One of the most popular beachside destinations in Australia, Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has everything you could want from a holiday. Lakes, stunning beaches, national parks and a hinterland, markets, day spas, golf courses, excellent food and lots of activities. Whether you want action or relaxation, Noosa has it all.
From zooming down the river to meandering through the markets, there’s always something to do in this seaside town.
See Noosa from a different perspective as you whizz across the Noosa River. There are two main options to choose from. The River Circuit is perfect for families or for people who are new to jet skiing or want to just take it easy. The Circuit provides a safe space to ride the jet skis at a slower pace so you can just enjoy being on the water. For the thrill seekers, there are also ocean tours you can go on which go out to the Noosa Bar. Jump the waves, and see all of Noosa’s famous points on a fast-paced guided tour.
If jet skis aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to explore Noosa’s waterways. Enjoy a private cruise on a gondola, cruise the water as the sun sets, jump onto a solar-powered canoe, go whale watching (from late July to end of October), or even explore Noosa’s everglades as you cruise through the lakes and wetlands.
Food, crafts, homewares or clothes, there are an abundance of markets in Noosa and the surrounds to keep you busy (and your wallets working overtime).
You can’t go past Eumundi Markets, a colourful food and art market held twice a week, rain, hail or shine. It’s known as Australia’s premier artisan market and is filled with locally made treasures. And the street food is delectable. As an added bonus, scattered throughout the stalls are buskers and street performers to keep you entertained as you shop. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Noosa and there are buses that go directly to the markets. Be prepared though, the markets get exceptionally busy.
The Noosa Farmers Market is a hive of activity every Sunday, nestled among the gum trees in Noosaville. The Market is packed with locally-produced seasonal produce including everything from nuts and seeds to marinades and sauces. There’s also skin care products, seafood that has literally just been caught and freshly baked breads. Indulge your senses and take a wander, as you snack on the delicious food and incredible coffee.
Jump on a ferry from Hastings St along the Noosa River and be delivered right to the entrance of the Noosa Marina Markets. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants that line the marina before wandering through the market stalls. There are locally-made crafts along with fresh produce, and music and entertainment fill the air. It’s truly a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
While many people associate Noosa with the sand and sea, the seaside resort town is actually surrounded by lush greenery and bushland. The Noosa Hinterland is perfect for nature lovers and has some excellent walks to enjoy, even for the least green among us.
The Botanic Gardens are a short drive from Cooroy on the shores of Lake Macdonald. There are more than eight hectares of native and international plant species to discover and there’s an abundance of wildlife that call the gardens home. There’s also a lily pond, picnic areas and playgrounds for the kids.
For those looking for exceptional walks around Noosa, look no further than the Great Noosa Trail. There are eight connected trails that pass through the national park and parklands through the Hinterland. There are short hour-long strolls through to a few hours trails. Along the trails, there are fantastic lookouts to admire the scenery as you go, including a spectacular view of the mountains.
Speaking of spectacular views, head to the top of Mt Tinbeerwah. You can drive almost to the top so don’t worry about exhausting your legs too much, and the walk itself is only about 300m long. The viewing platform at the top provides 360 degree views from the north of the Sunshine Coast. For the stargazers, head up around midnight. The mountain is out of range of the suburban lights so the starry sky shines bright as can be.
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There are an abundance of hotels and resorts in Noosa, whether on Hastings Street or in the surrounds.
The five-star RACV Noosa Resort is an excellent choice for those looking for affordable luxury accommodation options. It’s perfect for couples, families or groups as there are hotel and apartment options. While not in the hub of Hastings St, the resort has a shuttle down to Noosa Main Beach and there’s a large pool, and plenty of dining options on site.
Culgoa Point Beach Resort overlooks the Noosa River and is nestled on a secluded beach. It’s just a 10-minute flat walk to Hastings Street so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds – ocean and river. The resort is set over three acres of tropical gardens and offers plenty of water sports, a beautiful pool, tennis courts and even bike riding.
