NOOSA ITINERARY: THE ULTIMATE 3 DAY GUIDE & BEST THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE NOOSA ITINERARY?

We spent an incredible 3 days in Noosa during our 2 month travels around Australia. Before we came, we didn’t know much about this affluent, waterside area along the Sunshine Coast.

Turns out, Noosa has an ideal mix of things to offer, perfect for both an adventurous jam-packed itinerary or a relaxing break.

Below is the itinerary we basically followed, tweaked slightly to make it perfect (learnt from our experiences). This all inclusive guide includes all the best things to do, where to stay, getting around and lots of other helpful info.

Ready to plan your Noosa getaway? Let’s go friend, we’ve got your itinerary covered from start to finish.

Planning your trip to Noosa?
Start here:

Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in & around Noosa.
🎟️ Viator ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from everglade cruises to kayaking.
🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).

3 DAYS IN NOOSA TRAVEL ITINERARY

DAY 1: EXPLORE NOOSA HEADS, MAIN BEACH & NOOSA NATIONAL PARK

HASTINGS STREET & MAIN BEACH
Begin your loop of Noosa Heads main hub on Hastings Street, lined with quirky and eclectic fashion and craft stores, bars and endearing cafes to wander into.

Continue walking further onto Claude Batten Drive through Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, where you will encounter the idyllic Noosa Woods and pass sandy coves. Loop the peninsula fully to come back round on yourself towards Noosa’s Main Beach, the best beach in Noosa!

Spend time relaxing on the golden sands before treating yourself to a delicious Betty’s Burgers lunch – The burgers and fries here were so tasty, and what we loved most when we visited was the nautical interior design!

Top Tip: There is a 7/11 convenience store behind Betty’s Burgers, where you can get an extra large slush puppy drink for just $1! Perfect refreshment for the beach!

Top Tip: If needed, the Tourist Information centre (directly opposite Betty’s burgers) has free Wifi you can join.

Wondering how to spend three days in Noosa Australia? Add shopping on Hastings Street before relaxing on the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach to your short Noosa itinerary! — Pictured: Explore the quaint shops and cafes along Noosa’s main street, Hastings Street before looping through the tiny Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve round to Noosa Main beach!

Wondering how to spend three days in Noosa Australia? Add relaxing on the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach to your short Noosa itinerary! — Pictured: An aerial shot of the idyllic golden sands of Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Heads.

Pictured: Add having a delicious lunch at Betty's Burgers, just off Noosa Main Beach, onto your Noosa itinerary! The burgers were delicious. Photograph taken by Jordie. — Pictured: Add having a delicious lunch at Betty’s Burgers, just off Noosa Main Beach, onto your Noosa itinerary! The burgers were delicious. Photographs taken by Jordie.

NOOSA NATIONAL PARK COASTAL TRAIL
From Noosa Main Beach, you will see a sign for ‘First Point’ boardwalk. Follow this route for a scenic coastal trail venturing deep into Noosa’s National Park!

Pictured: The idyllic coastal views you can expect on the Noosa National Park coastal trail. Photograph taken by Jordie when walking the Noosa National Park trail.

Key points of interest on this 1-hour stroll are: the Boiling Pot Lookout, Tea Tree Bay, Dolphin Point Lookout to spot dolphin pods and whales below, Fairy Pools and finally Hells Gates for a beautiful view of neighbouring Alexandria Bay!

Top Tip: Be sure to check out the Laguna Lookout!

Top Tip: Bring your bug spray – this trail is rife with mosquitos!

Top Tip: Tea Tree Bay has a small area next to the path with about 5/6 eucalyptus trees, where wild koalas are commonly spotted! The spot is signposted so you don’t miss it. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Wondering how to spend three days in Noosa Australia? Add trailing the Noosa National Park coastal trail onto your short Noosa itinerary!

DAY 2: KAYAKING WITH DOLPHINS, 4WD BEACH DRIVE & EXPLORE NOOSAVILLE

KAYAKING WITH DOLPHINS & 4WD BEACH DRIVE
Start your day off with a bang on this 5* “Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure” 6-hour tour for a thrilling nature and wildlife adventure straight from Noosa!

Awarded a “Badge of Excellence” on Viator, this tour is run by the highly recommended and reputable local tour company Epic Ocean Adventures.

