While you might know the Sunshine Coast for it’s beautiful and dramatic coastlines, this stunning area also features lush hinterland that makes it perfect for exploring.
This is another side to the surf and sun you’re familiar with, but it can be just as relaxing. Organise a Sunshine Coast Airport car rental with East Coast Car Rentals, and take the picturesque drive from the beach and make sure you don’t miss out on these top five attractions!
The Big Pineapple
It would be a shame to immerse yourself in the quaint villages dotted along the Coast and miss out on this heritage-listed icon.
As well as being the ideal place for a travel photo, the big pineapple provides the biggest all weather markets in the Sunshine Coast. Every Saturday you can witness the excitement in this thriving hive of activity. Make sure you pick yourself up some fresh produce and have a ride on the original cane train while you are there, too.
Glass House Mountains
As well as being an impressive sight, these gorgeous volcanic peaks are also home to many interesting animals. See if you can spot koalas, grey kangaroos, goannas and echidnas here. You might also be able to locate 26 threatened plant species in the area, making it a real treat for nature lovers.
Ornithologists or bird enthusiasts won’t miss out either, with plenty of chirping creatures visible. Keep a watchful eye (and ear) out for lorikeets, peregrine falcons, kookaburras and the rare glossy black cockatoo along one of the many available walking tracks.
Or enjoy the surrounding landscape of eucalypts and pineapple plantations – the choice is yours.
Maleny
This stunning green, undulating dairy country is sure to capture your heart. It is a rural town with a difference, offering incomparable views of the craggy Glass House Mountains.
One of the spectacular highlights of this community is its beauty which combined with its sub-tropical climate has encouraged plenty of artists to flock to the area. If you are interested in collecting antiques and bric-a-brac, you may want to bring an empty suitcase, as there are plenty of stores to hunt through for a bargain.
Make sure you also allow time to visit the area’s contemporary art galleries and wander through Maple Street’s organic cafes, bookstores, historic hotel and eclectic fashion boutiques.
Avid fishers will spot a number of Bass and Golden Perch in Maleny, with the town’s dam the only remaining home for wild Mary River Cod.
Montville
This charming town can trace its origins back to 1887 and is a historical gem, well-worth exploring. Wander through its cute country lane and stop off to enjoy a delicious coffee at one of the local cafes, or sample chocolate at one of the shops dedicated to this treat.
There are also plenty of wineries, cheese factories and galleries that simply cry out for a visit. While you’re there make sure you also factor in time for a drink at the famous Parisian-styled coffee shop located on this stunning shady tree-lined street that boasts incredible views right down to the coastline.
Yandina
A visit to this town is like taking a trip back in time thanks to its quaint nature and historical roots as being one of the oldest towns on the Sunshine Coast.
As well as visiting the famous Yandina pub, make sure you also check out the ginger factory. This is the largest one in the entire Southern Hemisphere and there is much to discover, see and taste here, from educational tours to entertaining rides and great shopping in Gingertown.
Yandina also features some hidden treasures. See if you can find any of the natural swimming holes found near this town, or spot any rare wildlife – this area is known for its abundance of creatures, such as kangaroos, koalas and wombats, as well as for its weekend markets.
There’s no fear of missing out on cosmopolitan delights either. Yandina has a range of spectacular restaurants, including the Australian-famous Spirit House.