16 Best Things to Do in Noosa & Surrounds (Local Guide)

Last Update: September 2026

Noosa is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, the Noosa River, nearby hinterland villages and the incredible Noosa Everglades, there is much more to Noosa than Hastings Street and Main Beach.

We’ve lived on the Sunshine Coast for several years now and Noosa is somewhere we return to regularly. While we personally prefer exploring its quieter beaches, national park, river and surrounding hinterland to the busy centre of town, there really is something here for everyone.

Whether you’re visiting Noosa for a weekend or staying for a week, here are some of our favourite things to do in Noosa and the surrounding area, including a few easy day trips.

If it’s your first visit: Don’t miss Noosa National Park, the Noosa River and the Everglades. For views without the Hastings Street crowds, we also love Mt Tinbeerwah and exploring the hinterland.

What to do in Noosa and surrounds

1- Spend the morning exploring Noosa National Park

One of our favourite things to do in Noosa, and an absolute must-do, is exploring Noosa National Park. The beautiful Coastal Walk takes you past secluded beaches and spectacular ocean views, with popular stops including Dolphin Point and Hell’s Gates.

You can easily spend a morning walking part of the coastal track or make a full day of it and explore some of the other trails through the national park. There are plenty of spots along the way to stop, take a break and enjoy the views. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, koalas are sometimes spotted in the trees, if you’re lucky!

If you visit between June and November, you might even spot some whales, as they do like to hang around the Sunshine Coast around that time of the year.

The entrance of the Noosa National Park is walking distance from the Main Beach. You get there by walking along a wooden boardwalk beside the ocean.

If you are not staying near Noosa’s Main Street and need to drive to the entrance, there is free parking at the entrance. However, it fills up very quickly. You’ll need to arrive very early to find a spot.

We normally park in Sunshine Beach instead and walk to the Sunshine Beach entrance to the national park that is located at the northern end of Sunshine Beach. There are quite a few steps to climb, so it a little harder but it’s much easier to park.

2- Take a sunset cruise along the river

There’s nothing quite like watching the transition from daylight to dusk over the Noosa River.

Join Noosa River & Canal Cruises for a sunset cruise and bring your own snacks to enjoy as you listen to the skipper’s commentary about the river, the town, and the stories of some of the houses along the river. There is a fully licensed bar onboard. You’ll be surprised to hear how much some of those houses recently sold for!

The two-hour cruise costs $38 for adults and $21 for children. We highly recommend it as a fantastic way to start the evening.

3- Learn to Surf

Noosa is a world-class surfing destination, so if you’re a surfer, you’ll have a great time surfing the waves here.

If you’re not a surfer but want to learn, consider taking surfing lessons at Noosa Main Beach. This stunning white-sand beach is a perfect place to relax after your lesson.

Be sure to choose a local instructor – there are many to choose from in Noosa Heads

4- Shop till you drop or people watch on Hasting Street

Hasting Street was voted the best main street in Australia. It’s the heart of Noosa and a great place to people-watch.

You’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, tour operators, hotels, and everything else you might need. It’s also right next to the main beach.

Personally, I find it too fancy for my taste, and parking can be a hassle, but I know many people who love it. To each their own!

5- Take a canoeing trip to the Noosa Everglades

There are only two everglades in the world – one in Florida and one in Noosa. The Noosa Everglades, also known as the “river of mirrors” because of its stunning reflections, is home to 40% of native bird species found in Australia – more than you’ll find in Kakadu National Park in an area 25 times smaller.

The best way to experience the Noosa Everglades ecosystem is by canoe, and Everglades Eco Safari offers daily tours with hotel pick-up. The starting point is about 40 minutes from Noosa Heads.

You can either stay on the vessel and enjoy the views or opt for the 5-kilometer canoe ride from Fig Tree Point to historic Harry’s hut. It’s a lot of fun and a unique way to see the Everglades.

6- Hike up Mount Coolum

As you approach the Sunshine Coast airport by air, you can’t miss the imposing view of Mount Coolum.

Standing 208 meters above sea level, this mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast from the top, which you can reach by hiking up a steep trail that traverses the rock face.

The first part of the track is a nice stroll through native bushland and forest. Be careful on the slippery, rocky section near the top, especially when it’s wet.

It takes about 45 minutes to climb up and about 30 minutes to hike down. The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from Noosa, or you can take the No. 620 bus.

7-Relax on the beach

The Sunshine Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, and Noosa has some of the best. With white sand and crystal-clear water, you’ll want to lay your towel down and relax.

