Planning a trip to Noosa? Whether you have just a quick day, a fun-filled long weekend, or a whole week to explore, this guide is your essential Noosa itinerary. We’ve broken down the best of this stunning Sunshine Coast spot into simple, easy-to-follow travel plans.

From famous beaches and national park hikes to river cruises and hinterland adventures, Noosa is packed with things to do. If you’re looking for a comprehensive Tourism Directory in Noosa to help plan your perfect holiday, look no further! We’ve got you covered for the best walks, food, and activities, no matter how long you stay.

1-Day Itinerary: The Noosa Must-Dos (Beach & Park Focus)

Got only one day? No problem! This plan hits all the most famous and beautiful spots, perfect for a day trip or a quick stopover.

• Morning: Coastal Walk & Koala Spotting Head to Noosa National Park and walk the Coastal Track. Go past Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay to the stunning lookout at Hell’s Gates. This is the best place to spot koalas sleeping in the trees and watch for dolphins and migrating whales (May to October) in the ocean below.
• Late Morning: Dip in the Fairy Pools On your walk back from Hell’s Gates, keep an eye out for the small track to the Fairy Pools. These natural rock pools are a magical spot for a quick, clear-water swim. Go at low tide for the best experience!
• Lunch: Hastings Street Vibe Walk back to Noosa Heads and grab lunch at a café or restaurant on Hastings Street. This famous, bustling street is right next to the beach and has great food for every taste.
• Afternoon: Relax on Main Beach Spend your afternoon swimming and sunbathing at Noosa Main Beach. It’s one of the few north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast, meaning the waves are generally calm and the sand is golden, perfect for relaxing!
• Evening: Sunset and Dinner Walk to the end of Main Beach and onto the Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve to watch the sunset over the river. Then, treat yourself to a fresh seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

3-Day Itinerary: The Local Experience (River & Junction Added)

A three-day trip lets you slow down and explore more than just the main beach. The average length of stay for an overnight visitor in Noosa is about four nights, so three days is a perfect taste!

Day 1: Beach, Park, and High-End Dining

• Morning: Follow the 1-Day Itinerary, hike the Noosa National Park coastal track to Hell’s Gates and swim in the Fairy Pools.
• Lunch: Picnic lunch at Tea Tree Bay or a casual meal on Hastings Street.
• Afternoon: Boutique shopping on Hastings Street, you’ll find everything from designer clothes to local art.
• Evening: Enjoy a beautiful, dress-up dinner. Try one of the high-end spots like Locale or Sails for a special holiday meal.

Day 2: River Life and Noosaville Chill

• Morning: Head to Noosaville’s Gympie Terrace. Hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and explore the calm waters of the Noosa River.
• Lunch: Grab fresh fish and chips or a great riverside meal at one of the many cafes along Gympie Terrace. You can even hire a BBQ pontoon boat and cook your lunch on the water!
• Afternoon: Jump on the Noosa Ferry Cruise. This relaxing ride lets you hop on and off at spots like the Noosa Marina or the historical Tewantin town.
• Evening: Explore Noosa Junction. This is where the locals eat! It has cool, modern restaurants, bars, and a great, relaxed atmosphere away from the main beach crowds.

Day 3: Hinterland Adventure or Market Magic

• Morning (Sunday trip): Visit the famous Noosa Farmers Market (open Sunday mornings). You can find fresh local produce, artisan treats, and a great breakfast.
• Morning (Any other day): Take a short drive inland to the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. Head to a lookout like Mount Tinbeerwah for amazing 360-degree views of the coast, lakes, and bushland.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal in one of the charming hinterland towns, like Cooroy or Pomona.
• Afternoon: Relax! Head back to your accommodation for a swim in the pool, or find a quiet spot at Little Cove Beach for a final sunbathe before you leave.

7-Day Itinerary: The Deep Dive (Full Noosa Region Exploration)

Within a whole week, you can see all of Noosa, from the famous spots to the wild, unique places only a few people get to see.

Days 1–3: The Essentials (Follow the 3-Day Plan)

Spend your first three days getting to know the essentials: the National Park, Hastings Street, Noosa Main Beach, and the Noosa River (Days 1–3 above).

Day 4: Go Wild in the Noosa Everglades

• All Day: Take a full-day tour into the Noosa Everglades, one of only two Everglade systems in the world (the other is in Florida!). You can canoe, kayak, or cruise on the ‘River of Mirrors’ and feel like you are paddling through the sky. It’s a truly unforgettable wilderness experience.

Day 5: Culture, Shopping, and Sunshine Beach

• Morning: If it’s Wednesday or Saturday, visit the massive and popular Eumundi Markets just a short drive away. It’s famous for its “make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” rule, with thousands of unique stalls.
• Lunch: Try the delicious international food stalls at the Eumundi Markets or grab a quick bite.
• Afternoon: Head to Sunshine Beach. This is a longer, less-crowded beach than Main Beach. Have a refreshing drink at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, it has incredible ocean views.
• Evening: Casual dinner at Sunshine Beach or back in Noosa Junction.

Day 6: Adventure Day – Great Beach Drive or Australia Zoo

• Option 1: The Great Beach Drive: Take a guided 4WD tour (or drive your own, if equipped) along the Great Beach Drive. This epic journey takes you along the sands of the Noosa North Shore, past coloured sand cliffs and toward Rainbow Beach. You can even try surfing at Double Island Point!
• Option 2: Australia Zoo: Drive south for a day trip to the world-famous Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin’s Zoo) for a wildlife adventure.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If you are staying by the river, take one last walk along the waterfront. If you are near the beach, enjoy one last swim in the ocean.
• Lunch: Treat yourself to one last amazing Noosa meal, maybe fresh, locally caught seafood.
• Afternoon: Pick up a souvenir from a Hastings Street or Noosa Junction boutique. Before leaving, take a moment to enjoy the stunning view from Laguna Lookout for a final look at the whole coastline.

Key Noosa Tips & Anchor Links

No matter how long your stay, remember to take it slow. Noosa is all about enjoying the good life.

• Koala Spotting: You have the best chance of spotting a koala on the Tanglewood Walk or the Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park. Remember to look up! Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts.
• Getting Around: The Noosa Ferry is a great way to see the river, and the local buses can connect you to the beaches and the Junction. Hastings Street is easily walkable. For more transport info, check the local TransLink public transport website.
• Best Beach: Noosa Main Beach is great for swimming and families. Tea Tree Bay is a beautiful, sheltered spot inside the National Park. Discover more about the area in the full Noosa Accommodation and Service Guide.

Remember, Noosa is a year-round destination, welcoming over 2 million visitors annually who spend over $1.4 billion supporting local businesses. This makes the local Tourism Directory in Noosa a vital resource for your holiday planning. Enjoy your trip!