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Sunshine Coast National Parks

>> Sunshine Coast National Parks

Some of the world's most special natural places are on the Sunshine Coast.

Go trail riding through the rugged mountains of the Blackall Ranges, hike through the lush rainforests in Buderim National Park and admire the giant sand dunes of Cooloola National Park. Each National Park has a unique beauty and wealth of flora and fauna that sets it apart from others.

The dramatic rock faces of the Glass House Mountains make the area ideal for abseiling and rock climbing, and the extensive pine plantations are a bushwalker's delight. Tread the boardwalks to magical waterfalls in the famous Buderim Forest Park, a mecca for the avid walker and birdwatcher. Tackle Australia's second largest monolith, Mount Coolum, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the coastline.

Coloured Sands, Rainbow Beach, Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Visit the Kondalilla National Park near Montville, and follow Skene Creek as it cascades 90 metres down into lush rainforest and on into the valley dotted with majestic bunya pines. Picnic by East Cedar Creek in Mapleton Sate Forest, where the babbling waters form unusual circular pools in the rock face.

Not far from Noosa's Hastings Street, the picturesque Noosa National Park hides secluded coves and magical rock pools among the coastal scrub, and is home to koalas and unique ground parrots. Noosa's tannin-stained Everglades offers a spectacular haven for birdlife, and the reflective quality of the still waters makes it a popular haunt for photographers.

Wilderness buffs will love the brightly painted cliffs of the Coloured Sands, and the unique Carlo Sand Blow looking out over the Great Sandy Strait. Climb Double Island Point to explore the lighthouse, and dive the pinnacles of Wolf Rock, considered one of the top ten diving sites in Australia.

Poona Lake, Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Cooloola National Park is the ideal spot for bushwalking, swimming and fishing, and is home to one of the few remaining emu populations on the east coast. Spring brings a flush of colourful wildflowers to the heath between the stately scribbly gums on the banks of the Noosa River.

Visit World Heritage listed Fraser Island and explore a paradise of crystal clear lakes and pristine rainforests. Explore Pumicestone Passage Marine Park by kayak and spot dugongs, dolphins and unique birdlife. Under the sparkling waters of the coast near Mooloolaba lies the ex-HMAS Brisbane, fast becoming a world class dive site and artificial reef.

The Sunshine Coast Great Walk

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a recently completed way to explore some of the most exciting and scenic parts of the National Parks of the Blackall Range.

This eco-friendly adventure is suitable for everyone. There is a range of walks, starting at around 2km, for those looking for a relaxing stroll, to more stenuous walks taking the better part of a day to complete.

The track is clearly marked and in good condition, and is graded according to the degree of difficulty, with 2 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult. The Great walk is designed so that visitors can experience each of the different types of local vegetation, such as dry open eucalypt forest and lush subtropical rainforest.

Kondalilla Falls, Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

The walk can be accessed at various points and explores natural features such as the cascading waters of Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls and Gheerulla Falls. Use stepping stones to cross the meandering Obi Obi Creek and Gheerulla Creek, and follow the path of the magnificent Narrows Gorge.

Cross Baxter Creek on the suspension bridge, listening out for the resident birds and marvelling at the palm-lined gorges. Journey over timber boardwalks protecting endangered frog species and walk among the giant strangler figs.

Take the time to listen to the resident wildlife - more than 70 species of reptile and 30 species of frog call this area home. The park also hosts more than 100 species of birds, including parrots, kingfishers, honeyeaters and native doves.