Noosa is a charming town on the east coast of Australia, offering a great mix of nature and city life. The town center borders Noosa National Park, where you can enjoy beautiful walks and spot wildlife such as koalas and kookaburras. Additionally, Noosa is nestled between the ocean and several lakes, offering plenty of fun water activities. (Kite) surfers can have a blast, but you can also explore the waters by boat. Besides all the sights and activities, there are many great restaurants, shops, and other hotspots. In this extensive travel guide to Noosa, you’ll find our tips to make the most of your visit!

What to do in Noosa?

There are plenty of things to do in Noosa, from exciting day trips, walks, and fun activities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Explore the Noosa Everglades by canoe or boat

One of the most fun things to do in Noosa is visit the Noosa Everglades. The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems in the world (the other is in Florida, USA). An everglade consists of a network of rivers, lakes, and swamps, surrounded by dense mangrove forests, rainforests, and vast wetlands. It attracts unique flora and fauna, and more than 44% of Australia’s bird species live in this natural area.

One of the best ways to explore the Noosa Everglades is by taking the Explorer Cruise. You first head deeper into the everglades by boat, after which you can (optionally) hop into a canoe to paddle through narrow rivers and canals. The water is often so still that it resembles a mirror, creating beautiful reflections. A passionate eco-guide joins the tour, sharing fascinating information about the everglades, the ecosystem, and the wildlife.

Enjoy food and shopping on Hastings Street

Hastings Street is the place to be in Noosa for a bite to eat or a spot of shopping. There are mostly high-end boutiques and restaurants, but you’ll also find a few affordable gems. This street runs parallel to the expansive Noosa Main Beach, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a beach walk or a swim in the ocean.

Walk the Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park

Noosa borders Noosa National Park, where you can enjoy a beautiful walk. The Coastal Walk is 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles) long (one way) and winds along the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass lovely coves and walk between towering eucalyptus trees. If you’re lucky, you might spot a koala!

It’s recommended to start the walk at Sunshine Beach. The best time for this is during sunrise. Most people walk the route the other way around, but we think it’s a missed opportunity, as watching the sunrise at Sunshine Beach is phenomenal. Have your own transport? Park at this parking spot. Watch the sunrise at Sunshine Beach, then follow the winding path up into Noosa National Park. The trail has some elevation changes but is mostly flat. You’ll first walk to Alexandria Bay, where you can continue along the beach to Hells Gate. A bit further, you’ll find the famous Fairy Pools, which you’ll need to leave the trail to reach. The Fairy Pools are natural tidal pools in the rocks that become visible at low tide. Afterward, continue on the path to Dolphin Lookout, where, with luck, you might spot dolphins (and whales). Lastly, you’ll pass the charming Tea Tree Beach, a spot known for its tall eucalyptus trees, where koalas are often spotted. From here, you can either take an Uber back to the parking lot or retrace your steps.

Tip: Treat yourself afterward to a delicious breakfast like an acai bowl at Olakino or go for a heartier breakfast at Noosa Social.

Browse Eumundi Market

Are you in Noosa on a Wednesday or Saturday? If so, it’s worth driving to Eumundi Market. This market takes place in the village of Eumundi, about a 20-minute drive from Noosa. With over 600 stalls, it’s one of the largest markets in Australia. You’ll find handmade art, clothing, jewelry, and many delicious treats. If you’re driving, you can park in the paid parking lot. Direct buses from Noosa’s center also go to Eumundi.

Swim and watch the sunset at Noosa Spit

Noosa Spit is part of the Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, a peninsula that stretches to the mouth of the river. At Noosa Spit, the river and the sea meet, and there are many sandbanks. During low tide, several pools of warm water form, and when the tide comes in, the current picks up. It’s fun to let yourself drift along!

During the day, you can relax on the beach and soak up the sun. When the sun sets, a festive atmosphere often forms, with groups of people and music. There are parking spots at Noosa Spit, but these fill up quickly on sunny days. A little further into Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, you’ll find more parking. This is the location of Noosa Spit.

Good to know: During high tide, the beach can sometimes completely disappear.

Take a (multi-day) trip to K’gari (Fraser Island)

K’gari Island – formerly known as Fraser Island – has everything you need for an adventurous trip. You can see wild dingoes, swim in crystal-clear lakes, drive a 4×4 across vast beaches, and visit the untouched rainforest. With a length of 123 kilometers (76.4 miles) and a width of 22 kilometers (13.7 miles), K’gari is the largest sand island in the world. The whole island is made of sand, but despite this, there’s an abundance of rainforest and other vegetation. K’gari also has over 100 crystal-clear freshwater lakes, with Lake McKenzie being one of the most famous. This lake is fed only by rainwater, making it exceptionally clear and clean. In short, K’gari is a unique island with everything you need for a fun (multi-day) trip.

