The 18 best things to do in Noosa

Noosa is home to one of only two everglade systems in the entire world, with this breathtaking network of mirrored lakes and wetlands best explored on water. You can join Kanu Kapers for a sustainable kayak adventure, where you’ll paddle peacefully among water lilies, reeds and towering melaleuca paperbark trees to a birdsong soundtrack. Alternatively, jump aboard one of Everglades Eco Safaris’ serene river cruises that showcase the majesty of this world-class national park with fascinating commentary about the ancient lands and waterways. Halfway, you'll have the option to jump in a canoe and paddle five kilometres back toward the river mouth. 

You can’t visit Noosa without exploring one of Australia’s oldest and most visited national parks. An Instagrammer’s paradise, Noosa National Park is home to heavenly slices of coastal scenery, lush rainforest, adorable beaches and thriving wildlife. Plus, there’s not a high rise in sight. From Hastings Street, you can choose from five scenic trails, ranging from the easy one-kilometre Palm Grove Walk to the stunning half-day Coastal Walk. 

After conquering the Coastal Walk from Hastings Street to Sunshine Beach, reward yourself with a refreshing Aperol Spritz or Passionfruit Nojito at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Try to grab a shaded table on the expansive balcony where you can enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering seas and perhaps even spot a pod of whales passing by. The SBSC menu features all the classics: parmys, pizzas and pot pies, along with coastal classics, including spiced snapper tacos, chilli garlic king prawns and a Darling Downs rump steak with peppercorn mushroom sauce. Top tip: save yourself the sweat and ride the free courtesy bus straight back to Noosa. 

If scaling up a 50-metre cliff tickles your fancy, Mount Tinbeerwah is the place for you. Join the rock hoppers at Adventure Tribe for an exhilarating sunset abseil, with group and private sessions available for all experience levels. As you climb up to the summit, you’ll be treated to spectacular views across the Noosa Hinterland – just don't look down as you lean over the edge on your first abseil. Sessions run every Saturday afternoon, and you'll enjoy unlimited climbs across two action-packed hours.

Beachside glamour meets holiday chill on Hastings Street, Noosa’s main drag located just a street back from the beach. Once voted Australia’s ‘Best Main Street’, this beachside strip buzzes with foodie hot spots, coastal boutiques, local galleries and gorgeous gift shops. The best part? There’s not a single skyscraper in sight. Spend your days browsing the shops, spooning into acai bowls and people-watching at one of the many all-day cafés. As evening falls, dawdle down to see the trees twinkling with fairy lights, bars buzzing with live music and burger joints doing a roaring trade (shout out to Noosa institution, Betty’s Burgers).

If bathwater-warm ocean temps, glittering blue waves and long, tropical days are what you're seeking for your next surf sesh, look no further than Noosa – a globally recognised 'World Surfing Reserve'. Sunshine Beach is a paradise for experienced groms, with plenty of powerful peaks and gutters along its coastline. Meanwhile, Noosa Main Beach spills with long, smooth waves that are perfect for beginners, and around the corner at Noosa Groyne, you'll find an abundance of surf schools that'll have you shredding in no time. Our top pick is Go Ride A Wave, which offers group and private lessons, along with board rentals.

Name a better way to spend an afternoon with a bunch of good mates. We won’t wait; we’ll just roll the recommendations… First up in Noosa’s ‘beermuda triangle’ is Land & Sea, the town’s first craft brewery. These legends run backstage tours from Thursday to Saturday at 10,30am, complete with a tasting paddle of their entire craft beer range. Just around the corner, you’ll find Boiling Pot Brewing Co, a relaxed taproom named after both the giant vessel they cook up their beer in and the first headland in Noosa National Park. Sip on brews straight from the source and pair them with hand-stretched Roman-style pizzas. If you’ve got room in the tank, shuffle down the road to Heads of Noosa for Japanese-style lagers and live music every Friday from 4pm. 

Noosa’s Sunday gathering of local producers and artisans fits the bill for a quintessential Aussie farmers market. Picture colourful tents scattered beneath the gum trees at Rococo Oval, just a stone’s throw from the lake's edge. Wake yourself up with steaming coffee or freshly squeezed lime juice, then fill your belly with flaky croissants, savoury crepes or even a creamy bowl of gnocchi. A souvenir for the road home is essential, whether that be locally made jams and salsas, a bright bouquet of flowers, a handful of locally caught prawns or a generous chunk of cheese. The Noosa Farmers Markets are on every Sunday from 7am to midday.

