Planning a weekend escape? If you’ve only got 48 hours to spend in Noosa or your holiday allows for a little extra time on the coast, Noosa is a world-class destination to add to your must-visit list in Australia. Located only 1.5 hours from Brisbane, this luxury destination on the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re traveling on your babymoon, honeymoon, or planning a girls getaway, here’s your travel guide for where to stay and how to spend 48 hours in Noosa.
Noosa Travel Guide
- From Brisbane Airport – 147.5 km
- Mooloolooba – 54.2 km
- Byron Bay – 315.8 km
Famous for its unique natural landscape and pristine beaches, Noosa is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Here you’ll find:
- 35% of Noosa’s national parks, conservation parks, State forests, lakes, and systems are protected
- 2,346 different plant species in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve area
- Noosa is one of two biosphere reserves in Queensland
Source: Noosa Biosphere
Here’s how to Spend 48 Hours in Noosa
Day 1. Main Beach + Little Cove
After you check into your room, head straight to the beach. Main Beach and Little Cove are the closest beaches to the Hastings Strip. These beaches are perfect for swimming and great for families traveling with the little ones. There’s plenty of space to roam and explore. Find a shady spot under a tree and enjoy the ultimate beach day.
Noosa National Park
If you arrive in Noosa in the middle of the day, you may want to wait until the following morning before venturing out to explore to avoid walking/hiking in the heat. While there are shaded areas in Noosa National Park, most of the trails and lookouts are exposed. Bring plenty of water and a sun hat, and keep your eyes peeled for the glossy black-cockatoo, red goshawk, koalas, swamp orchid, and Christmas bell. The park is home to several rare and threatened species.
Popular Walks in Noosa National Park
- Palm Grove Walk – If you’re looking for a break from the sun, the Palm Grove Walk is a short walk in a rainforest.
- Coastal Walk – Take this walk to get to the Noosa Fairy Pools.
- Alexandria Bay Walk – Enjoy this coastal route to Alexandria Bay.
Fairy Pools Noosa
The best time to visit the Noosa Fairy Pools is early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Noosa, and once you get there, you’ll see why.
Here’s how to find the Noosa Fairy Pools and where to park.
Day 2: Hastings Street
Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat in Noosa or want to indulge in some retail therapy, Hastings Street is where it’s at. Here you’ll find local resorts, cafes, and boutiques in the heart of Noosa Heads.
Laguna Lookout
Want to get away from it all? Take the drive to the Laguna Lookout in Noosa Heads. Enjoy views of Laguna Bay, Noosa River, Noosa’s Main Beach, and the Noosa Hinterland. If you’re visiting between June and November, look out for humpback whales. Pack a lunch and enjoy a romantic picnic with beautiful views for something unique to do in Noosa.
Kayak Secret Waterways Full of Stingrays
This two-hour adventure starts in Noosa Junction. You’ll kayak through Noosa’s waterways to Eenie Creek to experience nature and see stingrays in shallow water.
Learn to Surf
For the ultimate surfing experience, learn from the locals. Whether it’s your first time surfing or you still need a bit more practice, Noosa has multiple bays with surf locations suited to your style and ability
Where to eat in Noosa: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
From fine dining on the beach to good eats for lunch, Noosa has no shortage of top-quality restaurants and food that will leave you wanting to come back for more. Here are some of the best restaurants to try in your 48 hours in Noosa.
Sails – Enjoy ocean-front dining with views of Laguna Bay. Experience Australian cuisine made with local produce and seasonal ingredients seven days a week for lunch or dinner. Sails opens at noon.
Bistro C – Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, add this beachfront boardwalk to your must-visit list. “Our menus include perennial favourites such as our succulent steak, locally caught fish, oysters, and signature dishes such as the caramelised pork belly and a coconut chicken salad, as well as calamari that will melt in your mouth.” – Bistro C.
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. – Visit the OG spot in Noosa and order a classic burger or venture into new territory and enjoy the Crispy Chicken Caesar burger – panko-crumbed chicken, crispy bacon, egg, a crisp parmesan wafer, and garlic mayo. Yummy!
Cafe Le Monde – A staple on Hastings streets, guests love the oysters, yellow curry, and butternut pumpkin soup. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Noosa Heads Surf & Life Saving Club – No reservations required. Stop by for lunch and dinner, and enjoy the best views of Noosa Main Beach. Keep in mind; there is a dress code.
- No beach gear or hats
- No workwear after 6 pm
- Must be wearing pants/skirt/dress/a top – singlets OK
- Footwear is required
El Capitano – This isn’t your ordinary pizza joint. Sample the Vegan Butternut pumpkin puree pizza or wild mushrooms and truffle oil.
Weekend in Noosa: The Best Places to Stay
Tingirana Noosa
Want to take a dip in a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean? Say no more. Tingirana Noosa offers luxury apartment accommodations overlooking the beach. You’ll be exactly where you need to be – enjoying all the best from Hastings Street and Noosa Beach.
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
Stay here if you’re looking for a luxury retreat in the heart of Noosa. The coastal chic and Parisian decor will take your holiday to the next level. Relax at the iconic pool after exploring Noosa National Park or a day at the beach.
Mantra French Quarter Noosa
This Mantra hotel has a lagoon pool with heated spas and an outdoor barbeque picnic area across the road from Main Beach. Free parking is a plus.
What to pack for 48 hours in Noosa
When in Noosa, you’ll likely be at the beach, walking around in nature or Hastings Street, or venturing out to the Eumundi Markets if you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday.
Conclusion
If you’ve only got 48 hours in Noosa, a visit to Noosa National Park, Main Beach, Little Cove, and Hastings Street is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Sunshine Coast.
Traveling in Australia? Don’t miss Visiting Brisbane on a Budget + Tasmania Travel Guide.
It seems like such a pretty place to visit.