With a jam-packed festival schedule, there’s no shortage of action at the Noosa Festival of Surfing. From world-class surfing to live music, beachside bars, film and surf culture celebrations, you won’t want to miss a moment.
But while you’re in Noosa, why not make the most of your trip? These five before-and-after festival experiences add a mix of adventure, relaxation, and iconic Noosa sights – perfect for early mornings, in-between sessions, or unwinding after an epic day at the festival.
The Noosa Festival of Surfing is the main event, and there’s no better place to be than Noosa Main Beach. Watch the world’s best longboarders, cheer on the Dog Surfing Championships, and soak up the surf culture vibes.
Between heats, wander through the Festival Hub, where you’ll find pop-up surf brands, live music and the Beach Bar. Check out the all-female surf art exhibition Halse Lodge, or one of the many surf film showings around Noosa. Or grab a bite or a pint at one of the many great local partners such as Matsos Brewery.
Check out Noosa’s epic beaches and surf breaks from a different perspective and explore one of Australia’s most stunning coastal walks.
The Noosa National Park Coastal Track winds past Little Cove, Tea Tree Bay, and Hell’s Gates, offering breathtaking ocean views, secret surf breaks, and the chance to spot dolphins or turtles.
Best time to go? Early mornings before the festival kicks off or at sunset once the day’s surf action wraps up.
Tip: The Noosa Farmers Market is on Sunday morning – perfect for grabbing a fresh picnic before heading into the National Park or settling in at the festival.
Noosa is home to some of the best beachfront dining in Australia. It will be hard to beat the prime location of the Noosa Beach Bar throughout the festival – but for those early risers, grab a coffee and something to eat at Aromas Noosa, Bistro C, or Boardwalk Bistro on Hastings before heading to the beach.
The Beach Bar at the Festival Hub is the place to be every arvo & evening, but if you're looking for a pre- or post-festival bite, check out Locale, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant, or Heads of Noosa brewery.
For a relaxed escape after a big festival day, take a sunset cruise on the Noosa River, or enjoy a meal with a view at Noosa Boathouse, which is also hosting the Pink Nose Revolution Fundraising Dinner on Friday, March 21st.
Balance out your surf spectating with a water adventure of your own. Hire a paddleboard or kayak and cruise the Noosa River, or take a guided tour through the Noosa Everglades – one of only two Everglades systems in the world.
Best time to go? Early in the morning before heading to the festival, or if you need a break in the middle of the day before coming back for the sunset Noosa Beach Bar sessions.
If you’re chasing more waves, take a 4WD day trip to Double Island Point – just make sure it doesn’t overlap with your favourite festival events!
If you’re staying in Noosa a little longer, get away from the beach and take a country drive through Cooroy, Pomona, or Kin Kin, where you’ll find craft breweries, distilleries, and scenic hinterland walks.
For an easy but rewarding sunset spot, hike Mount Tinbeerwah for panoramic views over Noosa – just don’t forget to head back to Main Beach for a nightcap at the Noosa Beach Bar!
With world-class surfing, epic sunsets, and a buzzing festival atmosphere, Noosa is the ultimate place to be this March.
Plan your Noosa Festival of Surfing experience now and make it a trip to remember!
🌊🏄♂️ Check out the full festival program here.
If you’re not ready to leave just yet, extend your trip with one of these incredible nearby adventures:
