The Perfect 3 Day Noosa Itinerary: What to Do, Eat & See

Noosa was hands down one of my favorite stops on our Sunshine Coast itinerary. I could’ve happily stayed way longer, it’s that magical mix of stunning nature, a bit of bougie beach-town living, and just the right amount of things to do.

You’ve got the iconic must-dos, like the Coastal Walk and Hastings Street, but what really makes Noosa special are the little surprises tucked around every corner. There are secret swim spots, dreamy lookouts along the sunshine coast, and some awesome tours through the Everglades!

This Noosa itinerary is packed with the good stuff like beach days, hikes, and some epic experiences that’ll make your trip feel so special. So let’s dive into the best way to spend three days in Noosa Australia.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Noosa Australia

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Noosa Pacific Resort – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Noosa Heads Motel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Bella Casa Noosa – Click here for rates & availability

The Perfect 3 Day Noosa Itinerary: What to Do, Eat & See

3 Day Noosa Itinerary – My Experience

Before we get into the itinerary, I want to quickly share what my time in Noosa looked like so you know where I’m coming from. I only had 2 days here since we were on a road trip up to Cairns on a two-week adventure.

And while you can squeeze a lot into 2 days, I left totally wishing I had more time. That’s why I’ve built this Noosa itinerary for 3 days. Personally, I think that’s the sweet spot. You get one day to chill, one for adventure, and one for exploring beyond the town because there’s so much to do around here.

You can absolutely swap the days around depending on your vibe. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of guide. But I will say this: the Coastal Walk through Noosa National Park is a must. We started around 11 am, and even though it was hot, the eucalyptus trees gave us just enough shade. We spent the whole day hopping between beaches, scanning the trees for koalas, and soaking up everything that makes Noosa feel like magic.

So, however much time you have and whatever you’re planning to do, just make sure the Coastal Walk is right at the top of your list.

The Perfect 3 Days in Noosa Itinerary

If you’ve never been to Noosa, get ready because this place will steal your heart in no time.

This 3-day guide is packed with the kind of days that’ll have you wishing for just one more and casually checking real estate listings, asking yourself if maybe you should move here!

Let’s discover Noosa!

Day 1: Hastings Street, Coastal Walk, and Surf Lessons

Start your morning with a walk down Hastings Street. This place is right opposite the beach and is full of upscale cafes with al fresco dining, cute boutiques and some even cuter hotels and apartments that look right onto the ocean. You’ll want to arrive early if you’re driving in, as the parking can get crazy.

I recommend grabbing brunch and a coffee at Moonstruck Coffee, it’s one of my favorite cafes in Noosa.

After fueling up, you’ll head toward the main beach and the National Park for the coastal walk. Bring your swimsuit as there are tons of little beaches like tea tree bay to stop for a swim in. But be alert, most of the beaches in the National Parks don’t have lifeguards.

The walk usually takes about 1.5 hours without stops, so I recommend giving yourself 3 hours for little dips and dolphin spotting at the dolphin lookout.

Once you arrive back at the Noosa main beach, you can grab some lunch or a snack before a sunset surf. The main beach is perfect for beginners, and there are loads of different surf schools. I recommend booking this 2-hour lesson. It’s the perfect way to end a day in the sun.

Since it’s been a day or exploring Noosa, I recommend keeping it simple and grabbing some fish and chips and the Noosa Heads Surf Club right on the beach. They have a stunning view of the sea and the sunset.

Day 2: Noosa River, Everglades Adventure, and Sunset Drinks

Start your morning in Noosaville with a riverfront coffee and brekkie at Depot or Grind Café. They are both super laid back and are the perfect place to start the day.

Then it’s time to explore a different side to Noosa. The Noosa Everglades, one of only two in the world. Full of mangroves and rainforest vibes. You can go by kayak or book a guided boat tour. Personally, I think the eco tour is amazing. We learned from the locals, got to sip on locally brewed beer, and it was a fantastic introduction to the area.

Afterwards, head back to Noosaville for a late lunch or chill by the river. If you’ve still got energy, rent a paddleboard or just flop on the grass and enjoy the view. For sunset, grab drinks and dinner at Noosa Boathouse. It’s right on the water and has some of the best views in town.

Day 3: Whale Watching, Little Cove, and Sunset

If you’re visiting Noosa from July to October, then Whale Watching is an absolute must-do. We visited in August and got super lucky to see these incredible humpback whales launching themselves out of the water. The whale watching tour starts at 8:30 or 10:30 and lasts 1.5 hours.

After the tour, grab breakfast or a smoothie from Noosa junction and head to Little Cove. It’s right off the coastal track and easily one of my favorite beaches in Noosa. Way less crowded than Main Beach, and honestly, I think it’s way prettier too. Spend your last day swimming, sunbathing, and soaking it all in.

After a few hours in the Aussie sun, head back to your Noosa accommodation, freshen up, and get ready for your final evening.

Make your way to Laguna Lookout for one last sunset. You’ve got the Noosa hinterland on one side, the ocean on the other, and it’s seriously gorgeous.

Then finish the night at Bang Bang, one of my absolute favorite spots to eat in Noosa. It’s a swanky Asian fusion restaurant with amazing cocktails and a super fun atmosphere. But make sure to get reservations, it can get busy!

Wrapping Up Your 3 Day Itinerary in Noosa

Three days in Noosa goes by way too fast, and I hope this Noosa itinerary helps you plan the best holiday full of beaches, walks, whales, cocktails, and everything else the town has to offer.

Make sure to save this itinerary for later and check out my other Noosa Travel Guides so you’ve got everything ready to go when you’re ready to explore Noosa.