Noosa Beach: The Sunshine Coast’s luxury family holiday destination
Noosa Beach is one of the most popular of all Queensland Beach holiday tourist destinations.
Located in Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, it is known for its wide, white sandy, beach and clear blue waters that provide a welcome relief on hot summer days.
A protected beach, it is very popular with those who want to go on a QLD family holiday, on account of it being a safe spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
It is also renowned for being a good place for surfing, as it has several breaks suitable for riders of different skill levels. Fishing is a popular activity too, with a variety of species found in the waters off the coast.
For those who enjoy beach walking, Noosa Beach is a terrific spot to do this. It runs for a sizeable length, whilst showcasing beautiful views of the coast and the Noosa National Park. The latter of which is one of the Sunshine Coast’s prime tourist attractions. Offering several hiking trails, which provide spectacular views of the coast and an opportunity to see a variety of native wildlife.
The beach is also flanked by the world famous Hastings Street, which features plenty of designer boutiques, as well as galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Overall, Noosa Beach is a beautiful and popular Australia beach holiday destination for those looking to unwind and relax.
In comparison to other beach destinations on the Sunshine Coast like Alexandra Headlands, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba Beach and Caloundra, it is a bit more expensive. But that is because it is branded as a more upmarket place to visit.
Location
Noosa is a coastal town located on the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland in Australia. It is situated approximately 140 km (87 miles) north of Brisbane, the state capital, and about 20 km (12 miles) east of Gympie. The town is nestled on the coast of the Coral Sea, on the eastern side of the Noosa River.
As well as being known as one of the best Queensland holiday locations, Noosa is the only other place in the world apart from Florida that has an everglades system.
It is also blessed with stunning hinterland, and gorgeous national parks, including The Noosa National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking. There you will find several trails that offer spectacular views of the coast, as well as a variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and a wide variety of bird species.
The nearest major airport to Noosa Beach is the Sunshine Coast Airport which is located in Maroochydore, about 30 km (19 miles) away. The town is traditionally a drive-to Queensland holiday destination and can also be easily accessed by car or bus from Brisbane and other nearby towns.
Beach Facilities
Noosa Beach offers a variety of facilities to ensure that holidaymakers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Some of the facilities available include:
Beach Access: Noosa beach is easily accessible with several staircases and ramps that lead down to it.
Showers and toilets: Showers and toilets are available to clean off the sand and use after swimming.
Picnic areas and BBQ facilities: There are several picnic areas and BBQ facilities available for visitors to use.
Lifeguard service: The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the peak season to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.
Surfing and surf lifesaving club: Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club is located on the beach. It offers surf lessons and provides a safe environment for swimming.
Parking: There is paid parking available at Noosa beach, as well as a large parking area just off it.
Beach wheelchairs: Beach wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility issues to make it easier for them to access the beach.
Kiosks and food vendors: There are several kiosks and food vendors just off Noosa Beach, providing snacks, drinks, and meals to beachgoers.
Overall, Noosa Beach has a good range of facilities to make sure those enjoying a family beach holiday in Queensland have a comfortable and enjoyable time there.
Things to do at Noosa Beach
If you are thinking of booking a Noosa holiday, you will be happy to discover there are several things you can see and do there. These include:
Relaxing on the beach: Noosa’s main beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Exploring the National Park: The Noosa National Park offers a variety of hiking trails with spectacular views of the coast.
Shopping and dining: Hastings Street is a popular spot for shopping and dining. The street is lined with a variety of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Water sports: Noosa is a popular spot for water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.
Surfing: The Noosa Heads is a popular spot for surfing, with a variety of breaks suitable for different skill levels.
Nature and wildlife: An Everglades tour is a popular way to explore the natural beauty of the area, with a chance to see an array of bird and wildlife.
Spa and wellness: Noosa offers a variety of spa and wellness experiences, such as yoga classes and health retreats.
Noosa River: The Noosa River is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports.
Noosa Botanic Gardens: The gardens are a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Noosa Farmers Market: A popular spot to purchase fresh produce and other locally-made products.
Collectively, this ensures that Noosa is a fabulous destination for those wanting Queensland holiday escapes. Overall it provides a variety of activities for all ages and interests, as well as the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Shops
If you fancy going shopping during your Sunshine Coast Noosa holiday then you will be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best options available to you.
Noosa Marina: Offers a variety of shops, including clothing stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
Noosa Heads Surf Club: Possesses a variety of surf-related clothing and accessories, as well as surfboards and other gear.
The Noosa Collective: A shopping village that features a variety of independent retailers, including fashion boutiques, homeware stores, and art galleries.
