Day Trips from Sunshine Coast 2026, Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Near the Sunshine Coast

Day Trips from Sunshine Coast 2026, Overview

The Sunshine Coast's position between Brisbane and the Wide Bay region makes it an excellent hub for day trips. Beyond the coast itself, the Glass House Mountains, the Noosa hinterland and the extraordinary Fraser Island (K'gari) are all within reach. Here are the best day trips from the Sunshine Coast in 2026.

Glass House Mountains (45 minutes south)

Thirteen dramatic volcanic plugs rising from the coastal plain (named by James Cook in 1770). Mount Ngungun (the easiest summit walk, 2.2km return, spectacular views of the other mountains), Tibrogargan Circuit, Beerwah Township and Coochin Creek State Forest picnicking. npsr.qld.gov.au

Noosa Hinterland, Maleny and Montville (1 hour south)

The Blackall Range hinterland villages above the Sunshine Coast. Maleny (renowned dairy country, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for exceptional sub-tropical rainforest and Glasshouse Mountains views), Montville (boutique galleries, German bakeries, chocolatiers, art studios). The Maple Street Creative Precinct in Maleny is excellent. visitsunshinecoast.com

Brisbane (1.5 hours south)

South Bank, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, MONA Brisbane, the Queen Street Mall and South Bank Streets Beach. Train from Nambour or bus connections from the Sunshine Coast make Brisbane an easy car-free day trip. visitbrisbane.com.au

Fraser Island / K'gari (2.5 hours north, ferry from River Heads)

The world's largest sand island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Eli Creek (swim in the freshwater stream to the ocean), Lake McKenzie (iconic white-silica sand perched lake), the Maheno Shipwreck and the Champagne Pools. Best visited by 4WD day tour from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. k'gari-tours.com.au

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