12 Top Things To Do In Noosa Heads Australia

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Going on a Noosa Heads trip and want to know all the top things to do in Noosa Heads, Australia? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best Noosa Heads attractions to plan your ultimate trip.

A wonderful coastal town on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Noosa Heads is approximately 135 kilometres north of Brisbane. In the 1800’s, Noosa’s wealth came mainly from timber and milling industries, but since the 1920’s, tourism has taken over.

Named from the Aboriginal word meaning “shadows” or “shade” (due to the relief that the nearby tall forests offered from the sun), the region was visited by the Kabi tribe for over 40,000 years before Europeans arrived in the 1800’s.

The northern coast and hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast is rich with over 100km of sandy coastline that has sweeping views of the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains. And in our opinion, Noosa is the best part – full of luxury resorts and holiday apartments, and with the famed Noosa Main Beach the pinnacle of spots.

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007, Noosa is one of only two in Queensland. Plus, the region is home to Noosa Everglades – one of only two in the world! The local community nurtures the region’s environment – rich in natural beauty – and the biodiversity in native animal and plant species, plus their cultural heritage.

Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach

35% of Noosa’s land is protected, with 44% of all Australian bird species found in Noosa. The region is also home to 1365 species of plants and 711 species of native fauna… in fact, altogether 60 distinct ecosystems can be found in Noosa!

Blessed with some of Australia’s best pristine-sandy beaches, easy bike paths, beautiful walking trails, playgrounds, attractions, and a relaxing shorefront filled with barbecue and picnic areas… It’s really no wonder Noosa is a major tourist destination.

There’s endless outdoor fun for all age groups, plus great markets and shopping, indoor games, chic restaurants and cafes ideal for lazy shorefront brunches. And Noosa is a mecca for family fun, bursting with kid-friendly activities.

Learn to surf, try to stay afloat on a stand-up paddle board, cuddle koalas, join fishing charters or try your hand at river fishing. Enjoy sunset cruises, the iconic Noosa Ferry cruise, and even nauti-cycles – bikes you can ride on water! There’s this and so much more to enjoy at Noosa Heads.

Regularly rated as one of Australia’s most favoured short-break destinations, Noosa is stylishly laid back and full of adventure options!

Below, you will find our Noosa Heads things to do travel blog with everything you need to know about the best Noosa Heads activities, all the top Noosa Heads tourist attractions as well as the best things to do at Noosa Heads for your ultimate holiday!!

Contents

Top 12 Things To Do In Noosa Heads Australia

Here are the best things to do in Noosa Heads, Queensland. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.

Swim And Unwind In Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Heads beach


You have a few beaches to choose from in Noosa, but the most renowned is without doubt the wonderful north-facing Noosa Main Beach. We’re talking an almost endless stretch of white sand, rolling blue surf, and regardless of what time of year you visit, you’ll find perfect water temperature for swimming!

Noosa Main Beach is actually the reason that most people visit this destination. Ideal for families and surfers, the beachfront has a gentle swell that is easy for youngsters but also offers some of the best surf conditions in Australia.

There are so many water activities to be found in Noosa, including stand-up-paddling, wind-surfing, kayaking, kite surfing, fishing, jet skis, whale watching and boat rides… Epic beach life. Just remember to always stay between the red and yellow flags for safety.

Surfing is mainly off towards the north or towards the point, whilst swimmers can revel in the gentle lapping waves or relax on the beach enjoying the laid back coastal vibes.

Along the beach you’ll find restaurants, cafes and bars, all with breathtaking views and modern, chic interiors. And there’s a sweet boardwalk that meanders between them which at night is lined with pretty fairy lights.