Set among five acres of lush gardens, South Pacific Resort offers bungalow style apartments with all the creature comforts of home, in a luxury setting. Despite being in Australia, you’ll feel like you’re in the South Pacific. The central location is within easy access to Noosa’s beaches, Noosa River, the national park and Hastings St.
For those who want to be in walking distance to the beach, look no further than the resorts, apartments and hotels lining Hastings Street.
With direct access to Noosa Main Beach, Seahaven is designed to accommodate every traveller looking for luxury. From studio apartments, right through to two-bedroom penthouses with rooftop terraces, the resort has three pools to choose from and manicured lawns to relax on. Open the gate and step straight onto the sand or step straight onto Hastings Street to enjoy the shops and restaurants.
Netayna Noosa offers one, two and three bedroom apartments and is situated right on the boardwalk of Noosa’s main beach. For a little bit of added luxury, there’s an in-house cellar and even gourmet groceries and hampers delivered to your door at your request. There’s a relaxing day spa on site too so you can have your troubles massaged away any day of the week.
While not on the beachfront, the Sebel is a terrific option for families of all sizes. It’s just across the road from the beach and it’s situated above the famous Aroma Café, where many flock to people-watch as they sip on a coffee or a cocktail. There’s an excellent pool and apartment options for those who need a little bit of extra space.
The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort has direct access to the river on one side direct access to Hastings Street on the other, right in the heart of everything. You’re just steps away from the beach and the luxurious resort truly has everything, including a day spa and numerous restaurants on site.
For those who want to stay close to nature, Noosa has numerous options.
Pitch Luxury Camping offers bespoke glamping tents that can be set up on any of the private or public camping grounds in the Noosa region. The tents include queen size beds, bespoke furnishings and anything else you may need. The set up and pack down is all done for you, and added extras such as food hampers or fairy lights can be organised.
Base yourself at Noosa Caravan Park to explore the wonderful surrounding region. It’s located just a short drive away from Noosa River, Hastings Street and the beautiful beaches and caravans are on offer for two to six people.
Situated on the banks of the Noosa River, the Noosa River Holiday Park is one of the most popular holiday parks on the Queensland Coast, probably due to its gorgeous setting. Ideal for caravans, campers, RVs and tents, there are options for slabbed and non-slabbed sites plus a selection of waterfront options.
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There are so many great food finds in Noosa, it’s hard to pinpoint the best of the best.
For the more casual diners, head to Betty’s Burgers. Warning, it gets busy, no matter what time of day, but the staff are attentive and they know how to move the queue along quickly. A 1950s-inspired burger shack, Betty’s Burgers is famous for serving fresh and juicy burgers alongside delicious milkshakes and desserts. Run, don’t walk.
For some more relaxed and trendy vibes, head to Miss Moneypennys on Hastings Street or Sum Young Guys in Sunshine Beach. To go a bit more upmarket, there’s Sails, Noosa Beach House, ALBA by Kuruvita and Cafe Le Monde.
For breakfast, you can’t go past Bistro C or Season, both located on the boardwalk so you can watch the waves roll in.
And for any meal of the day, including a morning snack or an afternoon cocktail, head to Aroma. The tables are set up to watch the world go by on Hastings Street and the menu is so varied, you can literally stay here all day working your way through it.
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What’s fantastic about Noosa is that if you have a car, there is a lot to explore. Noosa is not just Hastings Street, although this is the area Noosa is most famous for. If you don’t have access to a car, there are many ways to get around. And if you’re keen to just stay on the main strip, there’s absolutely no need for any mode of transport, as everything is at your fingertips.
For those looking for a bit of an adventure, however, hop on board a four-wheel drive and discover the sand dunes. The area is only accessible by 4×4 and it’s absolutely incredible to drive along the white sandy beaches. The scenery constantly changes as you move along the sand and there are various stops you can make along the way. The views from Double Island Point Lighthouse are simply breathtaking, the colour sands at Rainbow Beach are fascinating and the secluded lagoon at Honeymoon Bay is a must-see.
Whether it’s sand, surf, river or bush you’re after, Noosa has it all. For the thrill-seekers there are ample adventures and for those who simply want to relax, the sand, the sea and the restaurants are calling your name.
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