📍14 Best Sunshine Coast Lookouts Along The Coast & Hinterland. (2024.)

WANT TO DISCOVER THE BEST SUNSHINE COAST LOOKOUTS?

The wonderful thing about the Sunshine Coast is that it has no shortage of spectacular landscapes. With so many gorgeous terrains to discover, it’s no wonder why, as a photography enthusiast and a lover of all things nature, I’ve been drawn back to this breathtaking place time and time again to search for the most incredible places to appreciate its beautiful and magnetic environment.

But whether you’re also somewhat of a local like me seeking new vantage points to drink in the scenery or a visitor looking to find the best places to bask in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, here are the most incredible Sunshine Coast lookouts I’ve discovered, from mountains with sweeping panoramic views like from any one of the magnificent Glass House Mountains, to scenic headlands with rugged coastal cliffs like at Noosa National Park, these are the viewpoints are not to be missed.

With a name like the Sunshine Coast, you better believe it has some amazing coastline. Much of it is long stretches of golden sand that is the definition of why Australia is so synonymous with beautiful beaches, but it’s not just beachfront that you’ll find. They are broken up by some incredible headlands, showcasing some gorgeous scenery. Here are some of the most amazing locations that showcase the region’s breathtaking coastal terrain.

1. Point Cartwright.
Buddina.

Point Cartwright is one of the most popular lookouts on the Sunshine Coast for visitors thanks to its position high up on the headland, its heritage value and its proximity to the region’s only city, Maroochydore.

What’s great about this place is it is only an easy 2km circuit stroll from the car park at the end of Pacific Boulevard to the Point Cartwright Lighthouse, a towering 32.4m high, hexagonal maritime beacon, built in 1979 to replace earlier versions which served as guiding lights for ships into Moreton Bay and into the mouth of the Mooloola Harbour since 1897. And where there are lighthouses, there are usually beautiful coastal views, and this is no exception.

The headland provides sweeping panoramic views of the coastline north and the vast ocean surrounding. That means you can witness both the sunrise and the sunset from this one location. The former over the ocean and the latter over the mainland. It is also a fantastic place to take the binoculars and see if you can spot dolphins year-round or humpback whales during their annual migration up and down the east coast of Australia from May to October.

There is also a side trail that goes down to the beautiful Point Cartwright beach. While it’s a lovely place to go for a walk, it’s not advisable to swim there as there are no lifeguards patrolling it, and the sideways crashing waves and many rocks create dangerous conditions. But instead of heading back up to the lighthouse, visitors can also opt to walk to the break wall and follow the Point Cartwright Pathway bank along the northern bank of the Mooloola River back to the car park.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access.
• Walking Trail: Starts from a small car park at the end of Pacific Blvd.
• Views: Coastline to the north and the ocean.
• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables and toilets.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation:

4. Point Perry Foreshore Reserve.
Coolum.

Point Perry in the picturesque town of Coolum is undoubtedly one of the premier seaside lookouts on the Sunshine Coast. Located in the heart of this scenic town, this picturesque foreshore reserve has a timeless charm that no nature-lover would want to miss, as it has views overlooking the gorgeous beach of First Bay.

It’s such a beautiful and easily accessible place, that it is beloved by more than just locals and visitors coming to enjoy basking in the lovely scenery or have a romantic picnic. It is also a popular location for holding wedding ceremonies and for people proposing to their significant other. If that’s not enough to signify that it is well worth visiting, I don’t know what is.

But although the views of the rugged coastline are its main drawcard, it’s not the only great thing about it because it is also an excellent place to watch sea eagles, search for pods of dolphins and whale watch (during the annual humpback migration season between May & October.) so double win!

• Access: Conventional vehicle access.
• Distance: A few metres.
• Views: First Bay.
• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables and toilets.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Coolum Beach Getaway Resort.

5. Mt Coolum.
Mt Coolum National Park, Coolum.

If a short hike near the coast is what you’re after, Coolum also delivers on that front with its friendly neighbourhood mountain of the same name. While Mt Coolum is a popular walking trail, not many people are aware that it is one of the 13 individual peaks of the famous Glass House Mountains.

That is because it is so far away from the others and doesn’t have such a dramatic shard-like shape that rises steeply out of the landscapes like that several of the most recognisable mountains down south have. (More on some of those later.)

But it sure as hell has an epic view like the rest of the peaks do. And this one has the added benefit of being the closest to the ocean and boasts magnificent views every which way. Most notable is the spectacular uninterrupted views that look down the long stretch of coastline to where it visibly juts out at Point Arkwright, then to Maroochydore and beyond. You don’t even need to reach the summit to enjoy that scenery, as the exposed section of seemingly endless stairs up the rock face was one of my favourite parts of the trial as it meant I could enjoy that visual while having a much-needed break.

