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16 of the best Noosa accommodation picks for coastal calm

Exploring the chic coastal pearl of the Sunshine Coast requires an epic slice of Noosa accommodation from which to launch off.

Stunning beaches, national park, markets, day spas, golf courses, excellent food – Noosa has it all. To make sure it’s always a great trip, I like to get organised well in advance and luckily, accommodation offerings are abundant. Whether I’m on the hunt for five-star luxury (hello brand-spanking-new Elysium Noosa Resort), self-contained convenience or something in between, my pick of the best Noosa accommodation is here to help you beat the crowds.

In short

If you’ve only got time to stay at one Noosa accommodation, make it Elysium Noosa Resort from December 2025. It’s undoubtedly in the best location, and once doors officially open, its sparkly new rooms will be the most in-demand in town.

1. Culgoa Point Beach Resort

an aerial view of Culgoa Point Beach Resort, Noosa
Be surrounded by tranquil waters and idyllic sands at Culgoa Point Beach Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)

I love chilled-out Noosaville as much as I love super-luxe Hastings Street at Noosa Heads, which is why the family-friendly Culgoa Point Beach Resort is such a great choice. Blending quiet self-contained apartments with immediate Noosa River access, the Noosa accommodation standout rivals the region’s glitzier hotel names. If you plan far enough ahead, go for the three-bedroom Premium Beach Front configuration with two bathrooms and a stretch of grass leading onto the resort’s private beach. My children lapped up waterfront magic from morning to sundown. Wherever you drop and flop, however, a 20-metre swimming pool, a pickleball court, a spa, a sauna, beachfront barbecues, kayak and SUP hire, and a kids’ wading pool should keep the clan content.

Price: $$$-$$$$

Address: 5 Quamby Pl, Noosa Heads

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2. Seahaven Noosa

view of the pool and beach from the balcony of Seahaven Noosa
The spacious patio overlooks the pool and the beach.

When I’m keen to stay in the thick of it all, I often come back to Seahaven Noosa on Hastings Street. The studios, one- and two-bedroom stays are right off the beach, each spacious, serviced and spotless. Spend a little extra for a huge front patio that overlooks the pool and spa (plus there’s a penthouse to consider) but do save some pennies for the eateries on your doorstep because they’re literally unavoidable. You’ll count three heated swimming pools in total, plus a spa, barbecue area and a kids’ wading pool. I also love that even though they’re serviced apartments, daily housekeeping dials up the comfort to deluxe hotel standards.

Price: $$$$

Address: 15 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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3. Elysium Noosa Resort

the Prestige Suite at Elysium Noosa Resort
The luxury Prestige Suite at the pool at Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Supplied)

The former five-star Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort provided me with plenty of single gal-good times plus mother-of-two happiness, so I’m the keenest of beans to slink into its 2025 multi-million-dollar refurbishment and rebranding as Elysium Noosa Resort. The highly anticipated project will see the property’s 175 rooms and suites completely overhauled, but I’ve got my eye on the all-new Wellness Suites which come with their own infrared sauna, terrace spa, and a wellness concierge service to sort out private reformer Pilates, Peloton and other stretch-and-strengthen practices. The glittering outdoor pool will no doubt remain the place to be when cocktail o’clock strikes, while every room or suite is fitted with a private balcony or terrace to keep you living your best al fresco lifestyle past sundown. There’s also the Elysium Spa to lose track of time in, plus Cibaria Noosa, an Italian fine dining restaurant from the team behind Sydney’s Cibaria Manly.

Address: 14-16 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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4. Netanya Noosa

the pool at Netanya Noosa
Swim to your heart’s content at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Jack Gore Photo)

Another Hastings Street highlight, Netanya Noosa is one to consider if you’re planning well ahead (it’s booked solid all year round), as one and two-bedroom stays, plus penthouses, are situated smack-bang on Main Beach. I love how these open-plan rooms are styled, elegantly minimalistic to let the sun and surf shine throughout the day. The gorgeous Luxury Suites are fitted with spacious private balconies while the cream of the crop, the Starlight Penthouse, even has its own rooftop jacuzzi.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 71-79 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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5. Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort

golfers riding a golf buggy at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort
The 18-hole championship golf course makes it a dream for golfers. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

