Noosa & Sunshine Coast Travelers Recommend

Three days are enough time to take full advantage of the natural attractions and outdoor activities on offer in and around Noosa. Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in this resort town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Day 1: Check out the top sights

Head straight from town into Noosa National Park to start your day with a wilderness walk or a swim at a secluded beach. Then, visit the SEA LIFE® Sunshine Coast Aquarium or the Australia Zoo, former home of the Crocodile Hunter (aka the late Steve Irwin). Alternatively, browse the Eumundi Markets for locally made jewelry, ceramics, art, and more. Admission can be purchased for some attractions in advance, so you don’t have to wait in ticket lines, and round-trip transport from Noosa may be available. Later, dine at an oceanfront eatery on bustling Hastings Street, or watch the sunset from the beachfront Noosa Parade.

Day 2: Enjoy the great outdoors

Discover Noosa’s abundance of outdoor opportunities on a tour that highlights the surrounding lakes, rivers, beaches, and wildlife. Options include whale-watching tours, an eco-cruise in the Noosa Everglades, and kayaking with dolphins. Shorter experiences that leave you time to enjoy other activities are also available, such as surf lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, and a water-bike ride on the Noosa River. Alternatively, take to the sky on a seaplane flight for an aerial perspective of the Sunshine Coast. Finally, sail away on an evening cruise to watch the sunset from the water, feel the cool sea breeze on your face, and admire the coastal scenery as it starts to get dark.

Day 3: Explore natural wonders

Don’t miss the chance to take a journey to Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest sand island. Tours typically include 4-wheel-drive transportation around the island, with opportunities to swim in a rainwater lake, snorkel, walk through the rain forest, look for native dingoes, and marvel at the pristine beaches and bush landscapes. Or, head into the hinterland on a day trip to the Glass House Mountains, an idyllic area known for hiking, rappelling, mountain lookout points, and gourmet food venues.

Two days in the resort town of Noosa Heads (better known as Noosa) lets you enjoy several tours and activities that showcase the natural beauty and outdoor attractions of this Australian coastal hotspot, located two hours north of Brisbane. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Day 1: Explore Nearby Attractions

**Morning:**Start the day with a walk through Noosa National Park, conveniently located on the edge of town. If you prefer an activity that highlights local culture, rather than nature, head to the Eumundi Markets to shop for art, jewelry, housewares, and much more made by local artisans.

**Afternoon:**See the many animals of the Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin (known as “The Crocodile Hunter”), or check out SEA LIFE® Sunshine Coast Aquarium to learn about marine life native to Australian waters and beyond. Avoid waiting in ticket lines by purchasing admission tickets in advance. Round-trip transportation from Noosa may be available.

**Night:**Head to Hastings Street, Noosa’s main drag where stylish shops and eateries run parallel to Main Beach. Relax over drinks, walk along the beachfront Parade, or sit down to dinner at one of the restaurants that offer oceanside seating or sunset views.

Day 2: Get Active

**Morning:**Spend today experiencing Noosa’s wealth of outdoor opportunities, from sea to sand to sky. Day-long tours include kayaking with dolphins or through the Noosa Everglades, whale-watching tours, and eco-cruises that provide the chance to spot wildlife. Or, take a seaplane flight for an aerial perspective of the Sunshine Coast.

**Afternoon:**If you prefer to stay in Noosa, you still can be active on the beach or along the Noosa River, which winds through town connecting Lake Cootharaba and the Pacific Ocean. Options include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and a water-bike ride on the river.

**Night:**Watch the sunset from the water on an evening cruise, which provides the chance to escape the crowds, cool off in the sea breeze, and admire the coastline as the day comes to an end.

The town of Noosa Heads, aka Noosa, offers plenty to fill up a day, with an enviable location two hours north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and surrounded by beaches, lakes, and national parks. Here are a few ways to spend 24 hours in this idyllic Australian resort town.

Morning: Nearby Attractions

Spend the morning visiting a popular wildlife site or other attraction outside Noosa. Explore Noosa National Park, just outside of town; see tigers, giraffes, and other animals at the Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin (known as “The Crocodile Hunter”); explore marine life at SEA LIFE® Sunshine Coast Aquarium; or go shopping for locally made jewelry, ceramics, art, and more at the Eumundi Markets. Avoid waiting in lines for admission by purchasing tickets in advance where possible. Round-trip transportation from Noosa may be available.

Afternoon: Outdoor Activities

Blessed by Mother Nature, Noosa offers a wealth of recreational opportunities on the water and the sand. Live like a local for a couple of hours with a surfing lesson on the beach, or opt for a stand-up paddleboard or water-bike adventure for an easier experience. If you’d rather relax, take a cruise on the Noosa Everglades or the Noosa River, which runs through town connecting the Pacific Ocean to Lake Cootharaba. Alternatively, take to the skies on a seaplane flight for bird’s-eye views of the coastline and the turquoise waters of the Sunshine Coast.

Night: Sunset Views

Running parallel to Main Beach, Hastings Street is Noosa’s main drag, lined with eateries and chic boutiques. Head here after your action-packed day for drinks, a sunset stroll along the beachfront Parade, and dinner at one of the many restaurants and cafés, some of which provide oceanside seating or views. You also can head out to sea on an evening cruise to watch the sunset from the water before returning to Hastings Street to enjoy the rest of your night.