Sunshine Coast National Parks and Nature Guide 2026, Best Hiking, Nature Walks and Day Trips

Sunshine Coast National Parks 2026, Overview

The Sunshine Coast hinterland has an outstanding collection of national parks, from the Glass House Mountains' dramatic volcanic plugs to the ancient rainforests of Kondalilla and Mapleton and the Bunya Mountains (a 2-hour drive north-west). Combined with Noosa's coastal national park, the region gives outdoor enthusiasts exceptional options year-round. Here's a guide to national parks and nature near the Sunshine Coast.

Noosa National Park (Noosa Heads)

• Highlights, Coastal and heath national park beginning at Noosa Main Beach. The Coastal Track (3.5km) runs along spectacular clifftops to Hell's Gates and Alexandria Bay (clothing-optional beach). Resident koalas are reliably seen on the Tea Tree Bay section of the path. Free entry. One of the Sunshine Coast's essential experiences.

Kondalilla National Park (1 hour inland)

• Highlights, Kondalilla Falls (90m waterfall, accessible via the Rock Pool Circuit, 4.8km loop). Cool subtropical rainforest and rock pools for swimming above the falls. Beautiful and accessible. Near Montville and Maleny.

Mapleton Falls National Park (1 hour inland)

• Highlights, Mapleton Falls lookout (120m waterfall, 0.5km from car park), Wompoo Circuit walk (rainforest, 6.3km). Combined well with a visit to Mapleton village and the Mapleton Lilyponds.

Glass House Mountains National Park (40 minutes south)

• Highlights, 11 dramatic volcanic plugs rising from the Sunshine Coast hinterland plain. Mount Tibrogargan (4.4km return, challenging, scrambling required), Mount Ngungun (2.4km, easier, excellent views of the volcanic peaks), Mount Beerwah (Queensland's tallest Glass House Mountain, 5km return, challenging). Spectacular and unique landscapes. Free entry.

Bunya Mountains National Park (2 hours north-west)

• Highlights, Ancient bunya pine forest on an isolated plateau. Spectacular valley views, cool temperatures, excellent wildlife (rare barred cuckoo-shrike, glossy black cockatoos). The Bunya Nut season (January-March) sees huge crops of edible bunya nuts. An underrated and beautiful park.

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