NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
Follow the timber boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach, curving gently around the coastline at Little Cove, until you reach the Noosa National Park Headquarters — the gateway to one of Australia’s most loved coastal reserves.
From here, you can explore a network of well-maintained and signposted walking trails that weave through fragrant eucalypt forest and open headlands with spectacular ocean views. The famous Coastal Track traces the rocky shoreline past iconic bays such as Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, and Alexandria Bay, each offering stunning photo spots and places to pause for a swim or picnic.
THE COASTAL RETURN
After exploring the forest trails and ocean lookouts of Noosa National Park, take your time heading back toward town along the coastal boardwalk — one of the most beautiful short walks in Queensland.
The path begins at the National Park Headquarters, where the bushland opens out to panoramic ocean views. As you follow the boardwalk westward, the landscape shifts from wild and rugged to soft and serene. The sound of the surf accompanies you as the track hugs the coastline past Little Cove, a secluded beach beloved by locals for its calm water and golden afternoon light.
SHOPPING LOCAL LABELS
Step out and explore one of Australia’s most iconic shopping promenades — the vibrant and effortlessly stylish Hastings Street in Noosa Heads.
Lined with swaying palms and boutique storefronts, this pretty coastal strip offers a perfect blend of laid-back beach charm and high-end sophistication. Stroll at your own pace as you browse independent Noosa-born fashion labels, international designer boutiques, and artisan studios that showcase the creativity and character of the Sunshine Coast.
NORTH SHARE 4WD ADVENTURE
For travellers with a sense of adventure, take the car ferry from Tewantin across to Noosa North Shore — the gateway to endless golden beaches, dunes, and the wild coastal expanse of Cooloola Recreation Area.
Once across, drop tyre pressure (check signs for recommended PSI) and cruise north along the beach toward Teewah Village or even Double Island Point, if tides and permits allow. The drive offers uninterrupted ocean views, migrating birdlife, and sometimes even pods of dolphins or breaching whales in the distance
NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
Surround yourself with nature’s calm at the Noosa Botanic Gardens, nestled on the peaceful shores of Lake Macdonald in Cooroy. Entry is free, and the gardens are a lush retreat of native flora, lakeside lawns, and shaded walking paths that capture the softer, slower rhythm of Noosa’s hinterland.
Wander at your own pace along the scenic pathways, where towering eucalypts, flowering shrubs, and palms frame stunning views of the lake. Take a seat in the open-air Greek-style amphitheatre, a favourite spot for photographs and quiet moments, or spread out a picnic beneath the trees. The area is home to abundant birdlife — from kookaburras and lorikeets to elegant waterbirds gliding across the lake — making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
TRACKS & TRAILS
Noosa is a labyrinth of tracks and trails to explore, with eight trails as part of the Noosa Biosphere Trails. Access is available for bushwalkers, birdwatchers, mountain bike riders and horse riders, each offering a different experience. Climb Mount Tinbeerwah, Mt Cooroora and Emu Mountain for stunning vistas or hike the 88km from Noosa that leads to the township of Rainbow Beach.
SCENIC DRIVE
Escape the coastline and experience another side of Noosa on the Noosa Country Drive, a self-guided journey through rolling green hills, patchwork farmland, and character-filled hinterland villages. This easy day trip offers breathtaking lookouts, fresh local produce, and quiet roads that invite you to slow down and connect with the region’s natural beauty.
Follow the scenic loop from Noosa Heads or Tewantin, winding through peaceful countryside and charming towns such as Cooroy, Pomona, and Kin Kin. Each stop has its own personality — from local markets and galleries to cafés serving farm-fresh breakfasts and homemade treats. The drive reveals the hinterland’s relaxed rhythm and showcases how life flows just beyond the coastline.
HINTERLAND LOOP
Along the way, you’ll pass through sections of Tewantin National Park, home to Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout and the Wooroi Trails. Only 15 minutes from Noosa Heads, this protected parkland shelters pockets of lush rainforest, eucalypt woodland, and native heathland, providing refuge for wildlife and panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and coast.
Take a short walk up to the Mt Tinbeerwah lookout platform, which offers one of the most spectacular 360° views of the Sunshine Coast — from the Glass House Mountains to the shimmering Coral Sea. For more adventure, explore the Wooroi Trail network, popular with walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.
