A local’s guide to Noosa – explore the best spots

NOOSA – TEWANTIN is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. It is best known for recreation, golden beaches, and a superb quality of life – quintessentially Australia.

Of course, it was not always like this. Noosa, located 178 km north of Brisbane, was originally a sleepy little village beside the sea, known only to a few anglers and beachcombers.

Now, it is a little piece of exclusive suburbia and is a summer destination where the young and the wealthy come to get away from it all.

Now that we have a gorgeous Prize Home at Tewantin, we’ve been lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time in this coastal paradise and have uncovered a thriving foodie scene, diverse landscapes (including one of only two everglades in the whole world), and the best backyard you could ask for that goes beyond the Hastings Street strip.

We’ve put together a few tips on the best places to go if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this part of the world. (Say, for example, if you’re the winner of your own $1.5 million Noosa home…)

Dining experiences – breakfast, lunch or dinner

Head to Noosa Marina in Tewantin or Hastings Street in Noosa Heads for a smorgasbord of dining options. Another fun option is to cruise Gympie Terrace and Noosa Parade to find some menus to sample along the Noosa River.

Noosa Boathouse

This iconic restaurant and bar floats atop the Noosa River, offering uninterrupted water views and something to satisfy almost anyone’s tastebuds. Grab some fish and chips from the takeaway window or head to the Sunset Bar for Sunday session to remember.

When: Open from 6am, 7 days

Where: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville

Rickys

Settle in and watch the sun go down over the Noosa River as you enjoy sampling the mouth-watering seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced Sunshine Coast produce.

When: Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 12pm till late

Where: 2 Quamby Place, Noosa Heads

Noosa Cruiser

Don’t miss spending an evening on Noosa’s only cruising restaurant and bar. All meals are freshly prepared on board while guests enjoy the spectacular views of Noosa River.

When: You can step aboard the Noosa Cruiser 7 days a week.

Where: Cruises depart from the Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

Find your bliss.

Pamper day for singles, couples, or the whole family

While just spending time in this part of the world is enough to find your bliss, a bit of extra pampering never hurts…

Ikatan Balinese Day Spa

Nestled in a stunning tropical acreage setting, Ikatan transports you to a Balinese village with villa style treatment rooms and a communal garden room where head and foot massages take place.

When you enter the day spa, you are welcomed with a hot or cold tea of your choice and are given the option to select which essential oils you would like to have during aromatherapy experience before being welcomed into the treatment rooms. Ikatan has an extensive menu of services for many occasions.

When: Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm.

Where: 46 Grays Road, Doonan

NuYou Natural Beauty Day Spa

Enjoy the ultimate in relaxation in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most luxurious day spas.

With an indulgent French Provicial theme, be truly pampered with one of NuYou’s special pamper packages.

Explore the full range of services at www.nuyounatural.com.au.

When: The spa is open Mondays 9am-1pm, Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Where: Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court Tewantin

A little window shopping never hurt.

Shopping

Grab your credit card and comfy pair of shoes. This may take a while…

Hastings Street

Packed with stylish boutiques and equally stylish clientele, Noosa’s famous Hastings Street is the place to shop till you drop or at least do some serious window shopping.

When: Day and night

Where: Hastings Street, Noosa

Noosa Marina

From Birkenstocks and designer homewares to fine art and fashion, you’ll find it at the Noosa Marina.

When: Open 7 days

Where: 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

Parking: 3 hours of free parking is available in the Noosa Marina carpark. Simply register your number plate at the parking machine on entry.

Noosa Marina Sunday Markets

Dotted along the deck of the Noosa Marina, overlooking the sparkling Noosa River, this lovely local market is perfect for a Sunday morning browse. Check out the handmade arts and crafts and stock up on local produce. Live music adds to the vibe from 10am every week.

When: Every Sunday from 8am to 1.30pm

Where: Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

From shopping and dining to ocean adventures, you’ll find it at Noosa Marina.

Arts & Entertainment

Noosa Regional Gallery

With regular exhibitions showcasing local artists, this small but mighty gallery is making waves in the local and broader art communities. The gallery was announced joint winner of the 2022 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) for ‘Floating Land: at the edge of ideas’.

