Author: Holidays with Kids
From learning to surf, exploring swimming spots, to eating ‘nice cream’ for breakfast, here are the best things to do in Noosa with kids.
The Kabi Kabi people are the traditional owners of the land around Noosa. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Top of the list and fan-favourite, Noosa National Park is a highlight for many families visiting Noosa. From its incredible views to the secluded bays, the park offers a wonderful retreat into nature – without having to drive hours from the town’s centre.
Just up the road from Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach, you’ll find an oasis of cliff paths, sandy shores, secret swimming spots and shady stretches to wander through.
Pack a picnic, throw on your swimmers and lace up your shoes because this National Park can be your playground for an hour or two, or the entire day – explore it your way.
Noosa National Park’s Coastal Track takes around four hours return and follows the ocean. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins and whales during their annual migration season from June to November. Onshore, try your luck at spotting some more wildlife as the park is renowned for koala spottings. You’re also likely to see lizards and all kinds of birds.
Be on the lookout for treasures washed in from Laguna Bay dotting the shoreline. Beachcombing is an essential adventure at Little Cove. Follow it up with a dip at Tea Tree – a family favourite beach.
If you haven’t visited Noosa National Park before, spend some time with the kids poring over the signboards at the park’s entrance to learn about the Kabi Kabi people, Noosa’s Traditional Custodians. A yarning circle nearby is another opportunity to connect with the park’s rich Indigenous culture.
Noosa is renowned for its stunning labyrinth of waterways, so experience them with a cute tug-style Noosa Ferry. An all-day pass allows you to hop on and off at your leisure at Noosa Heads, Noosa Sound, Noosaville and Tewantin.
It’s a scenic way to see the interior of Noosa, cruising past multi-million-dollar homes and admiring the topography. The kids get to enjoy the thrills of spotting myriad birds and wildlife that call the Noosa River home.
Noosa Main Beach is a family favourite for many reasons. As a patrolled beach, it offers parents additional peace of mind when the little ones are splashing in the waves. The beach also has BBQ facilities, toilets, picnic tables, shade, and showers and is close to shops and public transport.
In the heart of Noosa, Hastings Street is a beloved mix of beachside luxury and laidback holiday vibes. It’s bursting with resorts, cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, gift shops, surf stores, day spas and galleries.
From getting your morning caffeine dose to your evening dinner and drinks, it’s a centrally located delight ready to satisfy all your dining and shopping desires.
You read that right – not beside or along it, on it. Think boat meets bike and you’ve got yourself a Nauticyle. This Eco Noosa River Adventures activity is a fantastic way to explore the river. You can choose your own pace, stop when your heart desires it, and adventure sustainably, all while getting your days workout in.
Riding the river in eco-fashion, park up on secluded beaches, spot wildlife, and check out the unique jetties and quirky houseboats as you go.
On the shores of Lake Macdonald, you’ll find the Noosa Botanic Gardens. The eight-hectare stretch of native and exotic plants is also home to an abundance of wildlife. The gardens feature an open-air bush chapel, fern house, lily pond, Greek-style amphitheatre and children’s play facilities.
Pack a picnic and lounge on the lawns, spot wildlife while exploring the winding paths, or put on a first-class production at the amphitheatre. With so much scope for the imagination, you can make what you like of the verdant playground.
Explore one of only two Everglades in the world, and the Noosa Everglades are thankfully alligator free. Kids are welcome to join a guided kayak tour with Kanu Kapers through Lake Cootharaba’s still, mirror-like waters.
A refreshing dip afterwards in the tea tree-infused waters will do wonders for your skin. There’s also a chance to meet the resident giant catfish who will give the kids a thrill.
For a different side to Noosa, stay at Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp, a 26-hectare National Park wilderness nestled on the edge of Lake Cootharaba.
With a selection of campsites (powered and unpowered) or glamping-style accommodation – plus Coothara BAR & Bistro and Eco Brewing Company serving up 11 beers brewed on-site at the microbrewery – it’s luxe camping located within the ethereal gateway to the Noosa Everglades.
