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.
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 it 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 how,) Sunshine Beach is your best bet. Here, the waves are perfect, attracting surfers from all around the world. The beach has even been recognized by the World Surfing Reserves 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 Noosa. 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 of the park 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 from there along the coast. The best way to explore both Noosa and Noosa National Park is on foot, and the Noosa Coastal Walk is a testament to that. On our list of best things to do in Noosa, it takes the number one spot.
Tea Tree Bay
If you do decide 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 maybe even 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 there is no guard rail protecting visitors from the 10-meter drop into the sea below.
Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay is the best keep secret of Noosa National Park. It is the most secluded and peaceful beach in the area as it requires 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!
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 in 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.
Visit the 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. Click here for the official Noosa markets schedule.
Where to Stay in Noosa
Luckily for visitors, Noosa (and the rest of the Sunshine Coast for that matter) is an extremely 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 call 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.
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. 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.
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 center on Lake Weyba. This four-star hotel is eco-accredited by Ecotourism Australia.
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.
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 of Hastings Street. Here you’ll find raw treats, vegan yogurts, and organic protein options.
Coconut Head
Coconut Head serves delicious poke boles, burritos, and superfood snacks. You won’t’ find any processed food or extra sugar here; nearly everything is plant-based and good for both you and the environment.
Raw + Rice
Another great option located right off of 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.
How Much Time Do You Need in Noosa?
Noosa is a place where you could spend days on the beach and not be aware of the time passing by. Especially on the more peaceful and less crowded beaches, you could spend days at a time. However, if you want to see all the main sights of the area without much overlap, we’d recommend 3-4 days. However, feel free to plan your stay for even longer as you certainly won’t run out of things to do in Noosa.
Noosa is a popular destination on Australia’s Sunshine Coast for good reason. Between Noosa National Park, world-class beaches, and a friendly and eco-conscious community, Noosa really is a little slice of paradise.
Have you ever visited Noosa? What is your favourite beach?
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