For a heady dose of indulgence just a little drive from the action, Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort provides the goods no matter your vice. I’m no golfer but the Noosa accommodation’s immaculate pastures even tempted me at one stage (several wines deep, I will add). More my speed, however, is the on-site Noosa Springs Spa which serves as one of the most heavenly escapes in the region. Choose from one or two-bedroom self-contained apartments fitted with full kitchens, private balconies, ensuites, smart TVs and laundries. Plus, there’s that 18-hole championship golf course, plus a fitness centre, a heated 25-metre pool, tennis courts and the seasonally charged Relish Restaurant serving a la carte breakfast and lunch daily. If you’re there on a Thursday, you can enjoy dinner at Relish with BYO wine – how good.

Price: $$$

Address: Links Dr, Noosa Heads

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6. The Imperial Hotel

a mineral heated pool and spa at The Imperial Hotel, Noosa
De-stress with a soothing dip in the mineral-heated pool. (Image: Supplied)

If I’m ever in Noosa on a Wednesday or Sunday, I pencil in a trip to the Eumundi Markets for some of the Sunshine Coast’s best produce and crafts. The most ideal digs to launch my adventure? The Imperial Hotel, located right across the road. The boutique Noosa accommodation is elevated via sleek beachy furnishings and ample plant life, transforming it from pub hotel to standalone star. A mineral heated pool and spa with jets are also on-site, as are barbecues, sun lounges, and a firepit during the cooler months.

Price: $$

Address: 1 Etheridge St, Eumundi

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7. RACV Noosa Resort

I scored serious points with the little ones by booking RACV Noosa Resort, one of the resort chain’s most excellent family-friendly locations. The Noosa accommodation offers one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments and villas, with the smaller variety fitted with large TVs and free wi-fi, and the larger rooms offering full kitchens, laundries, and outdoor dining. Plus, there’s the One Spa day spa, two heated waterslides, an infinity pool, a playground, a splash zone, tennis court, kids’ club, gym and two eateries. A pool bar (which opens at 11am daily) offered super convenient afternoon fuel as my kids dunked and dived until dark.

Price: $$$$

Address: 94 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads

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8. The Lodge Noosa

the whitewashed accommodation at The Lodge Noosa
Stay in style in Noosa Heads. (Image: The Lodge Noosa)

It’s hard to put The Lodge into words, but I’m here to try. Put simply, it’s Noosa accommodation with a certain something you don’t even realise you’re longing for. Designed with a heated plunge pool and pool deck, gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, huge grassy backyard and complimentary cruiser bicycles, the three-bedroom holiday rental in Noosa Heads is perfect for tired city slickers craving rejuvenation. It made it onto our round-up of the best Noosa Airbnbs for obvious reasons.

Price: $$$

Address: 5 Eugaire St, Noosa Heads

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9. Tingirana Noosa

blue chairs beside a window with beach views at Tingirana Noosa
Soak up the Hamptons vibe at Tingirana Noosa.

Live your ultimate beachfront apartment life at Tingirana Noosa, which oozes Hamptons charm. There are expansive studio rooms or beachfront one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking Noosa’s Laguna Bay and Main Beach to choose from. Whatever takes your fancy, kitchenettes or full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping ensure all-day comfort while the larger rooms also throw in private balconies with barbecues.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 25 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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10. On The Beach Noosa Resort

the one-bedroom penthouse at On The Beach Noosa Resort
A stay at this dreamy Noosa retreat puts you right on the beach.

Overlooking Main Beach, this Noosa accommodation is a winner for its private access to the sand, keeping lazy beach hangs right on hand. Home to studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments, as well-equipped kitchens and comfortable lounge spaces that create convenient retreats, this spot is perfect for families. The more lavish rooms come with private spa baths, balconies and outdoor dining spaces but whichever you choose, salty air and lashings of sunshine will follow.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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11. Noosa Crest

majestic views of Noosa Main Beach and surrounds, Noosa Crest
Enjoy spectacular views of Noosa Main Beach and surrounds.

