Itineraries

Guide updated 8 Aug 2026 · verify Queensland Parks the morning you go

These plans are built for real Sunshine Coast days and short stays — drive time, car parks, weather and energy included — not fantasy “do everything” checklists. Pick the plan that matches your group, then open it for a full timeline, packing notes and what to skip. Print from any plan page, or grab the free day-trip checklist anytime.

Every itinerary defers to Queensland Parks for track status and alerts.

3–5 hours on the ground

Half-day headland: Coastal Walk & Hell’s Gates

First visit from Noosa Heads

Park Road start, sealed early section, Tea Tree Bay pause, Hell’s Gates turnaround — without pretending you also need Alexandria Bay and Emu Mountain before lunch.

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Full day on the ground

Full coastal day: Hell’s Gates + Alexandria link

Fit walkers with solid water discipline

Longer Coastal Walk day that can include Alexandria Bay or a Sunshine Beach one-way — only when the group has already proven they can handle heat and distance.

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Half day (flexible)

Family-easy: sealed section, Palm Grove & Laguna

Families, mixed mobility, first-timers with young kids

Short sealed Coastal Walk section near day-use, optional Palm Grove shade, optional Laguna Lookout — without forcing Hell’s Gates or long heat exposure.

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1–2 hours at ends of day

Sunrise / sunset: soft light without the full march

Photographers, couples, short windows

Laguna Lookout and/or early Coastal Walk light — timed for soft colour, not maximum kilometres.

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1–2 days flexible

Quieter-season plan: shoulder weekdays & southern options

Visitors outside school holidays who want space

Use weekdays, autumn–winter–early spring comfort, optional Emu Mountain southern half-day, and honest crowd avoidance around the headland.

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