Pictured: Kayakers close encounter with inquisitive dolphin pod in Noosa, taken on one of the best local tours to add to your Noosa itinerary! © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by Epic Ocean Adventures. — Pictured: Kayakers close encounter with inquisitive dolphin pod in Noosa. © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by Epic Ocean Adventures.

Meeting your guide at either Noosa Heads or Noosaville, take a scenic drive to Teewah Beach (via the ferry). On arrival, zoom down the beach in your assigned 4WD to a secret National Park location before sea kayaking back to Double Island Point!

As well as witnessing Noosa’s most idyllic coastal landscapes, you also have a great chance to see dolphin pods, turtles, rays and even migrating whales (during July to September) up close!

Pictured: 4WD drive on the beach. © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by Epic Ocean Adventures.

Pictured: Kayaking small group along jaw-dropping Noosa coastline, on one of the best local tours to add to your Noosa itinerary! © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by Epic Ocean Adventures. — Pictured: Kayaking small group along jaw-dropping Noosa coastline. © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by Epic Ocean Adventures.

Click here to book this ‘Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure’ tour! 🐬🛶🏝️

Psst! Other great places in Australia to kayak with dolphins and whales are Fraser Island and Byron Bay!

WALK TO NOOSAVILLE (OPTIONAL)
The afternoon is now yours for the taking! If your hotel is in Noosaville, opt to leisurely walk to Noosaville from Noosa Heads. Taking just over an hour, start your route by passing the beautiful riverside houses with private at docks at Lions Park.

Continue on by following the river towards Noosaville where you will find the opportunity to rent speedboats, kayaks and paddle boards and quaint riverside cafes.

We personally walked this route back to our Noosaville accommodation, Noosa Lakes Resort, when we visited and soon discovered it’s definitely the best way to fully immerse and witness the slow, laid back lifestyle of Noosa!

One thing you must add on your how to spend three days in Noosa itinerary is walking from Noosa Heads to Noosaville along the river, passing the idyllic Lions Park! — Pictured: Leaving Noosa Heads, pass the idyllic Lions Park residential area before heading in the Noosaville direction. There’s a high chance there will at least be one person out paddle boarding!

Pictured: Walking from Noosa Heads to Noosaville along the river, you can leisurely take in the beautiful views of these affluent neighbourhoods! Photograph taken by Jordie.

STOP BY NOOSAVILLE MARINA (OPTIONAL)
On arrival into Noosaville, you will find the small Noosa Marina, a quirky nautical marina.

Stop here for an early dinner at its few waterside restaurants here (Lucio’s Marina or Noosa Italian Restaurant & Pizza) or a quick bite at the on-site fish and chips parlour, cafes or wine bar.

There is also a large tourist information hut right at the end of the Marina, where you can book daily sunset river cruises.

Top Tip: The Noosa Marina markets are hosted here every Sunday 8.30am – 1pm!

Pictured: Arriving into Noosaville, be sure to stop off at the small Noosa Marina for quick browse of the shops and maybe book a river cruise at the Tourist Information centre (the light green building shown in the photograph). Photograph taken by Jordie.

DAY 3: NOOSA EVERGLADES TOUR OPTIONS

Noosa is mostly famous for its wonderful stretch of idyllic everglades, one of only two everglades systems on Earth! You cannot visit Noosa without experiencing these idyllic waterways, found on the upper section of Noosa River!

There are two unique ways you can experience the Noosa Everglades during your visit:

NOOSA EVERGLADES TOUR (OPTION 1):
Firstly, this Badge of Excellence rated “Serenity Cruise to Australia’s Everglades” tour provides solace in the Everglade’s slumbering silence on a comfortable cruise vessel, all whilst you enjoy some on-board bubbles and search for wildlife!

Click to book this “Serenity Cruise to Australia’s Everglades” tour! 🛥️🏞️🕊️

NOOSA EVERGLADES TOUR (OPTION 2):
For those who want to get even closer to these UNESCO-listed waterways, effortlessly glide yourself down the Everglades on this Badge of Excellence rated “Noosa Everglade Kayak – Searching For Stingrays!” experience with the highly reputable local tour company, By Earth and Ocean.

Pictured: Kayakers down the Noosa Everglades, marvelling at the mangroves and searching for stingrays on one of the best local tours to add to your Noosa itinerary! © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by By Earth and Ocean. — Pictured: Kayakers down the Noosa Everglades, marvelling at the mangroves and searching for stingrays. © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by By Earth and Ocean.

