If you’re visiting Australia’s Sunshine Coast but don’t have Noosa on your itinerary, you might want to add it right now!
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Noosa, Australia, is famous worldwide for some of the best beaches in the world, bountiful natural areas, and fantastic weather all year round.
Although somewhat upscale and trendy, Noosa still retains a down-to-earth, welcoming personality that both visitors and locals gravitate towards. It’s no wonder the city has grown as a tourist destination in recent years.
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The Best Time To Visit Noosa
Noosa is well known for its outstanding weather, with sun and warm temperatures nearly all year round. Temperatures below 15 °C (59°F) are rarely recorded, and there’s a good chance you’ll never have to wonder what to do in Noosa on a rainy day.
However, during the winter, between May and August, the temperatures can get a little “chillier” so it’s best to visit outside of these months.
Noosa’s Commitment to a Greener Future
If you think deeply about the impact of your travel, Noosa is the ideal eco-minded destination to travel to, with easy access to sustainable travel experiences. Noosa is known for its long and proud history of dedication to preserving and caring for our natural environment.
People love holidaying and residing in Noosa, which has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The main attraction? The abundant natural assets! Plus, there are eco-friendly tour operators everywhere, ready to help you explore the wonders of Noosa.
Top Things To Do In Noosa
Go To The Beach
There is certainly no shortage of great places to be a beach bum in Noosa. Famous for piercing blue waters and perfect sands, there is truly a Noosa beach for everyone. You can find calm waters, surfer waves, private coves, paddle boarding and snorkelling spots, and even nude sunbathing (if you’re into that kind of thing.)
Since beaching is one of the best things to do in Noosa, here are our recommendations for some awesome Noosa beaches.
Noosa Beach
Noosa Beach Australia is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It is one of the only beaches on the Australian east coast that faces to the north and is therefore protected from rougher waters.
The mellow surf and extensive park behind the beach make it a great place to spend an entire day with a picnic lunch.
Sunshine Beach
If you love to surf (or want to learn or take surf lessons,), Sunshine Beach is your best bet. Here, the waves are perfect, attracting surfers from all around the world. The World Surfing Reserves have even recognised Sunshine Beach as an outstanding surfers community as well as one committed to environmental protection.
Visit Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park is, without a doubt, the main attraction in South East Queensland. It is Australia’s most popular national park, seeing more than 1 million visitors each year. We visited Noosa National Park back in 2014 during our first visit to Noosa, and it was one of our favourite national parks in Queensland. Here are some of the can’t-miss spots inside the parks, including the best Noosa National Park walk.
Noosa Coastal Walk
Although there are over 15 kilometres of trails in the Headlands section alone, Noosa National Park’s most noteworthy hike is the Coastal Track. As the name suggests, the track follows the beautiful coastline, offering great views of each passing bay and cove.
We began our trek at Noosa Beach and the Noosa National Park headquarters and made our way south along the coast from there.
The best way to explore Noosa National Park is on foot, and the Noosa Coastal Walk is a testament to that. On our list of best things to do, it takes the number one spot.
Tea Tree Bay
If you do to complete the Noosa Coastal Walk yourself, the first bay you’ll come across is Tea Tree Bay. The beach here is a lot less crowded than Noosa Beach, so you won’t have any trouble finding a great spot.
There are lots of rocks to scramble over if you like, including some rock pools on the east side of the beach. Swimming here is allowed, but the beach does not employ lifeguards, so make sure to be extra careful.
Hell’s Gate Noosa
As the most well-known lookout point in the national park, Hell’s Gate Noosa is one of the best things to do in Noosa. This high bluff is a great vantage point over the sea and surrounding bays.
From here, you can take in the unreal blues of the ocean and spot some wildlife like the migrating whales and dolphins or the resident pied cormorants relaxing on the rocks. Caution is required if you’re visiting Hell’s Gate Noosa, as no guard rail protects visitors from the 10-metre drop into the sea below.
Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay is the best-kept secret of Noosa National Park. It is the most secluded and peaceful beach in the area, requiring a bit of time on your Noosa National Park walk to reach it.
However, the journey is well worth it if you want to (almost) have the place to yourself. One important thing to note is that this beach is an unofficial nudist hotspot, so don’t be too shocked if you see beachgoers baring it all under the hot Australian sun!
Cruise through the Noosa Everglades
Noosa is globally renowned for its unique Everglades system, comprised of a network of untouched waterways and wetlands, the second-largest in the world after the Amazon. This makes it a sanctuary for coastal wildlife.
For the most thrilling experience in the Noosa Everglades and Upper Noosa River, hop on an eco safari vessel. Sail through this wildlife-rich region and savour a glass of sparkling wine or a beer crafted at their on-site brewery.
