There are so many awesome day trips from Noosa that are within easy reach – lucky you! The region is blessed with natural beauty that has been protected within multiple National Parks, full of diverse plants and wildlife.
Quaint towns are scattered throughout the rolling hinterland hills and along the coastal road from Noosa to Coolum. Each place offers something unique, from independent restaurants, cafés and boutiques to waterfalls and hiking trails.
To get you started, we’ve selected a variety of day trips from Noosa you should definitely do!
Climbing Mount Coolum
Get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Hinterland and sweeping coastal shoreline from the top of Mount Coolum. Rising 208m above sea level, it’s the perfect spot to get uninterrupted 360-degree views.
The 1.6km track starts at the carpark on Tanah Street, and the return trip can be completed in around 40 minutes. Prepare to get your heart pumping – the start of the track is gentle and will ease you in before it quickly becomes very steep!
Afterwards, head into the coastal town of Coolum for an invigorating swim and relaxing afternoon lazing on Coolum Beach, or if you’re after somewhere more secluded, check out First Bay and Second Bay.
Mount Coolum is a 25-minute drive away and can also be reached by bus.
Sightseeing in Rainbow Beach
Have you heard of the Great Beach Drive? It’s one of the world’s most exclusive road trips, connecting the Sunshine Coast with iconic Fraser Island through isolated beaches, national parks and World Heritage reserves of outstanding beauty.
Whether you take your own 4WD or take a guided tour, you’ll enjoy the scenic 60km drive along the beach to Double Island Point and Rainbow Bay, where you can take in the famous coloured sands. You can also take the forest road if you don’t have a 4WD, which also offers picturesque scenery all the way to Rainbow Beach.
The coastal town of Rainbow Beach is nestled between Fraser Island and Cooloola National Park. Explore the sands on horse-back, where you can immerse yourself in this magical setting in a unique way. Or if you’re an experienced diver, explore the underwater world with Wolf rick dive centre, where you’ll swim with large sharks and rays!
Or, simply relax in the charming town and have a leisurely lunch at the Surf Club, where you can enjoy hearty food and spectacular ocean views.
Serenity in Noosa Everglades
Known as the River of Mirrors, the Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades’ systems on Earth! Get ready to explore a 60km wonderland of winding riverways, lush rainforest and rich wildlife.
You can safely swim in the pure, clear water and embrace this diverse ecosystem. It’s home to over 40% of Australia’s bird species, including eagles, pelicans, cormorants, osprey, and the rare jabiru and glossy black cockatoo.
Everglades Ecosafaris is only a 25-minute drive from Noosa, where you can embark on their ‘wilderness cruises’ into the Everglades. Experience the Cruise ’n’ Canoe and glide your way through the gorgeous waterways and subtropical rainforest. Or take the Serenity Cruise for a more laid-back view of the everglades. Tours finish with lunch or snacks at cootharaBAR bar and bistro.
The Noosa Everglades is one of the best day trips from Noosa!
Eumundi Markets and colourful town
It’s all about exploring the local markets on holiday, especially when the renowned, biggest and best arts and crafts market in Australia, Eumundi Markets is just a 20-minute drive away from Noosa!
You, your family or friends will be wide-eyed with wonder by the all the original and wonderful delights on offer from talented locals. You’ll be racing around this expansive market, eyes twinkling and excited at the prospect of finding hand-made jewellery, independent fashion, original art, stunning homeware and loads more. Sample locally produced food and drink from one of the many stalls. Open Wed 8am – 2pm and Sat 7am – 2pm.
Next to the market is Dick Caplick Park playground, which has been built beneath and within the large, shady fig trees. This large and impressive playground is a fantastic and fun place for kids to explore and play. The large field next to it is perfect for some outdoor games like cricket, ball games or frisbee – there’s also a basketball hoop.
Eumundi town is full of colourful art throughout its streets, so wander around, wide-eyed and take in the vibrant street art.
Food and falls in Maleny
The stunning hinterland town of Maleny is perched up in the hills behind Noosa. Around a 45-minute drive away, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way as you make your way up the range.
Offering a relaxed day trip from Noosa, you’ll be treated to Maleny’s excellent range of artisan food selection in this foodie hotspot. Boasting a fabulous array of lunch options with lots of little cafés dotted around town, with many on Maple Street – you may have trouble choosing!
So, here’s a few cafés to get you started:
Maleny Food Co – Cool down with gelato and sorbet made fresh daily using traditional, artisan techniques. Or enjoy a selection of artisan cheese, freshly sliced cured meats and condiments from the fromagerie.
Shotgun Espresso – Eat clean with their locally produced, seasonal menu, including salad greens, herbs and vegetables grown and harvested from their home garden, and free-range meat and eggs.
Monica’s Café – Find all your breakfast favourites, which you can enjoy all day. There’s also an extensive vegan menu and a classic lunch menu including toasted sandwiches and salads.
After lunch, stop by the nearby Kondalilla Waterfall and take the well-marked trail to the falls and cool off with a refreshing swim!
Stay local in boutique Noosaville accommodation
Stay in our relaxing, boutique resort featuring one-bedroom self-catered apartments. Located in beautiful Noosaville, our resort is well placed for you to enjoy the many day trips from Noosa.
Completely unwind in our tropical gardens, refresh yourself in the pool or spa and get together with your friends or family for an alfresco meal in the barbecue area.
Featured image: Visit Rainbow Beach