Held in calm shallow waters just outside of Noosa, this is an intimate small group tour of just 11 travellers maximum, and includes a delicious picnic on private shores. Look out for a wonderful variety of wildlife, from darting stingrays beneath the shallows of your kayaks to multiple bird, fish and flora species!

Pictured: A stingray spotted on this epic kayaking tour down the Noosa Everglades! © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by By Earth and Ocean. — Pictured: A stingray spotted down the Noosa Everglades on this epic **Noosa Everglade Kayak – Searching For Stingrays** tour! © All photograph copyrights reserved and kindly provided by By Earth and Ocean.

Click to book this “Noosa Everglade Kayak – Searching For Stingrays” tour! 🛶🍃

Fun Fact: Incredibly, more than 40% of all of Australia’s bird species can be spotted in the Noosa Everglades!

Fun Fact: The Noosa Everglades are the only everglades on Earth where you can safely swim, as out of the two in the world, the Noosa Everglades is the one that does not have alligators!

noosa-itinerary — Pictured: Spot ample amounts of birdlife whilst exploring the UNESCO-listed Noosa Everglades!

OTHER NOOSA TOURS & ACTIVITIES

• Catch a bus and go shopping at Eumundi markets 🛍️🐚

• Learn to surf at Noosa Heads 🏄🌊

• Take a picnic boat cruise on Noosa River 🚤🧺

• Take a small-group scenic dolphin safari! 🐬

WHERE TO STAY IN NOOSA HEADS

If you to be in the middle of all the action, Noosa Heads would be the place you want to stay in Noosa.
Note: This privilege comes with much higher room rates!

💎 Tingirana Noosa
(incredible infinity pool with sea views – our top choice!)

💎 Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
(5* luxurious choice)

🤝🏻 Nomads Noosa
(best budget option)

WHERE TO STAY IN NOOSAVILLE

When choosing where to stay in Noosa, from our own personal experience we would recommend to stay in Noosaville, ideally a spot near the river or lakes. It is a much quieter, relaxing and budget friendly option!

It’s also very easy to get back to Noosa Heads from Noosaville by their frequent bus services taking no more than 10-15 minutes each way.

💎 Noosa Outrigger Apartments
(modern, stylish apartments walking distance to Noosa Heads)

🤝🏻 Noosa Lakes Resort
(where we stayed & would recommend! Slightly basic rooms but great marina and lakeside location and communal swimming pools. Further out with frequent direct bus services back to Noosa Heads)

Pictured: Our wonderful lake view during our stay at Noosa Lake Resort, one of the best places to stay in Noosaville! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Pictured: Our wonderful lake view during our stay at **Noosa Lake Resort**, one of the best places to stay in Noosaville! Photograph taken by Jordie.

NOOSA PACKING LIST

Loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and cotton shorts.
Your swimsuit.
A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after your tour.
A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage in the water!
Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
High factor sun cream
After sun moisturising cream.
Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip (ideal for Noosa National Park walking trail).
Refillable water bottle .
Powered battery pack for your smart phone.

GETTING TO NOOSA: ALL OPTIONS

GETTING TO NOOSA BY AIR: 🛫

Noosa does not have its own airport, and the closest airport is Sunshine Coast (MCY), located 30 minutes drive away. If you wanted to fly towards Noosa, the only direct flights are from Sydney International Airport.

If you wanted to fly from any other major Australia city (i.e. Brisbane / Cairns for example), it would include a stop at Sydney first.

There are many very well priced daily direct flights from Sydney International (SYD) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) with multiple airlines, such as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. The flight duration is 1hr 35 minutes. Click for the best flights available for your dates!

On arrival into Sunshine Coast airport (MCY), catch the connecting 620 bus (36 minutes), or rent a car.

GETTING TO NOOSA BY BUS: 🚌

Arriving into Noosa by bus is the best way to get to Noosa for anyone travelling up the East Coast. The Greyhound Australia bus offers a flexible and affordable hop-on, hop off ticket covering from Sydney to Cairns, or vice-versa!

You will be dropped off at Noosa bus and coach station in Noosa Junction. From here, you can either walk, catch the bus or a taxi.

