Noosa is an idyllic small town that sits right on the shore of Queensland, a two-hour drive north of Brisbane. The region is home to beautiful beaches and rainforests and plenty of activity options for visitors.
Noosa has become so popular with tourists that it’s a year-round destination with different activities available throughout the year. Noosa is big on outdoor activities like hiking and surfing, which makes it an excellent place for active travelers.
There are also plenty of things to do for couples and groups who want to hang out together. If you’re planning your own trip to this incredible destination, here are my notes from our wonderful weekend!
About Noosa
Noosa is known for its beautiful sunny beaches, surfing waves, lush rainforests, and relaxed, tropical atmosphere. The area is also home to Noosa National Park, which has a wide variety of coastal landscapes.
There are several high-end resorts in the area and plenty of boutique-style accommodations that offer unique amenities. Noosa is warm enough to visit any time of year, but make sure you plan for the weather. Summer is best for swimming, and winter is better for shopping and hiking.
The trendy little town features tons of shopping, tropical restaurants, hippies, and overall good vibes. The prices have been said to have spiked in recent years, and what used to be a sleepy beach town is now a highly sought-after weekend getaway spot. Be sure to book your place weeks in advance and months if you want to visit over the holiday season.
What to See in Noosa
Noosa has it all if you want to see the Australian wildlife and strap on your hiking boots or lay by the beach in the sand with a cocktail. The friendly beach town certainly has something for everyone. In 48 hours, we managed to tick the boxes below.
Hastings Street Shopping
Hastings Street is a bustling shopping area in Noosa with a wide range of stores in a small area. Visitors can find souvenirs, street art, handmade products, fashion, and art galleries on this busy street.
Hastings Street is a great place to find gifts for family and friends back home, as well as clothing or local accessories. The shops are open year-round, and be ready to swipe your credit card! There are tons of beach gems hidden on Hastings Street.
Tea Tree Beach
Tea Tree Beach is a beautiful little hidden gem– accessible as a short walk from the main Noosa Heads beach. It’s known for its beautiful, teal-colored water. The beach is excellent for relaxing on the shore, swimming in the water, and enjoying the sunshine. We got this tip from a local friend and found this beach to be quieter and less busy because it’s off the main strip.
Here is a video montage of our trip -
Alexandria Beach
In the middle of Noosa Heads national park, you’ll find Alexandria Beach. It is a quiet, scenic spot that is perfect for relaxing, soaking up rays, or getting a more private surf or swim. We did find some people hanging out in full nude!
We hiked to Alexandra Beach from Sunshine Beach. It is a breathtaking hike. You take a couple hundred steps up to get on the cliffside, where you can see over to Paradise Caves and Allie Cove.
Noosa Farmers Market
The Noosa Farmers Market is popular every Sunday from 6 am to 12 pm. This market is full of local producers and vendors selling fresh produce and handmade products. Visitors can also enjoy live music, delicious food, and great company at this weekly event.
You can get to know the local community and try delicious, fresh food at the Noosa Farmers Market. Buying groceries for the rest of the week is also a good idea if you’re traveling on a budget and want to enjoy a night of home cooking.
Popular Activities in Noosa
Noosa offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Among the most popular activities are:
Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the coastline and get closer to the wildlife and plants found along the coast. Many companies offer kayaking excursions, as well as kayaks for rent.
Surfing: Noosa is a great place to learn to surf, as the waves are generally calm and beginner-friendly. There are several surfing schools in the area that offer lessons, as well as boards to rent. I’ve had good surfer friends say that Noosa is the best place in the world to learn to surf.
Hiking: Noosa is home to several hiking trails that lead to beautiful landscapes and waterfalls through Noosa Heads National Park. A few hikes are also great for kids, making it a fun activity for families.
Wildlife watching: Noosa is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, brush turkeys, and colourful birds. There are a few tour companies in the area that offer wildlife excursions and plenty of ways to spot wildlife on your own.
Where to stay in Noosa
There are many great places to stay in Noosa, including hotels, resorts, and hostels. Noosa is a big enough town with plenty of options but small enough that you can easily walk from one place to another.
We saw many options in hotels, but be warned, they fill up! Noosa is a popular spot among locals and tourists. So be sure to book in advance. During our short weekend trip to Noosa Heads, we stayed at an adorable Airbnb. Our Airbnb featured electric scooters, a great way to explore Noosa!
Food options in Noosa
There are plenty of restaurants to explore and markets where you can pick up fresh produce. We enjoyed walking around Hastings Street and finding little breakfast and dinner nooks. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, be sure to make a reservation.
We had brunch at 10 Hastings, which was delish. And on our drive up from Brisbane, we stopped on the Sunshine Coast at Rice Boi, an Asian restaurant recommendation from a friend - and we highly recommend it! And for dinner in Noosa, we enjoyed Paradise Aracade and treated ourselves to a couple of Coronas after a long day of hiking.
Final Words
Travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, local food, and Australian sunshine will love Noosa. If you’re planning a trip to Noosa, check the weather before you go, so you can plan your activities accordingly.
With its warm weather and great beaches, Noosa is the perfect place to relax, explore, and make new memories. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Noosa, and I can’t wait to get back up there and take some surf lessons!
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