We visited Noosa Heads at the end of our first trip to Australia, after a few days in Byron Bay. Byron felt wild and free, with a clear hippie vibe. Noosa, in contrast, came across as more polished – stylish cafés, pretty boutiques, and a bit more of a luxury touch. We stayed in Noosa for four nights, just before flying out of Brisbane, and it turned out to be the perfect way to end the trip. Those few days gave us everything we needed – relaxed beach mornings, walks with ocean views, and good coffee that made us linger longer than planned. There was no rush, no pressure. Just slow family days in a place that felt easy and beautiful in all the right ways. And honestly, we liked it so much that when we came back to Australia again, we made sure Noosa was on the list once more.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 4-day Noosa Heads travel itinerary.
Travel Time
November & May
Travel Mode
Weekend Getaway (4 nights)
Our Must-Sees
Noosa National Park
Where to stay
Air Bnb
Plant-Based Food
Vanilla Food
Mobility
Rental car
Travel Budget
€2.190 / AUD3.971
without air fare
Noosa Heads Highlights You Shouldn’t Skip – Tried and Tested
Noosa National Park Coastal Walk
If you do one thing in Noosa Heads, make it this. The Noosa National Park is stunning from the very first step. The trails are well marked, and the Coastal Walk is the real star. You don’t even have to go far to feel surrounded by nature. We spotted dolphins jumping in the waves and even caught a glimpse of a sleepy koala high up in a tree. With two small kids, we didn’t attempt the full track, but the cliff views we did see were absolutely worth it. There are plenty of shady spots, and you’ll pass several mini-beaches where you can take a break or just dip your toes. It felt adventurous, but still totally doable as a family.
One thing to keep in mind: parking is limited and usually a bit of a hunt. There’s a 4-hour time limit, which helps create some turnover – but most of the time, you’ll see people circling and waiting. We got lucky, but if you can, come early or be patient. Once you’re in, it’s worth every minute. And yes, pack snacks and water – there’s no food available inside the park.
Sunset Spot: River Entrance Beach
We didn’t expect River Entrance Beach to be such a sunset spot, but wow – it delivered. This place gave us one of the best evenings of the whole trip. We just grabbed some takeaway, laid out a picnic blanket, and watched the sky change colors over the water. There’s space for kids to run around, and the shallow water makes it safe enough for them to splash while we relaxed. It felt peaceful and wide open, like we had our own little piece of paradise. Plus, no crowds at all. If you’re into photography, don’t forget your camera. The light here is incredible, especially if you’re into silhouettes or golden hour shots.
Hastings Street – Our Daily Stroll Spot
Hastings Street quickly became part of our daily rhythm. It’s trendy, lively, and full of little boutiques, stylish cafés, and places to grab a smoothie – or, in our case, ice cream (more than once). We loved just walking up and down, taking it slow, doing a bit of people-watching, and popping into cute shops along the way. Everything feels close and easy. Plus, the beach is literally right there – so you can go from browsing to barefoot in the sand in under a minute. With the kids, this was such a chill activity. No plans, just following wherever the next snack or shop pulled us in.
Staying in Noosa Heads: What We Loved About Our Airbnb
This stay easily made it into our top 10 Airbnbs ever. Everything about it just felt right – from the space, to the style, to the peaceful surroundings. It was one of those places where you walk in and instantly know: yep, this is going to be good. The Airbnb was located a little outside of the main action, near Lake Weyba, surrounded by trees and birdsong. It felt like we were right in the middle of nature, yet it took us no more than 15 minutes by car to get to Hastings Street or the beach. That mix of calm and convenience? Perfect for us. It wasn’t a standalone house but rather a spacious apartment within a beautifully maintained community area. And honestly, that worked out great. It still felt private, but we also loved the shared greenery, the friendly atmosphere, and how well everything was looked after. The apartment itself had a clean, modern design with a touch of luxury. Plenty of room to breathe, both indoors and out. For a family of four, it was just what we needed – easy, relaxing, and absolutely memorable.
Where to Eat Vegan in Noosa Heads – Easy & Tasty Places
We always keep an eye out for plant-based options when we travel, and Noosa Heads didn’t disappoint. It’s not overflowing with vegan-only spots, but the ones we did try were super tasty, relaxed, and easy to enjoy even with kids in tow.
VanillaFood (Noosa Junction)
If you only try one place, make it this. Fresh, beautifully plated food that’s full of flavor. Their vegan options aren’t just “add-ons” – they’re made with love. Think smoothie bowls, raw treats, vibrant salads, and amazing coffee. We came here twice, and yes, we could’ve gone again.
The Good Eats (Noosa Heads)
We stumbled upon The Good Eats while looking for a quick bite – and it turned out to be such a nice little find. Located right in the heart of Noosa, it’s an all-organic, fully vegan spot with a menu full of fresh, plant-based goodness. We mostly came here for snacks – like a quick wrap, a wellness bowl, or something small to share. Everything felt clean, tasty, and light – perfect for those in-between moments when you’re not ready for a full meal but need something nourishing. Plus, they focus on local ingredients, which we always love.
