Noosa Heads travel guide

Noosa Heads Tourism | Noosa Heads Guide

You're Going to Love Noosa Heads

A sparkling gem on Australia's famed Sunshine Coast, this resort town offers something for lovers of the sea, sun, and shopping. Travelers from all over the world stream in to Noosa for its beautiful protected beach and river habitats as well as its upscale dining scene.

Offering something for visitors keen on adventuring to islands and mountains as well as those hoping to relax their way through their vacation, Noosa caters to just about every appetite.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Noosa Heads

1. Fantastic Eco Tours

Many visitors come to Noosa each year to take advantage of wonderful tours that take travelers into mountain villages and stunning environments far from the city.

2. River Cruises

There's nothing like cruising along the full length of the Noosa River and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Everglades from on deck.

3. Great Fishing Spots

Those hoping to fish in beach, river, and open ocean environments don't have far to travel: all three are easily accessible from town.

4. Surfing

Both surfing and kite surfing are popular pastimes in Noosa, with great waves and wind providing propulsion for both.

5. Fresh Seafood

As one might expect from a beach town, Noosa has plenty of great seafood, freshly caught and prepared in all sorts of ways.

1. Fantastic Eco Tours

Many visitors come to Noosa each year to take advantage of wonderful tours that take travelers into mountain villages and stunning environments far from the city.

2. River Cruises

There's nothing like cruising along the full length of the Noosa River and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Everglades from on deck.

3. Great Fishing Spots

Those hoping to fish in beach, river, and open ocean environments don't have far to travel: all three are easily accessible from town.

4. Surfing

Both surfing and kite surfing are popular pastimes in Noosa, with great waves and wind providing propulsion for both.

5. Fresh Seafood

As one might expect from a beach town, Noosa has plenty of great seafood, freshly caught and prepared in all sorts of ways.

What to do in Noosa Heads

1. Call Of The Wild

First established as a protected area in 1879, Noosa National Park, a nearly 9,900-acre reserve, is split into four sections: Headland, Peregian, Emu Mountain and East Weyba. The most popular park in Australia, Noosa is known for its spectacular beaches, fishing, snorkeling, surfing and rock climbing. The park is home to many native species, such as koalas, sea turtles and dolphins. The best times to visit are from September to November, when the skies are sunny and clear.

2. Up Close With Crocodiles

Home of the renowned Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a 100-acre animal reserve, which first opened in 1970. The recipient of numerous awards, the zoo, owned by Irwin's widow, is known for its interactive animal displays, which include crocodile and elephant feeding. Among the animals that visitors will encounter are tigers, koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos and wombats. The zoo also offers a platinum tour, which allows guests a guided visit behind the scenes.

3. Living On The Lake

A suburb of Noosa, Noosaville lies on Lake Weyba, a large salt-water lake, and is known for its stingrays and flying squirrels. The community features a selection of parks, nature reserves and shopping centers, such as Noosa Civic. The area also contains a series of canals known as the Noosa Waters, which includes numerous vacation rentals, as well as fun restaurants and bars. Noosaville is especially popular with jet skiers, boaters and kayakers.

4. Sample Australian Delicacies

Owned by renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita, host of the TV program "Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita," Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar features a delectable selection of fresh produce and seafood such as North Queensland crayfish, oysters, prawns and local barramundi, as well as designer cocktails, tasting menus and gourmet bar snacks. Overlooking the Noosa River, diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the hinterland, while sampling breakfast, lunch or dinner.

5. Arts And Crafts Utopia

Featuring 500 stalls, which sell artwork, crafts, clothing and souvenirs, the Original Eumundi Markets, which open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, is a showcase for local artists. Whether its sculptures, furniture, toys or jewelry, everything at the markets is handmade. Food lovers will also enjoy the bazaar's selection of seafood, pastries, breads and cheeses, which can be sampled while listening to the many musicians who perform live at the markets.

