This coastal town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has calm beaches, a subtropical national park, and boutique shops along Hastings Street.
Noosa Heads stretches along Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where you can watch koalas doze in eucalyptus trees, catch waves at First Point break, or walk to secluded Tea Tree Bay. The town's four-story building limit keeps the shoreline free from high-rises, creating a laid-back atmosphere along its beach-facing streets.
Swimming and Surfing at Main Beach
Main Beach runs along the town's northern edge. At the eastern end near the groyne, you'll find right-hand breaks popular with longboarders. The beach's center has gentler waves where you can swim or learn to surf. Lifeguards watch the beach daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. An underground sand pumping system beneath the boardwalk maintains the beach width during winter storms, operating between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Exploring Noosa National Park
Walk through 4,000 hectares of coastal and forest trails in Noosa National Park. You'll see eastern grey kangaroos grazing at dusk and short-beaked echidnas searching for ants in fallen logs. The coastal trail to Hell's Gates takes 2-3 hours return, passing lookouts where green sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins swim in the clear waters below. Stop at Tea Tree Bay's sheltered beach for a swim or rest.
Shopping and Dining on Hastings Street
Hastings Street runs parallel to Main Beach. Start your day at cafes like Aromas or Café Le Monde, which open at 6 AM. Bistro C serves barramundi and Moreton Bay bugs with ocean views, while Wasabi Restaurant prepares sashimi from local catches. Browse through stores like Signature on Hastings for Australian designer clothes or Bow and Arrow Trading for beach essentials. As evening arrives, strings of white lights illuminate the palm trees while diners fill outdoor tables.
Getting Around Noosa Heads
Rent bikes from Bike On for AU$25 per day and use the dedicated lanes connecting the national park to Hastings Street. Motor scooters cost AU$50 daily at Noosa Scooter Hire, with parking spots available throughout the main street. Local buses run every 30 minutes between the national park and Noosa Junction, costing AU$4.90 per trip. The Noosa Ferry travels along Noosa River hourly from 9 AM to 5:30 PM - buy a day pass for AU$25 to hop on and off.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Winter mornings drop to 10°C (50°F), while summer afternoons reach 32°C (90°F). Visit between March and May for clear skies and mild temperatures. The ocean stays warm enough for swimming year-round, never falling below 20°C (68°F). Summer brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms, especially from December to February.
