Iconic Sightseeing Spots in Noosa - Australian Traveller

Noosa could be the perfect holiday destination. Christine Aldred tests it out quite often, just to make sure how Noosa made it to third of your list of Top 50 Aussie towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

What makes Noosa spectacular?

The word is definitely out: Noosa is a very special place. It’s become our perennial family favourite: the swimmers, the wanderers, the adventurers, the foodies, the weary mums, tribes of kids – all enticed by different temptations.

an aerial shot of Little Cove — Breathtaking beachside views at the Little Cove. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It seems we’re far from alone in loving Noosa. On Kabi Kabi land in the heart of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, it’s a place where beaches, forests, waters and mountains collide in a panoply of picture-perfect postcard scenes, with almost eternal sunshine the backdrop.

One minute, we’re in the midst of world-class shopping and dining, nonchalant bush turkeys at our feet, yet mere steps to sandy beaches. The next we’re shrouded in dense rainforest, necks craned for a glimpse of a koala or black cockatoo in the canopy above.

It spans long stretches of white sand

Of course there are stunning beaches – long, white stretches and protected palm-fringed coves – but it’s their proximity to the profusion of parkland that draws me in. At about 3000 hectares, Noosa National Park takes in coastline and a mix of eucalypt and rainforest, woodlands, wetlands and heathlands.

Noosa Heads Main Beach — Strike a pose behind the picturesque sunset backdrop at the Noosa Main Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s home to an astonishing array of wildlife: more than 240 bird species live here; more than 44 per cent of the nation’s total. It’s this bounty of nature’s gifts that adventure-seeker and earth-lover Joel McPherson loves sharing through his bespoke private tours, Joel’s Journeys.

Joel helps visitors uncover some of Noosa’s treasures, introducing the local community and farmers and producers doing great things. “The landscape is amazing with so much variety – the river and lakes, great beaches no matter the wind direction, one of only two everglade systems in the world and incredible views of lofty peaks wherever you go," says Joel.

It features natural parks and reserves

Those natural assets aren’t taken for granted and more than 40 per cent of Noosa is protected through parks or reserves. In 2007, Noosa was awarded the coveted status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , where natural places and people live in harmony, only one of five in Australia.

Mt Cooroora overlooks an impressive natural scenery. (Image: Jack Mccappin)

Two others butt up right next door, the only adjoining biospheres in the world. We’re up for testing it out. Travelling in a three-generational pack of 12, we’ve learned the joy of mass events, but also the art of ‘divide and conquer’.

While babies nap, the millennials sneak out to feast at Sum Yung Guys , which dishes out fragrant Asian-inspired flavours with punch, or sip on Japanese lagers with sun on their backs while listening to live music at Land & Sea Brewery , just one of a plethora of character-filled breweries in this craft-beer capital of Queensland.

Separating by energy levels, the boys head for the hills on mountain bikes to tackle the Noosa Trails, a vast network of eight scenic hinterland bush trails, or race up Mt Coorora’s steep incline, for the breathtaking views or perhaps to train for the annual King of the Mountain race.

It has a lively and eclectic atmosphere

The girls opt for an indulgent massage at the tropical paradise that is Ikatan Spa followed by cheeky cocktails at sultry Locale, and vibrant speakeasy Nudge Nudge Wink Wink at the end of a lane.

artsy exterior at Laneway Noosa — Stop for a coffee in a colourful corner of town.

Hubbie and I tackle the 230-odd steps to the Sunshine Beach lookout (his daily to-do), binoculars in hand in the hope of spotting the splash of dolphins or breaching whales.

We take the spectacular two-hour coastal track into Noosa proper, verdant greens and birdsong to the left, 50 shades of aqua on the right. We can walk back, or catch a bus, free on weekends.

Our options seem boundless: boardwalks to stroll; paddleboards to stand up on; golf courses to master; lakes to cruise, perhaps at sunset; ice-creams to devour.

canoeing the Noosa Everglades — Glide into the everglades. (Image: visitnoosa.com.au)

Miss One is delirious with joy when she twigs the entire thing is just for her. We eat fish and chips by the riverfront as small feet splash and pelicans glide, or picnic en masse on the spit and watch kite surfers soar against a golden sky.

The kids are happy wherever there is water. Each morning we greet an old bearded angler who lets a child pull in a fish, and fly kites on the sand as the sky turns pastel pink at the day’s close.

It boasts an array of sumptuous food options

And then, there’s the food. In the thick of town, waterfront stalwarts remain strong. Another world of flavours exists in the ’burbs: modern Indian at Pucca, delicious food and wine at Muse , French tradition at Flo’s Crêperie , Mexican fare at Bandita and Middle Eastern flair at Humble on Duke , just for starters.

strawberry-filled treat — A good treat for your tastebuds.

It’s more than just tantalising dining options. Noosa Farmers’ Market is a standout: ‘The best lamb in Australia’ spruiked by an ebullient farmer, gourmet mushrooms, Portuguese tarts, yum cha, mozzarella.

Organic Belmondos is where fine local produce goes to market weekdays. We join chef and entrepreneur Peter Kuruvita at Alba , his newly launched restaurant, cooking school and food hub at Noosa Springs, in a fun-fuelled class to master the art of soups. Kuruvita is in awe of the region’s sustainable seafood and the richness of produce from the organic farmers in the hinterland.

Dine by the water in spots like the Gusto Riverfront Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

“From the hills to the ocean, this is a paradise for foodies," he says. We’re valiantly working through recommendations for new and exciting adventures, food and otherwise, but the must-do list remains long and I’m still yet to kayak those everglades.

A week after we’re home, Miss Four sends me a note. “Thank you for getting the tickets to Noosa. Can we please go back next year?" Yes indeed, I think we shall. We’ve hardly scratched the surface.

Explore more of Noosa in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

Top Towns for 2022: Iconic sightseeing spots in Noosa