1. Call Of The Wild

First established as a protected area in 1879, Noosa National Park, a nearly 9,900-acre reserve, is split into four sections: Headland, Peregian, Emu Mountain and East Weyba. The most popular park in Australia, Noosa is known for its spectacular beaches, fishing, snorkeling, surfing and rock climbing. The park is home to many native species, such as koalas, sea turtles and dolphins. The best times to visit are from September to November, when the skies are sunny and clear.

2. Up Close With Crocodiles

Home of the renowned Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a 100-acre animal reserve, which first opened in 1970. The recipient of numerous awards, the zoo, owned by Irwin's widow, is known for its interactive animal displays, which include crocodile and elephant feeding. Among the animals that visitors will encounter are tigers, koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos and wombats. The zoo also offers a platinum tour, which allows guests a guided visit behind the scenes.

3. Living On The Lake

A suburb of Noosa, Noosaville lies on Lake Weyba, a large salt-water lake, and is known for its stingrays and flying squirrels. The community features a selection of parks, nature reserves and shopping centers, such as Noosa Civic. The area also contains a series of canals known as the Noosa Waters, which includes numerous vacation rentals, as well as fun restaurants and bars. Noosaville is especially popular with jet skiers, boaters and kayakers.

4. Sample Australian Delicacies

Owned by renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita, host of the TV program "Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita," Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar features a delectable selection of fresh produce and seafood such as North Queensland crayfish, oysters, prawns and local barramundi, as well as designer cocktails, tasting menus and gourmet bar snacks. Overlooking the Noosa River, diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the hinterland, while sampling breakfast, lunch or dinner.

5. Arts And Crafts Utopia

Featuring 500 stalls, which sell artwork, crafts, clothing and souvenirs, the Original Eumundi Markets, which open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, is a showcase for local artists. Whether its sculptures, furniture, toys or jewelry, everything at the markets is handmade. Food lovers will also enjoy the bazaar's selection of seafood, pastries, breads and cheeses, which can be sampled while listening to the many musicians who perform live at the markets.

1. Call Of The Wild

First established as a protected area in 1879, Noosa National Park, a nearly 9,900-acre reserve, is split into four sections: Headland, Peregian, Emu Mountain and East Weyba. The most popular park in Australia, Noosa is known for its spectacular beaches, fishing, snorkeling, surfing and rock climbing. The park is home to many native species, such as koalas, sea turtles and dolphins. The best times to visit are from September to November, when the skies are sunny and clear.

2. Up Close With Crocodiles

Home of the renowned Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a 100-acre animal reserve, which first opened in 1970. The recipient of numerous awards, the zoo, owned by Irwin's widow, is known for its interactive animal displays, which include crocodile and elephant feeding. Among the animals that visitors will encounter are tigers, koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos and wombats. The zoo also offers a platinum tour, which allows guests a guided visit behind the scenes.

3. Living On The Lake

A suburb of Noosa, Noosaville lies on Lake Weyba, a large salt-water lake, and is known for its stingrays and flying squirrels. The community features a selection of parks, nature reserves and shopping centers, such as Noosa Civic. The area also contains a series of canals known as the Noosa Waters, which includes numerous vacation rentals, as well as fun restaurants and bars. Noosaville is especially popular with jet skiers, boaters and kayakers.

4. Sample Australian Delicacies

Owned by renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita, host of the TV program "Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita," Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar features a delectable selection of fresh produce and seafood such as North Queensland crayfish, oysters, prawns and local barramundi, as well as designer cocktails, tasting menus and gourmet bar snacks. Overlooking the Noosa River, diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the hinterland, while sampling breakfast, lunch or dinner.

5. Arts And Crafts Utopia

Featuring 500 stalls, which sell artwork, crafts, clothing and souvenirs, the Original Eumundi Markets, which open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, is a showcase for local artists. Whether its sculptures, furniture, toys or jewelry, everything at the markets is handmade. Food lovers will also enjoy the bazaar's selection of seafood, pastries, breads and cheeses, which can be sampled while listening to the many musicians who perform live at the markets.

