Noosa Destination-Information Listings

Castaways Beach

Noosa's eastern beaches, while not patrolled by surf lifesavers, are popular with locals and visitors alike for a more relaxed beach experience on the Sunshine Coast. Castaways Beach is found between Sunrise and Peregian Beaches. Many sections of the beach here are dog-friendly, so expect to meet a few friendly resident canines as you walk the open stretches of shoreline that lead all the way to Peregian. A number of accommodation resorts are located along these beaches for visitors who want to get away from it all.

Cooran

About three kilometres from the Bruce Highway, Cooran is one of those country towns that offers more than you might think. Close to the Sunshine Coast towns of Pomona, Nambour, Cooroy and popular surfing beaches at Noosa, Cooran is a pretty hamlet in a lush valley. However, for those touring the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, which is less than two and a half hours drive away, there is much more to discover about Cooran than just its beauty. Overlooking Cooran are the Cooran Tablelands and Mothar Mountain State Forest areas that have walking tracks and swimming holes. Take care, as access to these often requires a four-wheel drive. From the Cooran Tablelands Lookout, the scenic view along the Sunshine Coast is magnificent. In addition, for lovers of the bush, the Noosa Trail Network includes trails around Cooran. For example, Trail two of The Scenic Trail is 26 kilometres one way and starts at Tablelands Road, Cooran and moves along to the Cootharaba Views Lookout. This trail takes approximately five hours to complete on horseback and two days to walk one way. There are four lookouts along the trail, providing fantastic views of the hinterland and coastal areas. Be warned, the steep hill climbs along the trail require courage and a high level of fitness. Locals say it is worth camping overnight at either Middle Lookout or Cootharaba Views Lookout and leave a car at each end of the trail. If curiosities get the blood flowing, then look at Cooran Lagoon, not far from the train bridge on James Street. When it was full, local Aboriginals used the lagoon as a source of Water-lily bulbs and mussels for food and called it Guran. In 1870, the lagoon was also the site of the Half Way Hotel, on the original Tewantin-Gympie Coach route. Sadly, only a faded plaque marks the site now.

Doonan

Nestled in the scenic Noosa Valley, Doonan is known for its charming bed-and-breakfasts, luxury villas and country retreats. These home-away-from-homes offer privacy, well-appointed rooms, rainforest settings, tennis, day spas, superb dining and a raft of activities. Ten minutes drive north east will find you at famous Noosa, known for its beautiful beaches, award winning restaurants and the exclusive shopping precinct on Hastings Street. On the other hand, five minutes drive west of Doonan will bring you to the picturesque country town of Eumundi. Tee off from a green that’s one of a kind. The local golf course at Doonan is so beautiful, it’s the first course in Australia to be accepted into the ABC's Open Garden Program. Also in the area you’ll find wineries, horse riding tours and invigorating rainforest walks. Doonan is 90 minutes drive north of Brisbane and just 10 minutes south west of Noosa.

Kin Kin

Kin Kin is a quaint town located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 40 minutes' drive from Noosa Heads. It's an area well known for its art scene and great food and the drive there will give you a feel for the wonderful scenery surrounding the area. Kin Kin is an aboriginal word referring to a small black ant that was common in the area. So common they named it twice! Kin Kin began its days as a timber town and was famous because of its much sought after cedars and eucalypts. In later years it became a perfect area for dairy farming. Nowadays many artists reside in the area including an artist who makes all his pieces from recycled metals. Kin Kin is also an area that has become synonymous with health and wellbeing with a well known health retreat and a massage school calling the area home. Kin Kin tea (a herbal drop) is also produced in the region. Kin Kin is also close to a series of tracks and trails called the Noosa Network Trail. Hikers, mountain bike riders and horse riders are all able to use the tracks.

Noosa Heads

Located at the northern end of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is renowned for its sundrenched beaches, powder white sand and a water temperature that invites year-round swimming. And when combined with stylish, low-level architecture nestled against a lush, green hinterland, Noosa is the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday experience. The rare natural beauty of Noosa and its surrounds has been recognised by UNESCO as an official Biosphere Reserve. The listing confirms Noosa’s commitment to protecting and treasuring the area’s outstanding environmental values. Located behind the protected shores of Laguna Bay, Hastings Street is a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. Low-rise and leafy, it is a popular place with visitors who flock to the resort accommodation, cosmopolitan cafes, designer shops and alfresco dining along the length of this wide, paved street. Visit Noosa National Park where you are almost guaranteed to spot a koala relaxing in a gum tree. Or locate a vantage point where you may very well spot whales between July and November. Noosa’s Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia which makes it a great spot for families and those learning to surf, as the conditions are generally calm and inviting. The pristine Noosa River extends through a series of lakes up to the Noosa Everglades and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise. Take in the stunning views from one of Noosa’s many mountain-top lookouts or discover native fish, vegetation and bird populations on the calm waters of Noosa’s lakes, parks and gardens.

