Swim, Shop, Eat (And Repeat) | Top Things To Do In Noosa

In the heart of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a place that get-away-from-it-all dreams are made of. Noosa is the Sunshine Coast’s ‘golden child’, and one of Australia’s most fashionable resort towns. It is filled to the brim with abundant natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, unique experiences, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. So whether you’re off on an extended road trip (and this is a stop-off) or just yearning for a peaceful weekend away in nature, here is a guide on things to do in Noosa.

If you love nature

Discover Noosa National Park

If you’re exploring what to do in Noosa, you can’t go past Noosa National Park. It has a sprawling network of walking tracks that wind along the coast through rainforest and woodlands. Koalas and honeyeaters might be seen along the way, and between June and November, you might even spot humpback whales as they cruise past the coastline on their way to and from northern breeding grounds. The best spots to watch the whales are at Dolphin Point and Hell's Gates. Dolphins and turtles are also often seen from these points. One of the most popular walks is the Coastal Walk, which passes over several headlands and boasts outstanding views. It is 10 kilometres long and will take around four hours to tackle.

Soak up lookout views

In terms of things to do in Noosa, there are lots of Instagram-worthy views on offer. Laguna Lookout is one of the best options if you want to leave your car at the campsite. It's only a 20-minute walk from downtown Noosa and offers stunning views of beautiful landscapes and sapphire waters. Hell's Gates in Noosa National Park is a dramatic coastal lookout surrounded by rugged sea cliffs and the dazzling Pacific Ocean. If you’re keen for a road trip outside of Noosa, Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout has impressive views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and Twin Hills Lookout has views of the lush rolling hills of rural Queensland.

If you have little ones

Get some ferry fun

The Noosa Ferry is a tug-style ferry that never fails to delight little ones. There are lots of sightseeing opportunities to be had along the Noosa River from Hastings Street to the Noosa Marina in Tewantin. Along the way, hop off at the Noosa Harbour Fish Market for some takeaway fish and chips to devour on the pier. Then take the kids to the Sunshine Beach skatepark or, in summer, to the Noosa Marina Splash Park so they can run wild under the shaded water fountains.

Visit the Noosa River Pirate Playground

Set alongside the scenic Noosa River, this vibrant playground features several slides, platforms, tunnels, and climbing structures. It also has its own sandy beach, so once the kids have worked up a sweat, they can cool down in the river. Some of Noosa activities and attractions that are family-friendly include Australia Zoo (where you can cuddle a koala and watch the Zoo Crew feed a crocodile), Aussie World (with over 30 rides and attractions), and Amaze World (with its incredible 80m x 80m living hedge maze).

If you love retail therapy

Explore the markets

If you’ve had enough sun and sand for the day and you love to shop, one of the best laid-back things to do in Noosa is to visit its markets. First up is the Noosa Farmers Market. Open from 6 am until midday, there are countless stalls to check out, so it’s best to arrive bright and early when the market opens. Sip on a freshly squeezed lime drink or some of the region’s best coffee while browsing — you’ll find everything from freshly baked bread and organic fruit and veggies to creamy cheeses and seafood straight out of the local waters. You can also visit the Noosa Marina Markets on Sunday mornings to listen to live music and shop for handmade arts and crafts. Or take a short drive to the Original Eumundi Markets. This famous outdoor market runs every Wednesday and Saturday morning and has over 500 stalls!

Get to know local favourites

Noosa’s shopping precincts will uncover lots of hidden treasures, including in Noosa Junction. Its maze of arcades and laneways is home to an abundance of fashion, homewares, and photo galleries. Along the river’s edge in Noosaville is a world of unique boutiques selling everything from gifts and jewellery to books and homewares. Wander around the riverside streets of Noosa Marina and Tewantin, and you’ll uncover quaint spaces offering homewares, art, gifts and flowers. Peregian Village Square offers fashion, homewares and local surf stores. Further out, towns like Pomona, Cooroy, Kin Kin and Cooran have wonderful little shops and antique stores to discover.

Go boutique

After a fancier method of splashing your cash? A world of boutique shopping villages — from Hastings Streets and Noosa Junction to Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach — are spread along Noosa’s beaches, fusing local, Australian and international designers.

If you love the water

Visit Noosa Main Beach

One of the most popular Noosa things to do is visit one of the Sunshine Coast’s finest beaches, Noosa Main Beach. Because it’s north-facing and has a year-round lifeguard presence, the waves tend to be fairly gentle, so it’s ideal for littlies, not-so-confident swimmers, and those learning to surf. You can also easily kayak, stand-up paddle board and snorkel in the warm, calm waters.

