On the Sunshine Coast, we care about our environment, from the sparkling coastline to the ancient peaks of the Glass House Mountains and verdant green rainforests. And more importantly, we care about preserving it for years to come.
It’s this commitment to living sustainably with nature that makes the Sunshine Coast so special. The Sunshine Coast is the only destination in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side.
Mount Ngungun, Glasshouse Mountains
The Sunshine Coast Council region was declared a Biosphere by UNESCO in June 2022, joining the existing Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves. Together they create a biosphere corridor that stretches uninterrupted along our slice of pristine Queensland coastline.
You can discover our nature haven on an eco tour that connects people to place, and go green in our leafy backyard on a guided trek or nature walk. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our region while learning about conservation, and sleep peacefully at night in accommodation where sustainability is a way of life.
Tread lightly on the Sunshine Coast with an eco escape and discover just what makes our region one of Australia’s most pristine natural wonders.
What is a Biosphere?
A biosphere is an international site of excellence, recognised by UNESCO as an area of natural beauty where people live and work. Biospheres are places, just like our region, where active conservation sits alongside responsible development and people living sustainably.
What makes our Biosphere Corridor so special?
- The Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side: the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres
- Together, the three biospheres form an uninterrupted biosphere corridor across the Sunshine Coast
- The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Australia’s most pristine landscapes, including the ancient Glass House Mountains, the Noosa Everglades (which is one of only two Everglades systems in the world!) and the Great Beach Drive which connects Noosa with Rainbow Beach
- There are several eco-certified tour operators and accommodation providers on the Sunshine Coast, Sunreef Mooloolaba, Saltwater Eco Tours, Kanu Kapers, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat and Glasshouse Mountains Eco Lodge
Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program
Want to protect our blue and green backyard? We do too. That’s why we’ve made it easier to travel green and contribute to reforestation projects as part of our program.
If you’re travelling here, estimate your carbon footprint using our handy Trip CO2 Calculator and discover ways to make your holiday here more sustainable.
You’ve also got the option to buy a tree for planting in the Cooroy Mountain Wildlife Corridor or check out our dashboard to see the positive contributions our industry and fellow visitors are making.
Tread lightly with these eco operators
Accommodation
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
In 2021 Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat was awarded the number one Most Romantic Hotel in the Worl
Tour
Ride On Mary - Kayak and Bike Bush Adventures
Kayak the beautiful Mary River or Yabba Creek and take in the breathtaking scenery! The river winds
Accommodation
oasis noosa - luxury floating eco villa
Immerse yourself in a unique experience on-board oasis noosa, a luxury floating eco villa on the bea
Tour
Everglades Eco Safaris
Explore Australia's only Everglades with Everglades Eco Safaris. Offering an unforgettable wilder
Accommodation
Mayan Farm Luxe Villas
Mayan Luxe Villas is bespoke accommodation in the Hinterland town of Kin Kin, Queensland a 30-minut
Tour
Kanu Kapers Sustainable Noosa Everglades
Escape and immerse yourself in this stunningly beautiful water-wilderness on a one day tour or overn
Accommodation
RACV Noosa Resort
Surrounded by pristine beaches, rivers, hinterland, and national parks, the five-star RACV Noosa Res
Accommodation
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
Habitat Noosa is located 25 minutes north of Noosa, set amongst 65 acres of National Park and perche
Accommodation
Pippies Beachhouse
Experience a warm and friendly stay at Pippies Beachhouse, your home away from home. The accommodati
Sustainable trip ideas
Guide
7 incredible nature experiences on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a haven for natural wonders and outdoor adventure. It is the perfect relaxed getaway that is wonderfully balanced with exhilarating experiences.
Guide
Natural wonders to take your breath away
Lace up the hiking boots and set out to explore our ancient peaks, subtropical rainforests, gushing waterfalls and pristine waterways.
Guide
7 sustainable travel experiences to check out on the Sunshine Coast
While we love to travel and explore our stunning backyard, it’s important for us to acknowledge the impact our actions can have on the environment.
Guide
7 Sunshine Coast beaches in 7 sunshine-filled days
With water temperatures ranging from a sensationally warm 26 degrees in the summer to a delightfully balmy 21 degrees in the winter, any time is a great time to hit a Sunshine Coast beach!
Guide
48 hours in Rainbow Beach
So you’ve got two days up your sleeve and want to experience nature, epic adventures, and incredible food all within breathtaking surroundings - then you’ll want to make tracks to Rainbow Beach.
Guide
Reconnect with nature in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a natural beauty.
Guide
Embrace a simpler existence at these secluded camp spots
If your dreaming about escaping the hustle of everyday life to embrace a simpler existence – even just for a moment – you’re not alone.