Surfs Up in Noosa
If you are heading down under, deciding what to see and do can be quite mind-blowing. Let's face it: Australia is huge, and has so many well-known cities, landmarks, and scenery to visit.
Here at FlexySim, we know more than just eSIMs. Our well-traveled Australian team, based here in Oz, wants to help all visitors feel right at home, and maximise their visit.
Over the coming weeks & months we will provide a few helpful travel guides that might make any trip that little more special, and stress free, to prove that we aren't just an eSIM business.
One of our top Noosa picks, especially if you want to enjoy time at the beach, with perhaps a bit of surf is a trip to Australia’s Sunshine Coast, particularly Noosa. This awesome town, situated about a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane should be an Australian visit priority. Famous for its pristine beaches, national parks, luxury resorts and incredible food scene, Noosa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland.
Noosa is renowned for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, stunning natural scenery and world-class dining, offering a typically Australian holiday feel to any visitor regardless of their where they have traveled from. Noosa appeals to all types of holidaymakers, from backpackers making their way across Australia, to families looking to enjoy the beach for a well earned break.
Noosa the town itself sits on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and offers a mix of beach culture, outdoor adventures and luxury travel experiences.
Some of the reasons travellers love Noosa include:
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Beautiful beaches with year-round sunshine
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Easy access to Noosa National Park
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A vibrant restaurant and café scene
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Boutique shopping along Hastings Street
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Scenic river and nature experiences
Whether you want to surf, hike coastal trails, relax on the beach or enjoy waterfront dining, Noosa has something for everyone.
Best things to do in Noosa
Visit Noosa National Park
One of the top things to do in Noosa is visiting Noosa National Park, a spectacular coastal reserve with walking tracks, wildlife and panoramic ocean views.
The most popular walk is the Noosa Coastal Track, which takes you past:
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Tea Tree Bay
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Dolphin Point
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Granite Bay
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Alexandria Bay
The route is easily found near Noosa's main town. Along the way you may spot dolphins, turtles, koalas or migrating whales during winter. Make sure you take some comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and watch out for surfers carrying their boards along the trail as they look for the perfect wave.
Relax at Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches in Australia, making it ideal for swimming and surfing with calmer waves.
Noosa Main Beach is the perfect spot to pitch your cool cabana for the day and enjoy soaking up the Noosa atmosphere.
Visitors & holidaymakers especially love this beach for its typically Aussie lifestyle, which includes
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Surfing lessons
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Swimming and sunbathing
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Sunset beach walks
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Family-friendly beach fun.
The beach is located right next to Hastings Street, making it a great location for much of the Noosa accommodation, allowing visitors to easily combine beach time with cafés, dining, and shopping.
Visit Hastings Street
No trip to Noosa is complete without exploring Hastings Street, the town’s famous beachfront promenade. This well-kept street is perfect for people-watching, shopping, or window shopping (depending on budget), and grabbing a drink and a snack.
This lively strip features:
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A great range of shops for all tastes & budgets, offering everything from Noosa Longboards to Country Road
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Beachfront restaurants and cafés for all tastes
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Bars and cocktail lounges
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Luxury resorts and day spas
Cruise or Paddle the Noosa River
One of Noosa's great appeals is that you have both the beach and the nearby Noosa River which offers calm waters and beautiful scenery, perfect for relaxing water activities.
The river is situated right near Noosa's main town & Hastings Street, offering many activities, including:
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Kayaking or paddle boarding
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Boat rentals
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Sunset river cruises
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Catching the Noosa River Ferry
The river also has fantastic waterfront restaurants, accomodation, camping, and picnic spots
Discover the Noosa Everglades
Are we in Florida, no we are in Noosa, however you could be mistaken, as the Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglade systems in the world.
Visitors can explore the area by:
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Kayak tours
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Canoe adventures
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Eco boat cruises
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Wildlife and birdwatching tours
The reflective waterways and untouched nature make it one of the most unique experiences near Noosa, however the Noosa everglades don't have any alligators to avoid, and the we are a little south to share the waters with any crocodiles.