Head to the hills for epic views across the region from the comfort of your own private sanctuary. Noosa Crest provides one, two or three-bedroom stays on Noosa Hill which overlooks Main Beach and the whole of Noosa Heads, Laguna Bay and the Noosa River. Better still, the Noosa accommodation is stunning to look at with spaces styled to timber-and-white coastal chic perfection and fitted with sophisticated lounge and dining settings. Two swimming pools, a sauna and outdoor spa, poolside barbecues and a tennis court elevate those holiday vibes even further.

Price: $$$-$$$$

Address: 2 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads

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12. Luxury Afloat Noosa

Taking out a houseboat with your favourite people – does holidaying in nature get any more sensational? Luxury Afloat Noosa offers six-, eight- and 10-berth houseboats available for charter to help get you and your clan camping on water. Each charter includes a dinghy, a kitchen, eskies, linens, towels, a TV, a gas barbecue and a crab-pot if you’re good at dropping a line. They’re all family-friendly while ‘Ibis,’ the eight-berther, even welcomes guests with access needs due to zero stairs and plenty of open space.

Price: It depends on the season, the vessel and whether you’re heading out midweek or over a weekend but expect a starting price of about $300 per night for six guests.

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13. Thirlestane Farm Cottage & Barn

an outdoor tub at Thirlestane Farm Cottage & Barn, Noosa
The beautifully restored cottage is set in the lush Noosa hinterland.

Set 20 minutes back from Noosa’s beaches, this 28-acre property is the ultimate hinterland hang. The previous farm workers’ cottage in Cooroy sits amid rolling hills and idyllic bushland, sleeping up to eight guests and featuring a stunning fire pit, a pizza oven, two fireplaces with one leading onto an alfresco dining area, bathrooms with deep-set baths and one particularly beautiful tub situated on an enclosed patio, and another covered patio with a projector and screen. It’s the country escape of your dreams, within driving distance from all the action.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 85 Evans Rd, Cooroy

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14. Mantra French Quarter

an open-plan apartment at Mantra French Quarter, Noosa
Seek refuge in an open-plan accommodation equipped with all the creature comforts. (Image: Mantra French Quarter)

Situated in another dream location just a few steps off Hastings Street, Mantra French Quarter is close enough to the centre without keeping you awake all night. Found at the Noosa National Park end of Hastings Street, the Noosa accommodation offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with all the creature comforts. Think open-plan living and ample natural light, plus there’s a heated lagoon swimming pool, children’s wading pool, two heated spas, a sauna and barbecues for extra fun.

Price: $$$$

Address: 1 Halse Ln, Noosa Heads

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15. Fairshore Noosa Main Beach

a woman on the balcony looks out to the pool and Noosa Main Beach at Fairshore Noosa
The pool at Fairshore Noosa Main Beach beckons for a dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)

Wake up to blue-on-blue vistas at Fairshore Noosa Main Beach, a beachfront block filled with luxurious two-bedroom stays. No matter which room you’re given, sparkling ocean views will greet you, as will spacious balconies fitted with dining tables. The Noosa accommodation also features a heated swimming pool, children’s wading pool, spa, direct beach access, a gym, a games room, an undercover dining area fitted with three individual barbecues and security parking.

Price: $$$$

Address: 41 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

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16. Little Cove Court

a bedroom with surfboards on the wall at Little Cove Court, Noosa
Book a lush stay amongst tropical gardens. (Image: Little Cove Court)

Love Noosa but lukewarm about the crowds? I feel the same, which is why Little Cove Beach, a little past Hastings Street towards Noosa National Park, is just the ticket. It’s home to Little Cove Court’s two-, three- or four-bedroom self-contained apartments with some providing private plunge pools and sprawling balconies to help laze your days away. Sure, you’ll have to navigate the mayhem if you’re cutting loose on Hastings St, but an on-site swimming pool set amongst tropical gardens, a communal entertainment terrace and secure parking will make staying in totally irresistible.

Price: $$$$

Address: 2-4 Pandanus St, Noosa Heads

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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What it’s really like to stay on the world’s largest sand island

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.