Spanning from Queensland’s bustling southeast all the way up to the tropical north, you’ll want to take your time exploring the highlights (AKA the Sunshine Coast!) of the Pacific Coast Way.
Our tip? Break up the journey with a stay here, where ancient volcanic peaks, beach drives, and mouthwatering roadside stalls beckon.
To make your road trip one to remember, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to the Sunshine Coast leg of the Pacific Coast Way that’s guaranteed to kick your holiday up a gear.
Make tracks for the Glass House Mountains
Glass House Mountains Sunset from Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Credit: All About Adventure
As the car crosses into the Sunshine Coast, it won’t take long for you to catch a glimpse of our ancient Glass House Mountains poking above the treetops. Don’t miss a chance to see these beauties up close—we've got plenty of lookout points across the Hinterland to soak up the views. Spots like Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, McCarthy’s Lookout, and the Glass House Mountains Lookout day-use area are highly recommended. You’ll thank us later!
If you’re keen to marvel at these impressive volcanic plugs a little longer, turn the car towards Glasshouse Plantation. Grab a much-needed hit of caffeine for the drive ahead and refuel with mountain views as you sip on a coffee made from beans that have been harvested and roasted onsite.
Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Continue exploring Sunshine Coast icons with a short drive over to Australia Zoo—the home of the original Wildlife Warrior, Steve Irwin. Stretch your legs as you meander across the Zoo’s expansive grounds, which feature everything from cheetahs to saltwater crocodiles. There’s no need to rush, either— let the car engine cool for a day and take a walk on the wild side with a luxurious stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, or the nearby Seven Peaks Farm Stay.
Cruise along the coastline
Point Perry Lookout, Coolum Beach
Dial your road-trip up a notch with a dose of Vitamin ‘Sea’… all thanks to our 100km of sun-soaked coastline. First on the agenda? A stop at Caloundra, where you’ll want to stretch your legs along the Coastal Pathway and satisfy your smashed avo cravings with a beachside brunch. Next up, keep the kids happy with a family-friendly stop-off at Mooloolaba, where attractions like SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and Aquaduck Sunshine Coast promise a welcome escape from the road.
As you drive north and the familiar sight of Mount Coolum appears in the distance, make sure to set aside some time to soak up the ocean views at Point Perry, and to indulge in fresh local prawns at the Coolum Surf Club. With bays for days and plenty of walking trails to explore, Coolum will be sure to keep your car parked a little while longer! The same goes for Noosa, too, where scoops of gelato, dolphin-spotting, and dreamy strolls through the National Park are just the start of the holiday fun.
Stock up on treats
Shopping at Kandanga Farm Store, Mary Valley
A road-trip isn’t a road-trip without some goodies to snack on! Fortunately, when you’re on the Sunshine Coast (otherwise known as Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry), you’ll have a buffet of local produce to choose from.
If you’re passing by on a Saturday morning, make sure to book a spot on the ‘Camel Cuddle’ experience at QCamel, before heading up the range to Mapleton Public House for a lunchtime feed of farm-to-fork goodness. Here, dose up on Hinterland breezes and sweeping coastal views as you take a break from the road.
Throughout the year, you’ll also find an abundance of farmgate stalls dotting our country roads where seasonal delights such as avocados, mangos, macadamia nuts and pineapples are waiting to be devoured. We suggest checking out the offerings at Kandanga Farm Store and Eastwell Farms, where your basket will be filled in no time.
Hit the Great Beach Drive
Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region
Swap hot bitumen for golden sand as you glide along the shores of our jaw-dropping Great Beach Drive. Linking the Sunshine Coast and the Gympie region with K’gari, you’ll be treated to the glittering Pacific Ocean on one side and spectacular coastal dunes on the other. Don’t forget to keep an eye out the window for resident wildlife as you cruise along—dolphins, turtles, and other marine life all call this place home.
Without a 4WD? Not a problem. Let the crew from Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours take the wheel as you relax back and revel in the ocean views beyond.
Don’t miss our sweetest icon
Selfie at The Big Pineapple, Woombye
Just a few minutes off the Bruce Highway, our golden Big Pineapple stands ready for the ultimate road trip selfie. Survey the views on the deck or take a climb inside to the very top for a one-of-a-kind view.
For some more road trip inspiration, check out another handy guide right here.