Noosa combines stunning beaches and tropical rainforests with gourmet dining and designer shopping. Fashionistas and bronzed beachgoers share the esplanade while professional surfers catch some of the Sunshine Coast’s best waves.
This laid-back city is famous for its gorgeous Main Beach. Swim in the warm water, explore the shoreline and follow the beach’s boardwalk into Noosa National Park. The 7,400-acre (3,000-hectare) park has great walking paths, beautiful coastal scenery and a number of popular surfing bays on the northern side. Between May and November, look out across Laguna Bay to spot dolphins or whales. You might also catch a glimpse of a koala sleeping in a tree.
Browse the stores and galleries of Tewantin’s Noosa Marina or drop by Noosa Regional Gallery for local art. Catch a ferry along the Noosa River to the Sheraton Resort Jetty to reach Hastings Street, a strip of gourmet restaurants and exclusive boutiques.
Make the 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk from Hastings Street to Noosaville. Overlooking the tranquil Noosa River, Noosaville has a casual ambiance and a nice collection of multicultural restaurants, bars, cafés and boutique stores. Safe swimming areas and children’s playgrounds make this a great family destination.
Across the river from Noosaville is the stunning Noosa North Shore, a stretch of pristine white sand and rolling dunes backed by natural bushland. This is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and the Great Sandy National Park.
Take a four-wheel drive along the beach past Teewah and the Coloured Sands. You can travel all the way to Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point. Swim or kayak at Lake Cooroibah, a local favorite.
Noosa is about a 2-hour drive north of Brisbane or a 1-hour drive south of Gympie. The easiest way to get here is by car however, many buses and taxis are available from the Sunshine Coast Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive south of Noosa. Soak up Noosa’s blue skies, golden sands and salty air.