However, you’re actually spoiled for choice for sandy beaches in the Noosa region, as there are more than a dozen beaches, bays and hidden coves. Some of our favourites include:

  • Sunshine Beach – around the point from Noosa, and stretches all the way from Noosa National Park to the Maroochydore River. Partly patrolled, partly not, this long stretch of beach is split into Sunshine and Sunrise Beach, with a couple of great cafes and is an  ideal spot for surfing.
  • Castaways Beach – a little to the south of Sunrise Beach, this is a favourite of locals. An unpatrolled beach, you can access it via the car park off David Low Way. No facilities here except for some toilets, but this is great for a simple swim or surf.
  • Peregian Beach – a great family beach and further south of Castaways Beach. Here you’ll find a nice grassy bbq area and there’s a few shops nearby.

These are some of the best beaches in the country (if not the world!), plus surfing points that are known on the world surfing circuits. Have fun!

Visit Hastings Street

Hastings Street

Hastings Street is the main street of Noosa Head and is situated directly behind Main Beach. A relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, you’ll find this a busy spot at most times of the day with both locals and visitors enjoying the shops and restaurants.

A laid back holiday vibe is mixed with beachside luxury, as shopping is quite an event in Noosa Heads! Hitting Hasting’s Street is a favourite activity for visitors, as this fashion and shopping strip specialises in high-end designs (especially for women) from both local and international labels.

You’ll also find local creations, signature stores and some terrific beachwear shops. Jewellery, art, beauty and homewares are also favoured shopping options along the Street.

If you’re looking for a special vacation memento, Noosa is full of shops filled with creative ideas, unique designs that have been made, baked, drawn, painted, stitched or grown. Local talent is highly creative and you can even take home a custom-made surfboard!

If shopping’s your thing, you can easily spend an enjoyable day exploring the outlets of Hastings Street. Our favourites included Kookai, Alterior Motif, plus Bow and Arrow Trading Noosa. And if you’re searching for swimwear, try Poolside Swimwear for some great brands.

Hastings Street is also home to a handful of international standard resort hotels and upmarket restaurants, so you won’t be short of finding somewhere great to grab lunch!

Explore Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park

Encompassing the spectacular coastal scenery of Noosa Headland, plus nearby areas around Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum, the Noosa National Park is a nature-lover’s utopia!

A wildlife sanctuary that protects beautiful strands of eucalypt forests, woodlands, melaleuca wetlands and colourful wallum heathlands, the park is also filled with refreshing vine-strewn rainforest pockets.

With many visitors flocking to Noosa for its beaches, this wilder side of the region is sometimes unwisely forgotten. This epic Park covers 2883 hectares, yet the most popular walking tracks all commence from the Noosa Headland Day-use Area, less than 30-minutes walk from Hastings Street. Here you’ll find a small kiosk selling coffee and an information booth where you can grab a map. Plus, there’s picnic tables, electric bbqs, drinking water and toilets.

The main trek from the day-use area is The Coastal Walk (more on that below). In all, there are around 5 separate walks that tend to loop into the Coastal Walk at some point.

If you’re interested to see the rainforest pockets, choose Tanglewood Walk from Hells Gate or join at the Noosa National Park Day-Use Area. Altogether it’s an 8.2km return journey passing through lush rainforest and with fields of wildflowers on the optional return route. A shorter walk is Palm Grove, at an easy 1.1km return through a shaded thicket of rainforest.

There are, in fact, three sections to Noosa National Park with Noosa Headlands definitely the most visited due to ease of proximity to the town, but Emu Mountain and Peregian are worth a visit too.

  • Emu Mountain Walk is an easy 1.1km return trek that takes in wonderful elevated views of the coastline. You’ll see red gums and Emu Mountain she-oaks all along the walk, and if you time it right at sunset, the spectacular Glass House Mountain views are awesome. And the walk can be extended by following the 2.4km Hawkea Walk that you’ll find signposted around the 400m mark, taking you to jaw-dropping coastal and hinterland views.
  • Ocean Walk takes you from Peregian to the beach through a maze of casuarina, paperbark swamp and sedgelands – really unique landscapes. You can end this trek with a swim at Peregian Beach.

We found the Park teeming with wildlife and flora – so along with the cute koalas keep an eye (or ear!) out for the rare black cockatoos, and try to spot turtles floating near to the shore.

Discover more about the available treks here.

