Top 10 Day Trips From Noosa, Queensland (2025 Guide)

Looking for ideas on the most unforgettable day trips from Noosa? This guide will take you to the most exciting destinations!

Noosa is hands down one of Australia’s most iconic holiday spots. This chic coastal resort town is renowned for its pretty beaches and laid-back, boho vibe. It’s the perfect place to kick back, unwind, and indulge in little luxuries!

But there’s so much more to this charming town than you might expect. It’s the ideal spot to base yourself while exploring the best of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Just outside Noosa are amazing spots you can visit on a day trip. These places are worth the drive, especially for nature lovers and those seeking one-of-a-kind adventures.

From exploring the vibrant sands of Rainbow Beach to soaking in the breathtaking vistas from the summit of Mount Coolum, the scenic wonders around Noosa are truly captivating! No matter your vibe, visiting these nearby gems promises unforgettable memories.

Plan your trip to Australia with our detailed travel guide!

10 Best Day Trips From Noosa

Noosa is a fun place to visit, but if you want to experience the best of the Sunshine Coast, hire a rental car for the best day trips from Noosa. Need inspiration on where to go? Check out these epic places!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1. Rainbow Beach

  • Distance from Noosa: 63 miles
  • Driving time: 1 hour and 18 minutes

Rainbow Beach is just an hour north of Noosa. It’s a pretty coastal town with jaw-dropping scenery and perfectly situated between Noosa North Shore, the Pacific Ocean, Great Sandy National Park, and the stunning K’gari (Fraser Island).

A trip to Rainbow Beach is worth the drive, especially if you have a 4WD and can do some beach driving along the coast. Take on the Great Beach Drive, or check out the famous coloured sands! Featuring 72 earthy shades, from rich reds to golden yellows, coming here is like stepping into a natural art gallery.

The Great Beach Drive links the Sunshine Coast to K’gari, winding through remote beaches and national parks. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Great Sandy National Park, a UNESCO-recognized haven of natural beauty. Keep going until you reach Double Island Point, a paradise for surfing enthusiasts.

But there’s more to do at Rainbow Beach than just admiring its incredible coloured sands. If you’re an avid hiker, explore the Cooloola Great Walk, an epic 88km, 5-day trek from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.

The Cooloola Great Walk isn’t a walk in the park, though. However, the beautiful beaches, sparkling lakes, and sweeping dunes make every step worth it!

2. Noosa North Shore

  • Distance from Noosa: 8.4 miles
  • Driving time: 33 minutes

Noosa North Shore is just across the Noosa River, but it feels like a world of its own. It’s not technically an island, but it might as well be! To get there, take your car on a ferry across the Noosa River from Tewantin.

The area is mostly a protected national park, with only a few houses and a cozy pub. It’s perfect if you’re after a peaceful getaway!

Noosa North Shore is often bustling with locals who would take day trips to this place to camp, fish, surf, and unwind in nature.

Known for its pristine beaches, lush bushland, and relaxed atmosphere, it serves as a gateway to the Great Sandy National Park and the renowned Cooloola Recreation Area.

If you’re looking to explore the rest of Noosa, this might not be an ideal place to stay, but if you’re after a few days of peaceful beach camping, Noosa North Shore is the place to be!

noosa river aerial views
Views of the Noosa River along the North Shore

3. Mount Coolum

  • Distance from Noosa: 22 miles
  • Driving time: 34 minutes

There are plenty of excellent hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast, and Mount Coolum is one of these.

Just a 30-minute drive from Noosa, this iconic peak is tucked away in Mount Coolum National Park, rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape. Besides a haven for avid hikers, it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, home to rare and endangered plant species.

The hike up Mount Coolum is only a 1.6 km round trip, but don’t be fooled – it’s a challenging climb! With an elevation gain of 208 meters, the ascent is steep, so be ready to work yourself out a bit. But once you reach the top, the picturesque scenery is worth every step.

You’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree panoramic views, stretching from Noosa country along the Sunshine Coast and towards Point Cartwright.

Find more amazing hikes in Australia with our complete guide!

4. Noosa Heads

  • Distance from Noosa: 9.8 miles
  • Driving time: 18 minutes

Noosa Heads is a fantastic spot for day trips. The natural beauty here is astounding, with lush subtropical rainforest and rugged rock pools that instantly make you feel relaxed and at ease.

The Noosa River, flowing from the ocean right through the heart of Noosa Heads, is breathtaking! The river is clean, calm, and perfect for a refreshing dip. Or join a boat tour around Noosa Heads to get the best views of the coastline.

You can also swim in the crystal-clear waters of Laguna Bay or uncover hidden coves and bays tucked away in the park. Take on some peaceful walking paths and watch out for those koalas hanging in the eucalypt trees

The Noosa World Surf Reserve is home to some of the world’s best point breaks, making it a surfer’s paradise. If you’re new to the sport, why not book a 2-hour surf lesson with expert instructors? They will help you catch your first wave and make the most of the amazing surf here!

noosa heads beach at sunrise
Noosa Heads beaches are stunning at sunrise!

