While the beach is the obvious drawcard for visitors to the Sunshine Coast there are a whole host of beautiful walks, climbs and hiking trails, both beachside and hinterland that make for a great day out for locals and visitors alike.
Walking these trails will expose you to a diverse range of landscapes from bush to rainforest and beach terrain, not to mention the wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.
When our Maroochydore team are not in-store spreading the love for all things holistic and healthy, they love nothing more than getting out and about discovering hidden trails and re-exploring old favourites. Here are their top four recommendations.
Mount Coolum
Located mid-way between Maroochydore and Noosa, Mt Coolum is easy to access and once at the top gives amazing coastal views and features rare plants, wildflowers and birdlife. The hike is steep – at the peak Mt Coolum is 208 metres above sea level but there is no pressure to rush the climb. We love to take it easy and enjoy the scenery as we go. If you are walking in summer, we’d recommend going early to avoid the heat and sun.
Noosa National Park
This would have to be one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country. For a first-timer, we’d recommend doing the Coastal Walk to give you a stunning view of beaches and coves from Noosa all the way to Sunshine Beach. Start at the Hastings St end pack your togs and towel as there are some beautiful (and often less busy) beaches to stop at along the way. Hell’s Gates is spectacular, the famous and secluded Fairy Pools are super Insta worthy and if you make it all the way to Sunshine Beach you can have a well-deserved drink at the Surf Club. Return the same way or now you are more experienced, you can enjoy some of the well-marked bush trails that will return you to Hastings St.
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Park is a cool mountain retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The name Kondalilla is Aboriginal for rushing water and describes the park’s waterfall which is at its best during the summer season. There are several short hiking tracks that take in the beauty of the National Park and waterfall.
Mount Tibrogargan
One of the more challenging hikes on the Sunshine Coast, and definitely not for the feint-hearted, Mount Tibrogargan is located in the Glass House Mountain Range. It is a climb made largely of loose rocks and at times you will be using your feet and hands to navigate the largely unmarked path. The key is to leave early to avoid the heat and take your time. The view at the top will be worth it. Care must be taken on the way down too but you will be prepared having done the hike up!
Our final tip hardly needs to be given. Hydrate with water and pack sunscreen!
Try them out and let us know what you think or leave a comment below with suggestions for where we should be going next weekend!