• Three-day 4WD tour – For the ultimate K’gari experience, this is the best tour. In a 4×4, you’ll drive across the island, and if you want (and have an international driver’s license), you can drive yourself. You’ll cruise across vast beaches and through stunning rainforests. During the day, you’ll visit the best spots on K’gari, and since you’re on the island for three days, you’ll see almost the entire place. You’ll camp on the beach for two nights. In the evening, the campfire is lit, and you’ll enjoy the clearest night sky. This is a great tour for having fun with other travelers. It’s recommended to book this tour in advance.
• Two-day 4WD tour – If three days is too long, you can opt for the two-day tour. The cost difference isn’t much, so only choose this option if you think three days is too long. During the two-day tour, you’ll also drive a 4×4 across K’gari, visit beautiful spots, and camp for one night on the beach.
• Day trip to K’Gari – With the day trip, you’ll leave early in the morning for K’gari and see the highlights in just one day. You’ll travel across the island in a rugged tour bus and visit places like Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, and the expansive 5 Mile Beach. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy these spots, swim, and, of course, lunch is included.

Note: The K’gari tours start in Rainbow Beach, 1.5 hours’ drive north of Noosa. If you’d like to stay overnight in Rainbow Beach before or after the tour, Debbie’s Place is one of the best places to stay. If a hostel suits you more, Freedom Backpackers Hostel is one of the few options.

Watch the sunset at Laguna Lookout

Laguna Lookout is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. It’s located on a hill near the town center. From here, you have views over Noosa, the river, the coastline, and, on clear days, you can even see the Glass House Mountains in the distance. It’s easily reachable by car, but you can also walk up. The walk takes about half an hour on a lovely path. There’s a platform to enjoy the view, and there’s also a grassy area where you can sit with your own blanket and some snacks.

(Learn to) Surf in Noosa

Do you love surfing or want to learn how to surf? In Noosa, you’ll find several surf spots for both beginners and advanced surfers. First Point, all the way to the right of Main Beach, is the most popular surf spot. Here, you’ll find waves perfect for longboarders and beginner surfers. For slightly more advanced surfers, Tea Tree Bay is ideal. Extra special is that you can look out over the many eucalyptus trees of Noosa National Park while surfing.

Every year, Noosa hosts the Noosa Festival of Surfing, usually in March. This festival attracts surfers from all over the world for surf competitions, but many other activities are also organized, such as performances and workshops. A fun part of the festival is the Noosa Surfing Dog Championship, where dogs join their owners to surf the waves.

Surf tip: Always wanted to learn how to surf? During this 2-hour surf lesson, you’ll learn all the tricks of the trade and be riding waves in no time!

Rent a boat and explore the waters of Noosa

One of the most fun things to do in Noosa is to rent a boat and go for a nice sail! You can drive the boat yourself without needing a boating license. We rented ours from Pelican Boat Rental. They’ll explain exactly where you can sail and what to keep in mind. You don’t head out into the open sea but rather cruise through a calm river. Along the way, you’ll pass neighborhoods with expensive waterfront villas, and further along, you can dock at beautiful beaches between sandbanks. Don’t forget to bring some snacks and drinks with you. It’s also fun to bring a speaker along if you have one on your trip.

The best restaurants in Noosa

Sum Yung Guys Restaurant – This restaurant is one of the best in Noosa. The menu features modern Asian dishes, and one of the chefs is Matthew Sinclair, a well-known contestant from Masterchef. To secure a spot, it’s best to make a reservation.
Olakino – In this cozy spot, you can create your own acai bowl and enjoy delicious coffee.
Noosa Social – For a heartier breakfast or lunch, this is the place to be. Order one of the healthy dishes with plenty of fresh ingredients.
Black Pepper Cafe – Black Pepper Cafe is another great choice for breakfast and lunch. The menu is full of tasty options for all appetites.
Depot Noosa – At Depot Noosa, you can enjoy an all-day brunch, with options like superfood bowls, brekky rolls, sweet waffles, and delicious coffee.
Flo’s Crêperie Noosa – A little bit of France in Noosa! Here, you’ll eat delicious crêpes. Choose your favorite topping and be treated to an ultimate flavor explosion.
El Capitano – Delicious pizzas and cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
Sunshine Beach Road – This lively street has many restaurants and a few bars, perfect for dinner or an evening drink.

Our favorite places to stay in Noosa

In a fantastic location in the center of Noosa, you’ll find the unique accommodation Halse Lodge Noosa Heads. Both the beach, Noosa National Park, and all the restaurants and shops are just a stone’s throw away. But that’s not all. The lodge, built in 1880, has recently been completely renovated. The interior is incredibly stylish, and the comfort is top-notch. Fun activities are organized, there’s a great restaurant, and lovely communal spaces. If you prefer to stay in accommodation with a pool, Noosa Flashpackers is the place to be in Noosa. This social hostel is just 20 meters (65 feet) from Noosa National Park and close to Sunshine Beach. The center is a 20-minute walk away, but there are daily free shuttles from the hostel. Noosa Flashpackers organizes many fun activities, has a lovely pool, and a large communal kitchen. Lastly, we’d like to recommend Bounce Noosa. Every corner of this hostel looks beautiful, but the real eye-catcher is the pool. One side of the pool is made of glass! Around the pool are plenty of comfy lounge chairs, and both the rooms and dorms are well-equipped. Bounce Noosa is a little further from the center, but they also offer free shuttles.

Halse Lodge Noosa Heads More Info

Noosa Flashpackers More Info

Bounce Noosa More Info