After days of sand, surf and 4WD tracks on K’gari, Noosa felt like the perfect balance. It is still coastal and still connected to nature. It also has that polished, beach-town energy that’s easy to fall in love with.
Noosa is tucked along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It is known for its national park headland walks. The area features boutique shopping. It also has a vibrant dining scene that mixes local produce with global flair. It’s a place that effortlessly combines outdoor adventure. A little luxury is also there. After weeks of campervan life, we were ready for both.
This post is part of our Ultimate 3-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary. It features a route from Cairns to Brisbane. The journey is full of reefs, rainforest, and relaxed coastal towns.
Noosa National Park: Headland walks & hidden bays
If you do one thing in Noosa, make it the coastal walk through Noosa National Park. The trail hugs the edge of the headland. It offers sweeping ocean views and turquoise coves. You’ll have the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles from the cliffs.
We started early from Noosa Heads. We followed the trail towards Hell’s Gates. We stopped at Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay along the way. Both beaches are perfect for a quick swim. They are calm and clear. They are surrounded by bushland that feels far from town. However, they’re just minutes away.
At Hell’s Gates, the view opens up dramatically. Rugged cliffs come into sight. The Pacific stretches endlessly ahead. A cooling sea breeze makes the climb worth it. From here, you can loop back through the forest. Alternatively, you can continue to Alexandria Bay if you’re keen for a longer walk.
Tip: Go in the morning to beat the heat and enjoy softer light for photos. Bring plenty of water and swimmers — it’s one of the most scenic walks in Queensland.
Eating & drinking in Noosa
After the hike, Noosa’s dining scene more than delivers. Whether you’re after oceanfront cocktails or modern Asian flavours, it’s a town that takes its food seriously. However, it never takes itself too seriously.
Light Years – Our favourite spot in Noosa. A stylish, buzzy restaurant serving pan-Asian dishes made for sharing. Think crispy eggplant, spicy bao buns and inventive cocktails.
Bang Bang Noosa – The perfect place for post-dinner drinks. A moody, tropical bar with great energy and even better music.
Somedays Pizza – For relaxed evenings, this was a standout. Woodfired bases, creative toppings and a cosy local vibe — perfect after a beach day.
Noosa Farmers Market (Sunday mornings) – It’s a relaxed way to start the day. Enjoy artisan pastries, cold brew, and local produce under the gum trees.
VanillaFood – Ideal for breakfast or brunch. It serves wholesome dishes that are big on flavour, such as smoothie bowls, homemade granola, and fresh salads.
Noosa might be known for its high-end restaurants, but it’s easy to eat well here without blowing the budget. Most places are walkable from Hastings Street, and the mix of casual cafés and modern bistros keeps things interesting.
Boutiques, beaches & that Noosa rhythm
Between beach swims and long lunches, Noosa is perfect for slow exploring. The main hub, Hastings Street, is lined with boutique stores. It also features galleries and gelato bars. This is ideal for a wander after a morning at the beach.
For quieter spots, walk along to Sunshine Beach or Noosa Sound, where the crowds thin and the pace slows. Sunset at Noosa River is beautiful. Locals gather with takeaway fish and chips. Some enjoy a glass of wine. Paddleboarders drift by in the fading light.
We based ourselves at Ingenia Caravan Park. It was ideal with our campervan. The park was peaceful and well-located, and it was just a short walk or drive to the beach. It had great facilities and a relaxed feel that matched Noosa’s easy-going rhythm perfectly.
Practical tips for visiting Noosa
- Getting there: Noosa is around 2.5 hours north of Brisbane. If you’re driving from K’gari or Rainbow Beach, it’s an easy few hours via the Bruce Highway.
- Best time to visit: April to October offers warm, dry days and pleasant evenings.
- Where to stay: There’s a great mix of boutique hotels, coastal apartments, and Airbnb stays. If you’re still traveling by campervan, there are well-located holiday parks within walking distance of town. We stayed at Ingenia Holiday Park and a bus stops outside to take you into Noosa.
- Parking: Hastings Street parking fills up fast — try the Noosa Woods car park or side streets nearby.
- How long to stay: 2–4 nights is perfect for combining adventure, relaxation, and good food.
A Day Trip to Australia Zoo
From Noosa, it’s an easy drive to Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin. We spent the day exploring the park, learning about the wildlife and conservation work that continues to this day. It’s well worth the visit — informative, interactive and surprisingly moving.
It’s about a 45-minute drive each way. This makes it an easy day trip if you’re basing yourself in Noosa for a few nights.
Summary: easy luxury, coastal calm
Noosa was one of those places that instantly felt like a reward. It had golden beaches and lush headlands. There was also world-class food, all with a laid-back Queensland charm.
After the wild adventure of K’gari, it was the perfect reset. There were morning hikes and lazy swims. We spent evenings between Light Years, Bang Bang, and the sound of waves outside our window.
Noosa blends the best of both worlds — the freedom of the outdoors and the comfort of a little indulgence. It’s somewhere you could easily stay longer than planned… and wish you had.
If you’re planning a similar trip, check out our ultimate 3-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary. It provides the full route, highlights, and practical tips.
Read more: Next stop – Brisbane
Or start from the beginning with our Ultimate 3-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary
Wander with Orla 
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