The ultimate guide to Noosa National Park

How many world-class beaches can claim a national park as their next-door neighbour? Not many.

Sprawling across 2,883 green hectares, Noosa National Park wraps around the headland and extends to Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum. The most popular walking tracks hug the Noosa headland – just a lazy 30-minute stroll from the boutiques and bistros of Hastings Street.

To get here? Parking exists but arrive with the dawn chorus or forget about finding a spot. Your best bet is to simply wander into the national park from town. 

Noosa National Park walks

Coastal Walk

If time allows for just one trail, make it this one. This spectacular 5.4km coastal-hugging path (10.8km return) delivers maximum views for minimum effort.

Breathe in that eucalyptus-scented air as you wind toward your first lookout – Boiling Pot – before hitting Tea Tree Bay's postcard-worthy shoreline. Push on to Dolphin Point (yes, they really do play here) and the dramatically named Hell's Gates, where Alexandria Bay unfolds below you. Finish with sandy toes at Sunshine Beach, where refreshing drinks and bathing await.

Pro tip: One-way warriors can hop the local bus back to Noosa rather than retracing their steps.

Tanglewood Walk (8.2km return)

Craving elevation? Branch off at Hell's Gates (or start at the Day Use area) for this 8.2km inland adventure. Swapping ocean panoramas for rainforest canopy and seasonal wildflower explosions, it's the perfect complement to the coastal experience.

Palm Grove (1.1 return) and Noosa Hill Walk (2.8km return)

Perfect for rainforest lovers short on time. Palm Grove delivers a 1.1km shaded rainforest fix right at the park entrance, while adjacent Noosa Hill Walk climbs gently through 2.8km of verdant goodness with filtered ocean glimpses.

Alexandria Bay Walk (4.2km return)

This rainforest shortcut connects midway along the Coastal Walk (south of Alexandria Bay) to Sunshine Beach village. Perfect for loop enthusiasts or those looking to mix beach and forest views. Try it in reverse to finish with those stunning vistas over Alexandria Bay and Lion Rock.

Good to know: Alexandria Bay is a popular nudist beach. 

Explore lesser-known areas of Noosa National Park

Emu Mountain (1.1km return) and Hawkea Walks (2.4km return)

Beyond the headland hotspot lie two more park sections begging for exploration. Emu Mountain rewards minimal effort with maximum coastal panoramas framed by red gums and she-oaks. Energy to burn? The connected Hawkea trail delivers even more spectacular coast and hinterland vistas, including the distinctive Glasshouse Mountains silhouettes.

Ocean Beach Walk (1km return)

Swap headland heights for beachside bliss on this 1km Peregian connector. Weaving through casuarina, paperbark swamp and sedgelands, it deposits you directly onto patrolled Peregian Beach. Pack swimmers – you'll need them.

The flora and fauna of Noosa National Park

The ocean views might hog the spotlight, but nature's supporting cast deserves attention too.

Look up for towering brush box trees, giant kauri pines and vibrant banksia blooms. Look down for carpets of emerald coastal boobialla. Look out for migrating whales (July-October), year-round dolphin pods, and sea turtles cruising beneath Dolphin Point, Boiling Pot and Hell's Gates.

Inland trails offer prime koala-spotting territory (tip: scan eucalypt branches), black cockatoo sightings, and if you're ridiculously lucky, echidna encounters amid the undergrowth.

The best photo spots in Noosa National Park

Instagram gold awaits around every corner – from turquoise waves framed by pandanus branches to wildlife close-ups and beach panoramas.

Boiling Pot and Dolphin Point deliver their namesake marine life (patience required), Laguna Lookout is perfect for a selfie shoot, while Granite Bay offers double the view with Double Island Point stretched across the horizon on clear days.

But the undisputed champion? Hell's Gates – where dramatic cliff edges create natural frames for endless ocean on one side and Alexandria Bay's golden sweep on the other. #NoFilter needed.

Catch a break in a World Surfing Reserve

Surfing isn't just a sport in Noosa – it's practically a religion. The 2020 World Surfing Reserve designation just made it official.

Each break has its personality: Little Cove welcomes beginners with gentle waves; First Point and Little Cove call longboarders; short boarders race to open beaches for fast, clean rides; paddle boarders claim First Point or Nations. Tea Tree Bay brings the beauty, while Granite Bay delivers size.

When wind plays havoc, shelter at First Point or Nations. Rather stay dry? Kayak tours reveal the headland's ancient history with bonus dolphin and turtle spotting potential.

Our tip: Keen surfers should time their visit for the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing.

Where to stay in Noosa

After Noosa National Park adventures, retreat to rainforested luxury at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas – complete with an indulgent day spa. Beach devotees can't beat Fairshore Noosa's prime beachfront position on Hastings Street. For spectacular views, Noosa Blue Resort's rooftop penthouses and heated pools sit high on Noosa Hill.

Find your perfect Noosa base among more accommodation options here.

Ready to discover more of Noosa? Kick start planning with this long weekend guide.