Noosa Valley

Just 10 minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street, you’ll find yourself in tranquil, peaceful Noosa Valley. With its picture-postcard countryside and abundant wildlife, this area offers a refreshing contrast to the more developed parts of the Sunshine Coast. The breath-taking natural beauty of the area and crisp rainforest air attracts visitors from far and wide. The towns of Yandina and Eumundi are worth visiting, especially when the famous Eumundi Markets are in full swing. Pretty Yandina has good examples of early Queensland architecture and features a number of tourist attractions and superb fine dining options. Sprawling country retreats, wineries with rolling vineyards, spas, golf courses and bed-and-breakfasts dot the Noosa Valley landscape. There are a range of accommodation options including some luxury retreats set in immaculately landscaped gardens. Local restaurants are proud of their menus which showcase the richness and diversity of farm produce from the Noosa and Sunshine Coast hinterlands. Horse riding tours, day trips, bush walks and river cruises are great ways to explore the Valley and the surrounding National Parks. Take a drive or hike to the top of Mount Ninderry, Dunethin Rock or Point Glorious for magnificent views of the valley and surrounds.

Noosaville

Noosaville is a lively centre for holiday accommodation, aquatic activities, bars and restaurants and is located around the sparkling waters of the Noosa River. A popular retreat for locals and repeat visitors, Noosaville is an ideal spot for families with safe swimming and a laid back, friendly atmosphere. It is also the entrance to the picturesque canal estate of Noosa Waters. Sample the diverse cuisine served at cafes and eateries along the riverfront. Gympie Terrace and Thomas Street are popular eat streets, with restaurants serving up tastes from around the world as well as contemporary Australian fare. Choose from relaxed, budget eateries and award winning restaurants or enjoy a seafood platter with stunning water views. Shopping is also well catered for in Noosaville with an excellent range of boutiques retailing everything from shoes and beachwear to surfboards and clothes for any occasion. A large range of water craft can be hired from locations along the Noosa River. The Noosa Ferry stops at numerous places in the Noosaville area on its journey between Hastings Street and Noosa Marina.

Sunrise Beach

Just five minutes from one of the most famous streets in Australia, Noosa’s trendy Hastings Street, lies the holiday-makers haven of Sunrise Beach. Sunrise Beach is the perfect destination for a family holiday, getaway with friends or a romantic weekend. While nearby Noosa is buzzing with trendy cafes, designer boutiques and the chit chat of cocktail bars, Sunrise Beach enjoys a calm, laid-back ambience. The expansive stretch of golden sand at Sunrise Beach is lapped by pristine surf rolling in from the ocean. The area is almost entirely surrounded by Noosa National Park, a wild section of coastline jutting into the ocean and fringing Lake Weyba. On a walk through the park you’ll encounter pockets of rainforest, rocky shorelines, groves of piccabeen palms, wide deserted beaches and glorious coastal views. If you’re lucky you might just spy a koala or rare glossy black cockatoo. Head west to the hinterland and you’ll discover more beautiful National Parks along with boutique wineries, country markets and the charming mountain villages of Montville and Maleny. Accommodation at Sunrise Beach ranges from self contained units to motel-style accommodation. Sunrise Beach can be found five minutes drive south of Noosa Heads or approximately one and a half hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

Sunshine Beach

Head to the style, ease and laid-back atmosphere that makes Sunshine Beach such a popular choice for visitors to Noosa. Once known as Golden Beach, Sunshine Beach is renowned for its sand, surf and the ambience of stylish boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Join the local cafe society – find a spot on a wide deck for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time in between. Call in at a bakery, deli or general store for fresh local produce or a snack. Order a cool beer or a tall drink and settle into a comfy couch or perch on a stool at a beach bar where locals drop in on their way to the waves. Or if coffee is something you can't do without, experience a superlative espresso – the organic coffee beans are roasted on site – and spend an idle hour with a favourite magazine under a broad umbrella. Head to the beach and pack a picnic to enjoy at the foreshore. The wide, open coastline hosts a variety of banks for an endless, uncrowded surfing session and the section in front of the Surf Club is patrolled year round. After a cool dip in the ocean, try the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for spectacular ocean views as well as great eating and drinking at the award-winning restaurant.

Tewantin

Tewantin is a small, friendly village located on the Noosa River and is the launching point for the vehicular ferry to the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and Fraser Island. Historic Tewantin was originally a timber town and the river port for the Noosa area. In the late 1800s Tewantin was a small town prospering on the local gold, fishing and timber industries. For some great views of the Noosa River, relax and enjoy a picnic at Memorial Park or head to Noosa Marina, a bustling complex on the river, for coffee, a drink, an alfresco lunch or evening meal, all with river views. The 40-berth marina is also home to the Noosa Marina Visitor Information Centre, specialty shops and a private gallery. Each Sunday the Noosa Marina Markets display craft and produce stalls on the boardwalk. Discover Tewantin's history by visiting the friendly volunteers at Parkyn's Hut on Poinciana Avenue. The hut is also an accredited Visitor Information Centre. Don’t miss the Noosa Regional Gallery, home to beautiful, locally crafted gifts available for sale, and a host of changing exhibitions from local exhibits to national and international artworks.