The Glass House Mountains National Park is a famous landmark in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. These mountains are a must-visit while here, featuring dramatic craggy peaks that stand above pine plantations and farmlands...
Sunshine Coast National & State Parks
Australia’s Sunshine Coast is an area that is ecologically diverse with a total of seven national parks and a huge range of state parks and forests which are located around inland and the coastal area.
Each of these parks offers you the opportunity of a lifetime to view both wild animals as well as endangered or threatened plant species. The parks also combine waterfalls, fauna and many walking paths, mountain bike and horse riding trails as well as 4WD driving tracks.
Sunshine Coast National Parks, Conservation, State & Forest, Trail Maps
The coastal paradise of Noosa houses the renowned Noosa National Park; 4000 hectares of land that contains a lake, rainforest and several walking tracks. Come up to the Noosa National Park where you will get some of the best views of the Sunshine Coast from its stunning lookouts and viewing platforms.
Check out Buderim National Park which has over 45 hectares of land and is best known for the Buderim Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that is the centrepiece of the beautiful landscape. Tewantin National Park provides the best place to view the popular Noosa Coast Lake and the surrounding tropical forest and the Mooloolah River National Park is well known for its well-maintained walking tracks as well protecting the coastal rainforests which face the danger of extinction.
The most popular parks on the Sunshine Coast are the Glass House Mountains, Great Sandy and Kondalilla National Parks. The Great Sandy is popular for its fascinating landscape and extensive beaches. High sand dunes, sweeping beaches, freshwater lakes, tall forests, paperbark swamps and wildflower heath are the main attraction at this beautiful national park.
There are so many parks and forested areas in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, many that offer camping facilities. So click the links below to explore the many natural attractions available on the Sunshine Coast.
The Noosa National Park is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular coastlines. It’s over 4,000 hectares and encompasses the picturesque headland in Noosa Heads, dunes and heath plains around Lake Weyba, coastal...
The D’Aguilar National Park is one of the most stunning parks in Queensland. Home to the majestic D’Aguilar Range, it makes an easy day trip and is located just 1.5 hours away by car from Brisbane. D’Aguilar...
Conondale National Park is one of the most beautifully rugged, lush rainforests destinations in Queensland. Filled with tall eucalyptus trees, creeks, and majestic waterfalls, the environment in this area is sure to...
Kondalilla National Park is one of the most spectacular parks on the Sunshine Coast that is popular for picnics, day trips and scenic tours. The magnificent Kondalilla National Park is located on the Blackall Ranges and...
One of the most loved natural attractions on the Sunshine Coast is the Great Sandy National Park, a breathtaking park that stretches over 56,000 hectares. These massive dunes are a surreal environment, though there are...
Wild Horse Mountain is the smallest of all the Glass House Mountains. Standing at 123 metres high, this mountain is unique because it’s east of the Bruce Highway while the other Glass House Mountains are west. Because...
Mapleton National Park is located approximately 105 kilometres north of Brisbane within the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Located on the northern end of the Blackall Range, this forest reserve protects diverse forest...
Mount Beerburrum is one of the majestic mountains within the Glass House Mountains National Park. These mountains formed around 27 million years ago when molten lava turned into hard rock. Mount Beerburrum, Walk / Hike...
Emu Mountain is a popular tourist destination located between Coolum and Peregian Beach. Its name comes from Peregian, an Aboriginal word that means Emu. It’s popular for scenic yet easy walks that enable you to reach...
Mount Coolum National Park is one of the most beautiful attractions on the Sunshine Coast. Boasting panoramic coastal views, the park is home to many threatened and rare plants, birds, wildflowers, animals, and unique...
Mapleton Falls National Park is a smaller national park within the Sunshine Coast region but still offers many things for visitors to see and do. Located 105kms from Brisbane, Mapleton Falls National Park can be reached...
Maleny National Park in Curramore is a 1,880-hectare conservation site that plays a vital role in preserving the local landscape, flora, and fauna. The park was gazette back in 2006, and before that was known as the...
The Imbil State Forest is a spectacular attraction located 150km away from Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. There are many factors why this forest reserve is special. For one, it’s home to the first hoop pine plantation...
Bellthorpe National Park is a stunning, rugged park with some of the best 4WD tracks around the Moreton Bay region. Located by the Conondale Range’s southern end, the park is a hidden gem that isn’t just popular among...
The Gantry is a day-use area in the D’Aguilar National Park that is popular for its picturesque picnic setting in the bush. It also has historical aspects to it, so it’s worth a visit while here. The Gantry, Day Use...
The Fairy Pools of Noosa are a delightful hidden gem that will take your breath away. These two natural tide pools are nestled among the basalt rocks located west of Noosa Heads. They are an iconic landmark that offers...
