This is where the Noosa legend started: at the small beachside settlement along Hastings Street at the mouth of the Noosa River. ‘Noosa’ comes from the Aboriginal word for ‘shade’ or ‘shadows’, referencing the respite offered by the forests at the river’s mouth from the sun. The Kabi Kabi people, the Traditional Owners of the Sunshine Coast and Gimpy region, had been around Noosa for some 40,000 years before Europeans first arrived in the 1800s.
There’s so much to do here: kick start your day with breakfast on the deck at the surf club, then head to Hastings Street to browse the boutiques specialising in high-end, international fashion labels or find affordable beachwear, edgy designs, footwear or local creations. Break the day with a swim in the protected waters of the main beach, then follow the boardwalk down to Noosa National Park with its many popular bays, surfing spots and walking paths. You might even spot a dolphin or whale in Laguna Bay or a koala in the eucalypts.
Wander along the tree-lined, grassy Noosa River foreshore for a few kilometres and you’ll come to Noosaville, with its river views, amazing sunset viewing spots, eateries and laid-back attitude. A popular spot for locals and visitors, Noosaville has plenty of safe swimming opportunities and a friendly atmosphere. There’s also plenty of accommodation here.
Gympie Terrace is Noosaville’s main street, on the river. Sample the diverse cuisine served along the waterfront, pick up some new beach or resort gear or fill the picnic basket with delicious delights to enjoy by the river. The kids will adore the Pirate Park, right beside the Noosa Yacht Club, with its huge jungle gym with six slides ropes, swings and other play equipment. Best of all, if you go on a Sunday afternoon, the Noosa Yacht Club has live music right next door.
A short drive from Noosa takes you to the charming, historic town of Eumundi, nestled among towering, heritage-listed fig trees. It’s home to the world-famous Eumundi markets, which are held every Wednesday and Saturday of the year.
You'll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares and skincare products, as well as cutting-edge fashion and jewellery by local designers. If you're a foodie, you'll especially love the market laksa, calamari, Thai food, paella, quality coffee, chocolate, great cakes, old-fashioned lemonade and more. There’s a wealth of fresh produce, and when you need a break from the shopping, sit back and be entertained by the local talent, with world-music sounds, country tunes and tribal rhythms.
You don’t have to be one of the beautiful people to relax and unwind at Noosa Marina, just 7 km upriver from Hastings Street. It’s a destination for the Noosa Ferry, which plies between the Marina and the Noosa Sheraton Jetty along the Noosa River, with various stops along Gympie Street. There’s also sunset cruises down the Noosa River to enjoy, and a Sunday market with local arts, crafts and produce in the idyllic setting on the deck overlooking the Noosa River.
Located in the upper reaches of the Noosa River, the Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems on Earth. Known as the River of Mirrors because of the amazing reflections in the water, the everglades are a 60 km stretch of pristine waters, an extraordinary variety of native animals and vegetation, and narrow waterways. You can explore the everglades with guided and self-guided kayak tours from Boreen Point, by boat from Noosaville or on foot. It’s a relatively pristine environment, located within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and with 65% of the everglades’ catchment in national park.
Just a short walk from Hastings Street, this national park has some of south-east Queensland’s most picturesque scenery: secluded beaches, rugged coastal features and views from the iconic headland at Noosa Heads. With more than 15 km of walking tracks through lush rainforest, fragrant open woodlands and heathlands, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family in the designated areas, or experience the unique flora and fauna of the Australian bush. Check out all its amazing features on the walking track map, and don’t forget to pack your gear for a swim along the way.
Stay, play, taste, relax, explore and be part of an event: Noosa has something for everyone. Check out the official tourism website …
If you want another take on Noosa’s many attractions, Lonely Planet, Australia’s publishing success story, has a listing of just about everything you’d ever want to do in this beautiful part of the country. Read more here …
Noosa is the gateway to some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. Ancient volcanic peaks, whispering rainforests, awe-inspiring waterfalls and pristine waterways – the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast will take your breath away, with no shortage of outdoor pursuits and back-to-nature experiences. Read more here …
The Gympie Region is just a short drive north of Noosa. Centred on the historic goldrush township of Gympie, the region includes the world-heritage-listed Fraser Island, sailing and fishing haven Tin Can Bay and the agricultural country to the west. Read more here …