For lovers of the outdoors, the Sunshine Coast is paradise; stunning beaches, untouched national parks and mountain views in almost every direction. Put simply, there’s not much that can’t be seen in a visit to the region.
With countless coastal pathways that share glimpses of the ocean and beyond, exploring on foot will give you the best overall look and vibe of the coast. Leave the car behind, and your wallet (it won’t cost a thing!) when exploring these four walks.
1. Noosa National Park
Walking the many paths of Noosa National Park is a great day out (image: Tourism Queensland)
With good reason, the Noosa National Park walk is undoubtedly the best known and paced coastal pathway on the Sunshine Coast.
Shared by surfers, runners, families and beach goers, the walk begins at Main Beach and follows the coastline through lush national park and past stunning coves.
The paved path will lead you to Little Cove, before turning into a boardwalk and then a bush track. With several lookouts and purpose built hang spots under the trees, dawdling is the best way to take in the scenery.
Watch surfers catch wave after wave on the points, spot koalas in the canopy above and take a refreshing dip in one of the many coves (hint: the further you walk, the less crowded they’ll be).
There are a handful of circuits to take, all varying in length and difficulty, but for a warm introduction to the national park take the coastal track to Hell’s Gates. Then, either keep adventuring and climb down to Alexandria Bay, or jump on the Tanglewood Track (which links back onto the coastal track at Granite Bay) and follow the path to Hastings Street.
2. Caloundra Coastal Pathway
Stroll from town to town along the Caloundra Coastal Pathway
If you like your Sunday scenic stroll with a cup of coffee and a side of fish and chips, the Caloundra Coastal Pathway at the southern end of the coast is a must-do.
Tracing about nine kilometres of coastline, this walk links together beach town after beach town and is a great way to get your bearings in check.
The pathway officially begins in Kawana and ends at Golden Beach, but those stretched for time will still be rewarded with breathtaking views and historic monuments when doing only a section of the track.
For a highlights reel, start at Bulcock Beach in Caloundra, passing beautiful beachside parks, buzzing cafes and the Heritage-listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion. Follow the path around the Caloundra Headland before being greeted with an almost-empty strip of sand at Shelly Beach.
Continue on past Moffat Headland where local surfing celebrities Ma and Pa Bendall are honored with a namesake park, and down the hill to the relaxed beachside town of Moffat Beach. Now, it’s time for fish and chips!
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3. Coolum Boardwalk
A couple enjoys the rolling waves at Coolum Beach on a sunny day
Fancy an after dinner stroll? The Coolum Boardwalk is the shortest and easiest of our top walks. It's lit at night, making it a perfect view point for spotting the twinkling lights of passing container ships.
Alternatively, wake up just before the sun and head to Point Perry. Here, you can watch as it slowly rises over the ocean before following the beautiful timber pathway into town for breakfast.
Enjoy views all the way to Sunshine Beach and Noosa National Park in the north or overlook First Bay and keen surfers to the south.
4. Point Cartwright
A perfect spot for a picnic
Much quieter than the Moololaba Spit Walk and just across the river, Point Cartwright and a walk through La Balsa Park offers kids space to run free and adults the chance unwind over a wine-kind-of-picnic (after the walk, of course).
After a visit to the cliff-top lighthouse, this coastal pathway winds down a grassy slope to a little beach and an abundance of rockpools.
If it’s too early to call it quits, keep walking and head over the edge of the Mooloolah River to cheer on local fisherman as they cast, snag and reel in the freshest of dinners.
Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to the Sunshine Coast.
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