Things to Do in Noosa Heads: how to have an incredible time

As one of the most popular stops along the East Coast in Australia, you won’t be short of fabulous things to do in Noosa Heads. Picture stunning scenery, beautiful nature, crystal clear water and white beaches and a wonderfully trendy high street, and get ready for a wonderful time in Noosa. 

Where is Noosa Heads?

First things first, before we get on to the best things to do in Noosa Heads, where exactly is it? It is a coastal town located in central Queensland on the Sunshine Coast of East Coast Australia and about 85 miles north of Brisbane. Famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant Hastings Street, and the Noosa National Park, it definitely needs to be added to your Australia itinerary!

Noosa vs Noosaville vs Noosa Heads – what is the difference?

When you are travelling around East Coast Australia, you will often hear people refer to Noosa, Noosaville and Noosa Heads. But are they different? Well, yes, kind of. Noosa refers to the larger urban area encompassing Noosa Heads, Noosaville, and Tewantin in Queensland. Whereas, as you can see, Noosaville and Noosa Heads are areas within Noosa. Noosa Heads is the tourist oriented coastal town known for its iconic Hastings Street and beaches. Noosaville is a more relaxed riverside village with a slower pace, and more local feel.

Top things to do in Noosa Heads

Now let’s get onto all the amazing things to do in Noosa to fill your time when you are there. 

Hike Noosa National Park – Things to do in Noosa Heads

Noosa National Park is one of Australia’s most popular parks, therefore making it a ‘must see’ when considering things to do in Noosa. Spanning approximately 40KM², there is a lot to explore and keep you amused! There are plenty of tracks that you can follow around the park, so you could easily spend an entire day walking. If you are a little more limited on time, here are some places in the National Park that you can’t miss. These are all located on the Coastal Walk, which is one of the most popular paths in the park. 

Little Cove Beach

Little Cove Beach is located within Noosa National Park. It’s a small, beautiful beach found between the headlands, and a short walk from Noosa Heads. It is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing as it is known for its clear waters and calm conditions, as well as it’s beautiful surroundings. It is also one of the first spots you will come across as you start on the Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park. Make sure to head there early as it can get very busy though, almost as an overspill from Main Beach.

Tea Tree Bay Beach

Around 2.5 KM along the Coastal Walk from Noosa Main Beach, you will come across Tea Tree Bay Beach. It gets its name from the tea trees that grow along its shoreline. These trees are known for their papery bark and aromatic leaves, which often means there is a delicious smell in the air! This is a beach that is renowned for swimming and surfing. With beautiful blue waters, it is the perfect place to relax. Plus, keep an eye out for koalas, they are often spotted in the trees above the beach.

Dolphin Point Lookout

A stunning lookout found along the Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park. This is one of the best spots to keep an eye out for dolphins, hence its name. The best time to see them is early morning or late afternoon.

Boiling Point Lookout

Boiling Point Lookout is another beautiful viewpoint that you won’t miss on your walk along the Coastal Path. It is around 2.5 KM from Main Beach in Noosa Heads. It will take approximately 30-40 minutes to walk there. From here you have stunning panoramic views of the coastline, including looking back to Noosa Heads.

The name “Boiling Point” comes from the dramatic sea conditions that often occur in this spot. Where the waves crash against the rocky coastline it creates a frothy, “boiling” effect on the water

Hell’s Gate

Hell’s Gate may be your furthest point on the Coastal Walk. From here you can head on to Alexandria Bay, or you can turn back. This is a rugged headland which overlooks Alexandria Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs and swirling waters below give it a wild, untamed feel. In June through to November it is also a great place to spot humpback whales on their migration. 

Find the Fairy Pools

One of the most iconic spots on the Coastal Walk is the Noosa Fairy Pools, which have become famous thanks to Instagram. They are marked on Google Maps, but not marked on the trail. 

The experience you will have depends on two things, the tides and the weather. If you want to swim in the pools, make sure to check the tide times. You will want to arrive when the tide is low to mid-tide. Equally if it is windy, you won’t quite get the crystal clear turquoise effect. However, regardless of this the walk is still worth it! 

