You never know where a walk in Noosa will take you – from sunrise on a mountain top to sunset over Noosa National Park’s secluded bays; from wilderness hikes to hidden pristine lakes; from the Noosa Trail Network’s hinterland scenery to the ancient rainforests and sandblows of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve and adjoining Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve are home to an amazing array of wildlife, fauna and changing environments, and there are endless ways to explore them – all within easy reach of Noosa’s beachfront, riverside and country hospitality.
Sunset from one of Noosa National Park's bays, accessed from the coastal walking track
A comfortable pair of walking shoes, reusable water bottle, hat and sunscreen will take you a long way in Noosa, whether you're looking for an easy coastal walk or a multi-day hike through wilderness areas. Combine a walk in the upper reaches of the Noosa River with a paddle through the Noosa Everglades (one of only two everglades systems in the world) for a stunning look at Noosa that's off the beaten track.
The Noosa Everglades
A great way to explore beyond the beaches of Noosa and discover some of the spectacular walking tracks in the nearby hinterland is the annual Great Noosa Trail Walk. Held from 2 – 4 Oct this year, the walk follows the existing Noosa Trail Network and travels across country landscapes, eucalypt forests, green farmland and heritage towns, with views over the surrounding countryside, lakes and ocean.
Another event that showcases some of the hinterland's stunning scenery is the annual Pomona King of the Mountain Festivalon Sunday 23 July that has family-friendly races, a 3km family fun run, heritage markets, antiques fair, tug o war, amusement rides, local cuisine and live music. It finishes with the 4.2km main race up the steep, almost vertical mountain face and back. Entrants come from around Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Rim and the UK to compete. This is a beautiful and challenging walk at any time.
Noosa is on the doorstep of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island or K’gari (pictured below), the indigenous name in the Butchulla people's language, meaning "a beautiful place". The island, the largest sand island in the world, is home to the spectacular 90km Fraser Island Great Walk through landscapes that change from kilometres or sandy beaches to cliffs of multi-coloured sands, stunningly clear freshwater lakes and rainforest canopies. The entire walk takes 6–8 days to complete or you can do a number of short walks that range from easy strolls to half-day and full-day adventures.
Day and overnight tours leave from Noosa for Fraser Island but if you're planning on doing the walk and taking it at your own pace, hire a 4WD in Noosa and head up the sand highway. Of course you'll need somewhere to retire to each night - The Beachcamp Eco Retreat on K’gari(pictured below) is a unique glamping experience that will have you relaxing into island life in no time. It's in the heart of the island with easy access to facilities.
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Looking for more Noosa inspiration? Discover a whole world of destinations to enjoy the best beaches, rivers and hinterland experiences.
