Popular Sunshine Coast tourist destination off the world-famous Hastings Street in South East Queensland
Table of Contents
Welcome to my review of Noosa Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Noosa Heads is a fantastic holiday destination, so if you are undecided about going there, hopefully this guide will answer all of your questions.
Here is how the post is laid out.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Noosa Beach?
3. How to get to Noosa Beach
4. Best Time to visit Noosa Beach
5. Beach Facilities at Noosa
6. Things to do at Noosa Beach
7. Tours and Excursions
8. Noosa Heads Accommodation and Hotels
9. Noosa Heads Restaurants
10. Shops at Noosa Beach
11. Noosa Coffee
12. Final Thought
13. FAQs
I hope you find what I have written in this post to be a useful source of information. If you do decide to visit Noosa, you’ll have an amazing time!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
There is no denying that Noosa Beach, is one of Queensland’s best beaches.
Running from the mouth of the river to the base of the headland, this gorgeous 1.2 km stretch of brilliant white sand is one of only a handful of north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast. This ensures it is relatively calm most days of the year, which is why it is such a terrific destination for a family holiday.
Located in Noosa Heads, this beach is perfect for swimming, learning to surf and sunbathing. But that is not all this fantastic suburb has to offer.
Flanking the beach, one block back is the world-renowned Hastings Street, which is full of five-star resorts, upscale restaurants and exclusive boutique shops, the likes of which are not seen anywhere else on the Sunshine Coast.
Away from the beach, Noosa has been classed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. It is home to one of only two Everglades systems worldwide, the other being the famous one in Florida.
The Noosa National Park and Noosa River are other big attractions waiting to be discovered, while other beaches, such as Little Cove, Laguna Beach and Tea Tree Bay, are all well worth exploring.
As well as being one of the best Queensland holiday locations, Noosa is notable for being the only other place in the world apart from Florida that has an Everglades system
Where is Noosa Beach?
Noosa Beach is one of many fantastic beaches you can visit on the Sunshine Coast.
It is located within Noosa Heads, which is a buzzy coastal town on the northern end of the region in Queensland, Australia.
Along with Tewantin and Noosaville, it forms one main urban area which lies approximately 140 km (87 miles) north of Brisbane, the state capital, and about 67 km southwest of Gympie.
The town is bound to the east by the Coral Sea, while Weyba Creek lies to its west. The scenic Noosa River is situated to the north of it, and part of the suburb is located in Noosa National Park.
Noosa Heads is situated on land traditionally owned by the Kabi Kabi people who lived in the area for around 40,000 years prior to the European settlers arriving in the 1800s.
Its name is believed to have come from an indigenous word believed to have been written down as ‘gnuthuru’ and ‘noothera’, meaning ‘shadowy place’ or ‘shadow’.
Noosa Beach distance from other Queensland destinations
How to get to Noosa Beach
If you are planning a holiday in Noosa, you’ll be pleased to discover it is a relatively straightforward destination to get to.
For those who need to fly to get there, the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is the nearest airport to arrive at. It is located in Marcoola, about a 25 minute drive from Noosa Heads. The likes of Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Virgin run regular flights there throughout the day to and from several major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Here is the schedule.
Once you arrive there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus from the airport to Noosa. Alternatively, you can hire a car from the likes of Enterprise, Hertz, Budget and Europcar who all operate desks from its concourse.
If you have your own car, driving to Noosa is fairly easy. The drive takes around 2 hours from Brisbane and takes you for much of the way along the M1/Bruce Highway. You’ll also need to take that route if you are coming from Gympie and beyond.
However, if you are coming from another destination, you might need to take the Sunshine Motorway or D’Aguillar Highway. It’s a good idea to use Google Maps or a satellite navigation app like Waze to direct you there.
Should you not have a car, there are regular Greyhound bus services from major cities like Brisbane the Gold Coast, Mackay and Cairns to Noosa. The trip takes around 3 hours from Brisbane and 4 hours from Gold Coast, stopping at various destinations along the way.
It takes a lot longer from the latter two destinations. You can check the timetable here.
In theory, you can get a train (in part) to Noosa Heads, although this will involve stopping at Nambour and getting a couple of connecting buses, which will take around an hour. If this is something you would like to do, here is the Translink timetable.
Best Time to visit Noosa Beach
As it receives over 300 days of sunshine every year, Noosa Beach, and the wider Sunshine Coast region, is a place you can comfortably visit all year round. For this reason, there is no ‘best time’ to visit Noosa Heads, rather the best time for you.
Summers tend to be very warm, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and humidity being upwards of 70%. While this is a good time for sunbathing, you’ll need to ensure you take relevant sun safety precautions to limit your exposure to potentially damaging UV rays.
Also, keep an eye out for rain, as the months of December to February constitute the storm season. There isn’t much in the way of shelter on Noosa Heads Main Beach, so if you hear thunder or see lightning flashes, it’s best to leave the sand immediately.