Visit the Eumundi Markets
Just a short drive from Noosa, the Eumundi Markets are among Australia’s most famous markets.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the markets feature:
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Handmade crafts
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Local art and fashion
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Gourmet street food - Try the Chicken Sando from 'The Good Sando' it is sensational
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Live music and entertainment
It’s a great place to experience the Sunshine Coast’s local culture, and buy that perfect gift for someone back home.
Best Restaurants in Noosa
Noosa is known as one of Queensland’s top foodie destinations with many different types of cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Noosa, with a variety to suit most budgets
Sails Restaurant
One of the most iconic Noosa beachfront restaurants, it offers modern Australian cuisine and stunning views of Main Beach - FYI, the SandCrab Lasagne is amazing
Bistro C
A relaxed beachfront restaurant perfect for breakfast, lunch or sunset cocktails - Bag a table outside to enjoy people watching on the beach
Rickys River Bar & Restaurant
Located along the Noosa River, Rickys is famous for long lunches, fresh seafood and beautiful sunset views.
Betty’s Burgers
A Noosa institution now expanding throughout Australia. Betty's is a casual favourite for great burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Sum Yung Guys
A trendy Asian-fusion restaurant that’s popular with locals and visitors alike who are looking for that something exciting for their taste buds.
Halse Lodge
Dont let the backpacker vibe scare you off, the food, and drink choices are great, and the food is excellent quality, and value - Our tip is the Pumpkin Curry, one of the best we have had.
Where to stay in Noosa
Noosa offers accommodation for every budget, from luxury resorts to backpacker hostels.
Luxury Accommodation in Noosa
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort - A luxury five-star hotel located on Hastings Street, just steps from the beach.
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas - A beautiful hillside resort with spacious villas, pools and spa facilities.
Mid-Range Accommodation
The Sebel Noosa - Stylish apartments with lagoon-style pools close to Hastings Street.
Noosa International Resort - Comfortable apartments within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Budget Accommodation
Halse Lodge - A recently renovated historic hostel near the beach, featuring a relaxed social atmosphere, great food, and drinks.
Flashpackers Noosa - A modern backpacker hostel popular with travellers.
How to Get to Noosa
Flying to Noosa
The closest airport is Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), located about 30 minutes from Noosa.
Flights operate from major Australian cities including:
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Melbourne
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Sydney
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Adelaide
Another option is Brisbane Airport, about 2 hours away by car or shuttle.
Driving to Noosa
Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Noosa.
Travel times include:
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Brisbane to Noosa: ~1 hour 30 minutes
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Sunshine Coast to Noosa: ~30 minutes
The coastal drive along the Sunshine Coast is particularly scenic.
Bus and Shuttle Services
Regular shuttle services run between:
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Brisbane Airport
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Sunshine Coast Airport
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Noosa accommodation
Greyhound buses also connect Noosa with other cities along Australia’s east coast.
Best Time to Visit Noosa
Noosa enjoys a warm subtropical climate with sunshine most of the year.
Best times to visit include:
Spring (September – November)Perfect weather and fewer crowds.
Autumn (March – May)Warm ocean temperatures and relaxed atmosphere.
Winter (June – August)Mild temperatures and excellent whale watching opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Is Noosa Worth Visiting?
Our team here at FlexySim loves Noosa, and it is easy to see why. With its beautiful beaches, coastal walks, vibrant restaurant scene and relaxed atmosphere, Noosa is one of the best destinations on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, nature or luxury beachside relaxation, Noosa offers a perfect mix of experiences for every type of traveller. It is worth noting that for some overseas traveler's, Noosa can feel a bit high-end, especially near the main beach, and Hastings Street. To fully enjoy your time in Noosa, without the added expense of data roaming. Make sure you have a travel eSIM for Australia which can be purchased right here at FlexySim
