Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa
Volcanic peaks, a famous zoo and a very big pineapple, then cool villages and waterfalls on the Blackall Range before Noosa’s headland and beaches.
- Distance
- 196 km (122 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 10
- States
- Queensland
- Updated
- May 2, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 196 km (122 mi) with 10 stops, from Brisbane to Noosa Main Beach. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Queensland · More road trips from Brisbane
Route description
Leave Brisbane on the M1 and Steve Irwin Way, about 70 km and an hour to the Glass House Mountains. Mount Ngungun is the easiest summit, a short but steep scramble best done early in the day and never on wet rock. Australia Zoo is close by at Beerwah, and the Big Pineapple at Woombye, about 20 km further, is a quick photo stop.
Turn inland to the Blackall Range. From Beerwah it is about 25 km to Maleny, a small town of farms and cafés in rolling dairy country; Montville lies about 15 km further on a winding road with glimpses of the coast. Kondalilla Falls is only a few kilometres away, and its swimming hole is best after summer rain. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends.
From Montville the drive to Noosa Heads is about 55 km, usually an hour, via Eumundi. Noosa National Park is best walked early, on a signposted coastal track past rocky points and bays to Hell’s Gates; parking near Hastings Street fills quickly, so aim to arrive before 9 am. Whales pass offshore in winter, and koalas can sometimes be spotted in the trees.
Spend the last day on the water and the beach. Noosa Main Beach is patrolled and gentle, with a long, easy wave at the point for surfers, and a paddle on the Noosa River is a calm alternative. The best weather is from April to October, with warm, dry days. The return to Brisbane is about 150 km, around two hours, and can be slow on holiday weekends.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Brisbane
Queensland - 277 km
Mount Ngungun
NatureGlass House Mountains, QueenslandThe most approachable summit walk in the Glass House Mountains: a short but steep climb to bare volcanic rock with views of the other peaks. Start early, and avoid the rock when wet. The mountains are culturally significant to Traditional Owners.
- 39 km
Australia Zoo
NatureBeerwah, QueenslandThe zoo at Beerwah founded by the Irwin family and made famous by Steve Irwin. It is known for its crocodile shows and Australian wildlife, and has a wildlife hospital. Allow most of a day.
- 422 km
The Big Pineapple
OdditiesWoombye, QueenslandA 16-metre-high fibreglass pineapple at Woombye, built in 1971 and one of Australia’s best-known Big Things. The surrounding site has been redeveloped over the years; a quick photo stop beside the Sunshine Motorway turn-off.
- 520 km
Maleny
Queensland - 611 km
Montville Village
HistoryMontville, QueenslandA hilltop village on the Blackall Range, with timber shopfronts, galleries, cafés and bakeries, and ocean views from some lookouts. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends, and the road up is winding.
- 75 km
Kondalilla Falls
NatureMontville, QueenslandA waterfall of roughly 90 metres in Kondalilla National Park, reached by a rainforest track with a swimming hole above the drop. Flow is best in summer and after rain; the steep steps back up take effort.
- 846 km
Noosa Heads
Queensland - 93 km
Noosa National Park
NatureNoosa Heads, QueenslandA coastal headland reserve with a signposted walk past rocky points, surf bays and koala habitat to Hell’s Gates lookout. Start early or late to avoid crowds; in winter whales pass offshore.
- 103 km
Noosa Main Beach
NatureNoosa Heads, QueenslandA north-facing beach below Hastings Street, sheltered by the headland and known for gentle, long waves at the point. It is lifeguard-patrolled, and parking fills early on weekends and in school holidays.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Brisbane → Mount Ngungun · 77 km · 0 h 50 min
- Day 2: Mount Ngungun → Maleny · 52 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Australia Zoo, The Big Pineapple.
- Day 3: Maleny → Noosa Main Beach · 67 km · 0 h 44 minOn the way: Montville Village, Kondalilla Falls, Noosa Heads, Noosa National Park.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa?
3-day road trip of about 196 km (122 mi) with 10 stops, from Brisbane to Noosa Main Beach. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa start and end?
It starts in Brisbane and ends in Noosa Main Beach.
Which states does Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa pass through?
Queensland.
When is the best time for Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa?
The most pleasant months are usually March–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