Take your pooch for a run

While the ‘front yard’ of Noosa Heads is reserved for two-legged types, Noosa Woods at the end of Hastings Street is doggo-friendly. At Doggy Beach (yes, we know, how cute is that?), they can run to their heart’s content on the Spit on the river side of Claude Batten Drive. Afterwards, head back for a coffee and a spot of people-watching at one of many cafes that welcome dogs at your feet. Sunshine Beach, Marcus Beach, and Castaways Beach are a short drive away and are also dog-friendly.

Catch some waves

When it comes to things to do in Noosa, surfing (whether you’re a grommet or a Soul Surfer) is up there. This area is one of the best places to do it in Queensland, and there are so many incredible spots to catch a wave. Noosa Main Beach is great for beginners, as is Little Cove near Noosa National Park. If you’re a bit more confident, First Point and Tea Tree Bay are recommended. Tea Tree Bay is known for its fat, slow waves at high tide and steep, hollow waves at low tide. If you’re a seasoned pro, give Sunshine Beach and Granite Bay a go.

Cruise the river

From the ocean shoreline to the Noosa Everglades, the Noosa River is a natural playground where sandy banks, pristine wilderness and sparkling waters swirl together, creating a perfect portrait of Mother Nature. The river’s waters are calm, so are perfect for safe swimming, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, fishing, and stand-up paddling. Boats from BBQ pontoons and fishing tinnies to putt-putts and yachts cruise along this river, so launch your own, hire one for the day, or sit back on a ferry trip, sunset cruise, gondola or glamorous private cruise and let the locals show you the best spots! Further north the Noosa River extends into the Noosa Everglades. This is a unique 60km stretch of river and lake system and one of only two everglade environments in the world. With its reflective mirrored waterways, it is a nature enthusiast's paradise.

Get lakeside

If you love food

In terms of things to do in Noosa, like many beach destinations, time in the outdoors can create a must-eat-now appetite! The 2023 Australian Good Food Guide listed these as Noosa’s best ‘Chef Hat’ restaurants:

Locale Noosa

Just a few steps back from Noosa Main Beach, Locale Noosa is a fine-dining Italian restaurant that has received 14 Chef Hats in recognition of its upscale modern Italian fare. Their seasonal menu features traditional Italian antipasti, handmade pasta, desserts, and an extensive beverage list.

Sum Yung Guys

At Sum Yung Guys, you can expect delicious, inventive Asian fusion-style eats with a menu designed for sharing with friends. This restaurant has been awarded 14 Chef Hats for the amazing meals served up by MasterChef’s Matt Sinclair and delicious cocktails by co-owner Dylan Campbell.

Noosa Waterfront Restaurant

Nestled peacefully on a quiet inlet of the Noosa River, the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant exudes an elegant yet casual Italian feel. Receiving 13 Chef Hats, it offers a seasonal Italian menu featuring locally sourced produce and ingredients.

Lucio’s Marina

Lucio’s Marina is the second generation of the famed Paddington restaurant, Lucio’s. This is an equally perfect location for an early kid-friendly dinner, a long lunch, or a grown-up dinner, and the menu will transport you to the Italian seaside while honouring some classics from the original Lucio’s menu

Embassy XO

Head to beautiful Sunshine Beach, and you will find the trendy Embassy XO. Here, you’ll find the ultimate modern Asian dining experience, with inventive Asian food and a cosy bar overlooking Sunshine Beach village. 12 Chef Hats were awarded here!

Sails Beach Restaurant and Bar

A Noosa institution, Sails Beach Restaurant and Bar was awarded 12 Chef Hats for its thoughtfully sourced Modern Australian cuisine, complimented by an extensive wine list held in their three working wine cellars, which house one of the largest wine collections in Queensland!

Noosa Beach House Restaurant

Situated amid the buzz of iconic Hastings Street is the Noosa Beach House Restaurant. Given 12 Chef Hats for its delicious European cuisine, its menu is inspired by global flavours and celebrates the Noosa coastal location.

Rickys River Bar and Restaurant

Receiving 12 Chef Hats, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant serves up fine modern European cuisine in an elegant space with expansive water views. If a glass of wine is on your must-have list, you can jump on the Noosa Ferry and arrive by boat.

Sumi Open Kitchen

12 Hats were awarded to Sumi Open Kitchen, which offers authentic Japanese meals. Located in the bustling Noosa Junction, sit back and watch as your delicious meals are prepared in the open kitchen.

References:

Kim Barnard (2023) Tick off the best things to do in Noosa, queensland.com article, Accessed 8 July 2024.
Gabby Boucher (2024) Top 10 Things To Do In Noosa, East Coast Tours article, Accessed 8 July 2024.
Visit Noosa (2024) Noosa’s Best Restaurants: The AGFG Awards 2023, Visit Noosa article, accessed 8 July 2024.
Visit Noosa (2024) Top Ten Things To Do In Noosa With Kids, Visit Noosa article, accessed 8 July 2024.
Visit Noosa (2024) Shopping, Visit Noosa article, accessed 20 July 2024.