Regions

Introducing the regions of Australia's Nature Coast

Australia's Nature Coast offers breath-taking natural experiences across a number of locations spanning Queensland's Sunshine and Fraser Coasts. From the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and majestic Glass House Mountains just north of Brisbane through Noosa with its renowned National Park and Noosa Everglades, and Rainbow Beach with its coloured sands, to the Fraser Coast's Great Sandy Straight leading to iconic and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, nature abounds!

The regions within Australia's Nature Coast are packed with an array of accommodation, tours, attractions and journeys that showcase the diverse and unbeatable experiences that can be found in our backyard.

Caloundra to Kawana

An aquatic playground and adventure paradise; where you will lose count of the things to do in, on or around the water. Home to the Pumicestone Passage with views of the Glass House Mountains, calm water beaches and great surf, a 25-kilometre walking and cycling route and an amazing playground for boating and fishing, this area is known for being one of the most relaxed and authentic beach destinations.

Fraser Island

Explore the transcendent World Heritage-listed Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world. Be dwarfed by the trunk of an ancient tree more than 1200 years old while you explore one of the most awe-inspiring island on earth with its beautiful blue-hued, freshwater lakes and coloured sand dunes. Another thrill for visitors is zooming along 75 mile beach - which doubles as a four-wheel-drive highway and a landing strip for light aircraft. It's one of the rare places in the world where commercial planes take-off and land on the beach.

 

 

Gympie to Rainbow Beach

From its white beaches to majestic hinterland and heritage towns, this region features national parks, local produce and vibrant markets. The township of Gympie is the golden gateway that leads to Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay and the Mary Valley Hinterland. 4WD along the Great Beach Drive, pass towering coastal sand cliffs and coloured sands, with inland routes taking you through beautiful scenic rainforest of the Great Sandy and Cooloola National Parks.

Hervey Bay

Experience eco-adventures and amazing aquatic action at Hervey Bay, a coastal delight with a protected and stunning shoreline. It's the whale watching capital of the world with whales using the bay as a nursery. Mothers teach their calves life skills and glide in for a close look at the passengers on whale watching vessels. Hervey Bay is the only place in Australia where humpbacks stop to rest and play for up to 10 days. Hop aboard a boat or jet ski in Hervey Bay to visit the almost untouched remote western coast of Fraser Island with its white sandy beaches and sparkling clear water.

Lady Elliot Island

Uncovering the mystery of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is within a short 40-minute scenic flight from the Fraser Coast to magical Lady Elliot Island. Experiencing the wonders if healthy coral reefs and an abundance of turtles, dolphins, manta rays and reef sharks is as simple as stepping off the beach and into the ocean. Underwater there is an average visbility of about 25m-plus all year round. The island known as the home of the manta ray with more than 1000 recorded in the vicinity and the area is a sanctuary for more than 1200 species of marine life.

 

 

Maryborough

Stroll through the heritage-rich streets and uncover the fascinating stories and distinguished military history which shaped one of Queensland's oldest cities. See the building where P.L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins books, was born, take a photo with the bronze statue of the famous nanny and cross the road at pedestrian lights featuring silhouttes of the umbrella-carrying character. The city is also home to one of the best military museums in the country with more than 10,000 artefacts and its picturesque streets are dotted with fascinating public art including 30 murals which form a quirky mural trail.

 

 

Mooloolaba to Coolum Beach

This area is the hub of the Sunshine Coast and is one of Australia's most vibrant and exciting stretches of coastline showcasing the laidback, cafe-worshipping, water-loving way of life. Known for world-class events, its clean waterways, stunning swimming beaches and great dining, this area fully embraces relaxed beach culture.

Noosa and surrounds

Blend pristine nature with culture at its most refined and you have the rarity that is Noosa and surrounds. This iconic northern section of the Sunshine Coast is home to Queensland's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Noosa Everglades and Noosa National Park. Contemporary eateries, galleries, decadent day spas, a vast array of accommodation are abound.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Be embraced by the quiet beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Boasting the iconic Glass House Mountains, lush rainforests, inspiring creativity and breathtaking scenery, you can lose yourself in the natural beauty and serenity. The hinterland provides a back-to-nature experience.