A popular place for locals and visitors alike, Noosa’s river and its little pockets of beaches has something for everyone. The calm waters of the river are perfect for safe swimming, jet ski fun, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, fishing or even watching the passing parade of activity from the shore.
Noosaville’s main strip, Gympie Terrace unwinds along a spacious and picturesque foreshore haven, with one sidelined with a grass-edged footpath, free to use BBQs and picnic tables by the river. On the other side you will find award-winning restaurants, health-food havens, cycle-friendly cafes and buzzing bars lining the Terrace and nearby streets.
There are plenty of great vantage points to watch the sunset over the Noosa River so pack your picnic blanket or visit one of the many restaurants or bars for a sunset beverage of choice.
8AM - Get active
Take a stroll or run along the 2km footpath that follows the Noosa River. The path is flat and also perfect for bicycles and scooters. There are a number of cafes serving a locally roasted brew, such as Grind Café or The Depot. A local haunt is Jetty 17, where your morning coffee is served while your toes are in the sand.
The area is teeming with birdlife so pause to count how many bird species you see, including the White Bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kites, Great Egret or the much-loved Pelican. Head to the boat ramps to see these greedy Pelicans feed from the fishermen’s leftover catch.
10am - Fun on the water
For a great day out, hire a BBQ boat for the day and navigate your way along the Noosa River to find your own piece of paradise. All you need is a driver’s licence and you are on your way. Drop the anchor and spend the day fishing, swimming or simply relaxing. You can also cruise the waterways exploring the natural beauty of the Noosa North Shore and pass the million-dollar waterfront homes. Hire a boat at various places along the river, including TBoat Hire or Pelican Boat Hire (tip for families, The Big Pelican was featured in season 2 of the cartoon Bluey, so it’s a great photo opportunity for the kids!)
There are numerous watercraft for hire along the river to suit all activity preferences. Join a lesson or hire a kayak, stand-up paddle, deep sea fishing charter or jet-ski. For something different, get in touch with Eco Noosa River Adventures for a Nauticycle, electric boat or Flite School experience.
1pm - Enjoy lunch with a view
With so many options offering aqua and National Park views, choose from award-winning restaurants such as Rickys River Bar or Woodfire Grill at Noosa Sound. For a special occasion, book a Gondola and be dropped directly to your restaurant of choice.
The Noosa River provides some of the region’s best picnic spots, with plenty of grassed areas, playgrounds and table seating. Grab some fish and chips at the local’s favourites Red Emperor, Noosa Boathouse fish and chip counter or Noosaville Fish Market and soak up the beautiful river views.
A little further up the river, you will find the township of Tewantin and the Noosa Marina, home to waterfront shops, cafes and restaurants, and markets on Sunday mornings. Tewantin is the launching point for the vehicular ferry to Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and Fraser Island.
A little known fact
Makepeace Island is a 25-acre heart-shaped private island found upstream from Tewantin that is available for exclusive bookings.
5pm - Golden Hour
The Noosa River is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Noosa hinterland and there are some great vantage points to soak up the last rays of sun for the day. Our choice to enjoy a cheeky cocktail and take in the views – the Sunset Bar on the top deck of the Noosa Boathouse. For a cruising option, the Noosa Ferry provides a Sunset Cruise or the Catalina Noosa offers popular social sessions on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
*Visit Noosa recommends checking opening times and booking where possible, to avoid disappointment.