Transport in Noosa Heads: What Worked Best for Us
We kept things simple and stuck with our rental car from SIXT, which we’d already picked up way back in South Australia. It might sound like a long ride, but for us, having our own wheels the entire time just made everything easier – especially with kids and all the gear that comes with them. In Noosa Heads, a car isn’t a must, but we found it super helpful. The main spots like Hastings Street, the beach, and Noosa National Park are close together – but if you’re staying a little outside the center like we did, it really makes a difference.
Driving around Noosa and the whole South Queensland area was surprisingly relaxed. The roads are well maintained, traffic is easygoing, and everything is clearly signposted. Even during peak times, it never felt stressful. Parking can be a bit of a challenge in busy spots (especially at the national park), but it’s manageable with a bit of patience. Most places had free or short-term parking, and we always found something in the end. For us, the rental car meant flexibility. Day trips, quick supermarket runs, beach hopping – no stress, no schedule. And after driving through several states, it was kind of nice ending the road trip in such a calm, beautiful place.
Is Noosa Heads Expensive? Our Honest Budget Breakdown
Accomodation
€285/night (excl. breakfast) x 4 nights = €1.140
Food & Dining
Around €120 per day = €480
Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €480
Petrol & Parking €90
Activities
all for free
Total Spent
€2.190 / AUD3.971
Noosa Heads Photography Guide: Our Best Photo Spots
We’re not gonna lie – Noosa Heads is super photogenic. Soft morning light, dreamy beach paths, turquoise waves, and a few unexpected corners that pop up when you least expect them. If you’re like us and always have your phone or camera ready, these are the spots you’ll want to check out.
Main Beach to Little Cove, Noosa Heads
GPS Coordinates: -26.3874, 153.0922
Okay, this one’s not just about the destination – it’s about the walk. Starting at Main Beach right off Hastings Street, follow the wooden boardwalk that hugs the coastline toward Little Cove Beach. It’s easily one of the most photogenic stretches in Noosa, and the lighting – especially in the morning and evening.
Rainbow Beach Staircase
GPS Coordinates: -25.9052, 153.0954
This one’s from our day trip to Rainbow Beach, and honestly, it’s worth the detour. The famous Rainbow Stairs, located near the Surf Life Saving Club, are painted in bright rainbow colors and practically beg for a photo. It’s fun, quirky, and adds a pop of color to your feed – especially if you catch it with some moody sky or golden hour light. And once you’re at the top, you get sweeping views over the beach that are equally Insta-worthy.
Noosa Heads Travel Questions Answered – What You Asked Us
Autumn (March–May) is perfect. Warm, sunny, and less crowded. Summer is peak season and gets busy, but still great for beach days.
Yes, but only during certain times of the year. From November to May, it’s stinger season in Queensland. While it’s less of an issue in Noosa than further north, it’s still smart to swim at patrolled beaches and always check the flags and signs.
Totally. Main Beach and First Point are popular for beginners, with gentle waves and surf schools nearby. It’s a great place to take your first lesson!
Keep it simple: swimwear, light clothes, a good hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sandals. If you’re planning hikes, bring proper shoes. And a light jacket – it can get breezy in the evenings.
It can be, especially in peak season. Accommodation and restaurants are on the higher side. But there are also budget-friendly food spots, markets, and public BBQ areas that help keep costs down.
Yes – especially if you like stylish cafés, boutiques, and people-watching. Even if shopping’s not your thing, it’s fun to wander and grab an ice cream or smoothie.
Noosa is the perfect base for some pretty incredible day trips. Here are a few we’d totally recommend:
- Rainbow Beach – Famous for its colorful cliffs and wide open beach. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, but totally doable as a day trip. You can even take a tour that includes a stop at Carlo Sand Blow for epic views.
- Glass House Mountains – For hiking and stunning views. Around 1.5 hours from Noosa, this is perfect if you’re craving some time away from the coast. The lookout alone is worth the drive.
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland – Think rolling hills, waterfalls, and charming towns like Montville and Maleny. There are also cute cafés and craft shops – makes a great contrast to beach life.
Absolutely. While we traveled as a family, we could totally see the romantic side too – sunsets, boutique stays, spa options, and quiet beaches. It’s laid-back and scenic, not overly touristy.
Lots! The Noosa River Foreshore in Noosaville has beautiful grassy areas with picnic tables, BBQs, and shade. It’s perfect for a relaxed family evening.
Noosa is open-minded and inclusive, and we saw couples and families of all types enjoying their holiday. The vibe is very chill and welcoming.
You can also explore Mount Tinbeerwah for a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views. And the Tewantin National Park offers quieter bush trails.
Outside the park, you can fly in less crowded beach areas or around Lake Weyba – just always follow CASA rules, stay under 120m, and away from people.
Like most parts of Australia, yes, snakes exist – but we never saw one. Stick to marked paths and you’ll be fine. Mosquito repellent is honestly more essential.
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