The most idyllic Noosa walks for nature lovers

Noosa National Park

Take in the sights from the seaside boardwalk. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There’s no better start to any Noosa walks than one that treads the timber boardwalk from Main Beach, into Noosa National Park . The park’s most popular tracks crisscross their way through here, the Noosa Headland section , and the Coastal Walk is undoubtedly the headliner. Expect a 10.8km return ocean-hugging journey that takes you to the park’s hidden beaches – from Tea Tree to Granite Bay and around to Alexandria Bay, ending at Sunshine Beach.

Once you’ve done it and are thirsty for more, explore the short Palm Grove walk (1.1km return), inland Tanglewood walk (8km return) or the short hike up to Noosa Hill (2.8km return). Further south, there are more Noosa National Park walks at Emu Mountain, Peregian Beach, and Mt Coolum.

Cooloola Great Walk

Meander through lush rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This 102km one-way Noosa walk is not for the faint of heart, but as far as multi-day hikes go, the Cooloola Great Walk in Great Sandy National Park may just be one of the best ways to reconnect with nature, full stop. Linking Noosa North Shore with Rainbow Beach, the trail meanders past vast sand blows and perched lakes, and along long stretches of beach. For some of the best conditions – and colourful sprays of wildflowers – plan to hike the trails between August and October.

Allow five days to tackle the Grade 4 track, with walkers camps along the way best booked in advance. Access to the walk is from Noosa North Shore via Tewantin.

Noosa Biosphere Trails

Head inland from the beach, and the beauty of the Noosa hinterland and its charming small towns takes hold. Here you’ll find a varied mix of trails shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders, connecting you with villages like Kin Kin, Cooran and Cooroy. Currently undergoing a series of upgrades, the Noosa Biosphere Trails will eventually encompass nine Noosa walks that extend from Peregian Beach all the way through the Noosa Hinterland

For now, start with the Cooroora Trail , a 10km one-way trail from Pomona to Cooran, which offers up shady eucalypt forest and views of the peaks of Mt Cooran and Mt Cooroora. There is a train service between the towns if you don’t want to tackle the return but check the timetable as services are infrequent. The 14km one-way Yurol Trail , which runs from Pomona to Lake McDonald and across 19 creek crossings has also been recently upgraded.

Noosa River

Swirling shades of turquoise in Noosa River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of the flattest, and most accessible Noosa walks, the foreshore pathway along the Noosa River makes for a great stroll or roll anytime of day.

Starting from Mill Street next to Chaplain Park in Noosaville, the 3.5km path hugs the water, leading you across a pedestrian bridge, past playgrounds and coffee spots, and ends at a Noosa Ferry stop, where you can catch a ride all the way to Hastings Street or back to the Noosa Marina. It’s particularly pretty around sunset.

Noosa Everglades canoe and walk

The Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglade systems in the world. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Venture to the Upper Noosa River and, if you’ve got an adventurous spirit, you can combine hidden Noosa walks with kayaking in the pristine Noosa Everglades. Accessed from the Elanda Point carpark, or by paddling across Lake Cootharaba first (hire kayaks from Habitat Noosa or Kanu Kapers ), the 12.2km (return) Kinaba Visitor Information Centre walk will take you through woodlands and wetlands, and along Kin Kin Creek, which has been revegetated with 50,000 native trees each year over the last 10 years.

To go deeper into the Cooloola wilderness, drive (4WD recommended) or paddle to Harry’s Hut, and from there, set out early to Camp Site 3 (1hr 20 mins) and onto the 12km (return) Cooloola Sandpatch walk . After trekking through blackbutt and scribbly gum forests, you’ll reach the 2 km-wide sand patch, with views back across Lake Cooloola, Lake Como and Lake Cootharaba.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.