Coastal Pathway
Exploring the Sunshine Coast: A Journey Along the Coastal Pathway
The Sunshine Coast boasts an incredible stretch of coastline, famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and picturesque waterways. For those looking to fully immerse themselves in this coastal beauty, the Coastal Pathway is the perfect route. Stretching 73 kilometers from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north, this pathway showcases the best of what the Sunshine Coast has to offer. But my adventures didn’t stop there – I’ve also ventured further north from Coolum all the way to Noosa heads and Tewantin, uncovering even more of this region’s charm.
My journey along the coast has mostly been through out-and-back walks in various sections, which allowed me to explore the beauty at my own pace. If you’re up for a longer trek, you can easily plan extended walks with arrangements for pickup, so you don’t need to double back.
Here’s a roundup of the coastal walks I’ve completed so far, starting from the northernmost point of Tewantin (Noosa) and making my way south to Bells Creek (Caloundra):
1. Tewantin to Noosa Heads This section offers a lovely mix of river views and coastal scenery. The Noosa National Park is a highlight, with trails that provide stunning ocean vistas and access to secluded beaches.
2. Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach Walking from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach takes you past the iconic Noosa Main Beach and through beautiful coastal reserves. The path here is well-trodden and offers plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the views.
3. Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach This stretch features a more relaxed vibe, with charming coastal towns and scenic beachfronts. Peregian Beach is a delightful spot to take a break and soak in the serene atmosphere.
4. Peregian Beach to Coolum From Peregian Beach to Coolum, the pathway continues to delight with its blend of beachside tracks and lush bushland. Coolum is known for its sweeping beach views and vibrant community.
5. Coolum to Marcoola This section of the coast offers a mix of quieter beaches and expansive dunes. Marcoola’s relaxed charm makes it a perfect place to unwind after a longer walk.
6. Marcoola to Mudjimba The walk between Marcoola and Mudjimba takes you past some lesser-known, yet equally beautiful stretches of coastline. Mudjimba’s laid-back atmosphere provides a nice change of pace.
7. Mudjimba to Marcoola Walking this segment offers a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the coast, with ample opportunities to explore lesser-known spots and appreciate the natural beauty.
8. Marcoola to Caloundra (Bells Creek) Finally, the path from Marcoola to Caloundra takes you through a variety of coastal landscapes, concluding with the beautiful white sands of Bells Creek. This southern stretch is perfect for reflecting on the journey and enjoying the final beach views.
Each of these sections offers its unique highlights and scenic beauty, making the Coastal Pathway a fantastic way to experience the Sunshine Coast’s diverse landscapes. Whether you choose to explore in shorter segments or tackle longer stretches, this pathway is a rewarding way to see the stunning coastline of this region. So lace up your walking shoes, and let the Sunshine Coast’s beauty inspire your next adventure!
The kilometers listed below for these trails are all out and back so halve if you are only going one way.
Tewantin to Noosa Heads – 13 kms
Noosa Spit to Noosa National park entrance – 6.6 kms
Noosa to Hells Gate – 5.5 kms
Hells Gate to Sunshine Beach – 7.4 kms
Sunshine Beach to Sunrise Beach – 5.2 kms
Sunrise Beach to Castaways Beach – 4.7 kms
Castaways Beach to Marcus Beach – 5.6 kms
Marcus Beach to Peregian Beach – 6.1 km
Peregian Beach to Stumer’s Creek – 8.9 kms
Stumer’s Creek to Coolum – 4.3 kms
Coolum to Point Arkwright – 5.1 kms
Point Arkwright to Mt Coolum Beach – 6.6 kms
Mt Coolum Beach to Marcoola – 7.7 kms
Marcoola to Mudjimba – 4 kms
Mudjimba to North Shore – 8kms
Maroochy river foreshore to Picnic Point – 8 kms
Picnic Point to Cotton Tree – 4.3 kms
Cotton Tree to Alexandra Headland – 6.4 kms
Alexandra Headland to Mooloolaba – 4.4 kms
Mooloolaba to Spit – 4.4 kms
La Balsa to Point Cartwright – 3.5 kms
Point Cartwright to Kawana – 6.6 kms
Kawana to Bokarina – 10 kms
Bokarina to Currimundi – 7.4 kms
Currimundi Lake loop – 3.7 kms
Currimundi to Kings Beach – 14 kms Or shorter versions:
…… a. Currimundi to Dicky Beach – 3.8 kms
……. b. Dicky Beach to Moffat Heads – 4 kms
…… c. Moffat Heads to Kings Beach – 4.7 kms
Kings Beach to Bulcock Beach – 3.7 kms
Caloundra to Bells Creek– 10 kms