A visit to Double Island Point on Noosa’s North Shore is a chance to take the kids on Australia’s longest sand highway.
If you don’t own a 4WD, you can join a private 4WD tour to get fully immersed in this pristine aquatic oasis, visiting Honeymoon Bay, Double Island Point and Great Sandy National Park.
The north shore waters are a haven for bottlenose dolphins, turtles and whales. A Sea kayaking tour is the best way to see them.
Double Island Point is also home to Australia’s longest wave. So if your family is full of keen surfers, be sure to pack the boards.
A permit is required to drive on the sand, and you’ll need to consider tide times as it’s a low-tide-only drive for high-clearance 4WDs – but it’s a spectacular way to see Noosa’s wild side.
Want to see Noosa’s best things to do by bike? An electric bike will have you reliving your childhood peddling days, as you and your family tour the coastline.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or joining a guided tour, cycling gives you the freedom to stop as you go. Plus, you won’t have to worry about trying to find a car park.
With the fresh salty sea breeze washing over you as you peddle along, there’s no better way to experience Noosa’s beautiful weather.
Ecotekk Noosa will deliver to your holiday resort or home, if you’re looking for a hassle-free hire.
The Noosa coastline is well-known for being a dolphin and whale playground. Whales can be seen frolicking and showing off to tour boats during migration season. To see whales, the best time to visit is between June and November however, dolphins can be spotted year-round.
If you’re lucky, you might spot a school of dolphins playing in the turquoise waters from the trails of Noosa National Park. They’ve been known to favour coves along the cliffs heading towards Hells Gates.
But if you want to experience a closer encounter, a dolphin safari would be just the thing for you. Noosa Oceanrider has a range of tour options such as dolphin and whale tours and adventure boat rides, to peak adrenaline levels.
Noosa River Pirate Playground is a popular place for imaginations and your little ones to run wild. Located by the Noosa Yacht Club on the river, its position makes it ideal for land and sea play. Kids will be lost for hours, playing upon the sunken ship, The Liberty. As they navigate high seas, the ships ‘sails’ provide ample shade, perfect for hours of sun-safe pirateering. Once their pirating careers are over, the fun continues, with the river offering a cool retreat.
With picnic tables, BBQs and toilets, it’s a fantastic spot to spend the day. If water sports are also on the cards, the river is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
There’s nothing quite like a day on the water, so grab your board – or hire one if you need – and get paddling. With ample beaches to frolic along and explore, being on or under the waves is a truly authentic way to holiday in Noosa. From the Noosa River to the ocean, the waters welcome beginners to advanced kayakers, surfers, stand-up paddle boarders, and the like.
If you or the kids are in need of sprucing up your skillset, take a surf lesson or two. You’ll be popping up and hanging ten in no time.
If stand-up paddleboarding is more your speed, there’s no better spot than Noosa to enjoy this water activity. So, what are you waiting for?
Where can you see sweeping hinterland views, sparkling seas kissing the horizon with a mountainous backdrop all in one location? Laguna Lookout is where. This breathtaking position is great for picnics with its grassy hillside. Pack a picnic or grab some takeaway and settle in for a midday fuel up or stunning sunset.
This magical perch can be accessed by driving or walking. If you’re driving, take the 5-minute route from Noosa via Viewland Drive. There’s a spot to park at the end of the street. For those lacing up their shoes, there’s a 1.3-kilometre circuit from the town centre.
Just a short stroll from Noosa Marina is the Noosa Regional Gallery. It is Queensland’s oldest regional gallery. Showcasing a diverse program of contemporary exhibits featuring local, national and international artists. The gallery frequently holds artist talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages.
Each Sunday the gallery holds Art Play Sunday, a free family-fun crafting session. If you can’t make a session but need some arty inspo while travelling, the gallery has virtual guides and classes online to do ‘Art Your Way’ where ever you are.
