There is no better way to create a long-lasting holiday memory than sinking your toes in the sand at one of Noosa’s stretches of sparkling coastline. Well known over the world as a hot beach destination, choose from calm waves at Noosa Main Beach, to the famous Eastern beaches between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach or across to Noosa North Shore and beyond.
With more than a dozen beaches, bays and hidden coves, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your piece of paradise. Explore the secluded bays, protected headlands, crystal clear open beaches and rock pools.
This itinerary will help you discover some of the well-known, but also the less visited pristine beaches in Noosa, each unique, but as beautiful as the next.
7am - Famous Noosa Main Beach
Wake early and start your day right. Grab an acai bowl or green smoothie from Coconut Head, and round the corner to pristine Noosa Main Beach. You immediately sense the Noosa holiday vibe, with vast turquoise ocean views that extend all the way to Rainbow Beach and World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island).
Take a morning dip in the protected and calm waters (it’s one of Australia’s only north-facing beaches, protected by a headland) and soak up the surroundings of the Noosa National Park and hive of activity at the stylish cafes and restaurants and first-class accommodation options.
9am - Hit the waves
The Noosa National Park headland is one of the best places to surf in Australia and attracts surfing legends from around the globe. Known as a World Surfing Reserve, there are several breaks that suit beginners to advanced. Hire a board or book in a 2-hour lesson with Go Ride A Wave or Learn to Surf Noosa, so you can take away some tips and tricks, ready for your next holiday.
11am - Noosa National Park
One of Australia’s top experiences is walking in the Noosa National Park. Follow the boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach, and within a 10-minute stroll, you arrive at the National Park. An information board at the entrance explains the variety of tracks and trails along the coastline and through the park’s inner trails. Explore the Coastal Track and take Insta-worthy snaps through palm and eucalypt trees out to white sandy beaches and the turquoise ocean. The entire trail is 10.8km return and passes by Boiling Pot, Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay and Alexandria Bay. These stunning beaches are not patrolled but are great vantage points to watch the waves roll in.
Keep watch for wildlife, as you may spot a koala in the trees, wallabies, the protected brush turkey or turtles, dolphins or whales (June to November) out at sea.
1pm - Replenish the body
Once you have worked up an appetite, Noosa provides a plethora of dining options, many with locally sourced produce on their menus. We suggest booking a table at Bistro C or Season Restaurant for oceanfront viewing. Alternatively, order a poke bowl from Raw & Rice or a selection of local picnic goods from Providore and relax with a beach picnic. A visit is never complete without a gelato from Massimo’s, made fresh daily – they’ve been offering authentic Italian gelato since 1995.
Sunset @ Noosa Spit
End the day watching an amazing sunset at the Noosa Spit, just a short walk from Hastings Street. This is where the Noosa River meets the sea and provides spectacular sunsets looking out over the Noosa River and hinterland. You can even take your puppy with you, as it is a dedicated off-leash area.
7am - Sunshine Beach
Just a 5-minute drive south of Noosa Heads is Sunshine Beach, a coastal village on the southern side of the Noosa National Park. For some extra exercise, you can even walk around the Noosa National Park headland from Noosa Heads to reach Sunshine Beach (about 2.5 hours).
First stop is the Sunshine Beach stairs at the northern end of the beach, also known as the ‘stairway to heaven’. Once at the top, there are stunning coastal views and it’s a popular spot for hang-gliders. Continue following this well-maintained coastal path past Devils Kitchen and on to Alexandria Bay. This remote white sandy beach is only accessible by foot and provides hefty waves for the experienced surfer (non-patrolled beach). Return the same way.
9am - Jet boat time
Available year-round, jump onboard a thrill ride or Dolphin Safari with Noosa Oceanrider, who provide small group (12 seater) boat rides past million-dollar houses and the magnificent Sunshine Beach coastline. We also highly recommend their whale watching tours from July – October.
Explore the village
Sunshine Beach provides a laidback beach vibe and is the perfect place for your next quintessential beach escape. Stroll along the main street, Duke Street, offering a host of dining options, coffee haunts, hip bars, surf gear and a friendly, beachy atmosphere.
Our pick for lunch or an afternoon drink has to be Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Undergoing a recent million-dollar refurbishment, the restaurant and function space overlook the ocean, the ideal spot for whale watching and surf gazing. It doesn’t get much better.
6pm - Dinner time
2016 Masterchef runner up, Matt Sinclair and friends have put Sunshine Beach on the map with their Asian-inspired restaurant Sum Yung Guys.
The atmosphere is casual, the food is delicious (the roti is to die for) and the cocktail menu is unique. Try the Pho Sho, using local gin from Fortune Distillery, mixed with dry vermouth, pineapple juice, lime, Thai basil and chilli.
8am - Coastal drive
Head south of Noosa Heads for a stunning scenic coastal drive passing through Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Castaways Beach and Marcus Beach These beaches are not patrolled year-round but are perfect if you want plenty of space for a long walk on the sand. Pooches are welcome along a section of the beach between beach access 39-48.
The Eastern beaches provide waves for the advanced surfer and hang gliding at Castaways Beach on windy afternoons. Stop at ‘Hangliders Point’ at Sunrise Beach for stunning ocean views, whale watching (June to October) and surfing. Enjoy a pit stop at Sunrise Beach’s Chalet & Co for great coffee and a divine lunch and breakfast menu with a view.
10am - Final destination - Peregian Beach
A day is easily spent at Peregian Beach, fringed by a sparkling stretch of sea set around a friendly village, where you instantly feel right at home.
Market day is the first and third Sunday morning of each month for the creative types and The Peregian Originals on the second Sunday afternoon of each month showcases open-air, local live music, beachside.
The Peregian Village Square provides everything from restaurants, cafes, barbers and hairdressers to yoga studios, boutiques for all ages, homewares, surf shops, gelato and hip bars.
The international flair is well entrenched, including croissants from Le Bon Delice that take you straight back to France, free-range and many gluten-free options at the Japanese Sushi Wave, amazing gelato at Peregian Pantry and 5-star dining at Pitchfork Restaurant or Periwinkles. Hand of Fatima and Skal have you sorted for a caffeine fix.
A local hidden gem, Lake Weyba, is located a 5-minute drive behind Peregian Beach Village. For a serene but active morning, book a horse-ride with Noosa Horseriding, or kiteboard lesson with Adventure Sports Kitesurf Australia.
4.00pm
Climb Emu Mountain
Peregian Beach is at the most southern end of the Noosa National Park, providing many trails to explore. Emu Mountain Summit Walk is one of these trails and is an easy family-friendly climb that offers beautiful sunset and ocean views. Drive south of Peregian Beach for 5 minutes and the road to Emu Mountain is on your right.
The 1.1km return trail takes you past wildflowers and endangered Mt Emu she-oaks. Fun fact - Peregian is the local Kabi Kabi indigenous word for ‘Emu’, so the mountain is also known as Mount Peregian.
For more beachside fun ideas and things to do, see and stay, check out our website visitnoosa.com.au
*Visit Noosa encourages visitors to check opening times and make bookings to avoid disappointment.
