How to Plan a Nature Retreat at Sunshine Coast, Australia

Australia’s sunshine coast is blessed with the pristine wonders of nature. And, out there you will find numerous UNESCO biospheres, stunning beaches, national parks, waterfalls and sub-tropical rainforests full of nature’s magic. In this brief guide, we round up some of the best natural spots to explore on the Sunshine Coast. 

Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Noosa Everglades Australia. (12046547304), CC0 1.0 

How to explore the Glass House Mountains

Remnants of volcanic activities that occurred millions of years ago, Glass House Mountains are meant to be explored at length, leisurely and with intent. You can plan hikes and bushwalks along the Glass House Mountains. It is a good idea to check out a few Caloundra accommodation specials for a lengthy stay. Resorts such as Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort are located about half an hour’s drive away from the mountains. Once you settle down in the nearby area, you begin exploring. You could walk across the base of the Tibrogargan trek to ascend to the top of Mount Beerburrum as well as Mount Ngungun. The Yul-yan-man track will take you along the picturesque landscape between Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerburrum.  If you time it well, you can catch a ceremony or event organized by Aboriginal people such as the bunya nut festival.

How to explore the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglades on the entire planet. Located in the upper environs of the Noosa River, it is a 60 kilometre stretch of waterways scattered with an abundance of plant and animal life. The ecosystem is so rich and diverse that you need to find out the best way for you to discover its beauty. You can find over 40 per cent of Australia’s avian species in the everglades. You could kayak along the waterways or go for a boat ride. Taking a walk along the land area is another way to explore the richness of the everglades. If you are inclined towards adventure, try kitesurfing.

How to explore Biosphere Reserves

There are two biosphere reserves in the Sunshine Coast, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and the Great Sandy Biosphere. You can explore the latter by venturing on the Cooloola Great Walk. This walk spans across 102km one-way. Prepare to spend about 5 days exploring the reserve. You’ll pass through colossal sandhills and mysterious pockets of rainforests. Alternatively, you could go on a day trip to the Great Beach Drive. This connects Noosa with the Gympie region all the way up to Fraser Island (K’gari). You can enjoy an epic beach drive on a four-wheel drive. This beach highway leads to both biospheres, and you will be driving along a road with stretches of sandy beach along the sides. And you can witness the beauty of dolphins, sea creatures and even some rare species of bird.

How to explore national parks and forests

The second-largest rock after Uluru, Mount Coolum and its national park offer magnificent views of the wide ocean. The Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park are situated along the hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast. You can take a short walk or a one-day trip. But, in the spirit of true adventure, a multi-day walk would offer you an abundance of discoveries. The Hinterland Great Walk would take you across over 58 kilometres of sub-tropical forests and majestic waterfalls. You could also hire a 4WD and explore the wild roads of craggy Conondale Ranges. Alternatively, you could try creek-side camping or walks along with Jimna, Imbil, and Amamoor state forests. The Booloumba Creek area in Conondale National Park is a sublime camping spot. If you choose to bushwalk along the Conondale Range Great Walk, remember to pick an elevated spot along the foreshore of Noosa National Park to watch dolphins and humpback whales. The season falls between July and October.