Boasting an abundance of natural beauty and exciting activities, Noosa River and its nearby beaches are just waiting to be explored. From sailing trips and beach barbecues to waterfront restaurants and stand-up paddleboard yoga, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the calm waters of the Noosa River. If you’re ready to start planning your escape (let’s be honest, you deserve it), here’s just a taste of what you can discover in these beautiful blue surrounds …
Have some fun in the sun
Ready to pop on your sailor’s hat for a day of sightseeing on the water? Make tracks to Jetty 17, a boat and kayak hire one-stop shop located on the beautiful foreshore of Noosa River. Whether you are planning a relaxing cruise along the river, a fishing trip with the family or you want to have a beachside barbecue on one of Noosa’s many sand islands, there’s a boat or kayak that will suit your adventure. Plus, you can grab a pre-sailing cup of Joe from Old Salt Coffee, a waterfront coffee cart pumping out brews by the riverside.
Enjoy sunset sips and seafood eats
From early morning coffee and sunset cocktails to three-tiered seafood feasts and takeaway fish and chips, Noosa Boathouse has more than enough to satisfy your senses – with pretty incredible riverside views to boot! There’s locally caught seafood eats and farm-fresh produce on the bistro’s lunch and dinner menu, with signature dishes including the baked wild Queensland scallops with sea urchin butter, slow-cooked beef cheek with tamarind dressing and crispy pork-belly topped with Thai red curry sauce. If you’re just passing by on your stroll along the picturesque river foreshore, grab a takeaway coffee and pastry from Little Boaty espresso bar on the front deck – it’s sure to put a spring in your step.
Dive into a tome or two
Noosaville bookshop and cafe The River Read has been a favourite among locals and visitors since opening its doors in 1998. This quaint retail gem boasts shelves filled with a unique selection of new releases, children’s books, fiction and non-fiction, historical books and much more, so you are guaranteed to find a treasure to take home or to give to someone special! There’s even a coffee nook where you can order a flat white to go, or you can enjoy your cuppa in the sun-filled courtyard by the river.
Dine by the waterfront
Perched on the edge of Noosa River, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is an elegant dining locale set in tranquil surrounds. The restaurant’s contemporary take on traditional Italian fare is paired with award-winning local and imported wines to complete a memorable dining experience. Another must-try foodie stop is modern European-style bistro Gusto, which serves up delectable Mediterranean dishes with a view overlooking the river at Noosaville. If you can decide what to order, we recommend the crispy fried cuttlefish salad with roast tomato, olives, red onion and Persian feta – it’s worth a roadtrip in itself.
Knock back a beer at this uber-cool brewery
Named after one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic lookouts, Boiling Pot Brewing is Noosa’s newest brewery and taproom. You’ll find eight thirst-quenching beers on tap inside this rustic brewery, including mid-strength pale ales, IPAs and black lagers, as well as a local cider and ginger beer for those after something different. You can tuck into some tapas while you’re there, treat your ears to live music and soak up the sunshine on a picnic table out in the courtyard.
Cruise along the waterways
A trip to Noosa wouldn’t be complete without a scenic ride on the ferry! The Noosa Ferry & Cruise Company operates a ferry cruise that travels from the historic riverside town of Tewantin and along the crystal-clear waterways past Noosaville, with great views across to the North Shore, Noosa Sound and into the heart of Noosa Heads. It departs daily from Noosa Marina, which itself is a must-visit for holidaymakers. The marina boats a huge array of dining spots, retail stores, beauty salons and even a Sunday market to explore. If you want to hire your own boat, Noosa Marina has plenty of cruise options or there’s a collection of boat-hire shacks on the river offering self-drive pontoons, half-cabins and more, with no boat licence required. Some vessels even come with on-board barbecues and woodfired pizza ovens – lunch is sorted!
Say what SUP to Noosa River
If there’s one workout to try on your holiday that will get your blood pumping, it’s SUP yoga. Run by Noosa Stand Up Paddle, this fitness class will have you saying namaste on the blue oasis that is Noosa River. Private sessions with a highly trained instructor are available for $165 (plus $50 per additional person), or book a group of four or more for just $55 per person. Now, start stretching those limbs!
