A Guide to Visiting Noosa National Park And Surrounds

Go beyond cafe culture to connect with the natural wonders of Noosa National Park.

Noosa is not just a private playground for the rich. Some of its best assets are free to enjoy, and that includes Noosa National Park.

Here’s our guide to getting the best out of a visit, including information on how to get there (and where to park) and what to conquer. Split into three sections – Noosa Headland, Emu Mountain and Peregian – the park’s magical array of walking trails, ocean lookouts, and golden swimming and surfing spots are calling.

When to visit

Although visitors head to Noosa National Park all year round, there’s certainly a more comfortable time of year to get amongst it. Summer days range from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius and winter days range from 10 to 21 degrees Celsius, so milder climates make spring and autumn prime exploration time. September is also Noosa’s driest month so expect increased foot traffic then, too.

Noosa Heads on a sunny day, Noosa National Park — Bask in the postcard-perfect beach views at Noosa Heads.

Getting there and where to park

Did you know you can walk to Noosa National Park from Hastings Street’s incredible stretch of shops and eateries? The main entrance is just 30 minutes from the action, right along the seaside boardwalk.

people overlooking stunning views at Laguna Lookout, Noosa — Laguna Lookout is one of Noosa’s most picturesque spots.

If you’ve got a set of wheels, you can also drive to many of the park’s highlights including Laguna Lookout in Noosa Heads, at the end of Viewland Drive where there’s a car park.

a couple walking along the seaside boardwalk, Noosa National Park — Opt for a romantic walk along the seaside boardwalk.

The Headland section of Noosa National Park offers sensational ocean views, and you can access it from the end of Park Road where there’s the Noosa Headland day-use area, another car park. This car park is endlessly busy, so factor extra spot-searching time into your itinerary. If you get stuck, there’s another entrance to the Headland section, offering limited parking, at Parkedge Road in Sunshine Beach, so try your luck there.

an aerial view of the Noosa Headland section — The Headland section of Noosa National Park offers sensational ocean views.

If you’re planning to hike, drive to the council car parks located on Belmore Terrace or Seaview Drive to access some of the park’s most popular trails. You can start the Noosa Coastal Track from Sunshine Beach where it’s easier to find parking. You can also use the free bus service which runs to and from Main Beach during school holidays.

an aerial view of Sunshine Beach looking towards Noosa National Park — Sunshine Beach is known for its laid-back coastline.

Hiking in Noosa National Park

Noosa Coastal Walk

Wrap yourself in nature along the Noosa Coastal Walk , a 10.8-kilometre return stretch that offers spectacular views of Noosa North Shore and rocky outlooks where, from June to October, you might be lucky enough to see whales.

The beautiful blue-green waterways are also home to turtles and dolphins, and there are even koalas curled up in the canopy above.

To get there, start at the Noosa Headland day-use area at the end of Park Road in Noosa Heads where you’ll need to walk for 30 minutes along that seaside boardwalk to commence the trail.

trees surrounding the Noosa Boardwalk — Follow the forest trail along the Noosa Boardwalk.

Highlights include Boiling Pot, a lookout where waves dramatically crash onto the rocks, Tea Tree Bay, a picture-perfect beach, and Hell’s Gates, offering views over Alexandria Bay. Allow about four hours to get the entire hike done, or you can wind things up at Sunshine Beach and just catch a bus back to Hastings Street.

an aerial view of Tea Tree Bay, Noosa National Park — Laze on the stunning beach at Tea Tree Bay.

Noosa Hill Walk

Drive to the day-use area car park at the end of Park Road to start the Noosa Hill Walk . The peaceful trail – a safe option for all fitness levels – pretzels around the northern face of Noosa Hill and around open groves of blue gums and black wattles.

You can start and finish at the same point on the 2.8-kilometre stretch or extend your travels and include the Tanglewood Track to Alexandria Bay and Sunshine Beach. Factor in about one to one-and-a-half hours if you’re sticking to the return trail.

Hell’s Gates Walk

Kicking off from Noosa Main Beach, the one-hour Hell’s Gates Walk through Noosa National Park is an easy trek that follows the boardwalk past several beaches that beg to be swum in, including Little Cove and Tea Tree Bay.

The bonus of reaching Hell’s Gates is that you may just see wildlife such as ospreys, koalas, dolphins and whales (in season) below.

an aerial view of Noosa Hell’s Gates — Hike to the scenic cliff for dramatic coastal views at Hell’s Gates.

Emu Mountain Summit Walk

Venture beyond Noosa National Park’s Headland section for some equally memorable hikes including the Emu Mountain Summit Walk , a 1.1-kilometre return trek offering unforgettable views across the coast.

As the name suggests, you’re headed for the top of Emu Mountain, also known as Mount Peregian, a fragment from a giant volcanic mass. Your history lesson is guaranteed to be overshadowed once you reach those panoramic vistas spanning Noosa all the way to Maroochydore. Allow 45 minutes to one hour to get there and back.

two people gazing at incredible sunrise views, Emu Mountain Summit Walk — Catch panoramic sunrise views during the Emu Mountain Summit Walk.