Wander Along Noosa Heads Coastal Walk

Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park
Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park

The main trek of Noosa National Park is The Coastal Walk – not hard to get lost on this one as you simply need to remember to keep the ocean on your left!

You’ll follow the shoreline between Noosa Headland and Sunshine Beach, crossing several headlands boasting impressive views across coastal she-oaks and pandanus palms.

Search trees for snoozing koalas, enjoy the refreshing sea spray, and listen to the crashing waves at some of the most noted points – such as Boiling Pot and Hell’s Gates (perhaps the best coastal views I’ve ever seen here!).

Look for passing pods of dolphins at aptly named Dolphin Point, or in June-November you might even spot humpback whales.

Taking approximately 4 hours (5.4km each way, circling back the same route) this is a wonderful walk, but if that’s too long simply step out at Sunshine Beach and find your way back to Noosa Head by vehicle.

Go Beachfront Camping At Noosa North Shore

Noosa North Shore beach
Noosa North Shore beach

What’s better than setting up your tent or caravan at this absolute beachfront caravan park. Set on the spectacular Cooloola Coast, it’s reachable by a short car ferry trip across the Noosa River. Exuding a wilderness feel, it’s a safe rural camping spot for families and groups of friends.

The nearby beach stretches from the mouth of the Noosa River to Double Island Point, accessible by 4-wheel drive, and the campground itself is also accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Though the beach is not patrolled there’s still lots of adventures to be had here. It’s a wonderful spot for fishing, bush and beach walks, and ideal for visiting the Coloured Sands.

When you rock up, simply choose your own spot – it’s a large place with 40 powered sites for caravans (book in advance) and 45 unpowered. And you’re surrounded by nature with kangaroos, goannas, and many birds that are regular campsite visitors.

Amenities are well covered, with toilets and showers, plus basic laundry facilities. We suggest taking along a torch as there are no street lights here and it can feel quite dark at night.

There’s a large shared kitchen at the campground with cooking facilities, fridge and eating areas. Do note though that water connection can be spotty and it’s best to take your own.

Reach this peaceful location on the Noosa North Shore vehicle barge, departing from Moorindil Street, Tewantin. Operating daily from 5.20am to 10.20pm, check here for up to date details.

Don’t miss a stay at this awesome park, with clean and well-serviced facilities literally right on the beach, offering an easy-to-reach slice of wild outback living.

Eat And Relax At Noosa Heads Surf Club

Noosa Heads Surf Club
Noosa Heads Surf Club

We voted this the best spot to relax in Noosa with a restaurant and bar that overlooks the pretty Main Beach and views across the glittering sea. Chic yet with surfer-beach vibes, dine here over lazy lunches or at dusk for an atmospheric dinner.

Located in the protected eastern corner of beautiful Laguna Bay in Noosa Heads, the surf club is wedged between Hastings Street and the wonderful beach. You can watch the surfers at Noosa’s famous points, the lifesavers undergoing training, kayakers, stand-up paddlers and the busy beach scene. Boats cruise the bay and the ocean twinkles in the sun… Perfection!

Whether you visit at sunrise, through the day or at sunset, the ever-changing colours from the sun turn the sky from pinks to golds, to bright blues and almost orange at dusk. And then the fairy-lights switch on and everything seems to sparkle!

Imported beers are retailed in frosted glasses, and there’s a wide selection of wines and spirits at the bar. And the menu is heavy on seafood and steaks with more basic pastas and fish & chips ideal for families. Or try out their speciality – finger-licking buckets of fresh prawns. Yummy!

Open every day 11am to midnight, except for Christmas Day – as they say, this is the “best seat on the beach”.

Walk The Trail To The Laguna Lookout

Laguna Lookout Noosa
Scenic views from Laguna Lookout

A great place to head to for sunset, Laguna Lookout has panoramic vistas of the Noosa River and across to Noosa Main Beach, the North Shore, Noosaville and Tewantin. As the sun sets the entire region seems bathed in a golden glow – great for your next Insta upload!

