South East Queensland

Full of surprises....

There’s much more to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts than beautiful beaches. A thriving arts scene, fabulous restaurants and vineyards, picturesque mountain villages and sophisticated coastal towns – and that's just for starters!

The Gold Coast stretches along a spectacular 70 km of coastline, from Cabarita Beach in northern NSW to Beenleigh and South Stradbroke Island in Queensland. However, it’s a region of amazing contrasts: as well as its sun-drenched beaches and cosmopolitan ocean boulevards, the Gold Coast has a wealth of lush sub-tropical mountains and valleys to explore in the hinterland.

Luxury accommodation on the Gold Coast of Queensland

To get a taste of the hinterland’s natural attractions, why not visit Tamborine National Park and its surrounding villages? It’s only about half an hour’s drive from the coast. In Tamborine a number of boutique wineries offer tours and wine tastings, while at Eagle Heights you can take a leisurely stroll down Gallery Walk with its antique shops, art and craft galleries, restaurants and coffee shops. Tamborine Mountain boasts an amazing array of walking tracks that lead you through areas of rainforest, sparkling waterfalls, palm groves and rock formations.
a leisurely stroll down Gallery Walk with its antique shops, art and craft galleries, restaurants and coffee shops.

Tamborine Mountain boasts an amazing array of walking tracks that lead you through areas of rainforest, sparkling waterfalls, palm groves and rock formations. Tamborine is just one of 24 national parks and nature reserves on the Gold Coast. This spectacular region also offers adventure holidays galore, farm stays and a variety of country B&B accommodation as well as beach resorts and holiday apartments.

Travelling further north, the Sunshine Coast is a chain of sandy beaches that starts at Caloundra and includes Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba, the Cooloola Coast and Maroochydore.
Noosa is arguably Australia’s most elegant coastal town, with its low-rise mix of cosmopolitan cafes, delis, designer shops, excellent restaurants and alfresco dining. And just a short walk from Hastings Street is Noosa National Park, an area of abundant wildlife and spectacular beaches and views.

Heading inland a little way, you can shop for everything from arts and crafts to homemade preserves and muffins at the Eumundi Markets. Nearby Yandina is the oldest town on the Sunshine Coast and the picturesque towns of Doonan, Cooroy and Pomona are well worth a visit.

The Sunshine Coast hinterland also boasts lush farmland, rainforest and magnificent mountain ranges. Take some time to explore the Blackall Range area; it’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the monolithic peaks of the Glass House Mountains to the south, while to the west are the wild ranges of the Conondale National Park and country township of Kenilworth.

Luxury accommodation on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland

At the heart of the Blackall Range you’ll find Montville and Maleny, heritage townships that offer a wide choice of B&B, guesthouse and self-catering accommodation, art trails, fine restaurants and a selection of boutique wineries.

Whether you want to explore pristine rainforest and inland waterways, rediscover true country hospitality or enjoy unspoiled beaches, going off the beaten track in southeast Queensland is a richly rewarding experience.

For more information, contact Tourism Sunshine Coast, tel (07) 5452 2504, website www.sunshinecoast.org, and Gold Coast Tourism Bureau, tel (07) 5592 2699.