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Nature by Noosa
Immerse yourself in natural Noosa, located on the doorstep of volcanic mountains, clear waters and World Heritage-listed wonders.
Low-rise and leafy and surrounded by remarkable coastal and hinterland geography, the Noosa region’s natural beauty brings visitors from far and near. Bordered by sea, river, rainforest, pristine lakes, national parks and bush, Noosa is the ideal base for a range of outdoor activities. The Noosa region’s natural beauty and unique approach to sustainable living led to it being recognised in 2007 as Queensland’s first Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
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Noosa’s strong record of the community working to create harmony between people and nature, and our commitment to lowrise development and protecting large tracts of land are some of the reasons for the Biosphere declaration. Noosa is the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and has the new Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve as its neighbour. See the local wildlife, from koalas and bush turkeys to turtles, whales and an amazing array of birdlife – it all makes for a unique and stunning experience by nature.
The Noosa hinterland is a dramatic landscape of rolling hills and mountains formed by long-extinct volcanoes, creating vantage points with lookouts over panoramic views such as Mt Coolum, Mt Tinbeerwah and Mt Cooroora. Take a trip to the Noosa Botanic Gardens at Lake Macdonald, between Noosa and Cooroy – a beautiful and popular place for boating, picnicking, walking and weddings.
Noosa waterways - Noosa is famous for its warm waters and the beauty of its pristine beaches, river and lakes. Main Beach is popular for safe swimming, water sports and learning to surf. The eastern beaches, from Sunshine Beach to Coolum Beach feature stunning lookouts, walking tracks and patrolled beaches.
Noosa River extends from the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil waters of the Everglades, an ancient system of waterways with clear lakes, dark tannin waters, sand dunes and the gateway to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island. A World Heritage-listed area, it is accessible from Noosa via Noosa North Shore by 4WD as a day trip or overnight package. Experience the underwater world of reefs, wrecks and abundant colourful marine life in the clear waters off the Sunshine Coast.
Noosa National Park - Noosa National Park is one of Australia’s most popular national parks. Located at one end of Hastings Street and also accessible from Sunshine Beach to the south, the park attracts bushwalkers, nature lovers, picnickers and surfers.
Noosa’s national parks protect the rare beauty of the natural landscapes and the local wildlife. Discover them for yourself.
Set out on foot to follow one of the many tracks around the rocky headland. Look out for resident wildlife, including bush turkeys, kookaburras, goannas and koalas. Between June and November, Humpback whales can be glimpsed as they cruise past the coastline.
Grab a map of walking trails at the park information centre and wander along one of the easy to moderate walking tracks that wind along the coast, through rainforest and open woodlands. Longer tracks lead out through open forest and heath, where a great variety of wildflowers can be observed in winter and spring.
The coastal track from the park information centre to Dolphin Point is paved and suitable for assisted wheelchair and stroller access. Toilet facilities at the park are also wheelchair accessible.
Tewantin National Park - Mt Tinbeerwah, with its easily accessible lookout, is a distinctive shape in the newly declared Tewantin National Park – almost 2000ha of rainforest, open eucalypt forest and remnants of wallum heath between Noosa Heads and Cooroy. Mt Tinbeerwah (265m) has beautiful 360 degree views of the coastline, Noosa River system, lakes, towns, hinterland and bushland. The lookout is a short, easy walk along a track
from the carpark, suitable for assisted wheelchair access, and it is popular for abseiling and rock climbing. Tewantin National Park has a number of walking, horse-riding and mountain biking trails that criss-cross the area. Wooroi day-use area is a cool spot for a picnic or barbecue. Take a walk through the she-oaks, bloodwoods and rainforest along Wooroi Creek track and Palm Grove circuit.
Mount Coolum National Park - Mount Coolum National Park, just to the south of the township of Coolum Beach, is characterised by the distinctive dome-shaped Mt Coolum (208m). A rough track, suitable for fit walkers only, leads from a carpark up the eastern side to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular 360 degree views. Mt Coolum is part of the local Aboriginal legend about the Maroochy River and surrounds.
The park extends south and west of Mt Coolum, and is a wonderful place for keen bushwalkers and birdwatchers, or to see colourful wildflowers in late winter and early spring.
Great Sandy National Park - The Great Sandy National Park stretches for 60km from north of Noosa to Rainbow Beach. Also known as Cooloola, the park is home to the Teewah Coloured Sands and incorporates the Noosa River’s stunning Everglades system. It also offers 4WD access to Fraser Island. Explore walking tracks or stay at one of the camping sites within the park.
Vehicle permits are now required to drive along the beach and on some inland tracks in the Cooloola Recreation Area. Phone 13 74 68 or see www.qld.gov.au/camping. Permits are also available at the Visitor Information Centre in Hastings Street, the Great Sandy Information Centre at Tewantin, or QPWS Rainbow Beach office.
Visitors can safely enjoy the beach between First and Third Cuttings on southern Teewah Beach (about 2.5km) which is now a vehicle-free area. Traffic bypasses the beach along an inland track.
Glass House Mountains National Park - Further afield, the Glass House Mountains National Park is a popular destination with walkers who come to climb the volcanic mountains that look out over pine plantations, eucalypt forests and open fields. Walking tracks range from easy to very challenging.