Walk along Hastings Street – Things to do in Noosa Heads

A lot of places might say to avoid Hastings Street – it is busy. However, it is well known for a reason and an iconic strip in Noosa Heads. It is home to most of the main places to eat, so if you want to grab some food this is the place to come. 

Try Noosa Surf Club for some casual eats or Noosa Beach House if you are after a more fine dining experience! 

Finally, you will want to browse the shops along this strip. There are plenty of boutique and local shops that focus on relaxed living and surf vibes. A shopping lover’s paradise! 

Swim at Main Beach – Things to do in Noosa Heads

You can’t come to Noosa and not visit Noosa Main Beach! On a summer’s day it can get incredibly busy but that comes with the fantastic Australian vibe. You can always head down to the end of the beach where it might be a bit quieter. Or visit on a not so sunny day like I did – lots of space! 

It is well patrolled and you can hire umbrellas on the beach if you want some shade – that Australian sun is hot!  

Top Tip: Purchase some Australian sunscreen for your trip to Australia. The UV is higher there and their products are designed to suit.

Grab an ice cream from Frenzy Van – Things to do in Noosa Heads

If you need to cool down, or just get peckish, do not miss an ice cream from Frenzy Van, which is parked just beside Noosa Main Beach. You can choose from your flavours and these are blended and added to your ice cream in front of you. They also offer hot dogs. 

Go surfing!

Would any trip to an Australian town be complete without a surfing lesson? And Noosa Main Beach is, of course, an iconic place to do it. When you are here, you can learn from some of the best legends in the business! This is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Noosa Heads.

Top Tip: Book this two hour surf lesson where you can develop confidence and hopefully stand by the end – even if you are a complete beginner! 

Noosa Everglades – Things to do in Noosa Heads

You cannot come to Noosa and not take a trip to visit the Everglades. This is one of two Everglades in the world, the other, of course, being in Florida. Depending on the time there are various tours you can do from Noosa Heads. 

Some of these include optional extras such as canoeing through the Everglades, a really unique experience. 

TRIPS TO NOOSA EVERGLADES:
Check out these different options to find the right one for you!
A full day tour including lunch
Afternoon tour with a glass of sparkling
Everglades tour with canoeing

The Noosa Everglades is called the “River of Mirrors” as they feature calm waters where you can see the famous reflection. Encompassing approximately 60 KM of waterways, packed with wildlife and beautiful nature. A trip to the Everglades needs to be one of the top things to do in Noosa Heads. 

Explore Noosaville

A suburb of Noosa, located along the Noosa River. Definitely worth spending a bit of time exploring this part of the area, for a more relaxed local feel. 

There are beautiful views along the river, and lots of places to eat, drink and shop. You can rent a paddle board or kayak and explore in your own time. Noosaville is also home to the Noosa Botanical Gardens. 

Wander Noosa Farmers Market

When in Noosaville, you can also find Noosa Farmers Market every Sunday on Weyba Road, from 6am to midday. There are many different stalls selling fresh, local food. Everything from organic fruit and vegetables, fresh seafood, baked goods, local honey, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted goods. 

Explore the shops in Noosa Junction

Another suburb in Noosa, Noosa Junction has a more local, laid back feel with trendy boutiques, cafés, bars, and cultural spots. Also home to hidden cocktail bars, and you can find some cool street art in the area, as well as pop up markets. 

Where to stay in Noosa Heads

WHERE TO STAY IN NOOSA:
Budget: Bounce – Technically located in Noosaville, but they do offer shuttles to Hastings Street. One of the nicer hostels I stayed in in Australia.

Mid-range: Sebel – Self contained apartments just steps from Hastings Street and Main Beach, with a pool and plenty of facilities.

High end: Peppers – Luxurious villas and apartments set in beautiful surroundings, providing ultimate comfort and seclusion. Just a short walk to Noosa National Park and Hastings Street

How long do you need in Noosa? 

If you only have a short time, then you can see all the top highlights in 2 days, including Main Beach, the Coastal Walk and the Everglades. 

However, I would definitely recommend spending at least 4 days in the area to give you enough time to go a bit further and explore some of the other suburbs in the area. 

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