Sunshine Coast, QLD · Australia

Noosa

Refined beach town wrapped in national park.

A north-facing main beach, a national park headland walk, and Hastings Street's effortless style, the polished side of the Sunshine Coast.

Noosa is the grown-up beach holiday. The main beach faces north so the water is calm and warm; the national park begins where the town ends, with a coastal walk past hidden coves; and Hastings Street keeps the coffee strong and the dinners excellent. Add the quiet Everglades upriver and it's hard to fault.

CoastalRefinedNational parkRelaxed

Best for

Calm beach + walks

Main Beach

North-facing, calm

National park

On the doorstep

From Brisbane

90 min

Best time to visit

August–November & April–May (warm, dry, calmer crowds)

Getting there

Fly to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore), 40 min south; or drive 90 min from Brisbane.

A local secret

“Walk the national-park coastal track to Tea Tree Bay early, take the timber steps down, and you'll often have one of Australia's prettiest little beaches almost to yourself.”

Eat. Do.
Stay. Know.

Everything in Noosa, indexed to the bone. Hover a row.

01
Modern AustralianHastings St$$$$
Sails Restaurant
Right on Main Beach with the sand at your feet, the long-lunch icon of Noosa.
UnmissableCouplesLuxury
02
BeachfrontHastings St$$$
Bistro C
Beachfront all-rounder that's been getting it right for years, the famous calamari is non-negotiable.
FamilyUnmissable
03
All-dayHastings St$$$
Season Restaurant
Open-air on the beachfront, easy and excellent any time of day, great with kids.
FamilyKids
04
ItalianNoosa Heads$$$
Locale
Refined Italian off the main strip, handmade pasta and a serious wine list.
Couples
05
GelatoHastings St$
Massimo's
The gelato queue on Hastings Street is a Noosa rite of passage. Join it.
KidsFamilyUnmissable
06
Surf clubSunshine Beach$$
Sunshine Beach Surf Club
On the quieter ocean side, a relaxed, view-rich spot the locals keep to themselves.
Local secretFamily