Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo, hinterland & Noosa

1. Australia Zoo~5 h at the stop

The Irwin family's zoo: crocodile shows in the Crocoseum, kangaroo feeding and the wildlife hospital.

Worth knowing: Bob and Lyn Irwin opened a two-acre reptile park here on 3 June 1970. Their son Steve took over in 1991, and The Crocodile Hunter made it the world-famous Australia Zoo.

Tip: Open daily 9am to 5pm; some animals turn in at 4:30pm. Arrive at opening and grab seats for the midday Crocoseum show. A 2+2 family pass is A$233.95.

↓ drive · 20 min · 16 km

2. Glass House Mountains lookout~25 min at the stop

Volcanic plugs rising sheer from the plain: the Gubbi Gubbi people's sacred peaks, best in late light.

Tip: Stay on the platform. The peaks are volcanic plugs, and climbing them is another day.

↓ drive · 35 min · 33 km

3. Overnight Maleny / Montville

Villages along the green Blackall Range: fireplace cottages, cheese makers and valleys filling with morning mist.

Tip: Weekend stays book out: reserve at least a couple of weeks ahead.

4. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve~1 h 30 min at the stop

A remnant rainforest pocket with a loop trail: pademelons rustle underfoot, Glass House views open out front.

Tip: The boardwalk through the forest is the stop. Come early, while the birds are calling. Bring water.

↓ drive · 18 min · 13 km

5. Montville village~1 h 30 min at the stop

A postcard ridge-top street: English-style cottages, cafes and artists' shops perched above the valley drop.

Tip: Lunch is in the village. On a weekend the main-street parking goes. Walk the street once.

↓ drive · 7 min · 3.6 km

6. Kondalilla Falls (4.7 km, 300+ steps)~2 h at the stop

The track switchbacks down to a 90 m waterfall and a rock pool above the drop: the same 300+ steps back up.

Tip: Bring water and proper shoes; the steps get slippery after rain.

7. Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat only, to 2pm)~2 h at the stop

The artisan markets under the fig trees: make-it-bake-it-grow-it stalls, ceramics to street food. Wed & Sat 7:30am–2pm.

Tip: Come by 8am: by ten the parking and aisles are packed.

↓ drive · 20 min · 18 km

8. Noosa NP coastal walk~2 h 30 min at the stop

The coastal track past Tea Tree and Granite bays: koalas overhead, surfers below, humpbacks off the headlands June–November.

Tip: Bring water. The headlands have no shade. Come back the same track while you still have light.

↓ drive · 15 min · 8.5 km

9. Hastings Street & Main Beach~2 h at the stop

Noosa's signature street and a rare north-facing beach: gentle surf and golden water into the evening.

Tip: Catch sunset from the beach side of Hastings Street, then drive back to Brisbane (~140 km).