Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is the beachside destination of Noosa. Known for its stunning beaches and lakes, delectable restaurants and cafes, and lush hinterland, Noosa has something to offer for every traveller. If you’ve never visited the area before, here is everything you need to know.

Getting to Noosa

Noosa is less than a two hour drive from Brisbane, or a 30 minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY). There are multiple daily flights to Sunshine Coast Airport from Sydney and Melbourne. Daily direct flights are also available from a number of regional domestic locations with Australia’s newest airline, Bonza.

Getting around Noosa

During my visit to Noosa, I hired a car which made exploring very easy. If you are flying into Sunshine Coast Airport, you can pick up a hire car when you land. Alternatively there are a number of car hire companies located in Noosa Heads.

If you don’t have a hire car, there are many other public transport options available. On weekends and during the Easter and Christmas school holidays, there are free buses servicing the Noosa area. If you’re travelling via bus during the week, you can purchase a Go card online or from several retailers.

The Noosa Ferry is another popular public transport option, particularly for those staying in Tewantin or Noosaville. There are multiple ticket options available including an all-day pass that allows you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like for just $28.

Both taxis and uber are available within the region, as well as bike and electric scooter hire.

When to visit

Noosa is a perfect year-round destination. The subtropical climate means the weather is comfortable at any time of the year.

Summer is the ideal season to visit if you want to make the most of long days, warm temperatures, and perfect beach weather. During Autumn, the days are still warm, with temperatures dropping as winter approaches. The water is still warm enough to swim, meaning you can still enjoy the beaches and lakes in the area. Winter is unseasonably warm, making Noosa the perfect location for travellers escaping colder climates. The nights are cool, though still comfortable enough to enjoy evening activities. Spring brings warmth, minimal rain, and is the perfect time of year to spot whales as they return south.

Things to do

Noosa can easily be enjoyed in just 4 days. If you’re planning a quick getaway or long weekend trip, here are the top things to add to your itinerary. When organising your trip, be sure to check out my handy trip planners to make your holiday planning a breeze.

Sunset River Cruise

The best way to explore the Noosa River is on a sunset cruise. There are multiple sunset cruise tour operators in Noosa, each with different inclusions and price points.

The Noosa Ferry & Cruise Company was my tour operator of choice with prices ranging from $29‑$33 per adult depending on your pick up location. The cruise was approximately 2 hours (again, this depends on your pick up location) and ventured past the Noosa River Mouth and into the Webya Creek past the stunning multi‑million dollar waterfront homes. You can BYO drinks and snacks on board. There is also a selection of beer, wine and snacks available to purchase.

Eumundi Markets

The Eumundi Markets are located a short 20 minute drive from Noosa. With over 300 stalls the markets have something for everyone from arts & crafts and fashion & jewellery to fresh produce and local food trucks. The markets are open on Wednesdays from 8am to 2pm and Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. It can get quite busy so I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.

Buderim Waterfalls

Located a 45‑minute drive from Noosa are the gorgeous Buderim Falls. The waterfalls are set within the Buderim Forest Park, which is home to an incredible rainforest filled with towering trees, figs and ferns.

There are two ways to access the Buderim Falls, from either Lindsey Road or Quorn Close. From Lindsey Road, there is a 600m long boardwalk that weaves through the spectacular sub‑tropical rainforest. At the end of the boardwalk, you’ll continue along a more rugged rock path and arrive at the bottom of the waterfalls. From Quorn Close there is a steep 350m track that leads directly down to the top of the waterfalls. As you walk down the stairs you’ll come across an arch bridge that offers a stunning elevated view of Buderim Falls.

Noosa Coastal Walk

No trip to Noosa is complete without doing the Noosa Coastal Walk. The walk starts from the end of Park Street in Noosa Heads and runs all the way to Sunshine Beach. The coastal walk follows the spectacular coastline through the Noosa National Park and is approximately 5.4km long (or a 10.8km return trip). You can expect the walk to take around 2 hours each way. There are so many scenic spots along the walk, so if you’re prone to taking photos like me, the walk may take a little longer!

Hastings Street

If shopping, beach-front dining, and strolls along the boardwalk sound like your style, you need to check out Hastings Street. Located in the heart of Noosa Heads, the street boasts boutique clothing stores, quaint cafes, and oceanside restaurants and bars. From Hastings Street you can stroll to the western end towards the river mouth or to the eastern end towards the start of the Coastal Walk.

If you’ve never visited Noosa, you should definitely consider adding it to your list. If you have visited before, let me know your favourite experiences in the comments down below.

Until the next adventure,

Jetsetter Soph