Noosa Civic: A large shopping center that has a variety of shops, including clothing stores, electronics stores, and department stores.
Noosa Farmers Market: Offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products.
These are just a few examples of the many great shops you can visit in Noosa. You can also try searching online or asking your hotel or locals for recommendations to find more options.
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Noosa for a Sunshine Coast vacation depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip.
Summer (December to February) is the peak tourist season and the weather is warm, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C. This is the best time for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities.
Autumn (March to May) is a great time for a Noosa holiday break as you will experience mild weather and fewer crowds. The temperatures average around 20-25°C, and the beaches are still wonderful to relax on.
Winter (June to August) is the low season and the weather is cool, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C. This is a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and want to experience Noosa’s natural beauty. Many people come on a Sunshine Coast holiday from New Zealand or colder parts of Australia at this time.
Spring (September to November) is a very good time to visit Noosa as you can often get some decent Queensland holiday deals. The temperatures are milder, averaging around 20-25°C, and it’s a great time to explore the national parks and gardens. Not least because there are usually beautiful flowers in bloom.
How to get there
When going on a holiday to Noosa, there are several ways you can get there.
By Air: The nearest airport to Noosa is Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), located about 30 minutes drive from Noosa. The airport has regular flights to and from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to get to Noosa.
By Car: Noosa is easily accessible by car and is located about 150 km (93 mi) north of Brisbane. The drive takes around 2 hours.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities like Brisbane and Gold Coast to Noosa. The trip takes around 3 hours from Brisbane and 4 hours from Gold Coast.
By Train: The nearest train station is located in Nambour which is about 40 minutes drive from Noosa Beach. However, there are regular trains from Brisbane to Nambour. From there you can take a bus or drive to Noosa.
It’s recommended to check the schedules and book in advance if you’re planning to travel by bus or train, especially during peak season.
Hotels in Noosa Beach
If you are looking for Noosa hotels or beach resorts there are plenty of options available to you.
Below are some of the most notable places you can stay at. (Click on the name of any of these recommended Noosa Beach hotels for more information).
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort – This luxury Noosa hotel features a spa, fitness center, and a private beach area. It also offers a variety of dining options and is located in the heart of Noosa Heads.
Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort – An excellent resort that offers golf and spa facilities, as well as luxurious suites and apartments. It also has a terrific restaurant and bar on site.
The Sebel Noosa – Located in the heart of Noosa Heads, this luxury Sunshine Coast hotel features a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. It also offers a variety of dining options and is close to many shops and restaurants.
Mantra French Quarter Noosa – offers accommodation in the form of apartments and townhouses, which are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, kitchen facilities, and a balcony or patio. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a bar and grill. It is situated close to the beach and other popular attractions in the Noosa area
Emerald Noosa – Presents apartments and suites, which are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, kitchen facilities, and a balcony or patio. The hotel features a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant. It is situated in a prime location in Noosa, close to the beach and other popular attractions
For more Noosa Beach hotel options, including all the best Queensland holiday deals for families, please use the search box below.
Dining Options
Noosa beach is a haven for foodies as this popular Sunshine Coast tourist destination is home to some excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.
Some of the most popular places to eat in Noosa include:
Sails Restaurant: Offers modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Wasabi Restaurant and Bar: A Japanese restaurant that offers sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes.
Thomas Corner Eatery: Offers a mix of Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Wood Fire Grill: Offers a selection of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked over a wood fire.
Noosa Beach House: Offers modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local seafood.
Coffee
Noosa is known for its excellent coffee and there are several cafes which all vie for the title of the best coffee in Noosa. These include the following:
The Pocket Espresso: A small and cozy café that serves a selection of specialty coffee drinks and light snacks.
The Coffee Collective: Offers a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks and a rotating selection of seasonal pastries.
The Little Red Bike Café: A casual café that serves a variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches, and salads.
The Espresso Room: A cozy café that serves a selection of specialty coffee drinks and light bites.
Noosa Chocolate Factory Café: Offers not just coffee, but also a delicious selection of chocolates and pastries.
Want To go on a Noosa Beach holiday?
If you are interested in going on a Noosa Beach holiday there are a number of other resources you can draw upon.
Have at look at Noosa section on the Tourism Queensland website.
Also the Visit Noosa and Visit Sunshine Coast websites too.
If you are on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter you can also search through the #noosa and #visitnoosa hashtags
If you do go on a Noosa Beach holiday don’t forget to tag #beachscenes on any of the beach photos you post on Instagram.
