The Best Things to Do in Noosa: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
A slice of coastal paradise awaits with our edit of the best things to do in Noosa.
Ahh, Noosa. It doesn't matter how many places you visit around the world, there's always one destination your heart will long for. And for many of us, that place sits at the top of Queensland's idyllic Sunshine Coast.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle, Noosa is a highly sought-after destination. With its lush hinterland, pristine shorelines, amazing foodie scene and an amazing offering of local shops and boutiques, Noosa has something for every kind of holidaymaker.
So if you're longing for another visit, or it's still on your bucket list, keep reading as we break down the best things to do in Noosa.
The Best Things to Do in Noosa: Eat
Bistro C
This perfectly polished beachside restaurant and bar is an iconic venue to visit on your next trip to Noosa. Enjoy their award-winning menu that heroes regional flavours and local produce as you gaze out over Laguna Bay.
You can expect plenty of locally caught seafood, seared steaks, oysters and other fun and fresh dishes.
On The Beach, 49 Hastings Street, Noosa
Locale Noosa
Located on bustling Hastings Street, Locale is a much-loved fine dining destination in Noosa. Traditional Italian antipasti, handmade pasta and an extensive beverage list are just a few things that make a long lunch at Locale one of the best things to do in Noosa.
Their squid ink Tagliatelle is to die for, plated with Fraser Isle spanner crab, basil, chilli, butter and lemon Pangrattato. Is anyone else’s mouth watering? Pass the chianti, please.
62 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Sum Yung Guys
Housed in a curated space that pays homage to their love and passion for Asian culture and cuisine Sum Yung Guys is a must-try.
Transport your tastebuds with the innovative and incredible menu of modern Asian Fusion fare. With 14 Chefs Hats under their belt, it’s also a gluten-free lover’s dream with most of the menu items marked as “GF”, but if you’re struggling to make up your mind on what to order, the banquet does all the hard work for you.
We recommend trying the wok-tossed baby squid and finishing with the caramelised sticky rice!
1/205 Weyba Road, Noosaville
Ricky’s
Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant is one of Noosa’s best restaurants and for good reason. Their seasonal menus highlight the best local produce in the region and the water views are unparalleled, making the dining experience extra special.
The chic yet laidback energy of Noosa is captured in the crisp, white decor and the natural light that pours in. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of Noosa’s most popular dining destinations on your next visit to the Sunshine Coast!
2 Quamby Place, Noosa Heads
Light Years
Having originated in Byron Bay, Light Years now has four restaurants scattered across the East Coast of Australia. The relaxed, modern eatery is popular for a reason with flavour-packed Asian-inspired share plates, inventive cocktails and jazzy interiors.
With dumplings, bao, curries and larger plates all up for grabs, it's best to opt for one of the 'feed me' menus for a sample of Light Years' punchy offering.
1 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
The Best Things to Do in Noosa: Drink
Atelier
Perhaps one of the most aesthetically pleasing establishments in Noosa (which is no small feat), Atelier is the stunning wine bar serving up premium wines by the glass and the bottle.
While the space is small, the team make up for it with a selection of wines that will have you feeling like a true sommelier by the end of the evening.
Pair your selected wine with a selection of small plates, large dishes and charcuterie, and you're on your way to experiencing one of the best things to do in Noosa.
3/9 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa
Moonstruck
Cafe by day, gin-slinging bar by night, Moonstruck is a delight always. After a long day at the beach, it's the perfect place to wind down with seating sprawling out across the pavement.
Enjoy the curated Australian small-batch gin collection (go for a gin flight!) and a cheeseboard and soak up the last of the day's sunshine.
5 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Apéro
Apéro Noosa is an ode to the European tradition of meeting a friend for an aperitif and a bite to eat, and a post-beach bev at this chic wine bar is one of the best things to do in Noosa.
Stop in for a light supper of upscale bites ranging from peckish (bread, olives, anchovies) to more substantial meals like wagyu beef sirloin.
Sip on classic cocktails or choose from the extensive wine list. The oysters and champagne await you!
203 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
The Best Things to Do in Noosa: Stay
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
If five-star luxury is your love language, set a date with Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. Blending coastal chic and Parisian elegance, there’s no shortage of fun events, seasonal menu updates and luxurious treatments to indulge in at the Aqua Day Spa.
