Noosa Voyage Tips and guide

Noosa is one of the major draws of Queensland beyond the Sunshine Coast. Low rise resorts, upmarket shopping and dining line the sheltered beaches, waterways and parks.

The name Noosa is loosely applied to the following areas:

• Noosa Heads is the resort area that contains Hastings Street and the main tourist area behind Hastings Street. The main beach fronts onto Hastings Street. At the end of Hastings Street are the Noosa Woods and Noosa Spit. At the eastern end of Hastings Street is the Noosa National Park.
• Noosaville is alongside the river, a bit quieter.
• Noosa Junction, the business area.
• Sunshine Beach is to the south of Noosa Headlands.

The name Noosa comes from the local Aboriginal Kabi Kabi language for "shadow". It also has a strange claim to fame as the largest Finnish speaking community in the southern hemisphere.

• Visit Noosa website

26°21′16″S 152°58′11″E

Map of Noosa

• -26.433152.9051 Cooroy – called the "Heart of the Hinterland" because of its tranquil rural atmosphere and bright streetscapes
• -26.265152.8682 Kin Kin – renowned for its delicious food, art and beautiful rural scenery
• -26.363152.8563 Pomona – Noosa Shire's 'living heritage town'
• -26.392153.0394 Tewantin – including Noosaville and Noosa Heads

• -26.080825153.057791 Cooloola Recreation Area – the only other everglades system (outside Everglades National Park)
• -26.384444153.1127782 Noosa National Park – A large park, and surprisingly the state government has put a lot of facilities into this park, something that's very unusual for Queensland. The park is divided into many sections, though realistically, most people only visit the sections in Noosa, as the others are "too far" and have fewer facilities and bushwalking trails.

Fly to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY ^IATA) at Maroochydore, 30 km to the south. From the airport, take the 622 bus to Noosa Junction or Henry's airport transfer, or rent a car. A taxi from the airport can cost around $80.

Fly to Brisbane Airport. The best way to reach Noosa is to use one of the transfer services. They will meet you at the baggage carousel for domestic arrivals and in the arrivals hall for international arrivals. Pre-booking is important. A taxi from Brisbane to Noosa is over $400.

The nearest stations to Noosa are at Eumundi, Cooroy, Nambour, Pomona and Maryborough, with a connecting bus or taxi required.

Drive north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway for approximately 150km, which takes approximately three hours.

Discover Noosa’s natural environment. Watch whales, enjoy pristine beaches, explore the dramatic hinterland landscape, and visit the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island.

There are some excellent organised tours originating in Noosa. Most tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation.

The stunning unspoiled scenery that surrounds Noosa provides opportunities for a number of wildlife and eco tours. Most eco tours use a 4WD and provide a soft adventure that will give wonderful memories of your time in Noosa.

The hinterland behind Noosa has some wonderful villages and scenic spots. Most usually involve a trip to Montville and may continue south to the Glasshouse Mountains. Some of the tours combine the hinterland trip with visits to some of the main attractions that include the Ginger Factory at Yandina or the Big Pineapple. A popular one day tour is to the Australia Zoo which is offered as one tour or maybe in combination with a hinterland tour.

Cruise along Noosa River to the Everglades. Tours travel the full length of the Noosa River taking in Lakes Cooroibah and Cootharaba and the Everglades which are part of the Great Sandy National Park. The dark still waters of the upper Noosa River provide stunning mirrored reflections. Most tours involve a BBQ or tea break at Harry’s Hut. All tours are led by enthusiastic guides who will bring to life all the varied wildlife and birds that will be seen. The tour is best done as a day trip but can be done as a half day tour.

• Noosa Cruising Restaurant^{[dead link]} offers a river cruise with breakfast, lunch, or a sunset dinner on board. The food is cooked on board.

Noosa offers a vibrant dining scene ranging from casual beachfront cafes to upscale restaurants with ocean views.

For al fresco dining, Hastings Street (between the two waterfronts) in Noosa Heads has a mix of modern Australian, seafood, and international cuisines. Many of the restaurants here have fresh local produce, including seafood from nearby fisheries and hinterland-grown fruit and vegetables, features prominently on menus, but is significantly more upmarket than the rest of Noosa. Noosaville’s Gympie Terrace, on the other hand, has a more laid-back atmosphere with numerous riverfront eateries, while the Noosa Farmers Market offers gourmet snacks and artisanal treats every Sunday.

Noosa is a sheltered beach, and south of the groyne usually experiences waves of around half a metre forming a continuous wave across the entire beach. North of the groyne (less protected by the headland, and more influenced by the river currents) is more likely to experience larger waves and rips.

The red and yellow flags which mark the safest and patrolled part of the beach, and you can check the beach conditions located on a small blackboard near the surf club.

Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach when swimming. There are lockers located in front of the police station on Hastings St.

ENDS at N S ←	W  S	→ Coolum → Caloundra
END ←	N  S	→ Coolum → Brisbane via

Noosa_Heads,_Queensland