You shouldn’t visit Noosa without checking out this lookout. It’s pretty amazing at any time of the day (and less crowded away from sunset hours). Drop by for five minutes or stay with a picnic on the nearby grassy hill to watch the shifting ocean and glowing Glass House Mountains in the distance.

Access from Noosa is via a 5-minute drive along Viewland Drive. Park and make a short walk through giant grey gum, pink bloodwood, ironbark and tallowwood trees to the Lookout. Alternatively, you can make a leisurely trek from the town-centre, along a 1.3km circuit on a well-maintained pathway up a rather steep hill with many steps.

At the top of the Lookout you’ll find two large concrete circles. At the centre is a large dial that you can navigate to identify the various mountains and geographical features displayed. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pesky koala in the treetops.

Admire The Scenery At Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve

Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve
Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve

Locals adore this spot for morning or evening exercising, and it’s no surprise as the scenery is – yet again – awesome.

Developed in the 1970’s with a view to providing a larger surfing beach for Noosa and to protect the homes and canals of Noosa Sound, the Spit was planted with over 20,000 trees.

Today, the Spit takes you to the head of the Noosa River and the bar, with Noosa Groyne Beach on the Eastern side and Noosa River wrapping around the Noosa Woods on the other.

If you’re a dog lover, check out Dog Beach where you’ll find lots of scalliwags enjoying a swim and play. But if you fancy exercising then there’s a lovely flat place for walking or cycling, with a maze of tracks between the Spit and Hastings Street ripe for exploring.

Ride or walk on the pavement for the entire loop, or you can head down to the beach between the two rock walls of Groyne Beach. Here you’ll find toilets, seats, shelters and large grassy areas ripe for picnics.

The Spit is yet another fab place to catch sunset, as it falls across the river. And you’ll savour the dusk birdsong as mangrove honeyeaters and frog-mouth owls tweet and hoot across the Spit.

Keep in mind that Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve is one of the best spots to learn to surf. Board rentals from nearby Main Beach are easy to arrange, but then have your lesson here to avoid the crowds. With the smaller surf here, it’s also a great spot for stand-up-paddle boarding.

Reaching the Spit is simple from Noosa Heads. From Hastings Street, turn left to head past the shops to Claude Batten Drive and Noosa Woods. You’ll find several parking spaces and the Reserve can be explored in any direction. Head to the beach for a swim or walk to the river mouth, cycle or trek, it’s all up to you – just ensure to add this sprawling quiet area on your list of things to do around Noosa Heads, what to do with the family or with your group!

Take A Noosa Ferry Adventure

Noosa ferry

One for history lovers now, as you step back in time onboard a charming Noosa Ferry. Cruising the Noosa River 7-days a week, this is a relaxing way to view Noosa Heads.

Stopping seven times along the route from Noosa Marina at Tewantin to Hastings Street, this iconic trip should be high on your list of things to do in Noosa Heads.

Your charismatic captain will regale you with tales about local landmarks, Noosa’s history and you can decide which are true or not!

There’s an all-weather cabin at water-level or you can enjoy the fresh air on the rooftop deck for splendid panoramic views and some of the area’s most gorgeous homes that back onto the river.

There’s the daytime Classic Cruise or the dusk Sunset Cruise to choose from, but either – or both – are great. However, we chose the Sunset Cruise and arrived at Hastings Street just in time to catch a dinner at one of Noosa’s waterfront restaurants.

Next time we plan to try their twice-weekly Eco Cruise (Tue and Thu), which delves deep into Noosa’s nature and the Noosa Biosphere. Filled with environmental titbits, a bushland walk and morning tea, this takes your ferry adventure one step further.

Whenever you choose to cruise, don’t forget to BYO drinks and then sit back to enjoy your relaxing Noosa River cruise experience. Tickets can be purchased at any of the ferry stops or onboard for daytime cruises, but the special Eco Cruise and Sunset Cruise tickets need pre-booking.