The Cooloola Recreation Area is a stunning outdoor space that is simply perfect for unplugging from the digital world and immersing in natural beauty. It’s famous for thrilling four-wheel-drive adventures along coloured...
The Buderim Forest Park is a stunning subtropical rainforest located on Buderim Mountain’s northern side. Home to a sprawling, breathtaking area of figs, ferns, majestic trees, and various types of birdlife, this park...
Tea Tree Bay is one of the four bays on the Noosa Headland, well-loved for its excellent surf and serene environment. It’s only 20 minutes away by foot from Laguna Bay and close to the busy yet stylish Hastings Street...
Alexandria Bay is one of the most picturesque destinations in Noosa. Boasting a magnificent golden shoreline and sparkling blue wavy seas, this beach between Devils Kitchen and Hell’s Gates offers visitors a secluded...
The Amamoor State Forest is located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and is home to the Bunya Pine, the Red Cedar, Hoop Pine and White Cedar. It has one of the largest swimming holes in Queensland and is home to various...
Searys Creek is a tranquil spring-fed body of water with a sandy bottom. What makes it unique is its orange-tinted hues, thanks to the tea-tree tannins that pass through it, which come from the plants around the water...
The Beerburrum State Forest is located on the Sunshine Coast, just a one-hour drive north of Brisbane. The Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests are located on both sides of the Bruce Highway. The Beerburrum State Forest...
Dularcha National Park is a unique heritage-listed historical and natural attraction in Queensland. It’s famously known for the historic tunnel built back in 1891, which served the North Coast railway, transporting...
The Mooloolah River National Park is only a few minutes drive from the Sunshine Coast, which makes it a convenient location to visit on your next stay on the coast. This park is divided into two zones: the Mooloolah...
The Tewantin National Park is located along the Cooroy Noosa Road, 2km West of Tewantin and 10km from Noosa. It has two recreational areas; Mount Tinbeerwah and Wooroi day-use area. Mount Tinbeerwah is 260 metres above...
Brooyar State Forest is located just 10kms north of Gympie along the Bruce Highway. The forest features sandstone cliffs, tall eucalypt forests and hoop pine plantations. Many visitors come to the Brooyar State Forest...
Woondum National Park is a gorgeous destination for bushwalking, picnics, and swimming in the rock pools. Located 16km east of Gympie, the park is lush and full of lovely flora. Woondum National Park, Walks, 4WD, Rock...
Toolara State Forest is located between the Fraser Coast and Gympie in Queensland, though most of the land is within the Gympie region. A majority of the land use is for the State Forest, except for a small strip found...
The Beerwah State Forest is located on the Sunshine Coast, just a one-hour drive north of Brisbane. The Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests are located on both sides of the Bruce Highway. Also known as...
Hell’s Gates is a unique destination within the Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast. Don’t let its dramatic name fool you: it’s a must-visit for its breathtaking views of the coastline, from Double Island Point to...
Granite Bay is one of the five beautiful bays located in Noosa Point, a popular surfing area on the Sunshine Coast. It is the least crowded of the bays, which make it the perfect surfing beach. Granite Bay, Noosa...
Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park is a stunning bushwalking destination in Caboolture. It’s equally popular among horse riders and walkers who love quiet escapes that take them into exotic and tropical natural...
Currimundi Lake Conservation Park (also known as Kathleen McArthur Conservation Park) was named after Kathleen McArthur, a conservationist and wildflower artist. Kathleen had campaigned for the protection of this lake...
The Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park is a popular nature reserve famous for excellent outdoor family activities such as bushwalking and canoeing. It was named after a conservationist, local artist...
Dolphin Point Lookout in Noosa National Park is a popular tourist attraction for many reasons. This viewpoint has placed the park on the global tourism map. It’s a must-visit when on the Sunshine Coast –...
The Parklands Conservation Park is a critical wildlife habitat on the Sunshine Coast. It has also become a well-loved tourist destination frequented by locals for its excellent bushwalks and mountain biking trails...
Tuchekoi National Park is a spectacular destination popular among adventure lovers for the challenging and rewarding climbs. It’s also home to Mount Cooroora, which is a major highlight of the park. This 439-metre-high...
The Yurol State Forest is a lush area with exciting 4×4, biking, horse riding, and walking tracks. Located in Pomona, the forest gives you the feeling of being remote – even if you’re close to town. Yurol...
What are the most popular national parks to visit in the Sunshine Coast?
The most popular national parks to visit in the Sunshine Coast are:
- Glasshouse Mountains National Park
- Noosa National Park
- Conondale National Park
- Great Sandy National Park
- Kondalilla National Park
Where are the most popular national parks in the Sunshine Coast located?
The most popular national parks to visit in the Sunshine Coast are:Check out the whole list of national parks in the Sunshine Coast.