For current exhibitions visit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au

When: Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 3pm (closed Mondays and public holidays)

Where: Riverside, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin

Harbour Wine Bar

Head to this popular bar at Noosa Marina to hear some of the Sunshine Coast’s best live acts.

To see who’s playing, go to www.noosamarina.com.au

When: Most Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Where: Harbour Wine Bar, Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court Tewantin

Natural attractions

While Noosa is already famous for its stunning main beach, headland and the beautiful Noosa River, there’s so much more to this spectacular region if you cast your eye a little further afield.

Noosa North Shore

Drive onto the car ferry at Tewantin to make the short trip across the Noosa River and you’ll find yourself at Noosa North Shore and more than 80 kilometres of stunning coastal wilderness. Drive your 4×4 up the beach all the way to Double Island Point and then on to the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach or explore the area on a tour with one of the experienced local tour operators.

Tip: If you’re keen to take your 4×4 onto the beach you’ll need a vehicle permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Tewantin National Park

Pack a picnic and head to the Wooroi or Mount Tinbeerwah day use areas of Tewantin National Park for a rejuvenating dose of nature. Stretch your legs on the 1km Palm Grove Walk (Grade 3) or the slightly more challenging Mount Tinbeerwah lookout track (Grade 4). Climb the 1000m trail to the fire tower lookout, 265 metres above sea level and take in the 360 views.

Where: Wooroi Day Use Area, Tewantin National Park, 186 Cooroy-Noosa Road, Tewantin

Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram users can access the first 130 metres of the track to the first lookout point.

Soak in the views from Tewantin National Park.

Adventure

There are so many ways to get outdoors and enjoy the natural attractions of this amazing area. Here’s just a few of our faves…

Wooroi Mountain Bike Trails

For some two-wheeled fun, head to the Wooroi Day Use Area in the Tewantin National Park, known as one of Southeast Queensland’s best mountain-biking parks. Take your pick of eleven trails of varying length and difficulty including easy, intermediate and difficult black runs.

Where: Wooroi Day Use Area, Tewantin National Park, 186 Cooroy-Noosa Road, Tewantin

Noosa Everglades Eco Safari

There are only two everglades in the world – one in Florida, USA and one near Noosa, Australia. Take an afternoon cruise through Australia’s only everglades. Bring the binoculars for some bird spotting. Did you know that 44% of Australia’s bird species can be found in this region?

When: Daily from 2pm-5pm

Where: Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp, Elanda Point Road, Elanda Point

Go Ride a Wave – Noosa

Where better to learn to surf than the famous Noosa Heads. Take a two-hour lesson with Go Ride a Wave – Noosa and you’ll be standing on your board in your first lesson.

When: Every day at 10am and 1pm

Where: Head to Beach Access 11 in Noosa Woods at the end of Hastings Street, Noosa

Noosa Ocean Rider

If you like to get your adrenaline pumping, Noosa Ocean Rider’s fast-paced Adventure Tour is for you.

Or if you’d prefer to have time to soak up the spectacular scenery, the Dolphin Safari Eco Adventure might be more your speed.

When: Check oceanrider.com.au for available tour dates and times

Where: Noosa Ocean Rider departs from Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

Deep Sea Fishing Co

Join the experts for Noosa’s top offshore fishing charter

Coral Trout, Snapper, Trag Jew, Pearl Perch, Moses Perch, Mackerel, Tuna and even sail fish.

Choose from half day, three-quarter day, or full day fishing adventures.

When: Whenever the fish are biting!

Where: Deep Sea Fishing charters depart from Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

Luxury Boat Hire Noosa

Captain your own cruise down the Noosa River on a Luxury Pontoon Boat. With boats accommodating anywhere from eight to sixteen people and equipped with BBQs, pizza ovens, and even flushing toilets, you’ll be able to entertain your family or friends in style. No boat licence necessary.

When: Open 7 days
Where: Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin

There are so many ways to enjoy the stunning Noosa River.

What are you waiting for?

Come and explore this stunning area like a local and drop into Endeavour Foundation’s $1.5 million Noosa Prize Home while you’re here.

You’ll find directions and opening times here or if you just can’t wait, take a virtual tour now.

Buy Tickets