Enjoy a kayak trip along the Noosa River
Kayaking is the ideal way to explore the Noosa River like a local. You can rent a single or double kayak or even a stand-up paddleboarding set from locals for as little as an hour or up to 8 hours to explore the beautiful, untouched Noosa River.
If you choose to get wet, take a refreshing swim in the tea tree-infused water. Enjoy paddling through the calm waters, or simply relax in this natural oasis.
Take the scenic route of Noosa Country Drive
During this drive, you’ll enjoy beautiful coastal views of Noosa Hinterland, lush green hills, and everything in between. You can take breaks, go for walks, or have a picnic along the way. This scenic adventure helps you explore more of the Sunshine Coast!
Relax in Noosa Botanic Gardens
You’ll find a variety of plants and wildlife in its beautiful eight-hectare garden. The gardens showcase both the practical and the pretty sides of plants, making it a great place for walking, playing, exploring, and dreaming!
Don’t miss these highlights:
Rainforest: Wander along meandering paths, where you might spot whip birds, wompoo fruit doves, and even catbirds.
Ponds: Look for the resident water rat, turtles, and the water dragon around the ponds.
Amphitheatre: This charming area hosts community events and performances, and it’s a popular spot for outdoor weddings with fantastic views.
Foreshore: Keep an eye out for dragonflies, turtles, small frogs, damselflies, and red-backed wrens that call the foreshore home.
Fern House: Enjoy the display of bromeliads, anthuriums, orchids, and caladiums throughout the year!
Take In The Views from Laguna Lookout
Laguna Lookout is a must-see! It’s on the edge of Noosa National Park, once a local secret. You can visit anytime, but the sunset paints a beautiful sky over Noosa’s waterways.
Explore Great Sandy National Park
The Great Sandy National Park is perfect for day and multi-day walks. It blends mainland Queensland with the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island!
Here, you have plenty of recreational options to choose from. Spend a day at Cooloola Recreation Area with its beautiful walking tracks and hiking to canoeing down the Noosa River. You can also head to the Double Island Point Lighthouse or take a canoe out on the calm upper Noosa River in the morning.
Or, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can hike on tall coastal sand dunes, then go for a swim in the lagoon at Double Island Point and enjoy the beautiful views from the lighthouse.
This place is fantastic for beginners to learn to surf. The waves here are perfect for riding and can go on for a long way. You might even ride waves that stretch for hundreds of meters on your first surf.
If you visit the Great Sandy National Park between August and October, you might see some whales as they migrate!
Take A Coastal Craft Brewery Tour
Explore local breweries, get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, and savour their delicious creations. You can taste a variety of award-winning beers firsthand, from lagers and pale ales to amber ales, IPAs, and stouts.
This Sunshine Coast Craft Brewery Tour will be the perfect introduction to Noosa.
Go Shopping
Hastings Street
If you’re tired of the Noosa beach options and Noosa National Park, walk down Hastings Street for a great change of pace. Since it’s quite a stylish city, shopping is one of the best things to do around Noosa.
On Hastings Street, you’ll find boutique shops, beachwear, designers, and specialty stores. This is the city’s best shopping street, and it’s located right behind Noosa Beach.
If you’re there at night, don’t miss a breezy walk along the boardwalk, all while listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing nearby.
Visit the Noosa Markets
There are a number of great markets in Noosa that you can visit, from farmers’ markets selling fresh, organic produce to craft markets displaying handmade artisan works.
Noosa Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love fresh, healthy goodies and backing small businesses? That’s what Noosa Farmers Markets is all about. It’s an affordable, enjoyable, and interactive experience that’s hard to pass up.
You’ll find local seasonal produce that’ll make your taste buds dance. From organic fruits and veggies to fresh juices, tasty marinades, cheeses, skincare stuff, and more, there’s a little something for everyone here.
Click here to learn more about the official Noosa Farmers Market schedule.
Eumundi Square Market
Eumundi Markets’ motto perfectly captures its essence: Make it. Bake it. Sew it. Grow it. Here, you can enjoy a laid-back and welcoming shopping experience, rain or shine! With a country-style vibe, you’ll find 100 local micro-businesses in a cosy retail space.
It’s an ideal place for those who love immersing themselves in Noosa’s local culture! With live performances, unique home goods, crafty condiments, and delectable food from a vibrant local community, Eumundi Markets sprawl across several streets and zones during their bi-weekly event.
Noosa Marina Markets
If you happen to be in Noosa on a Sunday morning, head to the Noosa Marina deck for a unique experience.
Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through many stalls selling handmade crafts, local art, and fresh produce. Complete your experience with lunch at Noosa Marina, conveniently located near Seahaven Noosa, for a perfect day out.
READ NEXT: Exploring Noosa National Park, Queensland, Australia
Where To Stay In Noosa
Luckily for visitors, Noosa (and the rest of the Sunshine Coast) is an eco-friendly destination. In recent years, the entire area has seen a big increase in the number of eco-hotels and sustainable lodging options.
The Noosa Tourism Board even has its own sustainability program called Eco-Check, an eco-certification program for local businesses. Here are some environmentally friendly accommodations that we recommend.
Seahaven Noosa
Located on Hastings Street and directly on the beach, the location of the Seahaven Noosa truly can’t be beaten. The hotel has clean and modern apartment-style rooms ranging from studios to a rooftop penthouse. The property has been verified by Eco-Check.
Families and groups can opt for the spacious two-bedroom family suites with full kitchens for a comfortable holiday. For those of you travelling with your little ones, the resort also offers babysitting services called Nannies of Noosa, and yes, they call them that!
Check Availability For Seahaven Noosa
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
The Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is located on Lake Cootharaba to the north of Noosa Everglades. Self-proclaimed as “Queensland’s most exciting eco-tourism product”, this luxury glamping spot sits on 65 acres of protected natural land. They offer tents, cabins, and campsites.
You can camp, go glamping, stay in cabins, or bring your motorhome. It’s perfect for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Plus, you can get close to eastern grey kangaroos. This eco-camp fosters a well-balanced relationship between nature and human beings!
Check Availability For Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
Eumarella Shores
This lakeside resort is perfect for those who want to take true advantage of all the beautiful water bodies in the area, not just the ocean. Eumarella Shores can be found directly south of Noosa Centre on Lake Weyba. This four-star hotel is eco-accredited by Ecotourism Australia.
This award-winning lakeside getaway is suitable for couples visiting Queensland. This place stands out with its dreamy features: a scenic spa bath for two, a spacious veranda with a BBQ, a cozy log fire, and a complimentary two-person canoe! This eco-retreat offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature, letting you choose your own pace!
Check Availability For Eumarella Shores
Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages
If you’re looking for a truly immersive eco-lodging experience, then book your stay at the Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages. About a 30-minute drive west of Noosa, the cottages sit right on an eco-friendly farm where you can volunteer and learn about the environmental practices that have been used there since 1986.
The property is situated right next to the picturesque Noosa Trail, providing opportunities for various outdoor activities in Noosa, including hiking, horse riding, and biking through the Wapunga Range. We also recommend exploring the nearby Pomona, a historic town featuring one of Queensland’s last silent movie theatres, for a leisurely afternoon.
Check Availability For Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages
Where To Eat And Drink In Noosa
Acai Brothers
For a hearty and sustainable breakfast, head to Acai Brothers right off Hastings Street. Here you’ll find raw treats, vegan yoghurts, and organic protein options.
Jungle & Co
Jungle & Co is Australia’s first gut health bar! Located in Noosa Junction, it’s a great spot for a healthy meal, work, or a quick refresher before hitting the beach. Jungle & Co serves a variety of nutritious smoothies, soups, and salad bowls.
It’s a place where you can eat healthy, no matter your dietary preference, vegan, paleo, ketogenic, you name it! You won’t find any extra sugar here, nearly everything is plant-based and good for you and the environment.
Raw + Rice
Another great option to eat in Noosa is located right off the Hastings Street, Raw + Rice is a build-your-own-bowl restaurant that is perfect for a healthy lunch.
Noosa Beach House
This upscale restaurant is a great choice if you’re looking for a fancy dinner out. Noosa Beach House serves some of the freshest seafood around. All of it is locally caught, and only seasonal ingredients are used in-house.
Raw Energy
Raw Energy is a good spot for early risers.
After your morning beach walk at Peregian Beach, grab a coffee at this dog-friendly cafe. They’re into going plastic-free and like sharing that with their customers.
If you’re looking for a piece of Noosa to take with you, they support a local Noosaville business called Pottery for the Planet, and they sell practical, sustainable ceramic travel cups!
How Much Time Do You Need In Noosa?
Noosa is a popular destination on Australia’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland for good reason. Between Noosa National Park, world-class beaches, and a friendly and eco-conscious community, Noosa is a little slice of paradise.
This is a destination where you could spend days on the beach without being aware of the time passing by. This is especially true on the more peaceful and less crowded beaches where you could spend days at a time.
If you want to see all the area’s main sights without much overlap, we’d recommend 3-4 days. However, feel free to plan your stay even longer, as you certainly won’t run out of things to do in Noosa.
