The Sunshine Coast is surrounded by beautiful National Parks which provide an array of recreational opportunities such as camping, four-wheel-driving, hiking, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic drives. The Sunshine Coast actually has more National Parks than any other region in Queensland. The parks feature an array of beautiful native flora and fauna as well as fascinating volcanic mountains, spectacular waterfalls, lakes and trickling streams.
Remember to check Queensland’s Department of National Parks, Sports and Racing to find necessary information about permits, campsite bookings, and park alerts.
https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks
Features of each park have been added to the table below. You can search, sort and filter to find the parks you would most like to visit.
| Park | Camping | Easy walks | Hiking | Cycling | Trail bikes permitted | Canoeing / Kayaking | Horseriding permitted | Dogs permitted (on leash) | Toilets | Camp fires permitted | Rock climbing | Lookout | Fishing | Wheelchair access | Picnic area | Barbecue (wood / fuel / coin) | Generators permitted | Caravan / camper trailer / campervan sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass House Mountains National Park | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | N | N | N |
| Noosa National Park | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Conondale National Park | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
| Kondalilla National Park | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N |
| Beerwah and Beerburrum State Forests | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
| Cooloola Recreational Area and Great Sandy National Park | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mapleton National Park | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N | N |
| Mapleton Falls National Park | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | N |
| Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Mount Coolum National Park | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Mooloolah River National Park | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Amamoor State Forest | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y |
| Tewantin National Park | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N |
| Eumundi Regional Park | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Dularcha National Park | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Bellthorpe National Park | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Imbil State Forest | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
| Fraser Island | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Glass House Mountains National Park
The Glass House Mountains are listed on the Queensland and National Heritage Register. The craggy peaks are easily spotted not only from lookouts but even driving around the hinterland area and provide a wondrous scenery. The Glass House Mountains National Park includes several walks throughout the bushland to lookouts or mountain summits. Some provide the opportunity for abseiling and rock climbing for the more adventurous. The numerous trails are also wonderful for mountain bikes or horse-riders. Mount Beerwah is the tallest mountain standing at 556m and provides a good and sometimes challenging hike while a quicker and easier hike would be found at Mount Ngungun standing at 253m. If you would like a burst of adrenaline why not try a climb up the steep face of Mount Tibrogargan to the summit of 364m.
No campfires or trail bikes permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/glass-house-mountains/
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Mountain Bikes
- Rock Climbing
- Toilets
- Sheltered Picnic Areas
- Lookout
Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park is a pocket of spectacular rainforest, eucalypt and heath that provides short walks and lookouts over the surrounding Noosa Heads, Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum. The National Park is also a wildlife sanctuary and home to a handful of koalas that you may be lucky enough to spot in the tall eucalypts. You may be able to spot dolphins surfing the waves around the coastline, or you can sit and listen to the waves crashing at Hell’s Gate. Walking tracks can lead you to secluded beaches or to the summit of Mount Emu for beautiful views of the National Park.
No Camping permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa/
- Short Walks
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Lookout
- Information Centre on site
Conondale National Park
The Conondale Range has some of most beautiful forests Queensland has on offer. The park is 35,700ha with rainforests, tall eucalypts, waterfalls, deep gorges, mountain streams, and grassy camping areas. A picturesque place for scenic drives, camping, walking and wildlife spotting. The Conondale Range Great Walk winds through the park in a 56km circuit over 4 days. Some access roads in the park involve creek crossings which require 4wd. The Conondale National Park is 15km south of Kenilworth, about a 1-hour drive west from Maroochydore.
To book a campsite https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/conondale/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
- Toilets
- Campfires
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
- Caravan Sites
- Open fireplaces
- Lookout
Kondalilla National Park
Near Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this National Park forms part of the Blackall Ranges and features the spectacular Kondalilla Falls, where the Skene Creek plummets 90m into the rainforest surrounds. The falls are only a short walk from the carpark and picnic area through tall eucalypt forest. At the top of the falls is a pristine cool freshwater swimming hole. If you want to extend your adventure you can take the track to the base of the falls to witness the beauty of the cascading water.
