Noosa, located on the stunning Sunshine Coast of Australia, is an ideal destination for a day trip. Whether you enjoy lively town centres with bustling shops, fancy restaurants and hotels or prefer to immerse yourself in nature, Noosa offers something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this beautiful coastal town.
Morning arrival and beachside lunch
Arrive in Noosa late in the morning and head straight to the main beach. You may want to enjoy the coastal town vibes for a while.
Grab some lunch from one of the local cafes and enjoy a relaxed picnic on the beach from one of the seats in the shade on the boardwalk. The gentle waves and golden sand create a perfect backdrop. Alternatively, the surf club also offers perfect views for an easy meal.
Afternoon Adventure in Noosa National Park
Hiking
After lunch, a 1.2km walk with nice beach views will lead you to Noosa National Park. This natural haven offers a variety of trails and you can go down to a few beaches on the way.
The coastal walk is a must, especially as part of it to Dolphin Point is on an easy, accessible path. It winds along the coastline and a little bit in the forest if you push to Hell’s Gate, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for goannas, pythons, echidnas, sea turtles, dolphins, and even humpback whales in winter.
Unfortunately, despite the signs indicating you are in a koala habitat, they weren’t very successful at re-introducing koalas in Noosa National Park. We haven’t seen one in years, and they have now removed the koala sighting information from the chalkboard at the information centre. The recent sightings on the iNaturalist website are very rare, too. If you want to try to see wild koalas in Noosa, we were recommended Tewantin National Park instead.
As you explore, don’t miss Hell’s Gate, a stunning lookout point perfect for spotting dolphins and whales. It’s around a 7-kilometre return walk from the entrance of the national park.
Continue down to Alexandria Bay, a secluded beach accessible only by foot. It’s a serene spot for some quiet time, though be prepared to maybe see a few naturists enjoying the sun.
You can continue walking all along the bay to end up on Sunshine Beach, where a bus will take you back to Noosa. If you choose to walk back to where you came from instead of catching the bus, you’ll get amazing sunset views all along the coastal path. You’ll have to finish the walk in the dark, but it’s not a problem as the path is easy to follow and quite regular.
From the sea
If you don’t feel like hiking, you can hop on a boat* or hire a kayak to explore the coast along the national park. You’re very likely to spot dolphins.
Sunset at Laguna Lookout
End your day with a visit to Laguna Lookout. This spot offers panoramic views of Noosa and the surrounding areas, making it ideal for watching the sunset. The vibrant colours of the sky reflecting off the water create a magical end to your afternoon.
Evening in town
As night falls, head back to Hastings Street, Noosa’s vibrant town centre. Enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants. Whether you prefer fresh seafood, modern Australian cuisine, or international flavours, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. After dinner, relax in one of the open-terrace bars with live music and great cocktails, soaking up the lively atmosphere.
If you want to stay longer in Noosa
Accommodation
If you decide to extend your stay, Noosa offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious apartments. Staying close to the main beach and town centre is highly recommended for its convenience and lively atmosphere. Click here to view available accommodations*.
Nearby excursions
When you had enough of the ocean, walking around town will also lead you to lovely canals for a different atmosphere.
If you have more time, explore the Noosa Everglades by kayak or join a cruise*. Another fantastic trip is to Rainbow Beach‘s sand formations, accessible from Noosa by 4WD* via the beautiful Double Island Point.
Special treat
Don’t forget to stop by the Noosa Chocolate Factory for a sweet treat. While you can’t see the chocolates being made, the delicious taste is worth the visit.
What are your favourite things to do in Noosa? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where is Noosa?
Noosa is on the Sunshine Coast, in Australia. It takes approximately 1hr45 to drive there from Brisbane.
It can be hard to find a spot to park your car in Noosa if you’re there on a busy weekend. There’s a public car park in the town centre, limited to three hours. It’s often full, so you’ll need to be patient. The car park at the national park entrance is limited to four hours. Often, it’s better to park a bit outside town to catch the bus and walk to places.
Finding parking in Noosa can be challenging, especially on weekends. There are public car parks in the town centre and at the entrance of the national park, but these often fill up quickly and are limited in time. If you don’t want to waste time (and patience) looking for a parking spot, consider parking a bit outside town and catching a bus or walking to your destination.
