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.

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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