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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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.

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn.

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters, Four Mile, Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings. To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting. They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum. Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services. Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs. The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

A guide to visiting Noosa National Park and surrounds

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

When to visit

Getting there and where to park