Noosa is a gem along the East Coast of Australia. Popular for both backpacker and boujee budgets its definitely a crowd pleaser. Currently I’m living in Brisbane and visited Noosa just for the day but already want to go back for a weekend or longer.
How to get to Noosa?
If you’re travelling the East Coast you’ll likely visit Noosa from either Rainbow Beach or Brisbane (depending if you’re travelling North or South). For either of these locations I recommend the Greyhound Bus. The earlier you book the cheaper fare you can get. Technically you can get to Noosa from Brisbane using the train/bus with your Go Card which would be cheaper but would take 4/5 hours rather than 2.
Where to stay in Noosa?
I just visited for the day (first bus and last bus back) but if I was staying longer I would want to stay at Bounce hostel as I’ve heard so many great things. It’s a little bit expensive but so are all hostels in Australia now but this is apparently the nicest on the East Coast especially the girls bathrooms!
How to get around Noosa?
Get a Translink Go Card (which you might already have if you’ve been in Queensland for a while) so you can tap on and tap off the buses. At the weekend the buses were free when I went. In 35 degree heat you’re going to want to get the bus rather than walk 30 minutes between accommodation/train station and the beach.
What to do in Noosa?
Noosa National Park
If you only have 1 day this is an absolute must. The Noosa National Park is free and one of my favourite days I’ve had in Australia. The walking track will take you through beautiful Tea Tree forests, beautiful coves to swim in and don’t miss the Fairy Pools! You need to climb over a few rocks to get to them but it’s totally worth it. Great spot for a swim and I was lucky enough to see Dolphins further out in the sea too! A lot of people walk to the fairy pools then head back to Noosa Heads or you can carry on round past Alexandria Bay to Sunshine Beach where there is another bus stop you get get the bus back to Noosa Heads. I got up to Alexandria Beach and then walked back the way I came as I’d spent over an hour at the Fairy Pools and wanted to swim at another cove before getting the bus back. As well as dolphins there were stunning bright blue butterflies all over the places. This along with swimming with little fishies in the fairy pools really made it a magical day. I’d recommend packing a battery pack and charger as you’ll need your phone for Google Maps to see where the Fairy Pools are, a packed lunch, plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.
Surfing
If you want to take surf lessons or practice your surf skills Noosa is a great location for this. Steady sets of waves make it a surfer’s paradise. As always, swim in life guard patrolled areas and between the flags as those east coast currents are strong.
Everglades
Noosa is home to one of the two everglades in the world (the other being Florida). What makes Noosa that much more special is that unlike Florida there are no alligators so you can actually kayak and swim in the everglades here! There are multiple tour options for a boat cruise, kayak with some including a swim. I personally didn’t do this but it something I’d love to do next time I’m in Noosa. It’s fairly pricey so if you’re on a budget I’d recommend the National Park as it’s so beautiful as well as free.