Planning a Noosa holiday and wondering what to see and do while you're there?
1. Spend a Day on the Noosa River
One of the best ways to experience Noosa is from the water.
The beautiful Noosa River winds through Noosaville and offers plenty of ways to spend a morning, afternoon or entire day. Hire a boat and explore at your own pace, or take to the water on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or jet ski. Cruise past waterfront homes, stop near one of the riverside parks, discover quiet stretches of shoreline or drop a line and try your luck fishing. Many hire boats don’t require a boat licence, making this an easy activity for families, couples and groups.
If you’d prefer to leave the navigating to someone else, there are also river cruises available – including sunset cruises that offer a beautiful way to finish a day in Noosa.
2. Discover the Noosa Everglades
For a completely different side of Noosa, venture into the remarkable Noosa Everglades. Located within the Great Sandy National Park, this pristine wilderness of waterways, wetlands and forest is renowned for its incredible natural beauty and diverse birdlife. One of its most famous features is the River of Mirrors, where the dark, calm water creates spectacular reflections of the surrounding landscape.
xplore by boat, kayak or canoe and experience a peaceful part of the Noosa region that feels worlds away from the busy beaches and cafés. For nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking to experience something uniquely Noosa, the Everglades deserve a place on the itinerary.
3. Walk Through Noosa National Park
If there’s one walk to add to your Noosa holiday, make it the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk. Beginning near Noosa Heads, the trail follows the coastline through beautiful national park and offers spectacular views of the ocean along the way. Depending on how far you’d like to walk, you can stop at scenic lookouts and secluded beaches or continue further along the coastal track. Keep an eye on the trees for koalas and look out towards the ocean, where dolphins, turtles and – during migration season – whales may sometimes be spotted.
It’s one of the best free things to do in Noosa and a wonderful way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
4. Relax at Noosa Main Beach
No trip to Noosa would be complete without spending some time at Noosa Main Beach. Located just steps from Hastings Street, this beautiful stretch of sand is perfect for swimming, relaxing in the sunshine or simply watching the waves roll in. Its convenient location also means you can easily combine a morning at the beach with lunch, shopping or coffee along Hastings Street.
Whether you’re visiting Noosa for a weekend or staying for a week, Main Beach is somewhere you’ll probably find yourself returning to more than once.
5. Learn to Surf in Noosa
Always wanted to learn to surf?
Noosa’s beautiful beaches and generally gentle waves have made it a popular place for beginners to experience surfing for the first time.
Local surf schools offer lessons for beginners through to more experienced surfers, with instructors providing the equipment and guidance needed to get you onto your feet. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re hoping to improve your technique, surfing is a quintessential part of the Noosa experience.
6. Explore Hastings Street
Just behind Noosa Main Beach you’ll find one of Australia’s best-known holiday strips – Hastings Street. Spend a few hours browsing boutiques and specialty stores, stop for coffee or settle in for a long lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafés. In the evening, Hastings Street comes alive with diners enjoying everything from relaxed meals to special-occasion dining.
Even if shopping isn’t on your holiday agenda, it’s worth taking a stroll simply to soak up the atmosphere.
7. Visit Noosa Marina
For a more relaxed waterfront experience, head to Noosa Marina at Tewantin.
Overlooking the Noosa River, the marina is home to restaurants, cafés and specialty stores and is also a departure point for various river cruises and fishing charters.
It’s a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the water or incorporate into a day exploring the Noosa River.
8. Discover the Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park
Hidden along the coastline within Noosa National Park, the Fairy Pools have become one of the area’s best-known natural attractions.
The rock pools can be reached while exploring the Coastal Walk from Noosa Heads and offer beautiful views of the surrounding coastline.
Conditions around the pools can vary considerably with tides and weather, so visitors should take care around the rocks and ocean and check local conditions before visiting.
Even without entering the pools, the surrounding coastal scenery makes this section of Noosa National Park well worth exploring.
9. Spend a Morning at the Eumundi Markets
If you love markets, local food and handmade products, make time for a trip to the famous Eumundi Markets.
Located in the historic town of Eumundi, a short drive from Noosa, the markets are renowned for locally made arts and crafts, fashion, jewellery, homewares, fresh produce and delicious food.
Live entertainment and the relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend several hours wandering between stalls.
It’s also a great opportunity to pick up something locally made to take home from your Sunshine Coast holiday.
10. Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Looking for things to do near Noosa with kids? Head south to Mooloolaba and discover SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
The aquarium provides an underwater adventure filled with marine life, including sharks, rays, seals, turtles and colourful fish.
Interactive displays, presentations and close-up encounters make it an entertaining option for families and a particularly handy day trip when you want a break from the beach.
11. Take a Day Trip to Australia Zoo
Another iconic Sunshine Coast attraction within day-trip distance of Noosa is Australia Zoo. Made famous by the Irwin family, Australia Zoo is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, elephants, tigers and many more. Wildlife presentations and animal encounters make it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
If you’re staying in Noosa for several days, Australia Zoo is a great addition to your Sunshine Coast itinerary, particularly for families.
12. Cycle Along the Noosa River
Sometimes the simplest activities are some of the best.
Hire a bike and follow the riverfront through Noosaville, stopping at parks, cafés and scenic spots along the way.
The Noosa River foreshore is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon, so find somewhere to stop and watch the sun set over the river before heading out for dinner.
