Noosa is Australia’s favourite Holiday Hotspot.
Noosa is a stylish beachside resort-town at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast in sunny Queensland that’s become famous as Australia’s holiday hotspot. Although famous for its trendy boutiques, alfresco restaurants and its chic cafe scene, it was not a surprise to learn that people simply go to Noosa for it’s beaches, surf and its glorious sunshine!
In 2018 this beautiful seaside town was rated in the top four beaches in Australia by the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. With beautiful blue, crystal clear waters and perfect white sand – what better place to take your holidays.
There are so many things I love about Noosa. My ‘to do’ list grows every time we visit so settle in and read up on everything you need to know for your next holiday to this beautiful spot.
My favourite highlights
- Noosa National Park
- Award-winning cafes, restaurants and classy boutiques
- The glorious sunshine and fabulous beaches
The Best Things to do in Noosa
Chill out on Noosa Main Beach
This is a world famous holiday destination, and with Main Beach right in the centre of town Noosa is a favourite spot for locals and visitors. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear water while working on hard on developing your Queensland suntan. Remember, wear plenty of sunscreen!
Window Shop along Hastings Street
Take a walk down Hastings Street and check out the shopping options. There’s a great choice of trendy shops and boutiques that you may have to investigate. Step into one of the funky cafes for a healthy lunch or dine in style at world-famous restaurants! Do some serious people watching as you relax and unwind.
Go Surfing
The local beaches are great for surfing. Surfing can be a load of fun so consider booking a ‘Learn to Surf’ lesson or hire a body board from the local surf club. With its family friendly sheltered beach, Noosa Main Beach is one of the best beaches to visit!
Noosa National Park Coastal Walk
Explore the fantastic walking paths through Noosa National Park. Starting at the end of Hastings Street, The Noosa Heads Coastal Walk will take you from Main Beach to Sunshine Beach. It’s 5.4 kilometres long so you will need to allow at least 3 hours to complete the walk. Make sure you take your camera as there are tons of spectacular photo moments, and opportunities for a refreshing swim along the way.
You’ll discover a number of secluded beaches, rugged coastal headlands and amazing views from Noosa Heads. Keep an eye open high up in the trees for sleepy koalas and if you’re lucky might see a pod of dolphins frolicking in the ocean or in winter time. But wait there’s more … Humpback whales pass by on their migratory path north.
Enjoy Noosa sunrise reflecting over the water
Be ready to catch one of the perfect sunrise whilst in Noosa. There is nothing so rewarding than seeing the beautiful soft colours as the sun rises and reflects across the water. You’ll love the colours!
It’s a great time to practice your Golden Hour Photography.
Laguna Lookout walk
The Laguna Lookout walk is one of my favourites, especially at sunset. The trail to the lookout begins from Viewland Drive in Noosa Heads and will take you around 15 minutes to reach the top. The view overlooking the whole of Noosa Bay is magnificent.
Sunset River Cruise
Round off your perfect day with a Sunset Cruise along the Noosa River. Leaving the Noosa Marina, past Richard Branson’s Makepeace Island and the North Shore ferry crossing to the stunning Lake Cooroibah. Sip a glass of wine or enjoy a cold beer while you take in the most magnificent sunsets. An absolute ‘must-do’!
Eumundi Markets
Eumundi Markets are without a doubt, one of the best markets in Australia. Just a short drive from Noosa, the Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday come rain, hail or shine!
Famous for locally made artisan treasures, you will find anything from handcrafted furniture, homewares, artworks, ceramics, cutting-edge fashion and jewellery.
Talented local farmers and bakers are happy to tell you about their fresh produce and gourmet delights. When you need a rest from browsing, rejuvenate yourself with a massage, have your fortune told or enjoy some of the street performances and local musicians. You will love the Eumundi experience.
Head to Noosa North Shore on the Ferry
Do something a little different. Noosa North Shore Car Ferries provide a ferry service taking you and your vehicle to the North Shore beaches on sealed roads. If you have a 4WD, opt to drive along the spectacular 60 kilometre sandy beach to Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach.
Visit the Coloured Sands on Teewah Beach and check out the historic lighthouse while you’re there. It’s a great vantage point for watching whales migrate north. Noosa North Shore is a fishing paradise, so take your rod and tackle to catch yourself a feast! No excuses, you’ll find the ferry timetable here!
Noosa Everglades
Did you know the Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglades systems on Earth?
Stretching over 60 kilometres of pristine waters, magnificent flora and fauna and narrow waterways, you can explore the Noosa Everglades using guided or self-guided kayak tours from Boreen Point, or by boat from Noosaville. It’s easy to get to, and can take as little as half a day to explore.
Events and Festivals to add to your bucket list
Every year Noosa hosts a number of prominent events or festivals so consider timing your visit to the Sunshine Coast with one of these fabulous events.
- February: Noosa Summer Swim. The Noosa Summer Swim is a bucket list event for any keen ocean swimmer.
- March: Noosa Festival of Surfing. An event running over two decades this festival draws world champions and legendary surfers from around the world.
- May: Noosa Food and Wine Festival which regularly attracts the best chefs in Australia and is one of Australia’s premier food, wine and lifestyle events.
- August: Noosa Strade Bianche Cycling Event. This 2 day retro bike ride through the hinterlands brings cyclists from around the world with their eclectic collection of retro bikes. The 160 kilometre ride is a fun event and finishes with a buy, swap and sell at the Noosa Marina on Sunday. Come and say hello – we’ll be there! Read more about this fun event.
- September: Noosa Jazz Festival. Australia’s most unique jazz event brings together Australia’s leading jazz musicians for a feast of exciting and challenging classic jazz performances.
- October: Noosa Triathlon. Australia’s highest profile triathlon event, Noosa is the largest Olympic distance triathlon in the world.
Where to eat & drink in Noosa
There is a selection of award winning cafes and restaurants to try in Noosa and the nearby towns. Try a few of our favourites.
Noosa Surf club: The views are hard to beat from the Noosa Surf Lifesaving Club. Like most surf clubs, it features a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere are a great place for breakfast (on the weekends) or lunch or dinner any other time!
Cafe Le Monde: Casual, Cafe Le Monde is a local favourite and is one of Hastings Street’s most well known restaurant/bars, and has long been a must visit experience when visiting Noosa.
Noosa Beach House: One of our favourites, Noosa Beach House is home of the creative Celebrity Chef Peter Kuruvita. Located on Hastings Street, its a great place to enjoy Noosa at its best. People-watch with a cool drink in the bar or relax over a leisurely lunch or dinner after a hard day at the beach.
Miss Moneypenny’s: Miss Moneypenny’s is a stylish venue with a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on social dining that offers a diverse range of cocktails, influenced by modern Mediterranean cuisine. Something different!
Thomas Corner Eatery: On the corner at Noosaville you can’t go past Thomas Corner Eatery. We stumbled in here with a bunch of friends for an impromptu breakfast and enjoyed one of the most awesome breakfast menus ever! We’ll definitely be back!
Plan your trip to Noosa
We travel frequently and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental.
With over 700,000+ hotels, apartments and hostels worldwide. Booking.com is my ‘go-to’ for accommodation bookings. Free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
Booking.com
Inspired? Pin this for later …