Outside of the school holidays, October, November, and March and April are good times to visit Noosa. The weather is still very pleasant, and due to lower visitor numbers, you’ll find some cheaper hotel and resort deals.
If you are coming from New Zealand or the colder southern states of Australia like New South Wales and Victoria, the winter might also be a good time to schedule a trip. Not only is the weather much warmer than in those destinations at that time, but Noosa Beach accommodation tends to be advertised at their most affordable rates.
Should you come in this season, you also have a good chance of seeing migrating whales coming up from Antarctica.
During your time at Noosa Main Beach there are plenty of things to do both on and off the sand to ensure you have a wonderful time at this Sunshine Coast holiday destination.
Beach Facilities at Noosa
The great thing about Noosa Beach is that it is perfectly set up for tourists thanks to the large range of facilities it has available. This includes public toilets, changing rooms and showers, as well as several barbecue facilities and picnic tables.
The beach is also patrolled by the Noosa Life Saving and Surf Club who are on duty all year round and maintain a proud record of not having lost any lives on their watch since they were established in 1931.
Noosa Beach is one of the more accessible of all beaches on the Sunshine Coast. It offers accessible beach matting to enable easy access down to the beach, as well as accessible toilets and showers. You’ll also find an accessible changing room and beach wheelchairs available.
Unfortunately, you cannot take dogs onto the beach but there is an off-leash dog park not far from the sand.
Noosa Beach distance from other Australia destinations
Things to do at Noosa Beach
During your time at Noosa Beach there are plenty of things to do both on and off the sand to ensure you have a wonderful time at this Sunshine Coast holiday destination.
On the beach, Noosa offers safe swimming thanks to the presence of surf lifesavers. The water is generally quite calm, so if you stay between the flags, you should be okay.
It is also a lovely spot for sunbathing, ball spots and enjoying activities like stand-up paddleboarding, which you can rent from the surf club.
If you are a novice at surfing, you can learn the basics directly on the and, thanks to classes run by surf schools at the western part of the sand. This section of the Coral Sea is sheltered, so it is perfect for beginners to find their feet.
As Noosa Beach is a prominent wellness destination, beach yoga is very popular too. Sessions tend to happen early in the morning and you can easily find one to join in (though fees may apply).
When you fancy a change of scene from the main area, head to Laguna Beach or walk up the hill towards the Noosa National Park, where you can drop by Little Cove or Tea Tree Bay. You will be able to do this via a well-defined boardwalk that leads you to several trails and the magnificent Sandy National Park coves.
If you fancy even more of a trek, you could head over to the secluded Alexandria Bay, which is renowned for being a coastal area where clothing-optional is tolerated.
However, should you fancy staying closer to the beach you can always check out the various galleries and boutique shops that line the iconic Hastings Street.
Alternatively, head to Noosa River where you can see plenty of yachts and relax in the grassy parklands that line the water.
Tours and Excursions
You’ll understandably want to spend a lot of time at Noosa Beach enjoying its many delights. However, during your time at Noosa Heads you should also take the opportunity to explore the wider area.
The best way to do this is on one of the many Sunshine Coast tours and excursions offered by Get Your Guide or Viator.
These companies offer plenty of experiences, from cruises and kayak tours to scenic flights and whale-watching trips.
You can check out the above links to see a full list of them. However, here is my recommendation of some of the most popular ones to book.
From Noosa: Dolphin Sea Kayaking and Beach 4X4 Tour
Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks
Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades
Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings
Noosa to Rainbow Beach: 4-Wheel Drive Tour in Great Sandy NP
Discovery K’gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour – From Noosa Beach
Whichever of these tours piques your interest, I would recommend you booking them as soon as possible to avoid the potential disappointment of missing out.
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.
Noosa Heads Accommodation and Hotels
In terms of accommodation Noosa Heads has plenty of choice for the tourist and visitor. Many of the properties on Hastings Streets are high-end resorts, but you will also find several other rental apartments, holiday homes and other places you can stay at when you visit this popular part of the Sunshine Coast.
I’ll outline some good options below, but you can also search through a full list of where to stay in Noosa Heads here.
One of the best options to consider is the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. This 5-star Accor hotel is situated on Noosa Parade and provides everything you need for a luxurious getaway, including elegant rooms, the world class Aqua Day Spa, a fantastic restaurant and bar and a huge swimming pool. You’ll not want for anything if you stay here.
If the Sofitel is full or you prefer somewhere a bit different, The Sebel Noosa might suit, particularly if you want to self-cater. They offer one- or two-bedroom apartments that come with fully equipped kitchens, laundry, and balconies, and they are just a few steps from the beach.
For those after a serviced apartment option, Bella Casa Noosa is very noteworthy. It offers stylish one and two bedroom well-appointed apartments that will set you up perfectly for a self-sufficient stay. Centrally located on Hastings Street, it counts a lovely outdoor swimming pool among its facilities.
