Noosa is about two hours north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast: a national park with koalas right by the beach, long longboard waves and one of the few east coast beaches with a sunset over the water. Here you'll find all 15 checked spots from our map with tips.
Buses from Brisbane take about two hours to Noosa, and Sunshine Coast Airport is near Maroochydore. The Sunshine Coast towns are linked by buses; every trip in Queensland costs 50 cents. In Noosa itself you reach the beach and national park on foot.
Noosa is warm all year. The waves at First Point work best from February to June in cyclone swell. Swimming is most pleasant from October to April; winter is dry and mild. In the school holidays Noosa is very busy.
A hostel with a pool, bar and volleyball court, about a kilometre from Main Beach and the national park. Popular with backpackers heading north.
Beach camping on the North Shore, reached by car ferry across the Noosa River. Quiet, right by the sea and the starting point for 4WD trips towards Rainbow Beach.
A long, soft right-hander — Noosa's classic longboard spot. In cyclone swell the waves run across several points one after another. Best time February to June.
An open beach south of the national park, more powerful than Noosa Main Beach. The surfers sit at the northern end; the southern end is emptier. Patrolled and surfable all year.
A small headland between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore with consistent waves. There are surf schools right on the beach. Surfable all year.
A small sandy cove in the national park, good for swimming in calm seas. It's unpatrolled — only go in when the water is calm. Most beautiful from October to April.
A north-facing patrolled beach with mostly calm water, good for swimming and learning to surf. One of the few east coast beaches in Australia with a sunset over the water. Right behind Hastings Street.
A north-sheltered, patrolled beach with calm water on the Sunshine Coast, about half an hour south of Noosa. A good alternative when it's windy, with cafés on the Esplanade.
Two natural rock pools off the coastal walk in the national park, only accessible at low tide. There's no official path and no signage. Think hard about whether to go — the risks are listed below.
Safety: Steep, slippery rocks and no lifeguards. Several people have had to be rescued by helicopter after falls. At high tide waves wash over the pools.
A lookout on the hill above Noosa with views of the river, the Noosa Everglades and the beach. You can drive to the top; free. Most beautiful at sunset.
The coastal walk leads through Noosa National Park from Hastings Street past several bays to the cliffs of Hell's Gates. Koalas often sit in the trees at the park entrance. Most beautiful in the morning; free. Allow two to three hours return.
The promenade right behind the beach, with restaurants, boutiques and ice-cream shops. It's expensive — you eat more cheaply in Noosaville by the river or in Noosa Junction.
Noosa Junction is the cheaper alternative to Hastings Street, with cafés, supermarkets and simple restaurants.
The national park is right next to town and free. Besides the coastal walk there are inland tracks, and koalas often sit in the trees.
A new club in Forest Glen with seven indoor courts, a training studio, sauna, cold plunge, café and bar. The opening is announced for September 2026 — check before you go whether it's open yet.
In Noosa National Park, especially in the trees at the park entrance and along the coastal walk.
Yes, at Noosa Main Beach, where the water is usually calm. Experienced surfers head to First Point and Sunshine Beach.
Yes. There's no official path, the rocks are steep and slippery, and at high tide waves wash over the pools. Several people have had to be rescued after falls.
All spots on the Noosa & Sunshine Coast map. Nearby: Brisbane to the south and Rainbow Beach to the north. The coast at a glance on the Great Barrier Reef Drive road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.