We stayed for two nights in late March for the first time and everything about this place went beyond our expectations , especially the staff on greeting and throughout were always willing to offer assistance and go out of their way to help, the place is immaculate and very well managed by the onsite manager . This is all on top of the beautiful rooms , location and facilities , I highly recommend . - Amy
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers some of the most beautiful walks in the country. Tingirana is located at the very start of one them: our very own Noosa National Park. But just a short drive away are a number of absolutely stunning walking tracks traversing mountains, freshwater streams and all delivering on the view at the top with zero guilt over the meal at the bottom.
Closest to Noosa Main Beach and Tingirana is Mount Cooroora, which stands guard over the emerging hipster haunt of Pomona. The almost 40-minute drive out to this little hinterland town is worthwhile in itself, as you pass through dense scrub, farming land and ascend onto the plateau. However, as you find your way into the centre of Pomona, it’s hard to ignore the 439m high volcanic plug sitting just to the west of the town in Tuchekoi National Park. For those interested in getting just a mild sweat up, there’s a moderate 1.1km return Lookout Walk, which is steep but relatively easy. Beautiful tree and bird species, some endangered, can be seen here, and at the top, beautiful views down to the coast.
For those who like to feel their heart pumping and have the agility and fitness to do it, the Summit Route follows on from the Lookout Walk, and climbs to the very top of Mt Cooroora. This particular Route is also home to the famous King of The Mountain footrace held each year.
Once you’ve had your fill of views, steps and sweat, the Tingirana team can highly recommend the Pomona Distilling Co back in town as an excellent spot with boutique gin, and an excellent Asian inspired lunch menu. There’s even room for the kids to move and a Children’s Menu.
You will see Mt Ninderry in the distance as you drive up the highway or flew into Maroochydore on your way to Tingirana. It’s the wave shaped mountain forming out of flat cane fields between Coolum and Yandina. Not too arduous and located within the Mt Ninderry Bushland Conservation Reserve, this walk is a very pleasant way to work off some of those in-room plates delivered by Season!
Only 1.4km up to the top from the carpark, this hike undulates through stunning eucalypt forests before a steeper section has you huffing a little. There are two unobstructed viewing platforms. One faces East and offers absolutely spectacular views from Mooloolaba up toward Sunshine Beach, and one West facing the hinterland. It isn’t particularly long, the views are spectacular and it’s also one of the lesser frequented walks on the coast.
Perhaps best of all is its proximity to emerging local brewing legends, Terella Brewery in North Arm: ample motivation enough to stretch the legs out this way. Alternatively, head back toward the coast and stop in at Peregian for a bite at Periwinkle or Pitchfork while the children (continue to) run off some energy in the village square.
If you’re after a much longer hike and the feeling that you’ve truly stepped away from the coast, Kondalilla Falls is a spectacular walk with views, solitude, impossibly high waterfalls and more. It’s almost an hour’s drive up into the hinterland through Nambour, Mapleton and Flaxton toward the gorgeous little town of Montville, but it is well worth it.
From the Kondalilla National Park carpark, the short 1.7km Picnic Circuit will take you on an easy and well-maintained track through wet sclerophyll forest, a mix of eucalypt and rainforest species, to above the top of Kondalilla Falls. Here, the view out to the Obi Obi Ranges from the lookout is awe-inspiring. The very pretty Rock Pools located at the very top of the Falls is only another 400 metres on. It is steep down to the Rock Pools, but there is a smaller waterfall and a cool and refreshing swimming hole. Please exercise caution upon entering and exiting the water.
To get the true scale of the falls however, you’ll have to walk the many, many steps (300!!) down through the Kondalilla Falls Circuit. This 4.7km walk requires some level of fitness, but is a beautiful way to see picabeen palms and emerging bunya trees, gurgling creeks, abundant wildlife and of course, the falls from the bottom up.
Kondalilla National Park comprises part of the Sunshine Coast Great Hinterland Walk, and if an almost 5 km walk isn’t quite enough, you can continue from near the bottom of the falls. Following the palm fringed Skene Creek for another few kilometres, you’ll come out to a little known swimming hole called Flat Rock, with large cliffs rising up on the other side. Catch your breath and turn around, the way back up is steep!
There are a number of gorgeous cafes and restaurants further south in Montville, but depending on the mud on your shoes and the intensity of the walk, the Mapleton Tavern’s relaxed hospitality and country pub vibe might be just the ticket to revive you for the drive back to the luxury of your Tingirana oasis. The views out over the coast are spectacular and the beverages are cold: what more do you need after communing with nature (and all those steps!)
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