An adventure in the Sunshine

From the sands of the Great Beach Drive to the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, the Sunshine Coast offers an experience for everyone

Of course, you'd expect the Sunshine Coast to deliver on its promise of sun-kissed sands – and it does. But what might surprise people is just how many varied experiences you can get beyond just getting the sand between your toes, the result of the region's unique location, incorporating two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a Heritage Area and numerous national parks.

Better yet, the Sunshine Coast’s most emblematic experience lets you see all of this area: the Great Beach Drive links together 200km of coastal driving, the vast majority of the driving is done on the beach itself. Nature’s own mega-highway leads along the Sunshine Coast from Noosa to Rainbow Beach and further north to Hervey Bay (the hub for Fraser Island), making it a fine way of experiencing the coastline. There are two main things you’ll need: a 4x4 vehicle (easily hired; book with Flight Centre from £68 per day) and a sense of adventure.

The wildly verdant Sunshine Coast Hinterlands is a mix of scenic villages, fine treks, historic sites, birdwatching spots, arts -and-crafts stop offs, relaxing retreats, lakeside amphitheatres, and – at the lookout on top of wave-shaped Mount Tinbeerwah – a 360° view over the entire area, and that's a whole lot of green.

There are more panoramic views and hillside trekking – and abseiling or rock climbing – further south. Visitors to Glass House Mountains National Park ( pictured left) can investigate the 11 peaks that lend their name to the area, while also learning first-hand about the ancient Aboriginal legends that shroud the likes of Mount Beerwah (556 metres high), Mount Tibrogargan (364m) and Mount Coonowrin (377m) with such mystery and wonder.

The kicker is that you can see for yourself how preciously the local community regard their geographical good fortune, as well as the safeguards in place to ensure the natural and cultural environment here remains just as special for future generations. And the longer you spend adventuring here, the more you’ll understand just why the locals are so keen to look after it properly.