But dive a little deeper, and you’ll discover there’s a whole lot more to our leafy backyard than first meets the eye.
So next time you visit, why not make like Sir David Attenborough and get curious about the world around you on one of our nature-based tours.
Hear from Traditional Owners about the land, dive deep on a whale watching adventure and trek through ancient sub-tropical rainforest with an experienced guide who will have you seeing the world in a whole new light.
Paddle the Everglades with Kanu Kapers Australia
Kayaking down the Noosa Everglades. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
For a truly inspiring day out, it’s hard to go past a guided kayak tour into the Noosa Everglades with Kanu Kapers.
Spot sea eagles and sting rays before taking a dip in the healing tea tree-infused waters, while learning from expert guides who are passionate about environmental sustainability.
Not only are the Kanu Kapers’ guides a wealth of knowledge on the delicate Noosa Everglades ecosystem – one of only two everglades in the world – the sustainable kayak tours are almost carbon neutral, with visitors encouraged to offset their trip with money raised supporting koala habitat.
Relax knowing you’ll leave only a ripple behind on your wilderness adventure.
Guided walks with The Hike Collective
Mt. Coonowrin at Sunset, Glass House Mountains National Park
Take in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast from a different angle on a guided hike of the iconic Glass House Mountains.
The Hike Collective offers a guided 7.5km walk, which kicks off at the base of Mount Tibrogargan and circles around to the Jack Ferris Lookout, where you’ll be treated to epic views of the Glass House Mountains and surrounding plains, the ancestral home of the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people, the traditional owners of the land.
Marvel at the flora and fauna and spot sweet eastern grey kangaroos, whiptail wallabies and lorikeets as you make your way to the Mount Tibrogargan viewing circle to the soundtrack of local birdlife.
The knowledgeable guides combined with the sheer beauty of this National Heritage Registered landscape make for an unrivalled nature-based experience.
Whale Watching with Sunreef Mooloolaba
Swimming with Whales
Watching these magnificent creatures in the wild is one of life’s most thrilling natural encounters.
Sunreef Mooloolaba offers an informative and educational tour during whale watching season – which runs from early June to early November - while doing everything to respect the whales' boundaries and environment.
Watch in awe from the decks of Whale One, a luxury 19-metre multi-level catamaran,as these giant humpbacks breach, tail slap and spy hop on their annual migration.
Sunreef also offers Australia’s first Swim with Whales experience from July to mid- October for those who want to get closer than ever before.
Spiritual experience with Biral Tours
For a transformative and cultural adventure, join Biral Tours for a guided tour of the Sunshine Coast’s tribal lands and waterways of the Kabi Kabi Tribal Nation.
Led by original tribal owner, passionate storyteller and family Elder, Tais K’Reala Randanpi, this unique journey teaches guests about the spiritual aspects of tribal lands, rocks, trees and waterways, as well as the sharing of ancestral Dreamtime stories.
Join Epic Ocean Adventures Dolphin View Kayak Tour
Double Island Point with Epic Ocean Adventures
Charismatic and intelligent, dolphins are the reason so many people care about the health of the ocean and all of the creatures in it.
Experience the pure joy of witnessing these intriguing mammals in their own habitat on Epic Ocean Adventures’ Eco Dolphin View Kayak Tour.
Guides transport guests from Teewah Beach on Noosa’s North Shore in 4x4 vehicles to the pristine ocean kayaking location of Double Island Point.
Rainbow Beach
As well as playful bottlenose dolphins feeding on large schools of fish, keep an eye out for humpback whales – between June and November - turtles and rays while taking in the scenic views of the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, Honeymoon Bay and K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island) from the Marine Park.
Head to the hinterland with Outdoor Adventure Australia
Kondalilla National Park, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
If trading the fast-paced digital world for the verdant rainforests of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland sounds like your kind of bliss, this one’s for you.
Outdoor Adventure Australia’s two-day, two-night Gheerulla Loop Hike offers the opportunity to disconnect from technology, challenge your personal limitations and reconnect with your true self and the environment.
Joined by experienced guides, the walks are generally around 10 to 15km per day – carrying a pack between 10 and 14kgs – but the sense of accomplishment at the end if well worth the effort.
