Visiting Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast? Well, you’ll be pleased to learn there’s no shortage of exciting activities and sights to enjoy during your stay!
The picturesque beaches are famous for having no high-rise development along the fringes, instead allowing the bushy greenery to flourish. Within these boundaries, you will discover natural attractions filled with endless things to do in Noosa for families, fitness freaks, and even daredevils!
And if you’re still thirsty for more after drinking in all the scenery, countless fine-dining restaurants, cafes, markets and breweries are nearby to replenish and relax.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are some top things locals and tourists love to enjoy in Noosa.
Noosa Main Beach & Other Sunny Shores Along the Sunshine Coast
There are many of Australia’s best beaches waiting for you on the Sunshine Coast, but when in Noosa, your priority should always be Noosa Main Beach.
This clean and sparkling strip is lined with pandanus, pines, and palm trees, making the boardwalk perfect for a sunset stroll. The surf is usually gentle, so it’s great for swimming and splashing about.
If you’re after a surf beach, try First Point. This is where the Noosa Festival of Surfing takes place each year, reeling in plenty of locals and tourists alike.
Meanwhile, Little Cove Beach is a gem just adjacent to Noosa Main Beach. This tranquil slice of heaven is lesser known, but also has calm waters that are great for the kids. It’s also walking distance from the famous Hastings Street – one of the Noosa shopping favourites, featuring everything from boutiques to alfresco cafés. If you still have time, be sure to visit more of the regionstate’s gorgeous beaches, including:
- Noosa North Shore
- Rainbow Beach
- Laguna Lookout
- Granite Bay
- Alexandria Bay
- Sunshine Beach
Noosa National Park
The Noosa National Park stretches over 4000 hectares right at the headlands of Noosa and is home to much of the nation’s most iconic wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of some koalas, dolphins and whales in their natural habitats, not to mention an assortment of Australia’s bird species!
You will also find a walking track running through the national park suitable for all visitors. With a range of distances and difficulties available to explore the region’s natural beauty, choose between:
- The Boiling Pot trail to Tea Tree Bay: Offers complete views of Noosa’s stunning beaches.
- Dolphin Point: Between June to November is prime season for whale and dolphin spotting.
- Tanglewood Walk, The Hawkea Walk, or Emu Mountain: Challenging climbs, but each delivers breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
If you take a walk along the eastern side of Noosa National Park, you’ll feel spoiled with picturesque scenes of Lion’s Rock, Paradise Caves and Devil’s Kitchen.
After burning up a sweat on your hike, you can head to the nearby Sunshine Beach to cool off.
Noosa Farmers Market
If you want fresh local produce and artisan foods, look no further than the Noosa Farmers Markets. What will you discover there? Well, be on the lookout for:
- Homemade jams
- Dips, marinades and sauces
- Fresh-caught seafood
- Pies
- Loaves of bread
- Cakes
- Plants
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Natural skincare products
- And much more!
There is often live music playing in the background, too, perfect for those moments you just want to sit back and absorb the surroundings.
When you’re done, stock up on all the delicious goodies available and take some souvenirs home for friends and family. You’ll find this hotspot at 155 Weyba Road, Noosaville, open every Sunday morning from 7 am to 12 pm.
Another option for a waterside alternative to the Noosa Farmers Markets is the Noosa Marina markets, which overlook the Noosa River. Head here between 8 am and 1:30 pm on Sundays.
Noosa Everglades
There are only two Everglades systems in the entire world, and the Noosa Everglades is one of them. What is an everglade, you ask? Quite simply it is a unique, swampy grassland. Situated along the Noosa River and stretching for 60km, they are referred to as the River of Mirrors, given how the water beautifully reflects the surroundings.
You can explore the Everglades in various ways, with guided kayaks and boat tours among the favourites.
If you don’t fancy these quintessential Noosa tours, you can simply enjoy the serenity by hiring a canoe or kayak and sailing, kite surfing, or paddling. You can even take a walk along the many available walking tracks.
The beauty of this environment is that it’s generally untouched and contains one of the most diverse ecosystems in Australia. Be sure to pack your camera or charge up your smartphone beforehand – there are plenty of opportunities for social-worthy snaps, especially when catching a glimpse of native birds and marine life.
Although it’s one of the more hidden things to do in Noosa, you can get to it easily, and it isn’t far from Noosa Heads. For example, if you’re doing a Noosa Everglades tour by kayak or boat, you’ll depart from Boreen Point or Elanda Point. You can also sail your boat along the upper part of the Noosa River and through the lakes system.
Noosa Craft Breweries
If you’ve had enough of the national parks and Noosa beaches, you can relax more comfortably by having a cold one (or two, or three!).
There are over 20 breweries on the Sunshine Coast to discover. The most famous is the Heads of Noosa brewery, but other popular options include the Land & Sea and Boiling Pot Finally, Noosa Hinterland Brewing is situated in Cooran and offers a much-loved ploughman’s lunch.
Tip: Travelling from overseas? Take note that the legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years and over.
A Quick Summary of Your To-Do List When You Visit Noosa
A day trip certainly isn’t enough time to visit Noosa and experience everything it has to offer, but if you’re short on time, we’ve narrowed everything down to the top things to do in Noosa.
If you’re looking to experience the very best of Sunshine Coast beaches and really see what the region of Noosa Heads has to offer, it all starts here:
- SPLASH: Swim and sunbake on the white sands of the beautiful beaches. Pack a picnic or head over to Hastings Street for a lazy lunch.
- WALK: Take a walk or hike in Noosa National Park and treat yourself to the breathtaking views.
- SHOP: Explore the local Noosa markets and purchase fresh produce.
- IMMERSE: Experience the unique and fascinating Everglades.
- INDULGE: Taste some of the Sunshine Coast’s best beer from various Noosa breweries.
Book Your Noosa Accommodation Today!
The quaint town of Noosa boasts many opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge your systems. Plus, there are loads of beautiful seaside accommodation options (like Sunshine Towers) close to the Sunshine Coast airport and within walking distance from the surf.
Start planning your trip to the Sunshine Coast and make sure to spend some time in Noosa.