Where to Eat in Noosa Heads

Noosa has restaurants and cafes for every budget. The Global Bar and Cafe is a local, value option with a relaxed atmosphere. More upscale restaurants include and Cafe Le Monde. Prices at a low-key restaurant can easily total AU$20 for one person.

When to visit Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads in June
Estimated hotel price
$185
1 night at 3-star hotel
Noosa Heads in June
Estimated hotel price
$185
1 night at 3-star hotel

Noosa enjoys a moderate climate and the water is relatively warm year-round. Summer temperatures peak at around 90, and in winter it can dip down to about 50 at times. March, April, and May usually enjoy the best weather with relatively sunny days.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Noosa Heads

Plane

The Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in Maroochydore is only 15 miles away, and a bus, the 622, runs to Noosa Junction.

Train

There is no local train station; the closest lies in Nambour but you'll need a connecting bus to reach town.

Car

The M1 terminates in Noosa, making it easy to drive north from Brisbane, just over 90 miles away.

Bus

Greyhound buses from Cairns and Brisbane stop in Noosa several times a day. One-way tickets from Brisbane cost AU$37.

Plane

The Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in Maroochydore is only 15 miles away, and a bus, the 622, runs to Noosa Junction.

Train

There is no local train station; the closest lies in Nambour but you'll need a connecting bus to reach town.

Car

The M1 terminates in Noosa, making it easy to drive north from Brisbane, just over 90 miles away.

Bus

Greyhound buses from Cairns and Brisbane stop in Noosa several times a day. One-way tickets from Brisbane cost AU$37.

Airports near Noosa Heads

Airlines serving Noosa Heads

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,611 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,253 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,460 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (898 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (889 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (5,279 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (811 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (372 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (466 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,636 reviews)
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Where to stay in Noosa Heads

The full range of hotel price points can be found in Noosa. The Nomads Noosa Backpackers Hostel is popular with backpackers, while families often opt for the Wolngarin Holiday Resort. Luxury hotels abound and include Lookout Resort Noosa.

Popular Neighborhoods in Noosa

Main Beach - located in Noosa Heads, this is the most popular area of Noosa.

Noosaville - home to Keyser Island Conservation Park, this suburb is a calm and quiet part of Noosa.

Noosa North Shore - a bit removed from town, the North Shore offers secluded resorts and hiking.

Main Beach - located in Noosa Heads, this is the most popular area of Noosa.
Noosaville - home to Keyser Island Conservation Park, this suburb is a calm and quiet part of Noosa.
Noosa North Shore - a bit removed from town, the North Shore offers secluded resorts and hiking.

Where to stay in popular areas of Noosa Heads

Most booked hotels in Noosa Heads

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, 970 reviews)
$302+
Breakfree Alexandra Beach
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1197 reviews)
$79+
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
5 stars
Good (7.9, 1694 reviews)
$183+
Mantra French Quarter Noosa
4 stars
Good (7.7, 1816 reviews)
$198+
The Sebel Noosa
4 stars
Good (7.7, 903 reviews)
$197+
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 stars
Good (7.6, 3328 reviews)
$116+

How to Get Around Noosa Heads

Public Transportation

Translink runs buses in Noosa, with routes that extend to the Noosa National Park.

Taxi

There are several taxi services in town, with fares averaging just over AU$5 a mile.

Car

It is very easy to drive in Noosa. You'll find Avis, Budget, and Thrifty outlets around town, with prices starting at around AU$25 per day.

Public Transportation

Translink runs buses in Noosa, with routes that extend to the Noosa National Park.

Taxi

There are several taxi services in town, with fares averaging just over AU$5 a mile.

Car

It is very easy to drive in Noosa. You'll find Avis, Budget, and Thrifty outlets around town, with prices starting at around AU$25 per day.

The Cost of Living in Noosa Heads

Shopping Streets

Noosa is known for its upscale shopping. Hastings Street is home to all sorts of boutique and luxury stores, and prices can be quite high. One pair of jeans can easily cross AU$100.

Groceries and Other

Noosa has several grocers. Food is not too expensive in town, with a dozen eggs running AU$4.46 and a loaf of fresh bread costing AU$3.20.