For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/kondalila/
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Toilets
- Sheltered Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Lookout
Beerwah and Beerburrum State Forests
This large diverse area close to the coast allows a number of activities and lots of wildlife to spot. Camp, fish and kayak through the mangroves within at the Coochin Creek day use and camping areas. Enjoy the views from the Glasshouse Mountains lookout or the Wild Horse Mountain lookout. Walk through pine plantations and eucalypt forests or explore via the 4WD, mountain bike, dirt-bike or horse riding trails.
To book a campsite https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/beerburrum-beerwah/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Fishing
- Mountain Bikes
- Trail Bikes
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Horse Riding
- Toilets
- Campfires
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
- Caravan Sites
- Lookout
Cooloola Recreational Area and Great Sandy National Park
At the very northern end of the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach lies the Cooloola Recreational Area. Known for its 4wd areas particularly along Teewah Beach and campsites along the beach where you can swim, fish, and surf. The beautiful ochre, red and cream coloured sands and sandblows make this a unique area to explore. If you venture inland you can meander through short walks taking in the vast eucalypts and wildflowers or take it all in from the water via boat or kayak through the Upper Noosa River and tributaries. If you’re up for a bigger adventure you can join the Cooloola Great Walk over 5 days and a remote 102km trail from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach.
To book a campsite or vehicle permit https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Toilets
- Campfires
- Wheelchair Access
- Sheltered Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Generators Permitted
- Caravan Sites
- Open fireplaces
- Lookout
- Showers
- Power and Sail Boats permitted
- Information Centre and Park Office on site
Mapleton National Park
Near the Mapleton township in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Mapleton National Park forms part of the northern end of the Blackall Range. The bushland in this national park is varied with rainforest, blackbutt, scribbly gums, palm groves, vine forests and dry woodland. Throughout the park is also mountain scenes, creeks and waterfalls. Close by is the pocket of Mapleton Falls National Park.
To book a campsite https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mapleton-forest/
- Camping
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Mountain Bikes
- Trail Bikes
- Horse Riding
- Rock Climbing
- Toilets
- Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Open fireplaces
- Lookout
- Scenic Drives
Mapleton Falls National Park
Next to the Mapleton National Park near the township of Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a small pocket of national park primarily featuring Mapleton Falls. Only a short walk through the tall rainforest allow you to take in the beautiful scenery of Mapleton Falls and the surrounding Obi Obi valley.
No camping permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mapleton-falls/
- Short Walks
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
- Lookout
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
This little gem of protected rainforest is just outside Maleny and is one of the easiest ways to explore some of the beautiful Queensland rainforests. There is a couple of short walks that start and finish at the Discovery Centre which is full of information about the local flora and fauna. If you are quiet on the trails you may be lucky enough to spot the pademelons, beautiful bird life or seasonally roosting fruit bats. Next to the Discovery Centre is also a cafe, park, BBQs and picnic areas.
No camping permitted. For more information http://www.mary-cairncross.com.au/
- Short Walks
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Sheltered Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Lookout
- Information Centre on site
Mount Coolum National Park
Next to Coolum Beach lies the 208m Mount Coolum which forms an iconic dome on the landscape. At the peak, there is 360-degree views of the coast and the hinterland. There are rare species of heath over the summit of the mountain and at the base, the park protects eucalypt and paperbark forests. The walk to the summit and the spectacular view is short and relatively easy but it is steep. Due to erosion about half the path has been paved and stepped which makes the ascent a bit easier to navigate.
No camping or camp fires permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-coolum/
- Short Walks
- Lookout
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park
Situated on the beach just north of Caloundra the calm waters of Currimundi Lake is a wonderful spot for swimming or kayaking. It is surrounded by a pocket of wallum heath, wildflowers and coastal birds making it a lovely area to go for short walks and you can simply continue your walk out onto the beach to check out the surf.
