10 undiscovered Sunshine Coast highlights that most people miss

You may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access some, but Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has some truly wonderful attractions and experiences that plenty of visitors have never heard of. You just need to know where to look.

Booloumba Creek

Pristine rock pool, Booloumba Creek.

Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of this creek in Conondale National Park, around an hour’s drive inland from Maroochydore. You can either visit for a day trip or pitch a tent at one of three campsites to make the most of the cascades, rock pools and rope swings that can be found along the waterway. There are a few creek crossings, so you’ll need a high clearance 4WD to get there, or it’s a 30-minute walk through the rainforest from the car park.

Saltwater cultural tour

A welcome smoking ceremony at The Wharf Mooloolaba.

Hear Dreaming stories from Indigenous guide Aunty Bridgette Chilli as you sail past multimillion-dollar waterfront mansions where her ancestors once lived in bark humpies on this two-hour canal cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours. The tour begins with a welcome smoking ceremony at The Wharf Mooloolaba before boarding a restored wooden sailing boat steered by owner Simon Thornalley, who is of Torres Strait Island descent. You’ll also get to try bush tucker with a modern twist. Think lemon myrtle cocktails, kangaroo tacos and prawn skewers with bush dukkah.

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

Views of the Glass House Mountains at Maleny Botanic Gardens.

Take in the magnificent view over the Glass House Mountains from this privately owned garden, set on a 45-hectare property near the hinterland town of Maleny. Hire a golf buggy to navigate the hills and discover giant basalt ancient rock formations with trickling waterfalls. There’s also a sanctuary for 600 rescued birds, including colourful macaws and tiny farm animals such as miniature pigs, miniature donkeys and miniature goats.

Kondalilla Falls

From the top of Kondalilla Falls, the Skene Creek waterhole drops 90 metres.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterhole above this 90-metre-high waterfall at Skene Creek within Kondalilla National Park. There are a few walking tracks to choose from to explore the park, located in the Blackall Ranges near Montville, with lovely picnic areas to stop for a break, rock pools to wade in and lookouts to take in the impressive hinterland views.

Double Island Point

Double Island Point

This coastal headland in the Great Sandy National Park is a great place to while away the hours kayaking with dolphins, fishing and hiking to the historic lighthouse, which was built in the late 1800s. Located between Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach, Double Island Point is actually a sand spit with two large dunes that made the landscape appear like an island to British explorer Captain James Cook when he sailed by in 1770. You need a 4WD to get there, or visit on a tour with Epic Ocean Adventures or Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours.

Eudlo General Store

Try Eudlo General Store’s famous pies.

In the historic timber town of Eudlo, this eatery is known for its delicious and hearty meat pies, which you can see being made in the open kitchen. Operating since 1925, it was redeveloped in 2021 after being taken over by Sunshine Coast restaurant baron Tony Kelly, who also co-owns Rice Boi and Spero in Mooloolaba and Giddy Geisha in Maroochydore, and his cohorts. There are shelves and fridges brimming with local produce, black-and-white photos on the walls and boxes of toys to keep children entertained.

Noosa Everglades

Kayak through one of only two everglades on Earth.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

It’s only around half an hour’s drive north-west of Noosa Heads, but paddling through the tranquil wilderness area known as the Noosa Everglades feels a million miles away from the glitz and glamour of Hastings Street. Besides those found in Florida, these are the only everglades on the planet – but you don’t have to worry about encountering alligators here. It is, however, home to more than 40 per cent of Australia’s bird species. Discover the 60-kilometre waterway on a guided kayak tour with Kanu Kapers, or book a cruise with Everglades Eco Safari.

Buderim Falls

Picnic serenity at Buderim Falls.Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast

Hidden away in a pocket of bushland near the town of Buderim, this pretty waterfall is a pleasant place for a picnic. Also known as Serenity Falls, the attraction lies within the 45-hectare Buderim Forest Park, around a 10-minute drive from Mooloolaba. While swimming here isn’t advisable due to stormwater runoff, there are barbecues, picnic tables and toilets to ensure a comfortable visit.

Yandina Country Markets

Browse 140 stalls at Yandina Country Markets.Credit: Visit Yandina

Eumundi Markets are the most famous, but there are lots of smaller markets held throughout the Sunshine Coast hinterland that are also worth checking out. One of the best can be found at Nambour Yandina United Football Club, where around 140 stallholders offer up their wares each Saturday morning. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll find bric-a-brac, art, vintage clothes, leather goods and jewellery, with buskers performing and a range of international cuisine, including Thai, Greek and Indian, on offer.

Emu Mountain

Soaring views of the Sunshine Coast from Emu Mountain.

Hike among wildflowers to the summit of Emu Mountain, also known as Mount Peregian (the Indigenous word for emu), to take in panoramic views over the Sunshine Coast. Around three kilometres from Coolum Beach, the 71-metre-high peak offers an easier alternative to the popular Mount Coolum Summit Walk.

The writer was a guest of Visit Sunshine Coast and Visit Noosa.