7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Sunshine Coast

As a digital nomad living on the Sunshine Coast, you're already accustomed to the beauty of endless beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant communities. But when the weekend rolls around, and you're looking to explore beyond your usual haunts, there's a wealth of destinations within reach that promise adventure, relaxation, and a change of scenery. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven weekend getaways that offer a perfect escape from your routine.

Noosa Heads

Just a short drive from anywhere on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads is a favorite for both locals and visitors. This chic coastal town boasts the stunning Noosa National Park, where you can spot koalas in the wild, and pristine beaches like Noosa Main Beach. Hastings Street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it perfect for a leisurely weekend of exploration and indulgence. Don't miss the chance to paddleboard or kayak through the serene Noosa Everglades.

How to Get There: Noosa Heads is easily accessible by car, with a drive taking approximately 30 minutes to an hour from most places on the Sunshine Coast.

Travel Tip: Visit the Noosa Farmers Market on a Sunday morning to sample local produce and artisanal goods. It's a foodie's paradise and a great way to support local businesses.

Where to Stay: The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort offers luxury accommodations and a stunning pool, while the Noosa Sun Motel is a more budget-friendly option with great amenities.

Where to Eat: Bistro C is renowned for its beachfront dining and fresh seafood. For a unique twist, try their famous Noosa Spanner Crab Spaghettini.

Montville

Montville is a charming mountain village perched in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Known for its quaint European ambiance, art galleries, and craft shops, Montville is the perfect getaway for those seeking a slower pace. Take a stroll along the tree-lined streets, visit the Montville Art Gallery, and don't miss the Kondalilla National Park, where you can hike to the spectacular Kondalilla Falls.

How to Get There: Montville is about a 40-minute drive from the coastal areas of the Sunshine Coast, making it an easy day trip or weekend destination.

Travel Tip: For a truly magical experience, visit the Montville Woods Gallery, where you can find exquisite woodwork and even see artisans at work.

Where to Stay: The Spicers Clovelly Estate offers a luxurious retreat with a European flair, while Montville Country Cabins provides a cozy, rustic experience.

Where to Eat: The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate offers a fine dining experience with a menu that highlights local ingredients.

Fraser Island

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and a must-visit for nature lovers. Explore the island's unique ecosystems, including ancient rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands, and perched lakes like the famous Lake McKenzie. Adventure seekers can go four-wheel driving along the beach or spot whales during the migration season.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Fraser Island is by taking a ferry from Hervey Bay, which is about a 3-hour drive north of the Sunshine Coast.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to fly over the island in a small plane, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Seventy-Five Mile Beach and the Maheno shipwreck.

Where to Stay: Kingfisher Bay Resort provides comfortable accommodations and guided tours, while the Fraser Island Retreat offers a more secluded stay.

Where to Eat: The Sand Bar and Bistro at Kingfisher Bay Resort serves up casual meals with a view, perfect after a day of exploring.

Glass House Mountains

The Glass House Mountains are a group of eleven hills that rise abruptly from the coastal plain on the Sunshine Coast. These ancient volcanic peaks are significant in Aboriginal culture and offer a range of hiking trails for all levels. The lookout points, such as the one at Mount Ngungun, provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Rock climbing and abseiling are also popular activities here.

How to Get There: The Glass House Mountains are about a 30-minute drive inland from the coastal areas of the Sunshine Coast.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, visit the Glass House Mountains during the early morning or late afternoon to capture stunning photographs of the peaks' shadows cast across the landscape.

Where to Stay: Glass House Mountains Ecolodge offers environmentally friendly accommodation nestled at the foot of Mount Tibrogargan, while Beerwah Hideaway provides a romantic bed and breakfast experience.

Where to Eat: The Lookout Cafe offers delicious meals and spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. Try their locally sourced barramundi for a true taste of Queensland.

Bunya Mountains

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to the Bunya Mountains. This ancient and mystical range is home to the world's largest forest of Bunya pines. Hiking trails wind through lush rainforests and grasslands, leading to breathtaking lookouts and waterfalls. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to see wallabies, king parrots, and satin bowerbirds.

How to Get There: The Bunya Mountains are approximately a 3-hour drive from the Sunshine Coast, making it an ideal spot for a weekend escape.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Bunya Mountains Markets, held on the last Sunday of every month, to sample local produce and crafts.

Where to Stay: Bunya Mountains Accommodation offers a range of options from chalets to cabins, many with fireplaces and stunning mountain views.

Where to Eat: The Bunya Mountains Coffee Shop and Tavern is a cozy spot to enjoy a hearty meal and the local Bunya nut, featured in various dishes.

Conondale National Park

Conondale National Park is a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The park features the Conondale Range Great Walk, a 56-kilometer trail that takes you through pristine forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to stunning lookouts. The park is also home to the rare and endangered Mary River turtle and a variety of bird species.

How to Get There: The park is about an hour and a half drive from the Sunshine Coast, with the last part of the journey on gravel roads, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Strangler Cairn, an intriguing art installation by artist Andy Goldsworthy, located along the Great Walk.

Where to Stay: There are several camping areas within the park for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. For more comfort, try the nearby Maleny Tropical Retreat for a bed and breakfast experience.

Where to Eat: The nearby town of Maleny has several great options, such as The Terrace of Maleny, which offers contemporary Australian cuisine with stunning valley views.

Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are coastal towns that offer a laid-back atmosphere and some of the most northerly surf beaches on Australia's east coast. Here, you can enjoy uncrowded beaches, go on a LARC amphibious vehicle tour, or visit the historic site where Captain Cook first landed in Queensland. The area is also a gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

How to Get There: Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are about a 5-hour drive north of the Sunshine Coast, ideal for a long weekend getaway.

Travel Tip: Take a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island, an untouched coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, for an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Where to Stay: Pavillions on 1770 is a luxury apartment complex with beachfront access, while the 1770 Beach Shacks offer a quirky and comfortable stay.

Where to Eat: The Tree Bar at Agnes Water serves up delicious cocktails and tapas with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Don't miss their signature mango mojito.