16 ways to budget holiday along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive

Sunshine Coast

1. Stretch your legs at the famed Glass House Mountains with a bushwalk. Not only is this activity free but comes highly recommended. Among the 11 peaks here you’ll find a gathering of hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty and outstanding views of the hinterland.

2. Gaze at the falls in Kondalilla Falls National Park, a spectacular resident of the Blackall Ranges. Skene Creek drops 90m into the luscious rainforest valley below, and is surrounded by rock pools and lookouts to explore..

3. The best way to have a budget holiday along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive? Get to know the Sunshine Coast’s famously beautiful beaches. Special mention goes to Noosa Main Beach and neighbouring Noosa National Park, as well as family-friendly Coolum and Caloundra

4. Spend the night at one of the region’s caravan parks. Caravan parks and budget accommodation on the Sunshine Coast are bountiful and an easy way to stick to your budget. Some of these abodes have beachfront views, including Coolum Caravan Park, and Cotton Tree Holiday Park.

5. Paddle your way through Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. This protected natural wonder consists of a network of waterways and wetlands and is home to native flora and fauna galore. Explore solo or join an affordable kayak tour.

6. Make it a memorable occasion with a stay at the affordable Habitat Noosa Everglades, with both glamping and camping options to enjoy. Set amongst 65 acres of national park, this waterside space also hosts activities galore from SUPs to tinnies available for hire.

7. Explore Noosa National Park, another of the best ways to budget holiday along Australia’s Nature Coast drive. This eye-catching beauty consists of a cluster of bushwalks and surfable (and swimmable) coves all within arm’s reach of bustling Hastings Street.

8. Trawl the local markets. The Sunshine Coast is home to Sunday’s Noosa Farmers Market, a haven for foodies with its ample local producers and bites to eat, but on Saturdays and Wednesdays the legendary Eumundi Markets hosts hundreds of stalls, with knick knacks galore

9. Embrace affordable sightseeing with some time sauntering the local waterways aboard Noosa Ferry Cruise. Eager to amp it up a notch? Grab a bottle of wine and join in with the BYO sunset cruise.

10. Pitch a tent waterside at one of Noosa’s further-flung campsites. Boreen Point Campground are a duo of picturesque options boasting both great views and ample solitude.

11. Make the most of the Sunshine Coast’s casual eateries, getting an affordable bite to eat at the likes of Hand of Fatima in Peregian, or Alley Cat in Noosa. Dinner calling? Pay a visit to one of the many Surf Clubs in this region for a meal that’s easy(ish) on the wallet.

Fraser Coast

12. Make the most of the army of beachside caravan parks and camping options in Hervey Bay with a stay. This is the cheapest way to base yourself in the world's whale watching capital, which sits within easy access of the idyllic K’gari (Fraser Island).

13. A budget holiday along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive can include whale watching (we promise). Boat club Adventure Cruise offers an affordable way to see the giants of the deep out at sea. Adults can jump aboard for less than $100, and for every paying adult, one child under 14 is free.

14. Post-breakfast at local favourite AquaVue, hire one of the eatery’s kayaks or SUPs for the day. Sitting right on the beachfront on Hervey Bay’s esplanade, the cafe not only specialises in tasty brunches, but watersports options aplenty

15. Pay a visit to K’gari (Fraser Island) for the day. Forgo expensive tours with a self-guided expedition along its beach highways. Just be mindful that a 4WD and some permits are required. You can even choose to stay at one of its many beach campgrounds overnight.

Looking for more things to do? Here are the best wildlife encounters on Australia's Nature Coast Drive.