If you’re a fishing fanatic, you’ll love the waters near Noosa. The waterways, rivers and ocean are brimming with fish as well as the legendary Queensland mud crabs or blue swimmer. If you’ve got a boat, you’ll be spoilt with options as the entire Noosa region boasts plenty of saltwater and freshwater fishing. Some recommended spots include Noosa River, Lake Cootharaba, rock fishing in Noosa National Park and Boiling Pot, just to name a few.
If you don’t have a boat, no worries! There are plenty of boat hire places in Noosa ready to offer their expertise. For a family-friendly tour, try Noosa Fishing and Crabbing Adventures. They’ll take you on a four-hour morning or afternoon tour, and lunch and drinks are included.
Pixels Hastings Street is where the fun continues and never ends. With an arcade, barcade – for the adults of course – redemption games and console games, it’s a multi-generational, multi-dimensional world of wonder.
Lake Weyba is four kilometres south of Noosa Heads, near Peregian Beach, and is connected to the Noosa River. Due to its shallow waters, sharks can’t swim in, making this an ideal swimming spot in Noosa.
The area is home to lots of wildlife, fish and birds. Keep your eyes out for kangaroos, as they love to bask in the sun on the edge of the shallows.
Stretch your legs along the three-kilometre Foreshore walk that starts from Lake Weyba Drive. To embrace the serene surroundings, go kayaking or canoeing.
Tewantin National Park is approximately 15 minutes from Noosa and offers a plethora of activities. Avid rock climbers, abseilers and horse riders are permitted to conduct their joyous activities here as long as they are well experienced and suitably equipped. The park also has the best mountain bike tracks in Queensland.
Apart from the abundance of fun to be had, keep your eyes out for the wildlife that calls this park home. You can spot echidnas, koalas and swamp wallabies or listen out for the calls of countless species of birds like elusive black cockatoos.
Mount Tinbeerwah can be found in Tewantin National Park. There’s an easy one-kilometre return hike, as well as a track that leads to a fire tower lookout that’s perched 265 metres above sea level. From the lookout, you’ll get uninterrupted panoramic views over Noosa and the Pacific Ocean.
Complete with picnic tables and toilet facilities, it’s easy to make a day of it. The area does not have drinkable water on site so make sure you pack plenty!
If you’re in need of a little water change, Noosa Aquatic Centre‘s selection of pools is a fantastic option.
For a fun-packed Saturday, head down for a giant inflatable party. Including mats and tubes, the inflatable setup is a water wonderland topped with running, bouncing, screaming, joy-filled children. This popular feature is available from the September school holidays and runs through until Easter every year. So if you need the munchkins to burn off some energy, bring them down between 12pm and 3pm. This inflatable is only suitable for ages six years and older and fees apply.
For those under six, there’s still plenty on offer to keep them entertained. Toddler, wadding and bubble pools with tipping buckets and water spray jets will keep them splashing for hours.
Once everyone is waterlogged and ready to eat, there’s a cafe on-site with a range of healthy and traditional bites that will restore some of that burnt-through energy.
Jump in the car and head to Cooloola Berries for PYO (pick your own) strawberries.
On-site, you’ll find a berry good cafe, offering lots of delicious dishes. Be sure to stack up on fresh strawberry-loaded pancakes, and indulge in a sticky strawberry sundae. For the adults, try the delicious strawberry cider.
Farm tours and picking are seasonal. They usually operate from June to September but are subject to change due to the weather.
Overlooking the Noosa River, these markets operate every Sunday from eight am to 1.30 pm. Stroll through a world of art, craft and local produce, while basking in the live music and entertainment.
The marina is located approximately seven kilometres from Hastings Street and it can also be accessed by the Noosa Ferry.
Every Sunday morning from seven am to 12 pm, a buzz of activity erupts in Noosaville. The Noosa Farmers Market will engulf your senses; earthy local produce, freshly caught seafood, hot baked bread and toasted coffee beans combine in an intoxicating aroma.
Bustling stalls feature throughout full of jams, dips, marinades, sauces, pies, baked foods, freshly cut flowers and natural skin-care products.
