Noosa
$$Coastal walks, koalas, Hastings Street dining, and the Noosa Everglades
Walk a koala-dotted coastal trail through one of Australia's most-visited national parks, eat at Hastings Street's renowned restaurants, and kayak the surreal Noosa Everglades. Noosa is 1.5 to 2 hours north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. The Noosa National Park coastal walk (5.4km to Hell's Gates, 10.8km return) runs past dramatic headlands, hidden coves, and turquoise bays. Eumundi Markets (Wednesday and Saturday) is a 20-minute drive inland with 550+ stalls.
Step by step
From start to finish, what to expect.
Day 1
Drive up from Brisbane (1.5-2 hours)
Check into accommodation in Noosaville (cheaper, riverside) or Noosa Heads (beachfront, walkable)
Afternoon swim at Main Beach
Sunset drinks and dinner on Hastings Street
Day 2
Noosa National Park coastal walk (arrive by 8am to beat crowds and secure parking)
Swim at Tea Tree Bay
Lunch on Hastings Street
Afternoon: Noosa Everglades half-day kayak (~$89-120pp with Kanu Kapers) or relax at the beach
Day 3
Eumundi Markets (Wednesday or Saturday only, 7am-2pm) or Noosa Farmers Market (Sunday, 6am-12pm)
Brunch, then drive home via the Sunshine Coast hinterland
Cost breakdown
Estimated per person, in AUD.
How you get there
Your options for the trip.
Drive yourself
Local tips
Stuff your mates would tell you.
National Park parking fills by 8am on weekends, arrive early or park at Sunshine Beach end
Look for koalas in the trees around Tea Tree Bay
Noosaville accommodation is 20-30% cheaper than Noosa Heads and sits on the river
Eumundi Markets run Wednesday and Saturday only, plan around this
Top restaurants: Locale, Noosa Boathouse, Bistro C, book ahead for dinner