At the summit of short but challenging 1.6km, the grade 4 walk lie even more unforgettable views. The vista opens up to be not just of the coast but of the entire southern landscape, where the snaking Maroochy River and the Sunshine Coast airport are clearly visible from the 206m peak.

Furthermore, there are also views looking west across the picturesque hinterland, where fields of farmlands and undulating hilltops surround the isolated wave-shaped peak of one of the least known Glass House Mountains, Mt Ninderry, where you can watch the sun setting behind it. (More on that one below, too.)

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park on Jarnahill Drive.
• Walking Trail: 1.6km return, Grade 4.
• Views: Panoramic views of the region. Most notably, the coastline south & Mt Ninderry to to the east.
• Facilities: Picnic Tables
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Coolum Beach Getaway Resort.

6. Ma & Pa Bendall Park.
Caloundra.

Tucked away in Caloundra atop Moffatt Headland, Ma & Pa Bendall Park is one of the coastal town’s best vantage points. The constructed lookouts provide lovely sweeping views overlooking Moffatt Beach and Dicky Beach, two of the Sunshine Coast’s best swimming beaches. The picturesque Tooway Creek is also easily recognisable from this stunning vantage point as it is the glistening waterbody that doesn’t quite spill into the ocean.

Accessing this lovely viewpoint is easy. Just drive up Queen Of Colonies Parade, where plenty of roadside parks on the ocean side means not having to walk far to the scenic spot. If there are no free spaces or you just enjoy seaside strolls, park at the base of the headland and walk up from there. Alternatively, there’s spaces at the southern end of Shelly Beach, where visitors can walk, run or bike the scenic pedestrian-only Des Dwyer Walkabout behind the beach to the viewpoint for an even more picturesque outing.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Queen Of Colonies Parade.
• Distance: A couple metres.
• Views: Coastline north.
• Facilities: Benches.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Sandy Shores Holiday Units.

It’s not along the coast that is home to the Sunshine Coast’s best lookouts. The hinterland also has a treasure trove of spectacular viewpoints that offer breathtaking views. From magnificent hikes on isolated peaks to scenic roadside stops, these are my favourite vantage points that this stunning region has to offer.

Glass House Mountains.

One of the Sunshine Coast’s most revered landscapes is the Glass House Mountains, a series of 13 individual peaks and ancient volcanic plugs scattered across the region, some of which resemble shards of glass dramatically rising up out of the landscape, hence their name. Thankfully, many of these majestic and awe-inspiring mountains have walking trails leading to their summit which provide hikers with incredible panoramic views overlooking their fellow Glass House Mountains and the stunning terrain between them.

7. Wild Horse Mountain.

If you’re on a quest to explore the best lookouts on the Sunshine Coast, one place you can’t pass up is Wild Horse Mountain. Nestled in the heart of Beerburrum State Forest and standing 123 metres above sea level, this gem may not be the tallest Glass House Mountain or the most recognisable, but what it lacks in altitude, it more than makes up for in its awe-inspiring panoramic views.

The trail to its breathtaking summit is a short but challenging 1.4km return hike up a relentlessly steep exposed concrete driveway, but it is more than worth the intense butt and calf workout it takes to get there. Once at the top, the fire tower offers walkers unparalleled 360-degree views of the region’s southern terrain, including most magnificently, the majestic Glass House Mountains’ most prominent peaks, such as the behemoth, Mt Tibrogargan, the tallest, Mt Beerwah and the skinniest, Mt Coorowrin.

With views like that, it’s no wonder it instantly became one of my favourite places to photograph these majestic volcanic plugs. But the sweeping panoramic views don’t stop with these renowned mountains as it also overlooks the Bruce Highway, Pumicstone Passage and even across to Australia’s only island connected by a bridge, Bribie Island. So, if you’re looking for a short trail that offers a solid workout and unforgettable scenery, it’s hard to go past this one, especially at sunset, like when I took this photo, one of my all-time favourites.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to unpaved car park on Johnson Road
• Walking Trail: 1.4km return
• Views: Glasshouse Mountains, Bruce Highway, Pumistone Passage & Bribie Island.
• Facilities: None.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Jen’s Getaway.

