Holiday houses in Tewantin

Front and centre on the Sunshine Coast, Tewantin is small in population but big in proximate attractions, not in the least Noosa North Shore, which lies a short ferry ride across the Noosa River. This is the gateway to some of Queensland’s most epic outdoor adventures, uniting sand highways, tropical rainforest, blissful beaches, and standout surf.

The sleepy town itself comes with plenty of coastal charm; you could easily spend days here exploring galleries, dining al fresco in sun-kissed cafes, and strolling alongside the water. When it’s time to venture further afield, pack your bike, hiking shoes, surfboard, and stamina — a near-endless parade of heart-starting activities is right on your doorstep. You’re also within easy reach of Noosa Heads, where more sun, sand, and surf await, not to mention upscale shopping in the boutiques along Hastings Street.

The Sunshine Coast never disappoints on the weather front, making Tewantin a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer is peak season, closely followed by the Easter school holidays, when visitors descend to enjoy the area’s ample watery assets — dozens of nearby beaches provide the means to cool off. Avid hikers and cyclists are out in full force during the cooler months, with May through November bringing the added allure of migrating humpback and southern right whales along the coast. While Tewantin itself is low-key, surrounding towns dial up the drama with drawcard events like Noosa Eat & Drink (June) and the Noosa Festival of Surfing (May).

Great Beach Drive

Tewantin is the gateway to one of Queensland’s most memorable road trips, with the Great Beach Drive taking you along the sand from the Noosa North Shore all the way to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. You’ll need a 4WD, and should come prepared with hiking boots to explore the rainforest, a fishing rod to catch lunch from the beach, and binoculars to spot migrating birds in wetlands.

Tewantin National Park

Drive just two kilometres (one mile) north of your base to be enveloped by rainforest and eucalypts in this lush national park. If you’re a cyclist, make the most of the standout network of mountain bike trails here — some of the best on the coast — or lace up your shoes and hike to the top of Mt Tinbeerwah for unbroken views over the hinterland all the way to the ocean.

The Original Eumundi Markets

There are markets, and then there’s the Eumundi Markets, a mind-boggling assortment of stalls selling jewellery, fashion, homewares, plants, and so much more. The spectacle consumes this small hinterland town every Wednesday and Sunday, and is the ultimate place to stop in for a spot of retail therapy, a bite to eat, and some people watching.