Advertising feature: Sunshine Coast

Kayak Noosa

Life's way more than a beach

With spectacular beaches, dramatic volcanic mountains and a picturesque hinterland, Queensland's Sunshine Coast is a treasure trove of nature-based experiences. Here's just a taste of how to explore the region's many eco-delights:

Join a guided kayak adventure like those offered by Kayak Noosa and experience the thrill of ocean paddling and kayak sailing. Paddle with dolphins as you explore the magnificent Noosa National Park coastline, and see stingrays, water birds and wildlife up close as you cruise through estuaries and up the Noosa River. Enjoy a glass of champagne and soak up the peaceful atmosphere during a sunset paddle. www.kayaknoosa.com

Lace up your walking shoes and pack a picnic before exploring some of Queensland's most scenic natural areas on the Sunshine Coast Great Walk. Winding through the spectacular Blackall Range, the 58km walk traverses subtropical rainforest, open eucalypt forest, gorges and stunning waterfalls. Visit the rock pools at the bottom of Kondalilla Falls and be sure to soak up panoramic views from Mapleton Falls Lookout or Baroon Lookout.

The Glass House Mountains are a Sunshine Coast treasure and a must-see for nature lovers. Google one of the many adventure companies operating out of the mountains and get the adrenalin pumping with a 20m or 50m abseil down Mt Ngungun for a scenic experience you'll never forget. Or push your limits rock-climbing. If that's a little too adventurous, peaks like Mt Ngungun, Mt Beerwah and Mt Tibrogargan offer spectacular walking tracks through open woodlands to panoramic lookouts and mountain summits.

Join an Everglades Cruise run by Beyond Noosa and explore the beautiful Noosa River, Lakes and Everglades. Often called 'the river of mirrors', a cruise up the Everglades is a magical journey through tranquil surroundings. Enjoy lunch with a glass of wine, and morning and afternoon tea, as well as informative commentary. Also, visit the interesting Kinaba Information Centre, built on a boardwalk above the wetlands.

Noosa North Shore is an ecological gem boasting over 50km of pristine beach, Lake Cooroibah and acres of lush bush abundant in flora and fauna - what better way to explore such natural beauty than by horse riding? Trot through bush or canter along the beach to the Noosa River mouth. For an unforgettable experience try the moonlight ride and dinner, held on five nights near the full moon each month.

Or why not jump in a 4WD and cruise along the 80km of sandy beach at Cooloola? Marvel at the 74 different shades of coloured sands which make up Rainbow Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline which is a gazetted Aboriginal sacred site. And be sure to visit the Carlo Sand Blow at Rainbow Beach to wander through bush walks and watch paragliding enthusiasts launch into the sky.

A Blue Fleet Cruises and Tours Guided Eco trip is the ideal way to explore the Pumicestone Passage. Cruises depart Golden Beach at Caloundra for Bribie Island. Once there, relax in deck chairs under beach umbrellas and enjoy a seafood lunch. Work up an appetite on the guided island nature walk, boom netting or on the motorised aqua scooter. Snorkelling tours are an optional extra.