Ocean Beach Walk

Get your sweat on while reserving most of your day for unwinding by opting for the short 30-minute return Ocean Beach Walk in Noosa National Park. Just one kilometre in length, the trail extends along a boardwalk from Peregian swamplands and forest, and towards Peregian beach. To access the entrance, drive three kilometres north of Coolum Beach along David Long Way.

Surfing in Noosa National Park

Noosa World Surfing Reserve

Tune into the rhythm of the sea at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve, which has a smattering of world-class breaks that hug the headland in Noosa National Park. The reserve stretches for five kilometres off the coast and is justifiably famous for its five incredible point breaks and three beach breaks where the waves are consistently good.

Learn to Surf

Beginners can bob around off Noosa Main Beach with Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf and Go Ride A Wave where they will be taught to spring to their feet, even on their first lesson. And there’s plenty of pro inspiration in this neck of the woods. If there’s enough swell and conditions allow, you might find World Surf League professional surfer and Noosa local Julian Wilson at First Point, which he professes is his favourite wave.

a female surfer holding her surfboard while walking along Noosa National Park — Get your surfboards ready at Noosa National Park. (Image: @letmesea)

Granite Bay

You have to be committed to get to Granite Bay as the right-hand break is another 20-minute walk along the Noosa Coastal Walk from Tea Tree. But it’ll be worth it: when Granite Bay is firing, this is where you’ll find the biggest, gnarliest waves in Noosa.

Nationals and Tea Tree

Navigate the sea froth like a champion? The break known as Nationals at the start of Noosa National Park is for experienced surfers only.

stand-up paddling at Tea Tree Bay, Noosa National Park — Try stand-up paddling at Tea Tree Bay.

Tea Tree is also a popular surf spot, though it’s a 15-minute trek on foot through the national park.

an aerial shot of a woman surfing at Tea Tree Bay, Noosa National Park — Surf on the endless blues at Tea Tree Bay.

The break is the first bay as you walk around the Noosa Coastal Walk. Again, only experienced surfers need to apply when there’s swell hitting the coastline.

an overhead shot of Tea Tree Bay coastline, Noosa National Park — Meet fellow surfers along the coastline.

Swimming in Noosa National Park

While there are plenty of waterways to explore, there are no patrolled beaches within Noosa National Park so swimming is not generally recommended.

However, confident swimmers can’t miss Little Cove, located on the outskirts of Noosa National Park and just around the corner from Noosa Main Beach, because it’s one of the prettiest beaches in the region and overlooks Laguna Bay.

an aerial view of the Little Cove, Noosa — Cool off at Little Cove.

Picnic in paradise at the serene spot which is just 100 metres long and popular with families who trolley in with their snorkels, boogie boards, kayaks, and beach toys. Enjoy a dip and then wander down Noosa’s main street to find a stellar feed at one of the town’s top spots to nosh.

an aerial view of the sea at Noosa National Park — Soak up scenic coastal views at Noosa National Park.

Natural wonders near Noosa National Park

Noosa River

You can swim, surf, SUP, kayak, kitesurf, fish, and jet ski along the Noosa River, which is about a 15-minute drive from Noosa National Park. Families enjoy swimming in the waterway, which flows south from the Great Sandy National Park into Laguna Bay. The river foreshore is also perfect for picnics and has free BBQs dotted along its banks. The river winds its way to Noosaville, which is another laidback Sunshine Coast holiday spot.

Noosa Everglades

Known as the ‘River of Mirrors’ due to the still, glassy surface that reflects its electric-green surrounds, the Noosa Everglades – one of only two such systems on Earth – is in the upper reaches of the Noosa River.

Hire a canoe and navigate your way into ‘the Narrows’, embark on a guided kayak tour, enjoy a birdwatching expedition or enjoy a swim in the Everglades.

a woman paddling through the Noosa Everglades — Paddle through the Noosa Everglades. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Harry’s Hut

Located at the Cooloola Recreation Area in Great Sandy National Park, Harry’s Hut is a much-adored local attraction only accessible by high-clearance 4WDs. The track pinballs through pine plantations, scribbly gum woodlands and cool rainforest in the upper reaches of the Noosa River. The 10-kilometre road ends at a camping ground near the old timber getters hut that dates to the mid-1900s. Enjoy a swim in this next-level location.

Where to stay to access Noosa National Park

Camping within the park itself is banned, but there is one accommodation option. Eh Frame is a Mid Century-inspired A Frame Canadian-style log cabin named after the short phrase Canadians are stereotyped for ending their sentences with. The two-bedroom holiday rental is a tight fit, but it still comes complete with a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen, and a closet for extra storage so families will feel right at home.

Otherwise, there are great sites around Noosa National Park if you’re dreaming of sleeping under the stars. Cooloola Recreation Area in Great Sandy National Park, about two hours north of Noosa National Park, offers extensive facilities while Burrum National Park , another hour north, is another camp-friendly winner.

But the most convenient areas to set up digs and explore Noosa National Park are Noosa, Coolum and Peregian, as each is located within walking distance from the park’s highlights. Our round-up of the region’s best places to stay will offer some great insight, as will our pick of the best holiday rentals in Noosa.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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A guide to visiting Noosa National Park and surrounds