Noosa National Park
Hike between secluded beaches through rainforest and grasslands in this beautiful national park, where koalas live in trees and dolphins play in the bays.
Noosa National Park is an area of protected bushland with beaches, walking trails and a large population of koalas. Stop at lookouts dotted throughout the park to spot dolphins in the ocean and surfers riding the breaks.
The national park covers an area of 4,000 hectares (9,884 acres) from the headland at Noosa Heads all the way down to Coolum and inland to Lake Weyba. It’s divided into four distinct areas: the Headland section, Peregian section, Emu Mountain and the East Weyba section.
The most popular walks start at the Noosa end of the national park in the Headland section. Here you’ll find toilets, showers, maps and a free car park. Walk along the oceanfront boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach or come by car from Hastings Street.
There are a series of scenic walks that range in length and difficulty. Many visitors choose to take the coastal walk along the Noosa Headland to Tea Tree Bay and Hell’s Gate. Continue along the path to reach Alexandria Bay, a clothing-optional beach. The 11.8-kilometre (6.7-mile) round journey is paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The whole walk takes 2 to 3 hours, although many choose to do smaller sections of the trail. Come early in the morning and late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, including many locals who exercise along the path.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes and your swimsuit for a day out in the national park. The beaches here aren’t patrolled by lifeguards but are generally safe for swimming. Use caution and don’t swim out too deep.
Throw a towel down on a patch of pristine white sand and watch for dolphins swimming out in the bays. Away from the water look out for native wildlife such as koalas, crimson rosellas and goannas. At the end of the day watch the sunset from one of the lookouts along the coastal track and then make your way back to Hastings Street for a seafood dinner.
The park is free to enter and open every day.