Some beaches, like Noosa Main Beach, Alexandria Bay, and Sunshine Beach, are great for surfing, while others, like those at Noosa Spit, are perfect for swimming because the water is protected and calm.

All of Noosa’s beaches are worth a visit for all you beach bums out there!

8- Browse through the Eumundi Market

Eumundi Market is a must-see attraction, drawing visitors from all over every Wednesday and Saturday.

With over 600 stalls offering handmade furniture, homewares, art, ceramics, fashion, food, health products, and jewellery, there’s so much to see and explore as you wander through the rows of this fascinating market.

Starting with just 3 stalls in 1979, it has grown to become Australia’s largest and best artisan market. All items sold at the market are locally made.

Whether you love artisan wares or simply want some good food, the Eumundi Market is the perfect place to buy souvenirs of the region.

It runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, rain, or shine.

9- Check out the views at Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout

Mt. Tinbeerwah lookout trail is just a 15-minute drive from Noosa Heads and perfect for those who want breathtaking views without a strenuous hike. The 1-kilometer return trail is easy, and the stunning views from the top include both the hinterland and the coast.

The walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible to the first lookout point, which offers views of the coast.

If you continue past the first lookout to the fire tower lookout (an additional 300 meters), you’ll be treated to panoramic 360-degree views of Noosa and the Pacific Ocean.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take in the magnificent vistas.

10- Visit the Noosa Botanic Gardens

The Noosa Botanic Gardens are in the hinterland near Cooroy, on the shores of Lake Macdonald.

Comprising eight hectares of native and exotic plant species, these gardens are home to an abundance of wildlife and a great place for a leisurely stroll or picnic with friends.

There are picnic tables, as well as many benches scattered throughout the gardens, providing a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The outdoor stone amphitheatre overlooking Lake MacDonald is a beautiful location for photos.

The gardens are open 24/7 and are free to enter. You can get there by car or taxi, which takes about 25 minutes from Noosa.

11- Hire a BBQ boat on the Noosa River

The beautiful Noosa River winds its way around small inland islands before emptying into the sea at the River mouth.

A great way to spend a magical day on the river is by hiring a small boat and cruising along, taking in the stunning mansions along the way and stopping whenever you feel like it. You can anchor the boat wherever you want and jump in for a refreshing swim or find a secluded beach to enjoy with friends.

There are many boat rental companies along the Esplanade in Noosaville. We recently used O-Boat-Hire and were very happy with their boat and service. Most of their boats come with an esky, and some even have BBQs onboard, so bring some snags and have a full Aussie day on the water.

Note: You don’t need a license to hire a BBQ pontoon boat, as they are easy to drive and operate. Prices will vary depending on the size of the boat and how long you want to rent it for.

12- Go paddleboarding

After moving to the Sunshine Coast, we finally discovered the joy of paddle boarding and bought our own board. We absolutely love it now!

There are many amazing places to paddle board on the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa is no exception. In Noosaville, you can rent a paddle board starting at $20 per hour, hop on and start paddling. There are many rental locations along the river to choose from.

13- Check out some of Noosa’s many breweries

As a beer lover, you’ll be in for a treat on the Sunshine Coast as the region has a great craft-beer scene.!

Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, a cold brew can be the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

There are a few breweries a short drive from Noosa, like Land & Sea Brewery (the Sunshine Coast’s first brewery), Heads of Noosa, and Boiling Pot Brewery.

If you don’t have a designated driver, consider going on a craft beer tour so everyone can enjoy a taste.

14- Go 4WD driving along the Great Beach Drive to Rainbow Beach

One of the best day trips is to drive up to Rainbow Beach or K’Gari Island (formerly known as Fraser Island) along the Great Beach Drive.

However, you’ll need to either rent a 4WD or book a tour to do this. The Great Beach Drive connects the Sunshine Coast with the World Heritage-listed K’Gari Island. It’s a road trip like no other, taking you along some of the world’s most stunning beaches through idyllic national parks and heritage-listed areas.

It’s one of the longest beach drives in the world and is breathtaking, with the sparkling blue ocean on one side and colourful sand dunes and natural Australian bushland on the other.

If you don’t have much time, you can just drive from Noosa’s north shore to Double Island Point or Rainbow Beach and back in a day. If you have more time you can do the entire drive and cross to K’Gari Island. Either way, you’ll have an amazing time with views to die for that you’ll remember forever.

