List
By Danielle Reckless
Arrive on the Sunshine Coast and you can expect endless stretches of beauty that invite you to pull on your hiking boots or throw down a beach towel. Sunny days that warm you from the inside out, and bustling urban cafe scene that fuels everyone from earlybird surfers to locals out walking their dogs. But you can expect the unexpected too.
Head to the Hinterland and there’s plenty of lesser-known gems to sniff out beyond the the famous 3Ms – Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. Especially if hidden swimming spots and devouring latte-filled doughnuts get your motor running.
Peel back the layers to find experiences you may never have imagined. Discover these secret Sunshine Coast Hinterland spots next time you’re looking for a new adventure.
Photo by @kenilworthbakery
The historic hinterland town of Kenilworth may have an interesting heritage as a 1920s rural hub, but it has a loyal following of sweet-tooths for one reason alone: Kenilworth Bakery.
This is not your regular country bakehouse, but a haven for doughnut-lovers. From giant 1kg cream doughnuts to those filled with lattes; Golden Gaytime doughnuts and apple crumble doughnuts. Come hungry.
And if you’ve never met a cheese you didn’t like, make tracks afterwards for Kenilworth Dairies to sample their Red Malling Vintage and range of yoghurts.
While Kondalilla National Park gets the crowds, Amamoor State Forest is a serene escape perfect for a weekend break. Stretch your legs along a series of walks from the day use area for platypus spotting, and beautiful views among the hoop pines, red cedar and fig trees. This is a great spot to go camping too - and is home to annual music festival Gympie Muster, when its bustling with boot-scooters.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland isn't short on cosy cottages and five-star retreats, but if you want to really escape, just get off the beaten path a little more.
How about a luxury villa, complete with outdoor bathtub, on a working farm? Or glamping among the wilderness beside a tumbling creek?
For a secret camping adventure, head to Crystal Waters Eco Park - home to Australia’s longest-running permaculture community. Not only can you camp among 640 acres of nature, you can soak up the village atmosphere at the cafe or bistro, enjoy live music, or shop for organic goods grown onsite at their market (held on the first Saturday morning of every month).
Never heard of Woondum National Park? You’ve been missing out on the Mothar Mountain Rockpools – found after just a 20-minute drive from Gympie.
Plonk yourself amongst the granite boulders where Boulder Creek and Woondum Creek meet. Look up into the towering eucalyptus trees overhead, and you’ve found your patch of paradise.
Photo by @nas_adventures
Walk across a suspension bridge to find one of the best secret Sunshine Coast Hinterland spots.
You’ll find this bridge on the track to Baxter Creek – part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Starting from Flaxton Mill Road car park, the 6.2km trail leads you downhill to Baxter Creek and its waterfall. You’ll have the steep uphill for your return, but it’s worth it.
You’ll feel your shoulders relax just walking along the pathway into the Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo.
Whatever your beliefs, everyone is welcome to pop in for a chai and cake and perhaps join a guided meditation. But it’s just as nice sitting under the colourful prayer flags and soaking in the serenity.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is full of unexpected experiences, perhaps none more so than in the small but charming town of Cooroy.
Start with a wander through the Butter Factory Arts Centre to take in the current exhibitions and browse the artisan store - or stick around for a workshop. Wander through the lush Noosa Botanic Gardens. Pick up local produce from Cooroy Harvest Fresh, sample the local flavours at 2020 Distillery, then settle in for lunch with on-site brewed craft beer at Copperhead Restaurant & Brewery.
Prefer to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland by its beer trail? Start here.
Up for an off-the-beaten track adventure in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Head for Booloumba Creek Falls within Conondale National Park and see if you can find the caves amongst the massive boulders.
You’ll need a 4WD to access the day-use and camping areas, but do as the locals do and hike your way in. The sweet, fresh water is your reward.
Love chasing waterfalls? Here’s another five Sunshine Coast knock-outs to add to your adventure list.
You don’t have to divert far from the Caloundra turn-off to find this slice of secret Sunshine Coast Hinterland goodness.
Ewen Maddock Dam is part of the South East Queensland water grid, running for 660m across Addington Creek. Take a stroll along the beautiful boardwalk and walking trails, tackle the mountain bike trails, pack a picnic, throw in a line or BYO kayak for a paddle amongst the reeds and water lillies.
Keen for a dip? There’s a swimming spot here too.
Leave the busy beaches of Noosa behind and explore secret Sunshine Coast Hinterland spots just a short drive from town. This abundant region has never-ending ways to connect with local food producers, whether you want to pick your own berries or settle in for locally-sourced fare and cocktails at a distillery. Start planning with this road trip guide.
Looking for more unique things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Check out this locals guide.