Is Noosa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Noosa had been on my list of must-visit spots since the day I arrived in Australia. Partly because I eat the yogurt (obviously), and partly because I kept hearing how amazing this chic little beach town on the Sunshine Coast was.

But when I finally made it there, it was a bit different than I expected. For starters, Hastings Street prices were a shock to the bank account. And the beaches were way more stunning than I imagined. I don’t know why, but I just wasn’t expecting crystal-clear waves and postcard-perfect water.

It got me thinking: every destination has its pros and cons. What makes a place “worth it” really depends on what kind of trip you’re after. So I decided to write this guide to help answer the question “Is Noosa worth visiting?” Hopefully by the end, you’ll have a clear picture and can decide for yourself if this is your next Aussie holiday destination.

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

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Is Noosa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Noosa Worth Visiting – My Experience and a Quick Breakdown

If you’re in a hurry and just want the short answer, yes, 100% Noosa is worth visiting. When we arrived from Brisbane, I instantly fell in love with the fact that there are no high-rises crowding the beach. That means longer days of sunshine and actual nature around you instead of concrete towers.

Noosa is split into two main areas: Noosa Heads and Noosaville. They’re both beautiful in their own way, one sits along the river, the other right on the beach. We spent most of our time in Noosa Heads, since that’s where you’ll find the national park and the main beaches. Our days were basically hiking in the morning, surfing in the afternoon, and eating way too well on Hastings Street at night.

But let me be real, Noosa has a reputation for attracting the rich and famous of Oz, and it shows. It’s not cheap. The boutiques are mostly high-end, the Noosa accommodation isn’t exactly budget-friendly, and a lot of the restaurants lean fancy. There are a few low-key spots too, but overall it’s a bit of a splurge.

That said, it still felt worth it to me. Especially because we were on holiday mode, and sometimes you just want to lean into the good life a little. So if that sounds a little bit like you, nature, sunshine, and good food, then 100% you need to visit Noosa! And if you’re still not sold, then lets get into a bit more of the nitty gritty! 

What Is Noosa Known For?

Noosa is best known for its stunning beaches, protected national park, and a laid-back lifestyle that somehow still feels upscale. The area is part of the Sunshine Coast but has a more polished, boutique feel compared to some of its neighbors. It’s the kind of place where you can hike through eucalyptus forests in the morning, spot a koala, grab a smoothie, and then be swimming in crystal-clear surf by lunch. That combination of nature and luxury is what makes it stand out.

Aside from the obvious natural beauty, Noosa is also famous for its food scene and Hastings Street, a lively strip right near Main Beach filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s also a gateway to the Noosa Everglades (yes, that’s a thing), and it’s become a go-to spot for surfers, wellness seekers, and anyone chasing a slower pace without giving up their good coffee. Whether you’re hiking, shopping, or just floating in the ocean, Noosa has a way of making it all feel effortless.

Is Noosa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Noosa Good for First-Time Visitors?

Yes, absolutely, especially if you’re a little nervous about all the wild things Australia is known for (no shame, we were too). We visited Noosa in Australia with my family who were over from the US, and it was the second stop on our two-week East Coast Trip after Sydney. It ended up being the perfect introduction to the Aussie lifestyle: sunny days, chill beach town energy, great food, and not a single crocodile in sight.

Noosa really eased us into the trip. The coastal walk through the national park is one of the easiest hikes on the coast, but also one of the most beautiful. It’s all ocean views, eucalyptus trees, and the occasional sleepy koala. Main Beach and the surrounding spots are calm and swimmable year-round, which makes it ideal for the whole family.

The further north you go in Queensland, the more you’ll need to start thinking about stingers and saltwater crocs (because honestly, Australia is kind of out to get you), but Noosa is super safe and beginner-friendly. If you’re headed over for the first time, this is a great place to start.

Is Noosa Expensive?