5. Eumundi Markets

  • Distance from Noosa: 15.8 miles
  • Driving time: 25 minutes

In 1979, three local artisans set up humble market stalls in Eumundi, a colourful town just a 20-minute drive from Noosa.

Today, the original Eumundi Market is considered one of Australia’s biggest and best local markets. It has grown into an iconic destination with over 600 stalls, welcoming an incredible 1.6 million visitors yearly!

The market occurs every Saturday and Wednesday, featuring varied stalls offering something for everyone. You’ll discover everything, from dazzling opal jewellery and antiques to mouthwatering street food and fresh local produce.

As one of the most popular local markets in the region, it’s often bustling with shoppers. But don’t let the crowds deter you, it’s absolutely worth a visit! Feeling thirsty after exploring? Treat yourself to a refreshing cup of raw sugarcane juice – a true Sunshine Coast favourite!

Read next: The Best Time To Visit Brisbane, Australia

6. Noosa Hinterland

  • Distance from Noosa: 14 miles
  • Driving time: 22 minutes

The Noosa Hinterland is a delightful mosaic of tiny towns, each with a unique charm. Stretching from Doonan to Eumundi, it’s an easy drive from Noosa and perfect for quick day trips.

Begin in Cooroy, the creative heart of the region. Visit the Butter Factory Arts Centre, a gallery and pottery studio showcasing works by talented local artists. If you’re visiting in May, don’t miss the lively Cooroy Fusion Festival, a celebration of art, culture, and community.

If you love movies, don’t miss Pomona, a quaint town home to the Majestic Theatre, the world’s longest-running silent movie theatre. It also doubles as a vibrant live music venue and a cultural hotspot in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

For food lovers, stop by Kin Kin, a small rural town home to several farms that supply fresh produce to Noosa’s top restaurants. Visit Kin Kin General Store for a “paddock-to-plate” experience and savor the region’s finest flavors.

noosa hinterland greenery
Escape to the rolling hills of the Noosa Hinterland!

7. Noosa Everglades

  • Distance from Noosa: 9 miles
  • Driving time: 15 minutes

Known as the “River of Mirrors,” the Noosa Everglades is a spectacular natural wonder! It is Australia’s only Everglades system and one of only two Everglades systems worldwide (the other is in Florida).

This pristine national park boasts 60 kilometers of winding waterways and lush rainforests, home to incredible wildlife.

Bird enthusiasts will love it here. With over 44 percent of Australia’s bird species calling this area home, their melodic songs create a magical backdrop. You can also spot dugongs, turtles, koalas, and kangaroos, which dwell in the surrounding wilderness of the Noosa Everglades.

The best way to explore is to book an afternoon cruise through the Noosa Everglades. The guided tour takes you through the mirrored waterways and subtropical rainforests, and you can admire the views from the comfort of an eco-safari vessel. If you don’t have a car, the tour will pick you up and take you back to Noosa on a coach after a day of exploring the Noosa Everglades, which is very convenient.

8. K’gari (Fraser Island)

  • Distance from Noosa: 140 miles
  • Driving time: 4 hours

K’gari is another must-see gem on the Sunshine Coast. It’s worth more than just a day trip if you can spare the time. The island is the only place in the world where rainforests grow on sand, and there are 72 different colors of sand recorded here!

Driving through the famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach is an amazing experience. It is like a natural highway, perfect for a scenic drive.

You’ll also pass along the spectacular Lake McKenzie, where you can make a short stop for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, and Central Station, where you can stroll along stunning forested walking paths.

If you’d rather not drive for four hours, you can join a full-day tour from Noosa. For a self-guided adventure, the best option is to drive 90 minutes from Noosa to Inskip Point. From there, a regular ferry will take you to the island’s southern tip.

lake mckenzie on kgari fraser island
The beautiful Lake McKenzie on K’gari

9. Double Island Point

  • Distance from Noosa: 41 miles
  • Driving time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Another stunning place for a swim, hike, picnic, or adventure tour outside Noosa is Double Island Point.

With its calm, clear waters and golden sands, Double Island Point is a hotspot for kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, canoeing, surfing, and beach driving in Queensland.

Accessible by 4WD along the beach from Rainbow Beach or Noosa North Shore, it is also home to the historic Double Island Point Lighthouse, which provides a glimpse into the area’s maritime heritage.

Join a fully guided tour or make the journey on your own, but remember to check the tides because Double Island Point is only accessible at the right water level.

But taking the chance to discover the marine life and natural beauty here is a must! It’s a spectacular location in southeast Queensland that makes for a fun-filled day trip from Noosa.

10. Australia Zoo

  • Distance from Noosa: 48 miles
  • Driving time: 1 hour

Families and animal lovers should take a day trip out to the famous Australia Zoo! Located in Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this is one of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Founded by Steve Irwin’s parents and made world-famous by the late “Crocodile Hunter” himself, the zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.

Spanning over 700 acres, it is home to a vast array of animals, including crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, tigers, and exotic species from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences like feeding kangaroos, cuddling koalas, and watching thrilling wildlife shows.

With its strong commitment to conservation and a legacy of passion for wildlife, Australia Zoo continues to inspire visitors to care for and protect the natural world.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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