Playing golf, nice walks and a whale-watching cruise

During our trip to the Sunshine Coast, we stayed in a lovely rental house near Nambour. This spot was great for exploring the Hinterland and beaches. We also visited the charming town of Montville, the beautiful Mooloolaba beach, and the Eumundi market. Additionally, we checked out the trendy Noosa and some amazing national parks.

The Sunshine Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland is a picturesque region. The landscapes are lush green and the villages are charming with art galleries, and boutique shops. The hinterland is known for its rolling hills, rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic peaks.

Our accommodation was great, secluded, with a lot of nice birds and stunning views up to the coast. It was just a 10-minute drive to shopping or playing golf in Nambour.

The Kookaburras were very naughty and tried to take any food. One even picked the blueberries from our bowl while eating.

The Kookaburras were quite cheeky. They tried to steal any food they could find. One even grabbed blueberries straight from our bowl as we were eating.

Nambour is a good location, with all the necessary facilities, but not too crowded. We like the golf club, but the course challenges and the often steep fairways. The people were helpful, and we enjoyed a drink with them after the game.

We loved playing at Nambour Golf Club an unforgettable golfing experience. The course is both challenging and hilly, offering stunning views that set it apart from all other courses on the Sunshine Coast. It feels like playing in a tropical paradise. The staff were incredibly helpful, and we always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere when relaxing with a drink after our round.

Then, from Nambour, we explored the wonderful hinterland and the small towns of Montville and Maleny.

We drove into the beautiful hinterland from Nambour, a region full of lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and stunning waterfalls. It’s a haven for hiking trails and wineries. We also took time to explore the charming art galleries, antique shops, and delightful restaurants in Montville and Maleny.

Later, we visited the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve twice. Rainforest Discovery Centre is wonderful, and from the upstairs café, you have a stunning view of the Glasshouse Mountains.

We visited the incredible Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny twice. Spanning 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest, it’s home to a rich diversity of plants and wildlife. During our walks, we spotted Pademelons, snakes, frogs, and dragons, and even walked beneath a noisy colony of fruit bats. Later, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Mountain View Cafe, where we were we had wonderful views of the Glass House Mountains.

The walks are easy, and there are a lot of rainforest plants, many species of birds, some pademelon and also a fruit bat colony

The walks are easy, and there are a lot of fascinating rainforest plants. Admire the huge Strangle Figs, rub some leaves of the fragrant Sassafras (they have an amazing scent), and be cautious not to touch the giant Stinging Tree, as its painful stings are no joke. Don’t forget to grab a map from the visitor centre, which highlights the locations of all the unique plants in the area.

The magnificent rocky outcrops of the Glass House Mountains are remnants of volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Eleven stunning peaks rise above the surrounding landscape. The area holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Traditional Owners of the Sunshine Coast, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples. Glass House Mountains National Park offers an abundance of hiking trails and breathtaking lookouts, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Along the trails, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including koalas, goannas, echidnas, and grey kangaroos.

Then, after strolling in the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, we went to King Ludwig's Restaurant and Glasshouse Mountain Bar King Ludwig II.

Then, after strolling in the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, we went to King Ludwig's Restaurant and Glasshouse Mountain Bar King Ludwig II. Named after King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairy Tale King. Ludwig, well-known for commissioning the construction of extravagant buildings, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Then, after strolling through the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, we went to King Ludwig’s Restaurant and Glasshouse Mountain Bar. Named after King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairy Tale King,” he was renowned for commissioning the construction of extravagant buildings, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.

If you like baverian food, that's the place to be. The pork knuckles are huge, and you can wash it down with German bier, and some “Snaps”' When we were there they had a German backpacker couple. The waitress is in a traditional dirndl dress, and her boyfriend plays the accordion.

When we were there they had a German backpacker couple. The waitress is in a traditional dirndl dress, and her boyfriend plays the accordion.

