If you’re up the top end of the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi country and looking for things to do in the bustling hub that is Noosa, Urban List has got you covered. With so many options, it can be a little overwhelming, so we've narrowed it down for you.
A little food, a lot of adventure and some cliche sightseeing spots for the tourists at heart. If you're visiting Noosa for the first time, consider this your spotter's guide. Here are 2o of the best things to do in Noosa in 2024.
1. Dive head first into Sunshine Coast’s most-loved coastal nature reserve with a stroll through the Noosa National Park. Keep going when you get to Hell’s Gates and trudge along Alexandria Beach for seriously stunning beachfront views. If you're feeling cheeky, Alexandria Bay is a well-known (unofficial) nudie beach.
2. Rent two wheels from Noosa Bicycle Hire and peddle from Noosa all the way down to Coolum Beach. There’s an easy pathway that travels along the beach for the most part meaning you’ll get a side of wave-watching while working on your booty.
3. Hit the water in style with a sunset cruise aboard Catalina Noosa. This stunning boat is photoshoot material and hosts weekly events, so dress to impress, and get snapping. This is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Image Credit: Catalina Noosa | Instagram
4. Pretend you’re on the French Riviera with a private cabana, a shared seafood platter and a bottle of bubbles at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort.
5. SUP-ing was pretty much made for Noosa. Seriously, have you seen the place? Rent some boards from Noosa Stand Up Paddle, which has more five-star reviews than any other SUP school on the Sunshine Coast, so you know you're in good hands.
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6. The Sunshine Coast’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, so plan an afternoon of brewery hopping at the Sunshine Coast's best breweries. Plan your own brewery tour without leaving Noosa Shire. Start at Land and Sea, then try Heads of Noosa, Boiling Pot in Noosaville and finish up the day at Copperhead Brewery.
Image Credit: Boiling Pot Brewing Co. | Lumea Photography
7. Discover the exquisite Noosa Fairy Pools, which are located an easy 45-minute walk from Noosa Main Beach. Make sure to plan for tide times and we recommend visiting during the week to avoid crowds.
8. Nothing says 'we’re locals' like a weekly grocery shop at the local’s farmers market. Every Sunday, Noosa Farmers Market becomes a bustling hive of activity with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Image Credit: Noosa Market | Lumea Photography
9. If you're feeling adventurous, hit the point breaks of the Noosa World Surfing Reserve or perch yourself on Noosa Main Beach, within easy walking distance of the many cafes on Hastings Street.
10. Speaking of surfing, if you want to learn to catch some waves then the Noosa World Surfing Reserve is a top spot to do it. Noosa Main Beach is famous for its sheltered waves so it's perfect for beginners, while North Sunshine Beach and the Noosa 'Points' are well-known for some of the best break points in the world for experienced surfers. Learn to Surf Noosa is a great place to start for newbies.
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Image Credit: Noosa Beach | Lumea Photography
11. Find your early morning zen with yoga or reformer pilates at the gorgeous Noosa Flow.
12. Hop in the car and check out the Noosa Shire villages of Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Cooroy. There's plenty to eat, see and do, and you'll see how the locals live.
13. Drink your way through the best bars in Noosa Junction, starting with sunset cocktails at the Noosa Boathouse, grab a queso taco and an on-tap margarita at Paradise Arcade, and finish up with a cold brew at the spot where it all began, Village Bicycle.
Image Credit: Paradise Arcade | Instagram
14. Sure, it's basic but if you're a visitor to Noosa or you just feeling like hitting up some cliche tourist spots, Hastings Street is a must. Undoubtedly the bustling heart of Noosa, Hastings Street is filled with top places to eat like Miss Moneypenny's and Bang Bang, plenty of top-notch bars and countless high-end fashion shops.
15.Explore the pristine Noosa Everglades on a guided or self-guided day or overnight kayaking adventure with Kanu Kapers. The Noosa Evergales are one of only two everglade systems on Earth, so this 60km stretch of pristine water absolutely deserves to be on your Noosa bucket list.
Image Credit: Noosa Everglades | TEQ
16. Want to discover the most breathtaking beachy precinct on the Coast? Our pick would be a splash in the shallows at Noosa's Tea Tree Bay, with a front row seat to the wave-slaying action of the Noosa points. It's only twenty minutes from Noosa National Park's entrance, so if you don't have much time to spare, this secluded beach is for you.
17. Whether your Noosa morning rituals involve yoga, national park wanders or sourcing a locally-roasted coffee, breakfast always takes the lead. Thankfully, Noosa is home to some of the best breakfast spots on the Sunshine Coast.
18. Pack a picnic, jump in the car and catch a sunset from top sunset watching spots including atop Mt Tinbeerwah, Laguna Lookout and Boiling Pot Lookout.
Image Credit: Boiling Pot Lookout | TEQ
19. Sure, this isn’t really something we need to tell you to do, but if stunning ocean views, a good feed, and cold beers mean anything to you, then take yourself to the nearest surf club. We have a heap of faves and Noosa Surf Club is up there with the best.
20. After all this adventuring you're going to need to sit down for a drink and a top-tier meal. From white linen fine dining to cosy neighbourhood eateries, there are a lot of contenders for Noosa's best restaurants.
Since you're in Noosa, check out:
Main image credit: TEQ
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