Keep an eye out for the best stops along Nature Coast Drive

In terms of both cultural significance and stunning views the Glass House Mountains belongs on the list of best stops along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive. Sitting inland from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, just over an hour from Brisbane, this natural landmark is rich in Aboriginal legend, and today has also become a popular place to stretch your legs. This gaggle of 11 peaks formed from lava millions of years ago is home to a network of bushwalking and climbing trails. Spend your time here enjoying the views from the Mt Ngungun summit, or lookouts dotted across the park that you can drive to. 

Noosa National Park

There’s no doubt about it - a trip to Noosa National Park belongs on any list of best stops along Nature Coast Drive. Just a stroll away from bustling Hasting’s Street sits this postcard-perfect gathering of stunning beaches and surf breaks, strung together by a single bushwalking track. Grab your walking shoes and stroll your way from Little Cove through to Tea Tree and out onto Hell’s Gates. You can keep going right onto Sunshine Beach if you’re so inclined - it’s there that you can quench your thirst at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, before making your way back to Main Beach. Just don’t forget to wear your swimmers.

The Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades may well be one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems. One of only two everglade systems in the world (the other sits in Florida), this web of waterways is incredibly ecologically diverse and is in fact Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere. Known as the River of Mirrors because of the amazing reflections found in its water, this 60km stretch is best experienced with a paddle - you can join the Cruise ‘n’ Canoe tour for a foray through the reeds. You can spend the night here too - set up shop at the eco-friendly cabins offered by Noosa Habitat, or make your way to waterside village Boreen Point.

Double Island Point

The scenic headland dubbed Double Island Point is one of the most memorable stops along Nature Coast Drive. The easiest way to gain access is via 4WD - meander your way along the sand highway of Cooloola’s beach drive between Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach, embracing the chance to swim in gloriously sheltered waters along the way. This is also a popular place to spend the night - pitch your tent at Cooloola’s Teewah Beach or Freshwater camping array, within easy reach of the headland.

Carlo Sand Blow

In neighbouring Rainbow Beach you’ll find the mesmerising Carlo Sand Blow, a site that has to be seen to be believed. This unique moonscape is actually a former forest swallowed by sand with dunes that today stretch across 15 hectares. This tourist attraction with views of Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Strait is one of the most popular stops along Nature Coast Drive (especially when it comes to sunset) and easily accessible - you’ll find it at the entrance to the Cooloola Great Walk, just 600 metres from Cooloola Drive.

Urangan Pier

While you may be tempted by Hervey Bay’s reputation for whale watching, the destination is also one of the best stops along Nature Coast Drive thanks to the Urangan Pier. The historic landmark was built to support the export of sugar, timber and coal but today is more embraced as one of the best places to throw in a line and catch whiting. Stretching 868 metres out to sea, the pier is one of the longest in Australia, and rewards its guests with views out onto the surrounding bay, as well as a chance to catch a smorgasbord of marine life at play.

Fraser Island

When it comes to the Nature Coast Drive you can’t forget about Fraser Island (or K’Gari), the world’s largest sand island. The World Heritage-listed destination offers variety in spades, as home to an outstanding collection of sand blows, a collection of more than 100 freshwater lakes, and smattering of shipwrecks.

Don’t miss out to experience the drive along the sand highway of 75 Mile Beach, what’s been voted one of the best coastal drives in the world. Weave your way by 4WD along this stretch of seemingly endless white sands, making your way (camera in hand of course) to some of Fraser Island’s most iconic landmarks, like Lake McKenzie, the shipwrecked SS Maheno, and the family-friendly Champagne Pools.

Lady Elliot Island

Back at Hervey Bay airport you can grab a quick flight to the Southern Great Barrier Reef - it’s here that Lady Elliot Island resides, undeniably one of the most photogenic stops along Nature Coast Drive. But this island isn’t just beautiful but convenient, as the closest island on the Great Barrier Reef to Brisbane. Immerse yourself among its natural wonders, wandering its white sands, and snorkelling straight off the beach into the neighbouring coral.

Why not spend the night? A gathering of beachfront units, safari tents and cabins sit within Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.