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.

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

Catseye Pool Club

Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

Sails Restaurant

A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

Bommie

Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

Pebble Beach

Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

Beach Club Restaurant

A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

coca chu

Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

Marina Cafe

Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.

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