Top tips for Noosa from Flight Centre Travel Expert Paula:
Hire a car for easy exploring
Stay in the heart of town at one of the many resorts
Take your pick of dining from casual to high end
Hike in the Noosa National Park
Explore the Eumundi markets in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Did someone say “Girls trip to Noosa?”
Crystal clear water, beautiful nature walks, balmy weather all year round, amazing cafes and restaurants, beachfront accommodation, luxury day spas and a vibe you can’t get enough of. What’s not to love?! This place has everything.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Maroochydore (MCY) located just 35 minutes from Noosa. There are direct domestic flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. The second closest airport is Brisbane (BNE), about 2 hours away.
Both airports offer car hire services which I highly recommend as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore the surroundings. However if you don’t want to drive, both airports have the Con-X-ion shuttle service available.
Where to stay
Voted the best Main Street in Australia, Hastings Street is where it’s at!
Located right in the heart of Noosa Heads, I guarantee you will love it just as much as everyone else. Complete with beachfront resorts, hip cafes, stylish restaurants, boutiques, luxury day spas and much, much more.
The Seahaven Noosa Resort & Apartments has direct access to Noosa Main Beach and offers 3 heated swimming pools. The Seahaven has a range of different room types, from the more affordable studios to beachfront apartments with ocean views; there is something for everyone. Depending on room type and seasonality, typically you could expect to pay upwards of $250 per night.
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Coconut Head on the beach serves up delicious poke bowls and smoothie bowls. Image: Paula AlbersWhere to eat
Eating options are endless in Noosa. Want something quick and easy? No problem! Something funky and new? Absolutely! How about something fancy for a date night? Take your pick.
A personal favourite is Miss Moneypenny’s Restaurant and Cocktail bar; stylishly designed with an amazing hip atmosphere. Make sure you ask for the Solero cocktail!
Wanting something a little less formal? Try Coconut Head, which is a small little shack at the southern end of Hastings Street and is attached to a surfboard hire shop. You can get fresh smoothie bowls and poke bowls.
Walking in Noosa National Park is a must. Image: Paula AlbersWhat to see
If your trip falls on a Saturday, make sure you head to Eumundi Markets, a 20-minute drive inland from Noosa. Here you will find fresh local arts, crafts, produce and food trucks. The markets open at 6am and finish at 2pm, allow a few hours, as there is a lot to see.
The Noosa National Park is arguably the most scenic coastal hike on the Sunshine Coast. A walk to “Hells Gates” is 7 kms return. Keep an eye out for whales, turtles and koalas. If 7 kms is a bit daunting, you don’t have to go the whole way, Dolphin Point is a common turn around point for those feeling a little less enthusiastic.
Kayaking in the Noosa Everglades is a MUST, which is 1 of only 2 everglades in the WORLD. The only way to really see this pristine water system is in a Kayak, where you can really immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty.
Feeling worn out from all the adventures? Why not treat yourself to a day spa treatment at Endota Day spa. Perfectly located on Hastings street, the ladies at Endota will be sure to pamper you and make you feel new again.
Noosa really does have something for everyone. You can be as adventurous as you like, or sit back and relax for the whole time. You can make it a girl’s trip, couples trip, family trip, honeymoon, babymoon, anniversary or birthday – Noosa will be sure to deliver what you’re after.
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Book in for a pamper at Endota Day Spa. Image: Paula AlbersThe perfect 5-day itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Brisbane or Sunshine Coast airport, hire your car and drive to Noosa. Check into your resort, relax and unwind with a stroll on the boardwalk before dining out at one of the many eateries on Hastings Street.
Day 2
If you’re here on a Saturday, head out to Eumundi markets for the morning and spend the afternoon at the beach lapping up the sunshine.
Day3
Rise and shine, time to explore. Head out on foot to Noosa National Park and walk the coastal track to Hell’s Gates. Book yourself into Endota Day Spa for an afternoon spa treatment.
Day 4
Adventure out on a half-day trip to Noosa Everglades. In the afternoon, book a reservation at Miss Moneypenny’s for cocktails.
Day 5
Spend your remaining morning walking along Hastings and taking in all the beautiful sites that Noosa has on offer, before you drive back to the airport for your flight home.
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