Go On An Adventure On A Noosa Everglade Tour

Kayaking in Noosa Everglades
Kayaking in Noosa Everglades

Along with the more famous Florida Everglades, The Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglades systems in the world.

This unique wilderness area is filled with dark waterways and a myriad of wildlife. Spanning from the upper reaches of the Noosa River, hidden within the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, thanks to the Noosa Biosphere project these ancient waterways have remained unchanged for thousands of years.

You’ll find a tranquil oasis filled with paperbark trees that reflect perfectly in the dark, tannin-stained fresh waters. Innumerable birds call this region home whilst the waters are rich in aquatic life.

Many tour operators offer daily or longer tours into the Noosa Everglades, where you can cruise up river to places such as Richard Branson’s heart-shaped Makepeace Island retreat or head to Harry’s Hut – an old loggers camp – for picnic and swimming.

There are rich salt-water lakes – Cooroibah and Cootharaba – humming with wildlife. And there’s no better way to explore than by paddling by canoe or kayak the 6km to the picnic area. Lunch is usually a BBQ, whilst afternoons are spent swimming and appreciating the spectacular scenery of the Noosa Everglades.

These calm waterways stretch almost 60km and are locally referred to as the “River of Mirrors” because of the amazing reflections in the water. Have your camera ready for some awesome photos as you cruise along the narrow waterways and – great tip – come at sunrise for the best “mirror” pics.

This unique environment is truly one of Australia’s most untouched and diverse ecosystems. A photographer’s dream, a bird watcher’s paradise, experience breathtaking beauty and tranquility as you explore self-guided on kayaks, with guided boat tours or even by foot!

Home to over 40% of Australia’s bird species, the intricate network of waterways plays an important sanctuary for some of the country’s most iconic creatures. As with other spots around Noosa Heads, the scenery is almost impossibly beautiful with scented tea tree forests and floating lily pads.

Whatever time of year you visit, there’s fabulous flora and fauna, with native residents such as pelicans, cormorants, eagles, osprey and the rare jabiru, plus those noisy but gorgeous glossy black cockatoos.

Easy to reach, Noosa Everglades are just 40 minutes from Noosa Heads. Kayak tours depart from Boreen Point (only 25 minutes from Noosa Heads) and boat tours from Elanda Point.

There’s a number of camping options around Lake Cootharaba – at the southernmost end of the Noosa Everglades – and Boreen Point’s white sandy beach on the northwest edge is another beautiful spot to set up camp.

Stay for half a day or longer, just be sure to add in a visit to this most unique of places on your list of What To Do Noosa Heads itinerary!

You can sign up for a cruise here or an Everglades kayaking experience here.

Eat And Shop At Eumundi Markets

Eumundi Markets
Eumundi Markets

Open Wednesday and Saturday, 7.30am-2pm and with Eumundi Square also open Fridays 8.30am-1pm, Eumundi offers a market vibe like no other.

Going back to the early 1960’s, three stalls were regularly set up on a Saturday morning in a hope to reinvigorate the town. These days, thousands of visitors flock here for the Wednesday and Saturday markets which fills this normally laid-back hinterland town.

And what’s so special? Everywhere you turn is colour, creativity and a plethora of local and international products.

The talent of local traders is rather unique, with authentic local products displayed and sold with such passion. Jewellery makers and designers, artists and more fill Eumundi Square with more than 90 stalls and shops.

The town itself is also well worth a look, nestled in amongst the Noosa Hinterland. Boasting a beautiful natural scenery of trees, rolling hills and historical charm, Eumundi holds a special place in the local’s hearts. And when the markets are on you’ll often find live music, special shopping experiences, performing arts, spiritual and historical teachings and more all happening alongside. Plus, there’s amazing street food, from super healthy to super naughty!

Only 20 minutes from Noosa Heads, Eumundi is centrally located on the Sunshine Coast. Indulge your shopping senses with a browse through this stand-out market!

Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Red Lock Escape Rooms

Red Lock Escape Rooms

Looking for something to do in the evenings or perhaps some fun with a group near Noosa Heads?