8. Mt Ngungun.

When it comes to outstanding walks on the Sunshine Coast with a view, Mt Ngungun is the indisputable king. What’s remarkable about this 2.8km return, grade 4 hike to the summit is the isolated mountain’s position amongst its fellow Glass House Mountains. It sits in the middle of the main cluster in the southern part of the region, so while the trail may be steep and challenging and suitable for those with moderate levels of fitness, the rewards from the top are incomparable.

That’s because its prime position and exposed 253m high peak mean conquerors of the summit are greeted with magnificent wide-ranging views of almost all the Glass House Mountains, from the most rugged and recognisable ones such as Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Coorowrin and Mt Beerwah along with most of its lesser-known counterparts like Mt Coochin, Mt Tibberwocum, Mt Coochin and Mt Tunbubudla.

Because it has that expansive and uninterrupted elevated view encompassing so many of the Sunshine Coast’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, it’s easily the best and most accessible mountain to hike to see this revered collection of incredible geographical landmarks, especially in the afternoon when the sun sets behind Mt Coorowin and Mt Beerwah.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the small car park along Fullertons Road.
• Walking Trail: 2.8km return, grade 4.
• Views: Sweeping panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains.
• Facilities: Picnic Tables, Toilets.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Jen’s Getaway.

9. Mountainview Road. (Opposite Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.)
Maleny.

While it’s not a formal lookout, Mountainview Road near Maleny has a particularly gorgeous spot that no visitor to the area should miss. Located opposite the well-renowned Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve tourist attraction, this beautiful place by the side of the road is a fantastic stop for those seeking to absorb the beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s iconic Glass House Mountains.

Named by Captain Cook in 1770 for their resemblance to glass houses, these remarkable ancient remnant volcanic plugs rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape and Mountainview Road provides a unique northern perspective of this breathtaking collection of peaks.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access. Mountainview Road.
• Walking Trail: Starts from small car park at the end of Pacific Blvd.
• Views: Distance views of the Glass House Mountains.
• Facilities: -. But there is a toilet and cafe at the Mary Caincross Scenic Reserve.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Top Of The Hill.

10. Gerrards Lookout.
Montville.

If you’re traversing through the hinterland, there’s no better place to stop than Gerrard’s Lookout. Perched atop the ridgeline between Maley and Montville, this roadside lookout is always somewhere I love to drop by to appreciate the beautiful views whenever I’m out this way.

From this lovely elevated vantage point, enjoy panoramic views looking eastward across the picturesque rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast countryside. On a clear day, the prominent seaside towns of Noosa, Maroochydore and Caloundra are also visible, as is the ocean they reside beside. Not only does this make it a fantastic roadside pitstop, but with an oversized gazebo and numerous picnic tables underneath, it’s also an excellent place to enjoy a picnic with a view.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to a small car park just off Maleny-Montville Road. Easiest access coming from the north.
• Distance: A few metres.
• Views: Mooloola River Catchment
• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Montville Ocean View Cottages.

11. Kanyana & Dulong Lookout.
Kureelpa.

Further up between Mapleton and Nambour lie two side-by-side lookouts that are well worth the short detour off the main road to discover. Kanyana Park is the first you’ll come across if turning in from Nambour-Mapleton Road onto Dulong Road, as it’s just after the corner and offers lovely views of the lush undulating terrain across to the ocean.

While Dulong Lookout is about 300m further along and offers very similar views, it also has a shelter with several picnic tables underneath where travellers looking for a scenic place to relax and have a bite to eat can do so with the picturesque Sunshine Coast countryside as the backdrop.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park on Dulong Road.
• Distance: A few metres.
• Views: Mooloola River Catchment.
• Facilities: Sheltered Picnic Tables.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Montville Ocean View Cottages.

For those looking for places seldom seen by the majority of tourists, venturing off the beaten tourist track can yield some fabulous results. That is particularly true of lookouts on the Sunshine Coast because the region is dotted with hidden viewpoints from its many stunning hilltops and mountains, offering even more breathtaking panoramic views than you’d find in the travel brochures. Here are some of my favourite vantage points I’ve discovered from revisiting this spectacular and magnetic region time and time again.

12. Narrows & Baroon Lookout.
Kondalilla National Park.

Kondalilla National Park isn’t just home to one of the region’s most breathtaking waterfalls and natural swimming lagoons. One of its lesser-hiked trails leads to two of the Sunshine Coast’s best little-known lookouts.

Starting from the car park near Baroon Pock Dam, following the 58km Sunshine Coast Great Hinterland trail for 1.1km leads to the Narrows Lookout, which looks down into a tranquil creek surrounded by steep rocky sides. Traverse a further 1.1km up the mountainous escarpment to Baroon Lookout and get spectacular views of the breathtaking Obi Obi Gorge with views of the serene-looking Baroon Pocket Dam in the distance.

