or surf. Take a guided 4x4 or boating tour or experience the thrill of rock climbing or abseiling with a professional guide. Explore mystical Mount Coolum, Australia's second largest monolith.

Offshore from Caloundra is the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park, a haven for dugong, dolphins and birdlife and providing ideal conditions for sailing, guided kayak tours, eco cruises, kite surfing and fishing. The vast expanse of bush, sand and water that is Noosa's North Shore offers campers, walkers, boaties and anglers a pristine playground. Birdwatchers and photographers are in their element canoeing the tannin-stained mirror like waters of Noosa's tranquil Everglades.

There are literally hundreds of walking tracks and trails on offer on the Sunshine Coast. The diversity is amazing: from gentle rainforest circuits and picturesque coastal trails to challenging overnight wilderness camping treks like the 46.2km Great Sandy National Park's Cooloola Wilderness Trail. The Sunshine Coast is the gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island which is just a 10 minute barge ride from Inskip Point. The world's largest sand island is a paradise of crystal clear lakes with white sandy bottoms and pristine rainforests to wetlands.