No camping or camp fires permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/currimundi/
- Short Walks
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Wheelchair Access
- Lookout
Mooloolah River National Park
Only 10 minutes from Mooloolaba lies a pocket of National Park trailing along the Mooloolah river consisting of coastal wetlands including eucalypt, wallum heath and melaleuca forests. There are some short walking trails through the wetlands taking in the scenery of the Mooloolah River.
No camping or camp fires permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mooloolah-river/
- Short Walks
- Hiking
Amamoor State Forest
A wonderful area for camping and short walks among dry eucalypt and bunya pine forests, about 20km south-west of Gympie. You can take a dip in Amamoor Creek and if you are lucky enough you may even spot a platypus in the creek. There is a day use area for picnics and BBQs with a short walk to a waterfall or camping areas to an evening of stargazing.
To book a campsite https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/amamoor/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
- Dogs on Leash
- Toilets
- Campfires
- Picnic Areas
- Caravan Sites
- Open fireplaces
- Scenic Drives
Tewantin National Park
Located about 10km from Noosa Heads lies a pocket of National Park surrounding the volcanic plug of Mount Tinbeerwah peaking over the horizon at 265m. Apart from the eucalypt and wallum heath bushland the park is also home to an endangered swamp stringybark which is a beautiful multi-trunked tree. A great spot for picnics, walking, mountain bikes and horse rides.
No camping permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/tewantin/
- Short Walks
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
Eumundi Regional Park
Only a few minutes drive from Eumundi lies a peaceful park full of eucalypt and rainforest lying amidst creeks, gullies and hilly landscape. Enjoy the serenity via the shared trails for walkers, horse-riders and mountain bike riders.
No trail bikes permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/eumundi-conservation-park/
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
Dularcha National Park
The Dularcha tunnel is the main feature of this area, a historic railway tunnel built in 1891 forms part of the trail shared by walkers, mountain bikes and horse riders. A seasonal roosting bat colony can be spotted among the eucalypt forests. It is located 25km from the coast in the historic town of Landsborough.
No vehicles or trail bikes permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/dularcha/
- Short Walks
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
Bellthorpe National Park
This national park provides a rugged terrain through eucalypt and rainforest areas as well as Stony Creek, providing some 4wd opportunities. Located at the southern end of the Conondale Range, west of the Glasshouse Mountains.
No camping or fishing permitted. For more information https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/bellthorpe/
- Short Walks
- 4WD Access
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Scenic Drives
Imbil State Forest
Tucked away in the hinterland west of Maroochydore Imbil State Forest is a wonderful family location for the day or for a camping adventure. You can sit along the banks of Little Yabba Creek for a picnic or BBQ, take a dip in the creek, go for a walk through the rainforest or hike up Mount Allen for views of the Mary Valley. Horse-riders and mountain bikes are also welcome on the trails.
To book a campsite https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Fishing
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse riding
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Dogs on Leash
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Campfires
- Picnic Areas
- Generators Permitted
- Caravan Sites
- Open fireplaces
- Lookout
- Park Office
Fraser Island
Although not technically a part of the Sunshine Coast, it is worth noting that if you are in the Sunshine Coast and for that matter looking at taking your 4WD up Noosa North Shore to explore the Cooloola Recreation Area including Teewah Beach, Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach then why not consider driving to Inskip Point for some more camping or to catch the ferry to Fraser Island. It is an absolutely stunning place, this world heritage listed ecotourism location is the world’s largest sand island stretching over 120 km and contains the world’s purest dingo population. Fraser Island is a magical place to discover woodlands, rainforest, beaches, inland lakes, and a beautiful array of wildlife including the dingoes. You will need a 4WD and remember to research the driving regulations, permits, dingo safety, and park alerts.
No camp fires permitted. To book a campsite or vehicle permit https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/
To book your vehicle on the Ferry from Hervey Bay http://www.fraserislandferry.com.au/
To book your vehicle on the Ferry from Inskip Point http://mantarayfraserislandbarge.com.au/
- Camping
- 4WD Access
- Short Walks
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Access
- Sheltered Picnic Areas
- BBQs
- Generators Permitted
- Lookout
- Scenic Drives
- Information Centre and Park Office on site
- Vehicle Ferry
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