How to spend a full day at Noosa National Park: A local’s Guide

Noosa National Park is one of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast, and you can easily spend a full day exploring it. There’s a scenic coastal walk, beautiful beaches, rainforest, rocky headlands and some of the best surf spots in the region. Whether you’re after an adventurous day or a relaxing beach day, this guide shows you how to make the most of Noosa National Park, from sunrise to sunset.

I’ve lived in Noosa for years, and I still walk the coastal track all the time (and surf Tea Tree whenever I can). This is the day I’d plan for a friend’s first visit.

Noosa National Park Summary

What is special about Noosa National Park?

Noosa National Park is famous for its stunning coastal views, secluded beaches, and marine life. It’s one of the most visited national parks in Australia, with more than a million visits a year, and it’s easy to see why. In one walk, you get rainforest, white sandy beaches and rocky headlands.

You’ll most likely spot dolphins, turtles and humpback whales in winter and spring (roughly June to November), from one of the lookouts along the coastal walk, such as Dolphin Point or Boiling Pot.

The park cavers about 4,000 hectares and is made up of four sections:

• The headland section (the famous part, with the coastal walk)
• The Peregian Section
• The Emu Mountain section
• East Weyba

➤ This guide covers the Headland section. If you’re exploring further south, Emu Mountain near Peregian is a short walk with a big view.

Walks in Noosa National Park

There are several walks in Noosa National Park. You can follow the coastal walk or take one of the inland tracks through the forest. Here they all are (distances and times from Queensland Parks):

How long does the Noosa Coastal walk take?

The full coastal walk takes around four hours return. If you’re short on time, just walk part of it and turn around. Boiling Pot (300m), Dolphin Point (1.2 km) and Hell’s Gates (2.7 km) are all good turnaround points.

Is it suitable for prams and wheelchairs?

The first stretch is. The track is sealed and barrier-free to Dolphin Point, with wheelchair-accessible toilets at the entrance and at Tea Tree Bay. After Dolphin Point, it’s unsealed, with steps and steep bits.

How to spend a Full day at Noosa National Park?

Sunrise: the Coastal Walk to Hell’s Gates

Start early and watch the sunrise over the ocean. The best walk in the park is by far the coastal walk. It starts at the information centre at the main entrance in Noosa Heads and runs all the way around the headland to Sunshine Beach, a 5.4 km one-way route.

For sunrise, walk to Hell’s Gates. It’s 2.7 km from the entrance and takes about 40 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Boiling Pot (300m) → A lookout over a rock where the waves crash onto. Watch for turtles.
• Tea Tree Bay (about 1 km) → The prettiest little beach in the park.
• Dolphin Point (1.2 km) → The name says it all. This is the best place to spot dolphins and whales in season.
• Granite Bay → A rocky cove below the track
• Hell’s Gates (2.7 km) → Dramatic cliffs where the ocean crashes against the rocks.

Mid-Morning: Beat the crowds at the Fairy Pools

After sunrise, head back about 400 metres towards Noosa Heads to the Fairy Pools. These two natural rock pools are a must-see. Get there early to beat the crowds, and ideally visit at low tide with no swell for the clearest water. It’s a lovely spot for a dip.

Be careful here: The track down is steep and slippery, the rocks are sharp, and waves can wash over the pools without warning, especially at high tide or when there’s a swell. If the sea is rough, just enjoy the view from the top.

Late morning: Alexandria Bay or the inland track

From the Fairy Pools, you can either carry on along the Coastal Walk to Alexandria Bay (A-Bay, as the locals call it), a beautiful and less crowded beach, or take the inland track through the forest to Sunshine Beach.

A-Bay is also known as Noosa’s unofficial nudist beach, so don’t be surprised. It isn’t patrolled and there are strong rips, so it’s a better beach for a walk and a lie on the sand than a swim.

Lunch: Sunshine Beach Lookout

Keep going along the coastal track from A-Bay until you reach the last lookout, with views over the coastline all the way south to Coolum. From here, you can see Paradise Cove, a beautiful cove you can only reach at a very low tide.

