Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is the ultimate destination for a relaxed, beachy getaway. Here, you'll find a perfect blend of upscale dining, pristine beaches, and lush hinterland landscapes.
For nature lovers, Noosa is a haven of outdoor adventures. From scenic hikes and surfing to kayaking and breathtaking ocean views, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Conveniently located 162km north of Brisbane and a short 30-minute drive from Maroochydore Airport, the Noosa region is easily accessible yet feels like a world away.
Best beaches in Noosa
With so many good beaches in the area, it’s hard to pick the best. Noosa encompasses over a dozen beaches, each bringing something different – from bustling Main Beach and Little Cove to the quieter Marcus Beach and Alexandria Bay.
Noosa is a World Surfing Reserve, from northern Sunshine Beach, around Noosa National Park headland, and up to the Noosa River entrance.
Noosa Heads Main Beach
You can’t visit Noosa without checking out Noosa Heads Main Beach. This busy beach is patrolled, with Laguna Bay’s sheltered waters the perfect place for little ones to swim.
Tea Tree Bay Beach
Tea Tree Bay Beach is one of the best places to go for a surf in Noosa. Families can also picnic at this secluded spot, located just off the coastal walk and surrounded by trees.
Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach is the place to be for a more lowkey day out. Away from the crowds at Main Beach, Peregian Beach is still close to shops and restaurants while feeling a world away.
What to do in Noosa
Long lunches, boutique shopping, and days by the beach are the name of the game when it comes to Noosa’s Hastings Street. There’s something to suit everyone’s budget, from upscale eateries to casual restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll and shop local with a wide range of boutiques.
Start your Sundays right with a trip to the Noosa Farmers Market. Packed with local and seasonal produce and fresh seafood and meat products, you can get your weekly shop done – enjoying a few treats at the same time. Good coffee, freshly squeezed juices, yummy baked goods, and specialty cheeses are just a few things on the menu. If you’re looking for gifts, there’s also a large range of artwork and skincare products.
Spend a day out on the water with Noosa Watersports – their range of hires includes boats, jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, catamarans and offshore fishing charters. With 40km of the Noosa River’s waterways to explore, you’re sure to have a fantastic day out.
Love a bit of modern art? With over 80 established artists represented, Nissarana Galleries showcases paintings, ceramics, fine art photography, and sculpture.
Free Noosa activities for kids
Noosa is a nature-lover's paradise, with so many free things to see and do. Plus, select Noosa buses are free on the weekends, so you can get around without worrying about parking.
Noosa is home to two expansive national parks – Noosa National Park and Tewantin National Park. Step off the beaten track and spend a family day out exploring all that these national parks have to offer, from scenic hikes, mountain bike tracks, and lookouts to bird-watching, koala-spotting, and dips in the sea.
As magical as they sound, the Noosa Fairy Pools are two tidal rock pools hidden in Noosa National Park. The walk to reach the Fairy Pools is roughly half an hour each way – more if you’re stopping for photos and to enjoy the lookouts on the way!
Tucked away in the hinterland, the Noosa Botanic Gardens is a haven for native plants, exotic plants, and abundant wildlife. Kids will love searching for water dragons and turtles in the ponds, flying kites on the open lawns, and exploring the zen garden.
The still waters of Lake Weyba make for ideal fishing conditions, giving you and the kids the chance to reel in flathead, whiting, and bream. It’s safe for little ones, with its clear and shallow waters. Lake Weyba is located between Noosaville and Peregian Beach.
Where to eat in Noosa
Best Noosa restaurants
Humble on Duke is a small and eccentric restaurant with stellar reviews, tucked away in Sunshine Beach. Their ever-changing menu reflects nothing but the best when it comes to seasonal and local produce, with their popular ‘Feed Me’ or ‘Chef’s Choice’ menus available each night.
For peaceful views of the Noosa River, Gusto Riverfront Restaurant is the place to be. Casual yet classy, Gusto serves up modern Australian cuisine with a French influence.
Noosa restaurants on Hastings Street
Sails Restaurant Noosa sits at the edge of Hastings Street and offers ocean views – even from the back of the restaurant! This bright and airy restaurant has luxury vibes and it’s not hard to see why they have such glowing reviews.
Season Restaurant & Bar perfectly sums up the Hastings Street vibe – fresh seafood, ocean views, and great service. Season has extensive menus for both lunch and dinner.
Noosa restaurants for kids
Flo's Crêperie Noosa has the kids spoilt for choice with their extensive kids menu. Kids can choose from classic sweet crepes like butter and sugar or Nutella, or savoury galettes like ham and cheese or spinach and feta.
After a day at the beach, nothing hits the spot like Betty’s Burgers. There’s something for the whole family, with burgers and bowls for the grown-ups and small bites for the little ones.
When to visit Noosa
Noosa has fairly mild weather all year-round.
Temperatures in summer range from 21–29°C, with the days being warm and humid and the ocean at an ideal temperature to swim in. In summer, the crowds are a little bigger.
In winter, temperatures range from 11–22°C. The rain is minimal at this time of the year, with mild nights and warm, sunny days.
Between the good food, whale-watching, and hinterland activities, there’s so much to do in Noosa in winter.
Looking for a change in scenery?
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