The Sunshine Coast is one of the best holiday destinations in Australia, with its golden beaches and lush hinterland.
As someone who’s called this slice of paradise home for nearly two decades, I’ve enjoyed exploring its every nook and cranny.
While the coast offers many attractions, there’s something truly special about discovering its hidden vantage points.
In this post, we’ll unveil the best lookouts on the Sunshine Coast—spots that offer breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, these Sunshine Coast lookouts promise to showcase the region’s diverse beauty in ways that will leave you amazed.
Join me as we explore the top 5 lookouts that have captured my heart over the years.
Top 5 Best Sunshine Coast Lookouts
I have to say, and I think I can speak for all the locals, the Sunshine Coast’s beauty is its nature.
The Sunshine Coast lookouts on our list are stunning and unique! They range from beautiful lighthouse beach views to lookouts over several ancient sentinels of Australia’s volcanic past.
Here is a list of our absolute favorite lookouts on the Sunshine Coast.
1. Point Cartwright Lighthouse Lookout
- Where: Buddina
- Car Parks: End of Pacific Boulevard and at La Balsa Park (Harbour Parade)
- Level: Easy
Point Cartwright is the most outstretched point of the Sunshine Coast. It is located near the mouth of the Mooloolah River in Mooloolaba.
You can park at the car park at the end of Pacific Boulevard, right on top of the hill (there are only a few car parks there; a second larger car park is located at La Balsa Park).
You have two options for reaching the lookout here:
- Park at the end of Pacific Boulevard (if you find a park), and after a short stroll along the footpath, you will find yourself at the top of the hill.
- Park at La Balsa Park and enjoy a stroll along the circuit walk (it’s beautiful). The walk is easy, paved all the way, and it will take only 10 minutes to reach the top of the hill.
There are a few different lookout points from the top of the hill.
One looks out over the ocean towards Mooloolaba, and my favorite lookout is over a 9 km stretch of beach that runs south to Currimundi Creek’s mouth.
There is also another lookout point in the car park at the end of Pacific Boulevard.
Toilets are available at La Balsa Park and the car park at the end of Pacific Boulevard.
La Balsa Park also has a playground and a cafe. We loved this walk late in the afternoon.
2. Mt Ngungun Walk and Lookout
- Where: Glass House Mountains National Park
- Car Parks: Fullertons Road
- Level: Moderately Difficult
- Distance to Walk: 2.8-Kilometre Trail
From the ocean views of Point Cartwright, about a 30-minute drive inland, to the volcanic peak of Mt Ngungun on the Glass House Mountains, Queensland.
This mountain climb is on Fullertons Road. The 2.8 km Mt Ngugngun walk will take you about 2 hours to return. A little bit of fitness might be required for this one.
The walking track starts in the open forest and winds through a ferny pathway until it reaches the little cave, where you can rest and snap photos.
The winding rocky steps continue to the summit, where you will have a breathtaking view of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin, and Mount Beerwah.
We recommend you tackle this climb either earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon as the second part of the walk is very much in the sun and it can get so hot!
Don’t forget a hat, water bottle and definitely bring walking shoes. Don’t let the hike up put you off, I’ve done it with two little kids – the views really are worth the effort, its so beautiful up there!
3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Lookout (Maleny Lookout)
- Where: Mountain View Road, Maleny
- Car Parks: Mary Cairncross Park
- Level: Moderately Difficult
- Distance to Walk: 2.8-Kilometre Trail
The Maleny Cairncross Scenic Reserve has a very special place in my heart, as it was the backdrop to our wedding back in the day, its so beautiful, so unique and this view is located right next to the road, so super easy to do as well.
Can you spot Mt Ngungun from here? Lily is trying to help you with this one by pointing to it.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is located on Mountain View Road, near Maleny.
This is a great lookout to check out from your car, or, if you like, park and stare at it for a while.
If you want to stay longer, there is a great, easy 2-hour walk through some beautiful rainforest in the park on the other side of the road.
The park also has toilets, a restaurant, BBQ facilities, and a playground.
4. Mt Coolum Climb and Lookout
- Where: Mount Coolum
- Car Parks: Corner of Tanah Street West and Jarnahill Drive
- Level: Moderately Difficult
- Distance to Walk: 800-Meters
As you can tell by now, the Sunshine Coast mountains are reminders of post-volcanic activity. Many aboriginal stories about these lands are definitely worth reading.
Mount Coolum is a green-cloaked dome that stands 208 metres high above the skyline and dates back between 25 and 26 million years.
The Mount Coolum entrance is located on the corner of Tanah Street West and Jamahill Drive.
It is an 800-metre climb from the car park to the summit, and it will take you about 1.5 hours to return.
After your Mount Coolum climb, you will be rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree view.
Tip: It can get really hot on this climb, so go early or later in the afternoon and take a hat, water and wear proper walking shoes.
You can also see our video of our climb with our children here.
5. Wild Horse Mountain Lookout
- Where: Beerburrum East State Forest (Next to Bruce Highway)
- Car Parks: Wild Horse Road
- Level: Moderately Difficult
- Distance to Walk: 700-Meters
Wild Horse Mountain is located South of Sunshine Coast, just off the Bruce Highway at Wild Horse Road.
The walk is steep, 700 metres, mainly on a paved pathway. Take your time on the way up, and soon, you will be rewarded with fantastic 360-degree views.
This one wins hands down as our favorite of the Glass House Mountains lookouts!
For such a small mountain, in comparison to others, the panorama here is breathtaking.
On a clear, sunny day, you can see all across Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island, Moreton Islands, and even as far as Brisbane CBD to the South.
Wild Horse Mountain has its own view of the Glass House Mountains and from the opposite side to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
There is not much to do around here, but enjoy the view and then head back down to the car.
Final Thoughts Of The Best Lookouts In The Sunshine Coast
In conclusion, the Sunshine Coast offers some of Australia’s most spectacular vistas.
From Point Cartwright’s coastal beauty to the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, each lookout provides a unique perspective on this stunning region.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic ocean views, lush hinterland scenery, or a bird’ s-eye view of the iconic Glass House Mountains, these top five lookouts of the Sunshine Coast deliver unforgettable experiences.
As you stand atop these lookouts, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll truly appreciate why the Sunshine Coast is considered one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.
Andrzej,
No 5 the second shot Wild Horse Mountain pictures, with thoughts as to the beginnings of life.
We only discovered this incredible lookout recently! Such a steep short walk to the top, but wow, simply breathtaking!! A good place to contemplate things for sure!!
Love this post! I lived in the Sunshine Coast for a year (went to USC) and have the greatest memories of the place! Really anywhere there is the best view ever!!!
Yes!! We love the Sunny Coast! Best place to live EVER!! 🙂 Thanks for your comment Lindsey! 🙂
Im wondering about the realistic difficulty on climbing Mt Coonowrin & the summit track of Mt Tibrogargan. The “rock scramble” on each is talked about a lot but just wondering how hard it actually is.