If you brought a picnic, this is a great spot for lunch. Or walk down the stairs to Sunshine Beach and grab lunch at one of the local cafes before headin gback into the park.

Can you access Noosa National Park from Sunshine Beach?

Yes, you can! You can start the walk at Sunshine Beach (Parkedge Road or the stairs at the northern end of the beach), then follow the coastal track towards Noosa Heads. It’s a good option when the main car park is full.

Afternoon: Surf and Relax at Tea Tree Bay

If you’re a surfer, it’s always a good time to catch a wave at Tea Tree Bay. It’s a beautiful point break known for long, peeling waves, perfect for longboarders. If you’re not into surfing, it’s a great beach to relax on or to string up your hammock between the trees. There are toilets and drinking water at Tea Tree Bay too.

→ Never surfed before? If you’re keen to give it a go, book a surf lesson in Noosa here and get amongst the waves at one of Australia’s most beautiful surf spots.

Sunset: Back at the National Park Entrance

End your day by heading back to the National Park Entrance when the sun starts to set. It’s one of the best sunset spots in Noosa, and there’s nothing better than watching the surfers catch the last waves of the day. If you’ve spent the afternoon at Sunshine Beach and it happens to be a full moon, watch the moon rise over the ocean instead. It’s just as beautiful.

➤ For more places to watch the sun go down, have a look at our guide to the best sunset spots in Noosa.

Where to grab a coffee near Noosa National Park

At the main entrance, you’ll find a picnic area, toilets, drinking water and tables next to the information centre, and you can grab a takeaway coffee from the outdoor coffee counter.

For a proper breakfast or coffee before or after your walk:

1. Moonstruck: Located in Hastings Street and one of our favourite cafes in Noosa. It has some old-school European cafe vibes and top-class service. Their menu is 100% locally sourced, making it the most mouth-watering bagels and toasties you’ll find in Noosa.
2. Sunshine Social: If you start your journey in Sunshine Beach, head over to Sunshine Social, our favourite cafe there with a vibrant atmosphere.
3. Depot in Noosaville: When you crave a big brekkie, this is the place to be.

Noosa National Park Parking

Parking is the hardest part of visiting Noosa National Park.

Main Entrance car park (Park Road)

Free, with a 4-hour limit. It’s small and always busy. People come and go all the time, so coming early doesn’t guarantee you a car park. Especially not when the surf is pumping.

Hastings Street area

Park around Hastings Street and walk the boardwalk to the National Park. It’s about 20 minutes, and a beautiful walk.

Sunshine Beach (Parkedge Road)

Limited street parking for the Alexandria Bay walk and the southern end of the coastal walk

Bus

The local buses stop near Hastings Street, and Queensland Parks encourages walking, cycling or the bus in peak periods.

Noosa National Park Map

FAQs about Noosa National Park

Tips for visiting Noosa National Park

• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat because much of the track is exposed. If you order a hat from Will & Bear, you’ll get 10% off with code BUSHANDBAY
• Wear comfortable shoes. Thongs are fine to Dolphin Point, but not so much after that
• Pack a small SURVIVAL first aid kit if you’re heading to the Fairy Pools or A-Bay
• Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat
• Respect the wildlife and don’t feed them
• Check park alerts before you go, because tracks sometimes close after storms

I absolutely love Noosa National Park

I absolutely love Noosa National Park, and you can visit this place over and over again. You’ll never get enough of it, and every time you go, you’ll see something new. Whether you’re visiting this national park to go hiking, surfing, or simply relaxing by the ocean, you’ll find it an unforgettable day, no matter where you go. Enjoy! And don’t forget to say hi if you see me catching a wave at Tea Tree.

Exploring more of the Sunshine Coast

• The best spots to watch the sunset in Noosa: The Spit, Laguna Lookout, Mt Tinbeerwah and more
• Things to do in Peregian Beach: 15 minutes south, with the markets and Emu Mountain
• Things to do in Kenilworth: a day trip into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

→ Heading north? Noosa is the start of the Cooloola Beach drive: Teewah Beach Camping | Camping at Double Island Point | Rainbow Beach

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