Complete with the serenade of local talent, these markets are a fun, fresh and favourable way to spend a Sunday morning in Noosa.
For plant parents alike, you’ll love these country markets. Every Saturday morning from six am until 12 pm, every adult, child and fur friend can be found wandering through the maze of stalls that offer local goods, and fresh produce. While the range is diverse and notable for quality, it’s the large plant selection that truly makes this market stand out. Indoor, outdoor, big and small – there’s a plant for every occasion, room or reason.
Grab a coffee, wander through and lose yourself in the wonderous world of the local markets.
To satisfy all your craft, home decor, and vintage clothing desires, you’ll want to head to Peregian Beach Markets. From seven am to 12.30 pm, every first and third Sunday of the month, these coastal markets are a delightful collection of upcycled, recycled, created and crafted. It’s the perfect place to find a gift, new outfit, or just a little something special to commemorate a wonderful Noosa holiday.
Set in Peregian Park on Kingfisher Drive, it’s right next to the beach and close to the suburb’s main shopping area. After your perusal through the stalls, you could walk along the beach, and play in the ocean. It’s all right at your feet!
Nothing says ‘holidays’ like the buttery, salty smell of fresh popcorn. Add in choc tops, Maltesers, frozen cokes and exciting new movies, it’s an activity everyone is voting for.
With something new always on, there’s bound to be a show the whole family will love. A family-fun movie is a great way to get out and about without feeling like you’re running around and draining the tank. After all, you’re on holiday to recoup as much as you are to have loads of fun.
Noosa is a foodie’s paradise and there are plenty of places to fuel little tummies that are also kind on the holiday hip pocket.
The best thing about Noosa? No matter where you go, you’re sure to find good food in beautiful places.
Noosa is bursting with family-friendly things to do, but if you’ve exhausted the list and are keen to continue exploring the area, here’s a list of things to do near Noosa.
Eumundi Markets – 26 minutes
If you haven’t got your market fix yet, The Eumundi Markets is sure to overflow your cup. You can find them every Wednesday and Saturday morning in Eumundi’s main street and at the old Butter Factory on Sundays.
The twice-weekly market shines a light on the vibrant local arts and crafts scene. Browse over 250 stalls offering handicrafts, local produce and many other delights.
Eumundi is approximately 30 minutes from Noosa.
Blast Aqua Park Coolum – 33 minutes
Water and inflatables are a match made in heaven – especially for children and those young at heart. The family can run themselves ragged at this giant inflatable park which is suitable for ages six years and older. You’ll be swinging, flipping, racing, sliding and diving across challenge tracks, balance beams, wobble pads, trampolines and so much more.
Once you’ve pummelled the floating park of fun, dry off in the change rooms and enjoy the free BBQs, picnic tables and sun loungers. There’s also a cafe on site, so if you need a post slide and dive pick-me-up, they have just the brew for you.
Aussie World – 48 minutes
A day at Aussie World is sure to give you serious parenting points. This park has all the family favourites such as a giant slide, Ferris wheel and mini-golf. If you need to cool off, have a go at The Plunge log water ride. It’s sure to leave you soaked from head to toe and laughing. For thrillseekers, jump on Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum, SX360. For the little ones, the Bug Run is sure to be just the speed for them. The best part about Aussie world is that there’s a ride or sideshow for the whole family. Slow, fast or somewhere in between, you’ll find it here.
A visit to a theme park just isn’t complete without some delicious junk food. Be sure to stock up on sugary goodness at the World Fun Cafe.
Wildlife HQ – 42 minutes
Wildlife HQ is a zoo nestled amongst the trees of Woombye. You can explore free-ranging native Australian animals – including friendly wallabies and dozy koalas. See endangered exotic species like emperor tamarins, African wild dogs and giant guinea pig-like capybara.
Tree Top Challenge – 40 minutes
Enjoy the extreme thrills at the TreeTop Challenge ropes course. Located at the Big Pineapple, the two-kilometre course weaves through lush rainforest. There are a variety of challenges including a 120-metre zipline and barrels of fun.