Get yourself down to the local Escape Room where you’ll play an all-too-real-life game… Solve puzzles, find clues and hope that you can escape from the Red Lock Escape Rooms before time runs out!

Recently relocated from Noosa Heads to nearby Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore (add this on to the end of a day at Peregian Beach), you’ll find four fantastic escape rooms.

As a family we pretty much suck at this, and sadly have never “escaped”. But there’s loads of fun and laughs in trying to! There’s Aunt Annie’s Asylum, Area 51 and the highly recommended Bank Heist room. Let the adventures begin…

What To Do In Noosa Heads Map

Things To Do In Noosa Heads map
Click the Map to open in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

Best Place To Stay In Noosa Heads

When it comes to where to stay in Noosa Heads you truly have the pick of accommodation choices!

Bushland-based, wild and rugged caravan sites, contrast with upmarket chic hotels and surfer-vibe beach accommodation. With something to fit all budgets and styles, it can be hard to narrow down your choice!

Below, I’ve listed a few different places to consider including a budget, mid-range and more expensive option.

BEST – RACV Noosa Resort Review

RACV Noosa Resort

The RACV Noosa Resort is a top place to stay in Noosa Heads. This big resort has a range of well appointed and self contained accommodation from one bedroom to three bedroom options with their own pools! The apartments have everything you need to make your stay easy including washing machines.

RACV Noosa Resort room

There are many facilities here. The top one has to be the great heated pools complete with kids water slides and splash play area. You can easily spend all day here, especially as you can eat and drink right by the pool. One also has a beach-style entry.

RACV Noosa Resort dine by the pool
Eating by the pool!

There’s also a kids playground, tennis court, games room, gym, day spa, shop, restaurant and bar and bike hire. It’s a great place to hang out while not sightseeing.

RACV Noosa Resort playground
Kids playground

While not by the main beach area, it’s only a few minutes drive away and a free shuttle bus runs every half hour from 8am to 6pm making this easy.

RACV Noosa Resort shuttle bus
RACV Noosa Resort’s shuttle bus

We highly recommend a stay at the RACV Noosa Resort. Read my full review here.

Click here to see the latest prices.

MID-RANGE – Noosa International Resort Review

Promoted as “Noosa’s Own Sanctuary”, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Noosa International Resort. Set within two acres of lush tropical gardens, the resort is perched on the hilltop of Noosa Heads just minutes from Noosa’s Main Beach and Hastings Street.

One and two-bedroom self-contained spacious apartments are brightly designed, in brilliant whites and blues. Coming with queen beds or singles, these are ideal for families or groups. Air-conditioned with a full kitchen plus laundry facilities, television and ensuite bathroom, everything you need is included. You’ll find a small balcony with gorgeous views over the pool and hotel grounds, and far across Noosa Heads.

For smaller groups or budgets, check out their superior rooms or studio rooms with kitchenettes – that also come with a private balcony or courtyard area.

If you don’t fancy cooking there’s many restaurants nearby for dine-in or takeaway. There’s never a dull moment as the Resort has two pools, free WiFi access, spa with steam room, bbq facilities, a gym and free secure parking!

Noosa International Resort ticks all the boxes and is our strong mid-range choice of accommodation in Noosa Heads.

Click here to see the latest prices.

BUDGET – Nomads Noosa Backpackers Review

Looking for some fun, safe backpacker-style accommodation? Nomads Noosa has you covered.

You know you’re in for fun when your hotel offers a daily meet-and-greet session in the bar and invites you to have a free drink on them to kick-start your vacation! Then there’s a Sunday bbq and sporadic trivia or DJ sessions on other evenings.

Accommodation comes in the form of rooms and dorms, with seasonally-timed air con. You’ll have a locker for your personal bits and pieces, there’s luggage storage facilities, and you can choose mixed or female-only dorms. As for the bathroom, wherever you choose to sleep you’ll have an en-suite!

Meals are usually a communal affair, with breakfast offered in the onsite Cafe and there’s shared kitchen facilities if you fancy cooking up lunch or dinner.