If you’re looking for a White Lotus-inspired experience, book some time at the poolside cabanas, or make the most of the swim-up bar.
14-16 Hastings Street (vehicular entrance off Noosa Parade), Noosa
Netanya
If you're heading to Noosa, we guarantee scoring yourself some accommodation with direct beach access will elevate your experience.
If laid-back luxe is your chosen vibe, head straight to Netanya. Located ideally on Noosa Main Beach and a short walk from the eateries of Hastings Street, you'll be in the thick of the action yet a world away.
Choose from one-bedroom studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, all with access to the sparkling beachfront pool.
71 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Tingirana
Tingirana is your little piece of heaven in the perfect spot, tucked into the centre of Noosa. Situated between Hastings Street and Noosa Beach, you’re also a short walk from the bars, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shopping that the area has to offer.
If you’re keen on a nature walk, you’ll only be a quick drive from the National Park. With a Hamptons-style aesthetic and feel, you’ll be comfortable, relaxed and carefree with each blissful minute that passes by at your base as you explore the best things to do in Noosa.
25 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD
On The Beach
Location, location! On The Beach offers up the best that Noosa has to offer, positioned just off bustling Hastings Street and overlooking Main Beach.
Close to the best restaurants in Noosa as well as the best shopping destinations, you’ll delight in private and well-appointed apartments and penthouses boasting direct beach access.
Enjoy drinks on the balcony from your spa or lilo, spending a day soaking up the rays and experiencing total relaxation.
49 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
The Best Things to Do in Noosa: Explore
Explore Noosa's Famous Coastline
Undoubtedly the single biggest drawcard of the region is Noosa’s stretch of beautiful coastline and the bounty of beaches that reel in international surfers and beach lovers alike.
Whilst scattered surf breaks host festivals and competitions year-round, the calm, patrolled Laguna Bay comes teeming with young and old beachgoers, who come in search of a refreshing dip and soft sand underfoot.
Keen to escape the Noosa hustle for a day? Take a drive to Peregian Beach and experience the laidback holiday vibe.
Hop Aboard the Noosa Ferry
When you're hunting out the best things to do in Noosa, no trip is complete without a cruise on the Noosa Ferry. The ferry departs from Hastings Street and cruises to Tewantin with multiple stops along the Noosa River.
Trips depart approximately every 45 minutes so there's no need to book ahead. You can score a hop and hop off day pass which gives you the freedom to explore the river at your own pace.
Fancy a sunset cruise? They can sort you out for one of those, too!
Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin
Shop Up A Storm On Hastings Street
Alongside a host of national favourites like Country Road and Mecca, Noosa Heads is home to a bevy of designer boutiques loved by tourists and locals alike.
Think chic, minimalist homewares and boho fashion galore. Central Hastings Street is the perfect place for a spot of mid-day shopping with plenty of options for a long lunch and mimosa (or two) when you need an energy top-up.
Eumundi Markets
A visit to Noosa isn't complete without a stop by the iconic Eumundi Markets. Dubbed one of Australia's best markets, they are open every Wednesday and Saturday as well as the Eumundi Farmer's Markets which run on Sundays.
Just 15 minutes from Noosa Heads, the markets are buzzing as locals and visitors explore an array of locally produced goods including fresh produce, artisan homewares and gifts, food trucks and every weird and wonderful thing in between.
80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
Enjoy a Coastal Walk
Noosa is renowned for its stunning coastline and breathtaking scenery, and there are so many incredible coastal walks that offer visitors the chance to experience its natural beauty. Whatever your fitness level, these picks should be on your list of things to do in Noosa:
Noosa National Park Coastal Track: This one is a biggy - about four hours as you work your way through the headland section of Noosa National Park. But it will be so worth it! Enjoy the lush forests along the rugged coastline of Noosa National Park, plus incredible views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Hell's Gate Walk: Snaking through from the rugged cliffs of Hell's Gates to the tranquil waters of Tea Tree Bay, showcasing the diverse and spectacular beauty of Noosa's coastline, this is a stroll you won't be forgetting anytime soon. It takes about one hour and 15 minutes so snacks are a must!
Beautiful one day, perfect the next. There's so much to love about this slice of paradise. If you loved our edit of the best things to do in Noosa and are looking for more travel inspo, you might also like our guide to the top Aussie destinations to visit or Australia's coolest motels for luxury on a budget.