Pictured: Noosa Junction bus and coach station. Photograph taken by Jordie.

Top Tip: The Main beach of Noosa is a 25 minute walk away from Noosa Junction bus and coach station. If you don’t want to walk with all your luggage, call Suncoast Cabs 131-008 for a taxi ride to your Noosa accommodation.

GETTING TO NOOSA BY CAR: 🚙

For those who want to explore Noosa and the surrounding area on their own time, a popular option is to rent a car for multiple days. If you do not have your own car, check out DiscoverCars.com for the best deals!

CAN YOU GET TO NOOSA BY TRAIN? 🚉

Unfortunately, Noosa does not have a designated train station. Cooroy station, a 20-minute drive from Noosa, is the closest train station to Noosa.

You can always jump in a taxi at Cooroy station and head to Noosa, though this will work out quite expensive. It’s best to utilise the connecting 631 bus to Noosa, with an approximate journey duration of 25 minutes.

HOW TO GET AROUND NOOSA

When deciding how to spend three days in Noosa, it is important to know all the best ways you can get around to make your Noosa itinerary seamless!

See below for all options available:

GETTING AROUND NOOSA ON FOOT 🚶🏻‍♀️

Despite being split into two suburbs, you can technically walk from Noosaville to Noosa Heads, and the majority of key sights to see in Noosa Heads are all very accessible on foot and in close proximity.

GETTING AROUND NOOSA BY BUS 🚌

Noosa’s bus services are very efficient and convenient, connecting Noosa Junction, Noosa heads, Noosaville and even more Sunshine Coast destinations.

For example, the Noosa Heads bus station is located just a few minutes walk from Hastings Street / Noosa Main Beach, which will take you straight to Noosaville.

Pictured: Noosa Heads bus station, located just a few minutes walk from Hastings Street / Noosa Main Beach. Photograph taken by Jordie.

HOW TO GET AROUND OUTSIDE OF NOOSA 🚌🚗

For those who not rely on public transport and would rather explore further afield by themselves, there are two main options. First is to take advantage of the convenient ‘Translink‘ bus service in Noosa.

Another is to rent a car for multiple days to explore freely with no restraints on your Noosa itinerary. This is a great option if you have extended time in the Sunshine Coast region.

ABOUT VISITING NOOSA:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

WHERE IN AUSTRALIA IS NOOSA?

The Shire of Noosa is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Geographically, it is in the centre of Australia East Coast, about 2 hour drive North from Brisbane city.

Noosa is actually made up of two different suburbs, Noosa Heads and Noosaville.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOOSA HEADS & NOOSAVILLE?

The Noosa Heads suburb is the main “tourist hub” destination in the middle of all the action at Noosa, including the Main Beach, Hasting’s Street (the main shopping street in Noosa) and access to Noosa National Park coastal trails.

On the other hand, Noosaville is a neighbouring (mainly residential) suburb which is set slightly further out. Visit here for much quieter, chilled experience as a local along the river, which coincidentally, also has nice beaches!

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT NOOSA? WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT NOOSA?

If the Sunshine Coast didn’t give it away, the best reasons for visiting Noosa are its chilled beach days, calming blue skies and warm balmy sunshine on offer.

You can spend your days relaxing on the golden sands, have a relaxed spot of lunch, or can even get yourself moving with epic surf lessons or walking the Noosa National Park coastal trail.

What makes Noosa even more special as an Australian destination is that it is authentically very upmarket, affluent and idyllic. There is plenty of boutique accommodation plus quaint cafes and restaurants lining its yacht-filled rivers and waterways.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT NOOSA?

To increase your chances of ensuring the best weather during your stay in Noosa, we would suggest the shoulder season of late Spring (September – November) are the best months to visit Noosa.

During these months, Noosa experiences plentiful sunny days with minimal rainfall, plus tourism here is not at its peak.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU SPEND IN NOOSA?

We would say 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Noosa! Our Noosa itinerary listed above explains how to spend three days in Noosa, including all the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around and much more.

CONCLUSION: NOOSA ITINERARY

To conclude, 3 days is perfect amount to time to allocate to your Noosa itinerary.

It allows for a day exploring around the small Main Beach, high street and Noosa National Park, a day for heading out into the suburb of Noosaville and a spare day to experience Noosa’s iconic everglades.

We hope you have the best time following our Noosa travel guide, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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