Note: If you’re driving yourself, be sure to check the tides before starting your beach drive, as it can be stressful for a first-time beach driver when the water gets too close to your car! For more information on Rainbow Beach, click here.

15- Take a trip to K’Gari Island (Fraser Island)

K’Gari Island, also known as Fraser Island, is famous for being the largest sand island in the world. It’s only a two-hour drive from Noosa.

While you can visit as a day trip, we recommend spending a couple of days to properly explore this natural wonder. Daily tours leave from Noosa to Fraser Island, and this is a must-do if you have some extra time.

Some highlights of the island include 4×4 safaris on off-road tracks, beach driving, swimming in the sparkling blue Lake MacKenzie, floating down Eli Creek, and spotting wild dingoes.

Read more about K’Gari here.

16- Explore the Noosa Hinterland

There is much more to Noosa than beaches, and it’s well worth taking some time to explore the beautiful hinterland. Head inland to discover small country towns such as Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin, along with scenic drives, mountain views, local cafés, markets and plenty of walking trails.

Pomona is a great stop if you fancy tackling Mount Cooroora, while Cooroy and Kin Kin are perfect for a slower wander and a bite to eat. The Noosa Hinterland is much quieter than the coast and makes an easy day trip if you want to escape the crowds for a while.

If you have more time, you can also venture further south into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The pretty mountain villages of Montville and Maleny are both worth visiting, with beautiful views, waterfalls, rainforest walks, cafés and plenty of little shops and galleries to explore.

Want to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Take a break from the coast and spend a day discovering the beautiful hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. Read our guides to Maleny and Montville to start planning your visit.

Best Time to Visit Noosa

Noosa is a great destination year-round, thanks to the Sunshine Coast’s subtropical climate. For warm days without the intense summer heat and humidity, April to June and September to November are particularly lovely times to visit.

Summer is perfect for swimming and beach days, but it can be hot, humid and stormy. It’s also one of the busiest times of year, especially during the Christmas and New Year school holidays. Winter brings cooler mornings and evenings but usually plenty of beautiful sunny days, making it a great time for hiking and exploring Noosa National Park. It’s also whale-watching season along the coast.

If you prefer fewer crowds, try to avoid Australian school holidays, Easter and long weekends, when Noosa can become extremely busy.

How Many Days Do You Need in Noosa?

For a first visit, three to four days in Noosa will give you enough time to enjoy the beaches, walk through Noosa National Park, explore the Noosa River and spend some time around Hastings Street and Noosaville.

If you have five days to a week, you can slow things down and add trips to the Noosa Everglades, Noosa Hinterland, Eumundi Markets or the Great Beach Drive. There is plenty to keep you busy for a week, especially if you enjoy hiking, nature and spending time outdoors.

Noosa is a wonderful place to base yourself, but there’s so much more to discover along the Sunshine Coast. If you’re planning a longer holiday, my 14-day Sunshine Coast itinerary combines beautiful beaches, rainforest walks, charming hinterland villages and quieter local favourites into one carefully planned trip.

How to Get to Noosa

The closest airport to Noosa is Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola, around a 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads. The airport has direct flights from several Australian cities, and you can hire a car, take a shuttle, taxi or rideshare from the airport to Noosa.

Brisbane Airport is another option and is around a two-hour drive from Noosa, depending on traffic. It has a much larger choice of domestic and international flights and plenty of car hire options.

If you are driving from Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north before taking the turn-off towards Noosa and the northern Sunshine Coast.

Getting Around Noosa

You don’t necessarily need a car if you are staying around Noosa Heads or Noosaville and mainly plan to explore the beaches, national park, river and town. Local buses connect the main areas, and walking is often the easiest way to get around central Noosa.

Having a car is much more convenient if you want to explore further afield, particularly the Noosa Hinterland, Eumundi, Noosa Everglades and other parts of the Sunshine Coast.

A word about parking in Noosa: Parking around Noosa Heads and Hastings Street can be extremely frustrating, particularly on weekends, during school holidays and at other busy times. It’s honestly one of the reasons we don’t visit Noosa as often as we otherwise would! If you’re staying within walking distance, leave the car at your accommodation whenever possible. Otherwise, arrive early or consider using public transport to avoid spending half your morning circling for a space.

Love Noosa? Discover the rest of the Sunshine Coast!

Noosa might be one of the region’s most famous destinations, but some of my favourite places are found beyond the tourist hotspots.

My 14-day Sunshine Coast Escape takes you from beautiful coastal scenery to lush rainforests, scenic lookouts, wildlife encounters and charming hinterland towns. It’s packed with personal recommendations and practical advice from someone who calls the Sunshine Coast home.

