Beyond the magnificent beaches of Noosa and the Sunshine coast

15 September 2022
Celia Hay

Noosa National Park

Beyond the magnificent beaches of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, you can also discover remnants of ancient rainforests dominated by numerous species of eucalyptus otherwise known as gum trees.

Here are some of the highlights that I found during day walks in the Noosa National Park, Mt Coolum Summit Walk and at the Kondalilla Falls as guest of friend, Matira Taikato. There was also time for delicious food and fine Australian Wines.

Download and View the Noosa National Park guide here.

Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus

Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma has a white, silvery trunk and grows to 15 metres. As the bark falls off, squiggly lines are revealed. These are created by moth larvae that feed under the bark and leave curious tattoo-like trails.

The Bark of a Hoop Pine

The Hoop Pine Araucaria cunninghamii has a distinctive flaky bark and can grow to a height of 60 metres and live for 450 years. It is found in the dry rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales.

Strangler Fig

The seeds of the Strangler Fig Ficus watkinsiana are often deposited by birds or bats high up in the foliage of a tree. As the roots grow down to the ground, they slowly strangle the host tree which eventually dies and decays enriching the soil.

Brown or Plum Pine

Brown or Plum Pine Podocarpus elatus highly valued for joinery and boat building. This tree grows to around 30 metre tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 metre. It is related to our Podocarps in New Zealand.

Piccabeen Palms

Piccabeen Palms are abundant and regenerating at speed.

I tried very hard to track down the Queensland Kauri Agathis robusta from the Araucariaceae family and related to our New Zealand Kauri. These trees have a smooth bark and can grow to 60 metres. No success in tracking this one down...next time. Learn more about the Sunshine Coast National Parks.

Box Gum and views along the Alexandria Bay

Kondalilla Falls and rock pools are located at the Kondalilla National Park located in the rainforest, about one hour’s drive southwest of Noosa.

Kondalilla Falls and pools