You’re in for some serious thrills and spills on this bumpy boat adventure that winds around the pristine coastline surrounding Noosa National Park. Local legends Brent and Min Milne of Noosa Ocean Adventures are no strangers to the wild waters of the Sunshine Coast and will zoom you past all the hot spots, including Tea Tree Bay, Hell’s Gate, Paradise Caves and the Noosa Fairy Pools. If you’re lucky, you’ll come face-to-face with breaching humpback whales, playful dolphin pods and the odd turtle. Hold onto your hats for the grand finale – a jet boat thrill ride featuring wave-jumping, 360-degree turns and figure-eights. 

Experience the old-world charm of silent films at The Majestic Theatre, believed to be the longest-running silent movie theatre in the world. Built in the 1920s as a social hall, this grand old cinema continues to screen silent films, along with live acoustic music performances, themed movie nights, sing-a-longs and tributes throughout the week. Every Saturday at midday, audiences can tap their toes to classic flicks like Singin’ in the Rain, with each silent screening accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chris Rose playing the fabulous 1937 Compton organ. There’s truly nothing like it!

Noosa has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. All-day diner Aromas is great for people-watching, while Blended Health Bar is a staple for refreshing smoothies and acai bowls on the go. As the sun sets, queues start to form outside Miss Moneypenny’s, a super-popular Mediterranean-inspired bar; El Capitano, the town’s OG sourdough pizzeria; and Betty’s Burgers, a beloved Noosa institution. For those special occasions, remember the names Bistro C, Rickys River Bar & Restaurant, Season Restaurant, and Sails.  

Noosa has no shortage of fabulous beaches to suit wave riders, body surfers, nervous paddlers and beachcombers. The Main Beach has supermodel good looks and gentle waves, which beckon swimmers to run down the beach and dive in. It’s hugged by Noosa National Park, which means you can cap off your day at the beach with a calming nature walk. Other popular beaches for a quick dip or an entire day spent reading on the sand include Little Cove, Tea Tree Bay, Sunshine Beach and Alexandria Bay.

Coloured sand cliffs, towering forests and crystal clear waters full of playful wildlife await you in the Great Sandy Marine Park. Join Epic Ocean Adventures for a thrilling eco-tour that kicks off with a 4WD drive along a sand highway to the remote Double Island Point. From here, you’ll kit up for a kayaking adventure, where you might encounter bottlenose dolphins, marine turtles, manta rays and even humpback whales (from May to November). Leave your sea legs at home!

Noosa is home to the Kabi Kabi people whose traditional lands stretch 100 kilometres south and 150 kilometres north of its sun-kissed shores. Every evening at 7pm, travellers are invited to watch the Kabi Kabi Virtual Welcome to Country at the Visitors Information Centre on Hastings Street. This powerful, six-minute audio-visual experience, created in conjunction with Kabi Kabi traditional custodians, beautifully honours their rich connection to the land. It’s an incredibly meaningful way to recognise and celebrate one of the oldest living cultures on Earth. 

Noosa’s annual food and drink festival has been a firm favourite for more than 20 years, bringing some of Australia’s favourite celebrity chefs to the beachside town in June, including Adriano Zumbo, Guy Grossi and Darren Purchese. Local restaurants rally together for the festival’s signature Long Lunch, which stretches end-to-end along Noosa Junction’s Arcadia Street. Beer and cider aficionados aren’t forgotten, with plenty of brewers demonstrating their crafts, plus sundowner sessions at The Beach Garden pop-up, produce markets and interactive masterclasses. The Festival Village buzzes day and night with live entertainment, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Best known for being the home of the legendary Steve Irwin (aka: the Crocodile Hunter), Australia Zoo is an absolutely massive wildlife park bursting with seriously unique wildlife experiences. From world-famous saltwater croc feeding to up-close lemur experiences, this two-acre wildlife conservation park has it all in one place. The zoo has a strong focus on protecting native wildlife. Plus, if you're lucky, you may even get the chance to squiz Terri, Bob or Bindi Irwin IRL. How's that for star quality? 

If you’re all about midday Margaritas and sun-kissed Spritzes, then hop aboard Catalina Noosa. This luxe floating beach club on the Noosa River hosts vibrant cocktail parties, laid-back lunch cruises and sunset sessions every Friday through Sunday. The two-level boat features a spacious deck with shady umbrellas and sun lounges, which give way to an impromptu dance floor after dusk, complete with party lights and tropical beats. Local chefs at the top of their game take care of the canapés and cocktails, so your experience will be nothing short of fabulous. 

Breathe in the fresh tang of salt water and listen to the soothing sounds of waves as you ride along Teewah Beach, surrounded by the natural beauty of Noosa’s bush-fringed North Shore. Equathon Horse Riding Adventures offers one- or two-hour private tours tailored to all abilities, from nervous first-timers to seasoned riders. Giddy up!