While Noosa Heads boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the surrounding Sunshine Coast region is packed with stunning scenery, charming towns, and unique attractions just a short drive away. Taking a day trip is the perfect way to add variety to your holiday!

This guide explores the best day trips available beyond the beach, providing you with unique cultural, nature, and market experiences. These excursions are a great addition to your comprehensive Tourism Directory in Noosa and ensure you get the most out of your Queensland vacation.

Eumundi Markets & Town (The Must-Do)

Eumundi is home to Australia’s most famous arts and crafts market, making it the area’s top destination for a day trip.

• Vibe: Bustling, creative, and bohemian. It is famous for its rule: “make it, bake it, sew it, grow it.”
• The Markets: The Eumundi Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday, rain or shine. You’ll find everything from handcrafted furniture and original artwork to gourmet food stalls and live music.
• Best For: Souvenir shopping, foodies, and those looking for unique cultural immersion.
• Time to Allow: Plan for a half-day (3–5 hours) just for the markets, especially on Saturday when they are at their largest.
• Travel Tip: Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds and secure easier parking.

Beyond the Market in Eumundi

After the markets, spend some time exploring the historic Eumundi town centre, which features art galleries and classic Queensland pubs for a relaxing lunch.

The Noosa Hinterland (Lakes & Lookouts)

The Hinterland offers a peaceful contrast to the coastal buzz, with rolling green hills, forests, and small, character-filled towns.

• Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, and natural. Perfect for relaxation and photography.
• Mount Tinbeerwah: This is the easiest and most accessible hike for amazing 360-degree views over the coast, the Noosa River system, and the Glass House Mountains in the distance. The walk is short and mostly paved.
• Lake Cootharaba & Boreen Point: This large, shallow lake system is ideal for sailing, kayaking, and picnics. Boreen Point is a tiny town on the lake’s edge with a relaxed, old-school holiday feel.
• Cooran & Pomona: Visit these historic towns for a classic Aussie pub lunch or to explore local art studios and vintage shops. Pomona is home to the majestic Mount Cooroora, a challenging hiking peak.
• Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking quiet, rural charm.

The Noosa Everglades (The River of Mirrors)

Often called one of only two Everglades systems in the world (the other being in Florida), this unique wilderness is a truly unforgettable experience.

• Vibe: Wild, pristine, and reflective. The water is so clear and still that it often perfectly reflects the sky and surrounding banks, earning it the nickname, the “River of Mirrors.”
• The Experience: You can hire a canoe or kayak for a self-guided trip or book a guided tour departing from nearby Tewantin or Noosaville.
• Best For: Adventure seekers, bird watchers (it’s home to over 40% of Australia’s bird species), and those looking for a bucket-list nature experience.
• Time to Allow: A half-day or full-day depending on your chosen tour or self-guided route.

Coastal Drive South (Coolum & Peregian)

If you just want a scenic drive and a change of pace, heading south down the coast offers lovely, slightly quieter beach towns.

• Coolum Beach: Known for its relaxed surf culture and the prominent Mount Coolum (a great, short, but steep hike with panoramic views). It has a lively strip of cafes and shops.
• Peregian Beach: A smaller, stylish village with a relaxed square and great boutiques and cafes. It often hosts smaller, local markets on the first and third Sunday of the month.
• Best For: Casual exploration, surfers, and anyone who enjoys boutique village shopping without the crowds of Hastings Street.

Planning Your Day Trip Logistics

• Getting There: Most day trips require a car, although organised tours are available for the Everglades and the Eumundi Markets (especially on a Saturday). Public transport is limited outside the main coastal strip.
• Local Information: Before you head out, check the local directory, Noosa Life. This resource is perfect for checking local events, market days, and finding specific attractions or places to eat in the hinterland towns.
• Pack a Picnic: Save money and enjoy the scenery by packing a picnic lunch from a local Noosa supermarket, perfect for enjoying at a lake, park, or lookout.

Whether you’re exploring the markets or paddling through the mirrors of the Everglades, these day trips prove that the area offers much more than just the main beach, cementing Noosa’s place as a diverse Tourism Directory in Noosa.