Feel the wind in your hair with the ultimate Sunshine Coast road trip

Day 1

Morning

Greet the day nice and early with a sunrise hike through the iconic Glass House Mountains. This cluster of peaks made from molten lava featuring father Tibrogargan, mother Beerwah and their many children is of particular cultural importance to the local Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people. Among the mountain range’s bushwalking trails, Mount Ngungan is one of the most popular - a 2.8 kilometre track that rewards you with 360 views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from the summit.

Afternoon

Just around the corner sits Australia Zoo, another non-negotiable for any Sunshine Coast road trip. Animal encounters are plentiful here, with the venue spread across 1000 acres in Beerwah a haven for creatures big and small. Australian fauna are the specialty - get up close and personal with freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, not to mention dingoes, wombats, and kangaroos. These days there are plenty of exotic offerings as well, with the Africa precinct home to giraffes, zebras and rhinos among more.

Evening

Make yourself at home in Montville, the charming town perched on the Blackall Range. Make time to wander down the main street, awash with galleries, boutiques and eateries. Not forgetting Flame Hill Winery nearby, where you can taste test wares and purchase a few souvenirs. Post-dinner head for Glasshouse Mountain Ecolodge where you can enjoy a night cap while watching the sunset over neighbouring Mount Tibrogargan.

Day 2

Morning

Take a drive to nearby Maleny, a must-visit on any Sunshine Coast road trip. This village is a celebration of food, home to an array of beloved cafes, breweries, and the adored Maleny Dairies (thankfully boasting tastings). After a photo? Keep an eye out for One Tree Hill, the private paddock that has become one of the most photographed spots in the region, especially when it comes to weddings.

Afternoon

Stretch your legs with a wander through Kondalilla National Park, where the Kondalilla Falls sit. Or keep things leisurely instead, with a stroll through the Maleny Botanic Garden, a unique, privately owned garden, consisting of 18 acres of flora, as well as  four walk-through aviaries which are home to more than 700 native and exotic birds. Feeling peckish? Stop by the newly-refurbished cafe for afternoon tea.

Evening

The coast is calling - follow the bitumen to the waterways that form the Noosa Everglades. Sitting just north of the town of Noosa, this natural wonder is one of only two everglade systems in the world. Join one of the tours that kayak or SUP their way down the waterways while you take in the sunset. Spend the night here at Habitat Noosa - an eco-friendly collection of cabin, camping and glamping sites within reach of Lake Cootharaba.

Day 3

Morning

Get behind the wheel, driving in-land to Eumundi. It’s here that you’ll find the adored Eumundi Markets, a celebration of artisanal wares (and fresh produce) hosted on wednesday and saturday mornings. After a peruse through the stalls, grab a tasting paddle of beer at the neighbouring Eumundi Brewing in the Imperial Hotel - don’t miss out on the Eu-Bundy, a beer flavoured with a splash of Bundaberg Rum.

Afternoon

Get acquainted with tropical produce at the Ginger Factory, where you can take a guided tour to see how Buderim’s famed ginger is grown, harvested and transformed into a tasty array of products. This place is particularly family-friendly and also offers rides for young ones looking to be entertained.

Evening

Tuck into a late lunch or dinner at one of Queensland’s best restaurants - the Spirit House. Tucked into the Yandina foliage sits this local gem, which has transformed a property into a Thai wonderland. Picture hours spent tucking into spicy concoctions from the fine diner’s kitchen, alongside some creative cocktails, beside a lily-filled pond.

Day 4

Morning

Before you bid goodbye to your Sunshine Coast road trip, immerse yourself among the postcard-perfect beaches which have made this region famous. A trip to Noosa National Park is a non-negotiable for any Sunshine Coast road trip. Grab your walking gear and your swimmers and hit the trail that makes its way from Hastings Street through to Hell’s Gate, nudging Sunshine Beach. After working up a sweat, reward yourself with a leisurely brunch on Hastings Street - there are plenty of cafes to choose from on the cusp of Noosa Main Beach.