Explore my 14-day Sunshine Coast itinerary →

Where to stay in Noosa?

On The Beach Noosa Resort – Best for Hastings Street

On The Beach Noosa Resort is located on Hastings Street and right across from the Main Beach. The area offers many shopping and dining options.  These self-contained apartments include a spa bath and private balcony with ocean views. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, a spa pool, and a fitness centre. Find their latest prices here.

Noosa Boutique Apartments – Best boutique option

This small boutique resort is just 600 metres from Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street. It offers individually decorated apartments with air conditioning, plus a heated outdoor pool and spa pool.

Each self-contained unit at Noosa Boutique Apartments has either a patio or balcony, and some feature views of the Noosa River. Find their latest prices here.

Culgoa Point Beach Resort – Best for river views

Situated on the Noosa River and offering private beach access and marina berths, these self-contained apartments feature a balcony or patio offering lovely beach, marina, or river views. The resort features a pool, sauna, and tennis court.

Hastings Street and Noosa Beach are both within 10 minutes’ walk of Culgoa Point Beach Resort Noosa. Find their latest prices here.

Noosa Outrigger Beach Resort – Best Noosaville option

Set overlooking the beautiful Noosa River, Noosa Outrigger Beach Resort is less than 1 minute walk from cafes and restaurants. Each apartment has its own private balcony or courtyard.

These luxury 4.5-star apartments feature an open-plan lounge and dining area, plus a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can enjoy views of the Noosa River, the pools, or the gardens. Find their latest prices here.

Noosa Flashpackers – Best budget option

If you are on a budget, Noosa Flashpackers is your place to go. Guests of Noosa Flashpackers enjoy free WiFi, free breakfast, a free bus shuttle and a swimming pool. It offers dormitory rooms and private accommodation, only 5 minutes’ walk from Noosa National Park. Find their latest prices here.

Habitat Noosa – Best nature/glamping stay

If you prefer to camp or glamp, we highly recommend the Habitat Noosa. Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp was awarded “Australia’s Best New Tourism Business”. It is located 25 minutes from Noosa and is set amongst 65 acres of National Park. It is perched on the edge of picturesque Lake Cootharaba and has its own beach, its own restaurant, and its own brewery!

Accommodation options range from campsites (powered and unpowered) to Glamping tents there is a something to suit all guest comfort levels. Stand up paddle boards, canoes, wave skis, kayaks and tinnies are available for hire. The Everglades Eco Safaris start from here. Find their latest prices here.

Looking for places to explore around Brisbane? From beautiful beaches and islands to lush rainforests, scenic mountain drives and charming country towns, there are plenty of incredible destinations just a short drive from the city.

Read more: Best Day Trips from Brisbane – 14 Amazing Places to Explore

Noosa FAQs

Is Noosa worth visiting?

Yes, Noosa is definitely worth visiting. It has beautiful beaches, fantastic coastal walks, the Noosa River, great cafés and restaurants, and plenty of nature right on its doorstep. It can get very busy, particularly during weekends and school holidays, but there are plenty of quieter places to discover away from Hastings Street.

What is Noosa best known for?

Noosa is best known for its beautiful beaches, Noosa National Park, Hastings Street and the Noosa River. It’s also a great base for exploring the Noosa Everglades, hinterland and nearby Sunshine Coast attractions.

Can you visit Noosa without a car?

Yes. If you stay around Noosa Heads or Noosaville, you can easily explore many of the main attractions on foot or by local bus. A car is useful if you want to explore the hinterland, Eumundi or other areas further from the coast, but it isn’t essential for a short Noosa holiday.

Is Noosa expensive?

Noosa can be expensive, particularly around Hastings Street where accommodation, restaurants and shopping tend to be on the pricier side. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Noosa. Some of its best experiences, the beaches, Noosa National Park, coastal walks and sunsets are completely free.

What can you do in Noosa besides the beach?

There is plenty to do in Noosa away from the beach. Walk through Noosa National Park, cruise or paddle along the Noosa River, explore the Noosa Everglades, hike up Mount Tinbeerwah, visit the hinterland or enjoy the local markets, breweries and restaurants.

What are the best day trips from Noosa?

Some of the best day trips from Noosa include the Noosa Everglades, Eumundi Markets, the Noosa Hinterland and the Great Beach Drive towards Double Island Point. If you don’t mind travelling a little further, you can also explore Montville, Maleny and other parts of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

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