Sunshine Coast - Coastal trail

Take a detour to beautiful Bribie Island en-route to the Sunshine Coast and visit the many WWII fortifications remaining there. Further north along the old highway the Anzac Avenue of trees at Beerburrum commemorates the soldier settlement established here after WWI. The Glasshouse Mountains recognised on the National Heritage Register, provide a backdrop to the pineapple farms, and also opportunities for walking and climbing.

The town of Landsborough was once the seat of local government and the original Landsborough Shire Council office is now a museum. An historic air raid shelter is located at the railway station. An old section of the rail corridor just north of Landsborough, is part of the Dularcha National Park. The walking path goes through a disused railway tunnel. The Mooloolaba Connection Road joins Steve Irwin Way at Glenview, where the Jowarra Road Rest Area is a remnant of the Main Roads rest areas of the 1950s, established to provide amenities for travellers.

Heading into Caloundra, the heritage listed Waterfront Holiday Park, established for camping in 1912, is the place for affordable family holidays. Further along at Kings Beach, the 1937 bathing pavilion overlooks the saltwater pool. On the hill stand the Caloundra Lighthouses, still shining over the shipping channel that runs so close to the coast here. Another camping and caravan park at Cotton Tree, Maroochydore boasts rows of cotton trees, or native hibiscus, sheltering campers as they have done since 1873.

Journeying up to the Buderim Plateau, visit the Pioneer Cottage Museum, learning more about the local area. There are two other pioneer’s homes in Buderim; both privately owned. Heading west from Buderim, take a walk down a section of the route of the Palmwoods tramway from Telco Road. The tramway was constructed to take the fruit and vegetables produced on the plateau to the Palmwoods railway station. Palmwoods is an interesting heritage township, with a great hotel, and an array of cafes, shops and a tiny bank building. At Woombye, the Big Pineapple offers tourism experiences and another Main Roads Rest Area is located nearby.

The hamlet of Yandina was home to the pioneering Low family who started the timber industry here. James Low established a timber depot on the river opposite Dunethin Rock. Logs were loaded onto boats and transported to Brisbane for milling. The rock summit provides a great vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Downstream is the last of the cane tramway bridges, which lifts in the centre to allow boats to pass. The tramway served the Nambour sugar mill.

Eumundi is shaded by an avenue of memorial trees honouring WWI veterans, and overlooked by the 1912 School of Arts. The nearby former St George’s Anglican Church is now a private home. Eumundi is famous for its Wednesday and Saturday markets.