From Beachside Sundowners To Secluded Morning Dips: This Is The Ultimate Year-Round Noosa Escape

Honestly, where would you rather be than sun-soaked Noosa? If you said nowhere else, we’d agree.

With the ocean at your fingertips, coastal long lunches on the cards and plenty of boutique accommodation to choose from, we know we’d scoop out some of our precious annual leave for a Noosa vacay in a heartbeat.

High on natural beauty and big on experiences, this pocket of Queensland delivers across the board. Boasting pristine beaches, lush national parks, knockout dining and a year-round calendar of events all within easy reach of Auckland via a short, convenient flight, it’s a no-brainer.

Together with Visit Noosa, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your next Noosa holiday. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for every traveller.

These are the best places to eat, play and stay in Noosa.

Where To Eat In Noosa

Feeling hungry? Noosa has heaps of restaurants and cafes to hit up.

Bistro C is a beachfront beauty overlooking Noosa’s Main Beach. Utilising the incredible local produce from the region, it’s no wonder the seasonal menu has won awards. Open for lunch and dinner daily, you could post up here for hours with an oyster platter and a tropical cocktail in hand.

Sitting right on the river, Lucio’s Marina is another must-try. The seafood trattoria has a Northern Italian influence, with the Galletto family bringing more than 75 years of tradition to the table. Head in for antipasti, handmade pasta, larger fish- and meat-focused plates or a weekly special.

Woodfired Mexican is the name of the game at Bandita. The casual neighbourhood cantina cooks most of its dishes over charcoal, with plates designed to be shared. Think tostadas, ceviche, tacos, slow-cooked meats and grilled local catches.

Sabrosa Dim Sum House is a bustling Cantonese-inspired joint in Noosa Junction that will transport you to the backstreets of Hong Kong. The menu is made up of plump dumplings, fried wontons and bigger bites, accompanied by a slick beverage program and vinyl DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where To Stay In Noosa

Noosa has a broad range of accommodation options, from bougie five-star resorts by the beach to tucked away retreats.

The Sofitel has rebranded to Elysium Noosa Resort,  taking over the prime spot on Hastings Street and is one of our top picks. The design-forward resort has it all, luxury coastal suites with ocean views, a sparkly pool with a swim-up bar, seriously good Italian food at Cibaria Noosa, pamper treatments at Aqua Day Spa and easy access to shopping along the main strip.

Allawah Noosa is another gem. Meaning “stay a while”, the collection of premium, apartment-style private properties has everything you need: light-filled spaces, immaculately-appointed rooms, and you’re just a 10-minute stroll through a rainforest path to Noosa Main Beach.

For an absolute waterfront stay, Culgoa Point Beach Resort has the largest private beach and marina access in Noosa. Home to fully-contained apartments, a 20-meter lap pool, a spa and sauna, a pickleball court, and beachfront BBQ facilities, it's a win in our books.

 Seeking something more socially-charged? Halse Lodge is a cool guesthouse and backpacker’s tucked in Noosa’s dense rainforest and footsteps to Noosa Main Beach. Offering private suites, shared dorm rooms and communal kitchen and living areas, this place is all about bringing community together.

Where To Play In Noosa

Filling your time in Noosa is easy when there’s so much to do and explore. For starters, walking the stunning, nearby Noosa National Park is a must. Made up of coastal-hugging paths and trails for all-abilities, you’ll stumble upon insane views, spectacular swim and surf spots, plus adorable wildlife like koalas and wallabies if you’re lucky.

Trying something new can always be fun on holiday too. Fliteschool Noosa are pros in hydrofoils, a.k.a. those fun-as, floating electric surfboards. The team run 90-minute lessons and guided tours, perfect for beginners.

Wanna go off-the-beaten path? Sunny Jeeps offers epic 4WD adventures on the beach, in the hinterland and to multiple breathtaking waterfalls in customised Jeep Wranglers.

And, if you’re up for exploring further, the laidback Peregian Beach is just 15 minutes south of Noosa, boasting boutique shops, excellent restaurants, cool cafes, a patrolled beach and a fortnightly market. Swing by Peregian Beach Hotel for great food and vibes, Mariella Mexicantina for a cheeky marg and check into Essence Peregian Beach if you’re planning on staying longer.

For more top-tier dining, accommodation and experiences in Noosa, visit here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Noosa and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Supplied.