The best things to see, eat and do in Noosa

Noosa holiday guide

Things to see in Noosa

Hastings Street 

The thriving hub of Noosa, Hastings Street is home to a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Conveniently, Hastings Street is also situated along Noosa Heads Main Beach and the entrance of the Noosa National Park.

Noosa Junction

A 15-minute walk over a large hill from Hastings Street, Noosa Junction is another key hub with more restaurants, bars, cafes and local shops to explore. It is also home to the local cinema, supermarket and shopping centre.

Noosa National Park 

Covering 4,000 hectares of diverse landscapes including rainforests, local wildlife, and wetlands, a hike in the Noosa National Park is a feast for the senses. Take a stroll along the coastal walkway to witness some of the most picturesque views in Noosa.

Noosa Farmers Market

Held every Sunday, Noosa Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh and organic produce, artisanal foods, and crafts. The market is a great place to pick up some local treats – and probably the best coffee in Noosa

Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve 

Located between the Noosa River and the ocean, Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve is a popular spot for picnics, barbeques, and beach volleyball. It also offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding area.

What to do in Noosa

Go for a surf

Noosa is known for its great surfing conditions, with waves suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. There are plenty of surf schools in the Noosa area if you want to give surfing a try for the first time.

Noosa River experiences

For those who are more adrenaline-inclined, join a fast-paced Noosa Adventure Tour on the Oceanrider - with the bonus of seeing dolphins and whales in season if you’re lucky.  

Alternatively, if you’re looking to dive headfirst into the water, have a splash in the Noosa River with a swim, kayak, or paddleboard. The area also offers a range of water sports such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing.

If being a bit more relaxed around the sea is more your thing, take a leisurely paddle along the Noosa River and soak in the beautiful surroundings, try a Guided Kayak Tour on the upper Noosa River, or a fishing and crab tour with lunch included on board the Queensland waterways. 

Relax on the beach

The famous Noosa Heads Main Beach is a great place to relax, soak up the sun and people watch. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has plenty of amenities such as showers, toilets, cafes and restaurants with beautiful views.

Fly sky high

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Skydive up to 15,000ft and take in the spectacular views of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast on your 60-second dive. As Australia’s highest jump, you'll experience speeds up to 220km/h - solo or in tandem. 

Experience the Eumundi Markets 

One of the largest markets in the southern hemisphere, the open-air Eumundi Markets take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Noosa Hinterland.  

Offering a large variety of handmade crafts, produce, artisan pieces and live music, the market is worth the short drive to rummage through artisan goods and enjoy some local street food.

Take a trip to the Noosa Everglades  

The Noosa River is a great place for a leisurely boat ride on the Everglades, one of only two in existence, where you can explore the stunning waterways by kayak or boat. You can also stop off for a picnic or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Go whale watching

During migration season, enjoy a two hour whale-watching cruise from the Noosa Boathouse Marina. An intimate excursion for only 12 people, you’ll experience unspoiled views of the whales as they glide through the glittering ocean. You can also do the same on a dolphin safari.

Day trip to Australia Zoo

Ready to see some crocs up close? Head on a wildlife adventure to Australia Zoo, approximately an hour out of Noosa. The zoo, headed by the Irwin family, is said to be the biggest animal conservation facility worldwide. Enjoy close-up encounters with koalas, echidnas, red pandas, meerkats and more. 

Day trip to Fraser Island

So, you’ve been in Noosa a few days and you’re ready to explore more? Consider a tour to Fraser Island, a World-Heritage-listed area about two and half hours by ferry from Noosa. 

Enjoy a boating and 4WD adventure through a rainforest walk, a swim in the sandy beaches and waters of Lake McKenzie, a look at native wildlife in the Central Station Forest area and much more.

Indulge at One Spa

Situated inside the RACV Noosa Resort, take the time to unwind with a luxury massage, or facial at One Spa. Relaxing the senses from start to finish, leave the stress of the outside world behind for some well-deserved pampering, finishing with a complimentary fruit tea and lemon sorbet.  

Where to eat in Noosa

Oakberry

If you’ll looking to start off the morning with something fresh and fruity, you can’t go past Oakberry on Hastings Street. Pile on your acai smoothie cup with unlimited toppings such as coconut, granola, goji berries, chia seeds and berries – the more the better!

El Capitano

A luxurious-looking pizza and cocktail restaurant located on Hastings Street, the upstairs locale serves organic sourdough pizzas with bases fermented for 72 hours, topped with locally sourced ingredients like fresh seafood, vegetables and fior di latte.

Locale Noosa

Another dining establishment on Hastings Street, Locale offers modern Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Surrounded by greenery and featuring a rotating menu, Locale prides itself on their handmade pasta and use of premium local produce.

Noosa Boathouse 

Situated on the Noosa River, this three-level restaurant offers stunning views and delicious seafood dishes alongside a sunset bar right on the waterfront. Go for an evening cocktail on the Boathouse’s rooftop bar and enjoy watching the sun set behind you.

Bistro C 

Popular with locals, this beachside bistro is a handy spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offering a variety of dishes with seaside views, Bistro C has an expansive menu that keeps everyone happy, from classic Australian breakfasts to fresh seafood and salads.

Theo’s Social Club

A wine bar hot spot in Noosa Junction, Theo’s Social Club features a rotating wine list with accompaniments, as well as a range of seasonal cocktails and grazing platters. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available in the cosy venue run by a local couple.

Atelier

Looking for something a little more up market? Atelier is a high-end wine bar serving over 120 premium drops from locales including Beaujolais, Tuscany, Sicily, and the Napa Valley. The intimate venue also has a food menu of smaller bites featuring pacific oysters, charcuterie and fromage, as well as pastas and a range of desserts on offer. 

Bandita

With a fun and casual atmosphere, Bandita is a woodfired Mexican cantina and bar, serving up BBQ-inspired fusion dishes like reef fish ceviche, Mooloolaba prawns and tuna tostadas, alongside a Mexican-inspired menu of tacos, quesadillas, and salsas.