The sun’s out, and it’s too nice to stay inside. So, where should you go? We’ve put together 10 of the best places in the Sunshine Coast that are all within 40 minutes of Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge.
Some are perfect for a walk or a swim. Others are better for a bite outdoors or a quiet moment under the trees. No entry fees. No big crowds. Just peaceful spots locals love, and guests keep coming back to.
Best Places in the Sunshine Coast for Peace
Calm Spots Locals Love
The best places to go in the Sunshine Coast are not always the busiest. Locals often visit quiet beaches, forest trails, and coastal walks where the pace naturally slows down.
Coast and Hinterland Escape
These peaceful locations stretch across the coastline and into the hinterland. All are easy to reach and ideal for a relaxed day out.
Simple Moments That Stay With You
Walk through shaded bushland, swim in a creek, or enjoy a quiet lunch by the water. These experiences create memories that last.
Relaxed and Open Settings
Places to go in the Sunshine Coast that offer space, quiet, and natural beauty make it easy to enjoy a slower style of travel. These spots invite you to pause and soak it all in.
Rainforest Walks Worth the Steps
Explore short, scenic trails near Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge. Wander through rainforest, reach lookouts, and cool off at waterfalls. No full-day hike required.
Kondalilla Falls Walk (25 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Rainforest waterfall hike, part of Kondalilla National Park
Local tip: Visit early to avoid the heat and get a car park
Budget: Free entry
This forest trail takes you through tall trees and down to a dramatic waterfall with a popular swimming hole. The return climb is steep in sections, so pack sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Packing: Water bottle, hat, swimmers, decent walking shoes
Food: Bring snacks or visit Montville village after
Editor’s note: Perfect for combining nature with charming nearby cafés
Arrive early for cooler temperatures and easier parking. After your walk, visit Montville for a café stop or a browse through the village shops.
Mapleton Falls Lookout (30 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Short, accessible rainforest walk with scenic views
Local Tip: Best for a quiet morning stop
Budget: Free
A short paved trail leads to peaceful valley views. Bring insect repellent, especially after rain.
Buderim Forest Park and Serenity Falls (20 to 25 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Easy forest walk to a tranquil waterfall
Local Tip: Start at Quorn Close for the fastest access
Budget: Free
A gentle trail through rainforest and bridges leads to Serenity Falls. Family-friendly and relaxing. Bring a towel and enjoy a post-walk stop in Buderim.
Food: Pack a picnic or grab brunch in Buderim village
Packing: Towel, camera, runners
Editor’s note: Excellent for families or low-intensity adventures
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Trails Worth Wandering
Quiet roads, forest tracks, and hilltop views surround Woombye. Walk under tall trees, pause at lookouts, and explore peaceful hinterland paths.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk (entry points 20 to 35 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Long-distance trail through the Blackall Range
Local Tip: Pick a short section rather than the whole track
Budget: Free
Walk rainforest gullies and ridgelines at your pace. Best for full-day walkers. Bring good shoes, water, and a map.
Packing: Trail shoes, plenty of water, a trail map
Editor’s note: Ideal for experienced walkers who want more than a casual stroll
Blackall Range Tourist Drive (starts about 20 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Scenic drive through rainforest and hill towns
Local Tip: Stop at Mapleton or Montville for coffee and views
Budget: Fuel only
A peaceful drive with lookouts, cafés, and picnic spots. Bring a map, camera, and sweater for cooler spots. Many travellers say this is the Sunshine Coast’s quiet highlight.
Budget: Fuel only
Packing: Road map or Google Maps, camera, sweater (for cooler elevations)
Editor’s note: A beautiful drive any time of year
These hinterland trails reveal a different side of the best places on the Sunshine Coast. They’re quiet, welcoming, and ideal for a slower pace. Many visitors call this the highlight of their trip. It’s where the landscape opens up and the noise fades away.
Quiet Beaches that Feel Like Hidden Gems
Some beaches stay calm and uncrowded, tucked behind dunes or near shaded parks. Easy to reach and perfect for a quiet swim, walk, or ocean view. Ideal for slow afternoons near Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge.
Mudjimba Beach (30 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Quiet, natural beach near dune forest
Local Tip: Great for photos, walks, and relaxing breaks
Budget: Free
Calm and uncrowded, with easy parking. Ideal for reading, strolling, and slow afternoons. Bring flip-flops, a camera, and a good book.
Packing: Flip-flops, camera, reading material
Transport: Beachside parking; less busy than Mooloolaba
Editor’s note: One of the most underrated beaches near Woombye
Cotton Tree Beach / Maroochy River (25 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Calm inlet beach and riverside park
Local tip: Great for SUP, families, or fishing
Packing: Paddleboard, swim gear, fishing rod
This calm spot sits where the river meets the sea. It’s popular for paddleboarding, swimming, or casting a line. Families love the grassy areas and soft water flow. Picnic tables and local cafés are close by.
Budget: Free, rental gear optional
Food: Cotton Tree cafés and picnic spots
Editor’s note: One of the most relaxing places on the coast
Alexandra Headland Beach (22 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Laid-back surf beach with walking path and grassy foreshore
Local tip: Great for a picnic with views
Packing: Umbrella, picnic mat, snacks
Known to locals as “Alex,” this beach offers a wide shoreline and a scenic path along the coast. It’s a good place for a relaxed stroll, a surf, or a picnic with a sea view.
Budget: Free
Food: Walkable cafés nearby
Transport: Coastal drive with parking along the beach
Coolum Beach and Boardwalk (30 to 35 minutes from Woombye)
Type: Ocean views, beach walk, surf-friendly water
Local Tip: Sunrise walks are especially scenic
Budget: Free
Open, uncrowded beach with a coastal boardwalk. Easy to pair with food or coffee nearby. Bring sun protection and enjoy the waves.
Food: Cafés and fish & chip shops nearby
Packing: Sunscreen, hat, towel
Transport: Coastal drive via Yandina-Coolum Road
Editor’s note: A top pick for beach lovers wanting space to unwind
Each of these beaches shows a quieter side of the Sunshine Coast. They suit guests who enjoy simple moments, fresh air, and the calm of the ocean without the rush.
Breathe, Stroll, Swim – Nature on Your Terms
- The best places on the Sunshine Coast give you time to slow down and enjoy what is around you
- Walk through forest trails, rest beneath a tree, then swim in calm water
- Most spots are free and easy to reach from Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge
- Watch the sunrise along the coast or find cool shade in the hills
- Take a quiet drive and let the day unfold at your pace
Let the Sunshine Coast Set the Pace
You’ll hear water moving over stone. Feel sand shift beneath your feet. Hold a towel still warm from the sun. These are the quiet details that make each place on this list worth visiting.
They’re close enough for a short drive and open enough to let the day unfold naturally. If your kind of break includes tall trees, open sky, and space to breathe, the Sunshine Coast has what you’re looking for.
Local Comfort After Natural Adventure
Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge makes it easy to enjoy the best places in the Sunshine Coast. Based in quiet Woombye, it’s close to every beach, track, and lookout we’ve covered.
Step out in the morning, explore freely, and return to comfort in the afternoon. Enjoy the pool, a restful room, and hosts who know the area well. Book direct for a smooth, local stay.
Book direct for a smooth, local stay. Your nature-filled escape starts here.
Image Credit: Buderim Forest Park
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