While these spots make it a fantastic trail to walk, it gets even better, because these aren’t the only scenic things you’ll see along the way. It also follows a tiny creek with picturesque rock pools for a portion of the way, and there’s even a hidden, unnamed waterfall as you get closer to Baroon Lookout, making this surprising 4.4km return trail one of my favourite walks in this part of the region.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park at the end of a small street off Narrows Road just before Baroon Pocket Dam.
• Walking Trail: 2.2km to the Narrows Lookout, 4.4km to Baroon Lookout.
• Views: The Narrows, Obi Obi Gorge & Baroon Pocket Dam
• Facilities: Toilets at Baroon Pocket Dam.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Secrets On The Lake.

13. Waynes Lookout.
Mapleton.

Just when you think you’ve discovered all there is to see in this beautiful region, think again because one of the best Sunshine Coast lookouts there is was one I randomly stumbled upon whilst driving through its endlessly gorgeous landscapes with my dad. 

What makes Waynes Lookout such a fantastic find is even though it exists right next to the road, it is in such an awkward place that it’s very easy to miss. That is because Obi Obi Road is steep, narrow and winding, which requires concentration, and it is just as it splits into a single lane. 

While you could technically drive into the small car park from either direction, it’s probably easier and safer to do it coming from Kenilworth as you’ll be heading up the mountain slowly and, therefore, be able to see and turn into the parking area much easier which is just after the road becomes two lanes again. 

As for the lookout itself, it has beautiful open views of the region’s breathtaking countryside, notably, the lush Obi Obi Valley. And because it faces a westward direction, it’s also an exceptional place to watch the setting sun from the comfort of your car.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access. However, the Obi Obi Road is very steep and winding, so a well-working engine and good brakes are a must.
• Distance: It’s a car lookout! No walking required.
• Views: Obi Obi Valley.
• Facilities: None.
• Recommended Nearby Accommodation: The Falls Montville.

14. Mt Ninderry.
Yandina.

One of my absolute favourite secret finds on the Sunshine Coast is Mt Nindery. Tucked away from the usual tourist hustle and bustle, this stunning peak is a truly hidden gem. Rising out of the landscape 306m above sea level, a little-known fact about this incredible wave-shaped mountain is that it is part of the revered Glass House Mountains and its cluster of 13 individual peaks scattered across the southern half of the scenic region.

The 1.7 km-ish return hike to the summit is best suited for bushwalkers with an intermediate level of fitness thanks to its steep incline and many stairs, but every step of the calf-burning exercise is well worth it because the scenery from its three lookouts is beautiful.

While both sides have picturesque views showcasing the region’s undulating countryside, the eastern viewpoints are where this mountain really shines. You can see everything from here to the sea, including some of the region’s most notable areas, including Noosa all the way down to Maroochydore and beyond.

One of the most notable aspects of the landscape is Mt Coolum, another solitary peak that sits directly in front of the viewing platform. Interestingly enough, if you climb the aforementioned Mt Coolum, you also get a clear sight of looking back at Mt Ninderry, which makes them feel like sister peaks.

What’s also great about this mountain, is that with two lookouts facing east, and another facing west, you can watch both the sunrise and sunset from this one summit hike!

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to parking along Ninderry Road. (Residential street)
• Walking Trail:
• Views: Sunshine Coast countryside, Mt Coolum, Noosa.
• Facilities: –

Lookouts On The Sunshine Coast Map.

For a region blessed with so much natural beauty, it makes sense to want to seek out places that showcase it in all its glory. Luckily for locals and visitors alike, there is absolutely no shortage of tremendous Sunshine Coast lookouts to discover. From seaside viewpoints that allow you to appreciate the rugged headlands and endless beaches to hinterland vantage points that overlook the beautiful mountains and vast plains, each one of these breathtaking places will no doubt least leave a lasting image.

If you plan to visit the Sunshine Coast, consider looking at these other posts.

📍4 Best Noosa Lookouts Including Laguna Lookout in Noosa National Park. (2024.)

📍11 Best Sunshine Coast Beaches To Plan Your Next Seaside Escape Around. (2024.)

📍11 Best Popular & Hidden Sunshine Coast Waterfalls & Where To Find Them. (2024.)

📍13 Best Things To Do In Coolum Beach, Australia. (Tours, Activities & Attractions.) (2024.)

📍53 Best Wild Swimming Holes To Visit This Australia Day. (2024.)

12 Best & Most Unique Whale Watching Tours In Australia By State. (2024.)