If you enjoy Bavarian food, this is the place to be. The pork knuckles are huge, and you can wash them down with German beer and a shot of “Schnaps.” When we visited, a German backpacker couple was working there—the waitress wore a traditional dirndl, while her boyfriend, dressed in lederhosen, played the accordion.

During our trip from Nambour to Noosa, we stopped by the fascinating Eumundi market. There are 600 stalls selling artwork, fashion, jewellery, fresh farm products, and street food.

During our trip from Nambour to Noosa, we stopped by the fascinating Eumundi Market. The market has more than 600 stalls and over 1 million visitors a year. It offers a unique selection of a vast range of locally made artworks, fashion, jewellery, homewares, and woodwork. They support local artisans, growers, bakers, and makers. We loved walking around the amazing stalls, had delicious food and enjoyed the live music.

The Waterfront

Noosa was a bit of a disappointment. We tried twice to walk the popular National Park without any success. It's impossible to park your car anywhere unless you arrive just after dawn. The beaches are nice like many other beaches in Australia.

Noosa was a bit of a disappointment. We tried twice to walk the popular National Park but had no luck—finding a parking spot was nearly impossible unless arriving at dawn. While the beaches are lovely, they’re no more special than many others in Australia. Hastings Street, known for its shopping and dining, has a great atmosphere—if you can manage to find a place to park.

Then, instead, we strolled along the famous Hastings Street, with all the boutiques and cafés. Later, we walked around the North Shore.

Instead of a quiet hike in the National Park, we strolled along the famous Hastings Street. The vibrant heart of Noosa Heads, Hastings Street is known for its luxury cafés, restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, and gift shops. It’s beautifully framed by Noosa Main Beach, the Noosa River, Noosa National Park, and the Noosa Spit parkland.

We loved staying in Nambour. It's close to the Hinterland but also to the beachside town of Mooloolaba. We liked the nice beach and walking along the Esplanade. The wharf and foreshore are also beautiful places.

A short drive from Nambour takes you to Mooloolaba, a coastal suburb of Maroochydore. Recently voted one of the best beaches in the South Pacific, it’s also loved for its vibrant beachfront, lined with trendy cafés, restaurants, bars, and boutiques along the Esplanade. While visiting Mooloolaba, don’t miss The Wharf Mooloolaba, just a short walk from the Esplanade. If you love fresh seafood, this is the place to be—home to the region’s largest trawling fleet, it offers some of the freshest catches around.

The Wharf in Mooloolaba is a wonderful place to visit. It is on the pretty Mooloolah River. There, you'll find restaurants, shops, and many things to do. There are whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing charters and river cruises, or hire a watercraft.

The Wharf in Mooloolaba is a fantastic place to visit, set along the scenic Mooloolah River. It offers a great selection of restaurants, shops, and activities. You can go whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, or take a fishing charter or river cruise. For those who prefer to explore the water on their own, watercraft rentals are available.

We took a Humpback Whale watching tour with "Sunreef" from Mooloolaba. Sailing out of Mooloolaba, past stunning beachfront homes and the yacht harbour.

From June to November, there’s no better place to witness the spectacular humpback whale migration than along the picturesque Mooloolaba coastline. We joined a tour with “Sunreef,” setting off from The Wharf and cruising along the river past stunning beachfront homes and the yacht harbour. After about 20 minutes, we exited the Mooloolaba River mouth, scanning the horizon for whales. It wasn’t long before we spotted them swimming alongside the boat, breaching, and splashing their powerful tail flukes, putting on an unforgettable show.

For us, it was an incredible experience watching the whales swim alongside the boat, with the stunning panorama of the Glass House Mountains in the background.

It was great to see the Humpback whales breaching and fin slapping. Then we drove backto Nambour

It was fantastic to watch these massive whales repeatedly slapping their pectoral fins against the water. There are various theories about why they do this some suggest it’s a form of communication with other whales, a display of strength to impress potential mates, or even a warning to competitors. While we may not know for sure, it was incredible to watch it.

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