Noosa is located in the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. It is around 140 kilometres from state capital, Brisbane.
Noosa's hinterland ranges were created by volcanic eruptions 25 to 30 million years ago. Changing sea levels shaped coastal waterways and beaches between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Captain James Cook explored the coast in 1770. The Noosa River and Noosa hinterland were explored between 1824 when a penal colony was established at Moreton Bay in 1824 and 1859 when Queensland was founded.
Noosa is a popular and upmarket surfing spot, set within a fantastic coastal location on the magnificent Sunshine Coast. Noosa is surrounded by glorious beaches and is situated alongside the Noosa River, making it a great place to stay. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as plenty of things to do and see.
There are several centres around Noosa, all offering something slightly different to the visitor. These include Noosaville, Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction and Sunshine Beach. Noosaville is situated along the Noosa River and offers a number of river cruises. There are also some great eating places along the river on Gympie Terrace.
East from here is Noosa Junction, which also offers some great restaurants and a number of shops. East again is Noosa Heads which is based around Hastings Street, a modern cafe and boutique area. On the other side of the peninsula is Sunshine Beach which offers the best surf in the area.
Noosa also hosts a beautiful National Park on the tip of the peninsula, surrounded by pretty bays and offering fantastic views. There are a number of walking trails throughout the park, many starting from the carpark and picnic area on Park Road.
You can also join walks from Sunshine Beach, or drive to the spectacular Laguna Lookout from Noosa Junction. Surfing is also popular from the numerous bays around the national park, as well as just relaxing on the glorious beaches.
There are plenty of activities to get involved in around Noosa, for both the adventurous and faint-hearted. There are several places around Noosa Main Beach where you can hire surfboards, as well as from most of the surfing shops.
If you prefer fishing, there are plenty of places to fish from the shore or you can hire fishing boats and equipment along Gympie Terrace. You can also take part in many outdoor activities, including abseiling, camel treks, canoeing, climbing, horse riding, hot air ballooning and para-flying.
From Noosa there are also several tours which go to Fraser Island. If you plan to stay in Noosa for a while, then there are plenty of places where you can stay. There are a couple of campsites, plenty of hostels, apartments and hotels in the area. Cheaper accommodation tends to be based along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville. If you want something more exclusive, then head to Hastings Street in Noosa Heads. There are also plenty of places to eat out all of varying price, situated around the whole area.
To get around the area then you can hop on the Sunbus, which also travels to Maroochydore. Other long distance buses pass through Noosa, stopping at the bus terminal on the corner of Noosa Drive and Noosa Parade.
Featured Noosa Activities
TOUR NAME
LOCATION
RATES (AUD) from
Abseiling at Mount Tinbeerwah - Noosa Region(EX516) (Rock Climbing & Abseiling) Mount Tinbeerwah near Noosa with it's senic views of the Cooloolah region provides the setting for this exhilerating abseiling adventure. You'll complete your first descents on the 25 metre cliff, the...
Overnight Escape Riding Getaway in Noosa(EX855) (Horse Riding) You will ride the best trails of South-East Queensland and stay at our selected award-winning accommodation providers. Great hosts, great hospitality, regional foods and wines and comfortable surround...
Fraser Island Day Tour(EX1754) (Touring) Join us on a wilderness adventure and a day of discovery to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Tours depart from Noosa, Sunshine Coast daily and include morning tea, Aussie BBQ lunch and complimenta...
Queensland DVD (Queenslands South East - Land of Scenic Wonder)
Purchase the DVD that portrays Queensland's South East including footage of Fraser Island, Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Montville, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook's unforgettable rock bridge.
Taking you through the tree tops in Lamington where the thick, green roof shades; the mysterious underworld of the forest floor. On to Noosa, a haven of stunning national parks and brilliant waterways. Plus the amazing coloured sands of Teewah and Rainbow Beach.
PLEASE NOTE: The Queensland travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Queensland Holidays can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.
