Sunshine Coast Retreat

As well as guided bush walks taking place at Sunshine Coast Retreat, you can hike through rainforest at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, where there’s also a contemporary sculpture trail. Buderim Forest Bushland Conservation Reserve Core has boardwalk trails leading to spectacular waterfalls, and for a different perspective on nature, you can zoom through the tree canopy by zipwire at TreeTop Challenge Big Pineapple (all 15 minutes’ drive). With pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of Sunshine Coast beaches for soaking up the sun, swimming or enjoying watersports like surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Hot spots include the sandy beaches at Noosa (10 minutes), dune-backed Mudjimba (15 minutes) and quieter Kawana (20 minutes), also known for its spectacular sunsets. If you’re looking for souvenirs of your South Queensland stay, make a beeline for the craft and farmers’ markets around Noosa, where stalls are packed with artisan jewellery, indigenous artworks and organic local produce.