Hang in the television room, connect to the free WiFi, play pool or enjoy the swimming pool with surrounding sun-loungers or join in for a game of volleyball.

Located less than 900 metres from the famed Noosa Main Beach, you’re in an ideal location for all activities and restaurants.

Click here to see the latest prices.

How To Get To Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads National Park road

It’s easy to get to Noosa Heads by plane, bus, train or car. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go. Allot more or less 1.5 hours for a road journey from Brisbane.

There are regular flights to nearby Maroochydore Airport from many places in Australia. Check out the best flight prices and times here.

You can take a bus from Brisbane to Noosa Junction once daily via Greyhound Australia and it will take you around 2 hours. Taking a train-bus journey is also an option. Hop on a train from Central Station in Brisbane to Nambour Station then ride a bus to Sunshine Beach Rd at Noosa Plaza.

You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here. This is what we did so we could explore all the surroundings easily.

Noosa Heads With Kids

Tewantin water park Noosa Heads
Tewantin water park

The Sunshine Coast, and especially Noosa Heads, is as family-friendly as you can find!

The Noosa Main Beach is super ideal for your youngsters and is patrolled year round. Safe swimming, surfing lessons, almost guaranteed calm seas and brilliant sunshine… You can’t go wrong with a day at the beach here. Lunch can be enjoyed at the Surf Club with a special kids menu ideal for toddlers and upwards.

You’ll find a couple of companies offering horse riding along the shores which is always a favourite with our kids. Another old favourite is to hire cycles and explore by pedal. There’s so many easy paths between Noosa Marina and Hastings Street with some fun at the Pirate Playground, and you can easily stop off at cafes along the route to grab an ice-cream.

Of course, Noosa Heads is famous for its spectacular nature and (age-dependent) there’s endless options to enjoy with the kids. Kayak through the Noosa Everglades or enjoy the shorter hikes at Noosa Headland and the National Park (watching for whales, dolphins and turtles). The calm waters of the Noosa River are perfect for stand-up-paddle board lessons and there’s currently a unique Fliteboard (electric surfboard) option too!

Ride the Noosa Ferry (check out the all-day pass for families) or the more electrifying Noosa Wave Boating Adventures – a thrilling zero-gravity ocean ride which seems to almost glide over the waves! And you can set up your bbq next to the world’s largest aqua fun park at Coolum, just 30 minutes south of Noosa – with an inflatable obstacle course that is truly epic in size!

And there’s fishing, dolphin tours, sailing, playgrounds (plus Noosa Tenpin and Laser Tag), campgrounds, bird watching and loads more outdoors-style activities to try.

Away from the shore and nature, take your kids to the Ginger Factory just 30 minutes south-west of Noosa at Yandina. The whole family can enjoy riding a 100-year old sugar cane train. There’s a boat ride with music and puppetry, a heritage-style village and an outdoor playground. As well as (of course) a factory tour and tasting session of sweet Buderim Ginger (gingerbread, chocolate, ginger beer, honey and much more!).

For another full day out, why not travel south of Noosa to Australia Zoo. There’s some great native animals on display and kids from four years of age can take part in Zookeeper-For-A-Day programmes.

Needless to say, we think Noosa Heads rocks for kids!

Final Words

The beautiful coastline of Noosa National Park
The beautiful coastline of Noosa National Park

Endless world-class beaches, the wonder of the Noosa Everglades and Noosa National Park, outdoor activities galore… Noosa Heads is full of unique and exciting activities for all ages!

We hope you enjoyed this guide to things to do Noosa Heads. Read more Queensland travel guides here or read about nearby Rainbow Beach here or Bargara/Bundaberg here. Our full review of the fabulous RACV Noosa Resort is here.

By Anne Sutherland-Smith

Anne Sutherland-Smith is the founder of the Pretraveller and Everywhere Australia blogs which focus on travel planning. Anne has extensively explored her home country of Australia. As a result, she writes from personal experience to help others plan their Australian trips.