Should you be looking for somewhere on the beach, the On The Beach Noosa Resort provides you with absolutely beachfront accommodation on Laguna Beach that is so close to the sand, you can almost touch it. The property counts a spa and wellness resort, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and an airport shuttle among its amenities.
As Noosa Beach is a popular holiday destination. I recommend you book your accommodation as far in advance of your visit as possible.
Other Noosa Beach accommodation options
Noosa Heads Restaurants
Noosa Beach is home to a terrific selection of eating options, both on Hastings Street and the surrounding areas. Overall, the standard is excellent, and while many of the venues are upscale in nature, there are some more casual places you can eat at that won’t hit you as hard in the wallet as those ones might.
One of the best Noosa restaurants to visit is the Sails Restaurants which has been an institution on the beachfront since opening in 1994. It provides an excellent menu of contemporary Australian cuisine, curated by Executive Chef Paul Leete, which has a strong leaning towards seasonal and fresh produce. The restaurant is also notable for having a wine cellar that spans three storeys.
If you love Italian food, another place you should try is Locale. It also has a big wine list, drawing upon over 250 labels, and dishes up a terrific selection of antipasti and mains. The squid ink fazzoletti is a popular favourite.
Elsewhere, the wonderfully named Bang Bang Noosa, which you will find in The Sebel, is an excellent Asian-inspired restaurant that serves up fabulous banquets that will leave your rubbing your belly with delight.
You should also give the Season Restaurant & Bar a go, especially if you love fish. Their menu changes on a seasonal basis, but it’s always packed full of delicious choices.
Should you find the prices of the restaurants in Noosa to be a bit on the expensive side, head on over to the Noosa River, where there are plenty of cheaper, but equally as good, cafes and eateries.
Shops at Noosa Beach
With world-famous Hastings Street just a block back from Noosa Beach, there are plenty of fabulous boutique stores you can explore when you fancy some time away from the sand.
Selling everything from coastal-chic pieces for your wardrobe and top notch surfboards to quality homewares and impressive artworks, these stores provide plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
One of the best outlets to visit is Signature on Hastings where you can pick up beachy interiors such as candles, vases and lamps. You’ll find it in Bay Village on Hastings building.
If you like the idea of women’s fashion items inspired by the sea and nature, you should make an effort to pop into Alterior Motif, while Kivari the Label is a great place to find some real gems in its ultra-chic racks.
For those after a new surfboard, Noosa Longboards is the place to go, their range is exceptional.
Congruently, those looking for art should head to the Nissarana Gallery who have some amazing pieces.
Noosa Heads Queensland is a destination everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
Noosa Coffee
If you fancy a coffee while on Noosa Beach you will be pleased to discover there are plenty of excellent venues on Hastings Street where you can get your caffeine fix.
Possibly the best of the lot is Cafe Le Monde which serves delicious, locally roasted Clandestino coffee and superb croissants which are perfect to take to the beach.
Another good option is Aromas Noosa which offers a delightful house blend which they have produced in partnership with Tim Adams, the award-winning Aussie barista.
Elsewhere, Bistro C is the place to go if you fancy your morning coffee with an up-close view of Noosa Beach.
Alternatively, head to Moonstruck Noosa, which is a European inspired cafe that offers an interesting locally roasted house blend of Dutch Courage coffee.
Distance from Noosa Beach to Other Sunshine Coast Beaches
Final Thought
Noosa Heads Queensland is a destination everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
Not only is the main beach one of the best in the state for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation, but the area also offers plenty of other attractions to keep any visitor engaged and entertained.
Whether it’s shopping at an exclusive boutique on Hastings Streets, exploring the Noosa River, Everglades or National Park, or simply just relaxing in the comfort of a five-star resort, the Sunshine Coast’s premier tourist hotspot is a gift that keeps on giving.
But don’t just take my word for it, why not make a pledge to check it out for yourself? You won’t be disappointed.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Noosa Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
How Far Noosa Beach from Brisbane?
From the Brisbane CBD it will take you about an hour and 45 minutes to drive 140 km to Noosa Beach. Much of this drive will be along the Bruce Highway.
How many days is enough in Noosa?
A week is a good amount of time to spend in Noosa. That will give you plenty of time to relax on the beach, go shopping and partake in a couple of days trips. If you are short on time, three days should suffice as a minimum.
Can you swim at Noosa Beach?
Noosa Beach is excellent for swimming. As one of only a handful of north-facing Queensland beaches on the east coast of Australia its waters are generally calm. It is also patrolled by surf lifesavers, thus making it safe for children and those who aren't strong swimmers.
What is Noosa’s main shopping street called?
Located at Noosa Heads, Hastings Street is a world-famous shopping street known for its relaxed holiday ambience and luxury beachside offerings. You'll find plenty of shops and boutiques there, as well as museums, art galleries, surf shops, days spas, bars, cafes and restaurants.
When are Noosa markets on?
The Noosa Farmers Market, takes place weekly every Sunday on Weyba Road at The Noosa AFL Ground. It runs from 7 am until mid-day.