Honestly, everywhere in Australia feels expensive right now, and Noosa is no exception. It definitely leans toward the luxury side, especially around Hastings Street, where boutique shopping and high-end dining are kind of the norm. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your life savings to enjoy it. There are always ways to make it work, depending on your budget.

We ended up staying in an eco-lodge in Montville, just inland from Noosa, which helped us save a bit while still being close enough to visit every day. If you’re set on staying in Noosa itself, there are still plenty of mid-range and even budget-friendly noosa accommodation if you book early or avoid peak seasons. You can also skip the restaurant bill now and then, grab groceries from Coles or Woolies and cook at home.

And the best part? So many of the best things to do in Noosa are completely free. That’s kind of the beauty of Australia, you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. Grab a $5 flat white, head to the coastal track, sit on the beach, eat some fruit, go for a swim… that’s the whole day sorted, and it costs next to nothing. So yes, Noosa is expensive, but this shouldn’t keep you from visiting. 

How Long Should You Stay in Noosa?

If you’re short on time, even two full days in Noosa is enough to get a taste, you can hit the coastal walk, swim at Main Beach, wander Hastings Street, and squeeze in a sunset or two. But if you’ve got the time, I’d recommend staying 3 to 5 days to really settle into the pace of the place. Noosa is very chill, so if you want a few days of just enjoying life, this is the place to do it, but if you’re trying to go non stop well, then 3 days is plenty.

We had it as a 2-day stop during our trip, and it worked perfectly as a reset before heading up North. If you’re building a road trip up or down the coast, Noosa makes a great anchor point. You can do day trips from here too, like hinterland towns, the Everglades, or even out to K’gari Island.

Is Surfing in Noosa Good for Beginners (and Everyone Else)?

Yes, Noosa is one of the best spots in Australia to learn how to surf, but it’s not just for beginners. Main Beach is super calm with consistent, mellow waves, which makes it ideal if you’re brand new to surfing or just want to mess around in the whitewash without getting totally wrecked. There are loads of surf schools around, and it’s one of those places where even nervous first-timers end up standing up on their first try.

But if you’re a more experienced surfer, don’t skip it! Noosa has something for you, too. First Point is known for its long, peeling right-handers that are perfect for longboarding, and on a good swell, it can get seriously fun (and surprisingly crowded). There are also heaps of other beaches around Noosa with different breaks, so whether you’re a total beginner or you’re traveling with your board and chasing waves, there’s a spot here for you.

📍Book Surf lessons for the whole family!!

Is Noosa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Noosa Too Touristy?

It definitely has its moments. Noosa is one of the most popular beach destinations in Queensland, so you can expect crowds, especially during school holidays, long weekends, and anytime the sun’s out (which is… most of the year). Hastings Street can feel a bit polished and busy, like a small-town version of a resort strip, and parking can be a nightmare.

But here’s the thing, it still feels relaxed. Once you step away from the main street, Noosa doesn’t lose that coastal charm. You’ve got the national park right there, quiet spots along the river, hidden beaches like Tea Tree Bay, and so many walking trails where you’ll barely see anyone. So yes, it’s popular, but it’s popular for a reason, and it’s easy to escape the crowds if you know where to go.

Noosa vs Other Sunshine Coast Spots

The Sunshine Coast is packed with great places to visit, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum, Peregian, but Noosa definitely stands out. It has more of a boutique, upmarket feel, and everything is just a little more polished: the food, the beaches, the accommodation, even the walking trails. If you want a mix of nature, good food, and that “on holiday” feeling without needing to do much, Noosa nails it.

That said, other Sunshine Coast spots can be better suited for different kinds of trips. Mooloolaba has a bigger town feel and is more budget-friendly. Caloundra is super family-focused with calm beaches and loads of playgrounds. Coolum is chill and low-key, great if you want fewer people and a slower pace. But Noosa is kind of the all-rounder with its amazing beaches, national parks, a solid food scene, and plenty of ways to treat yourself. If you’re only choosing one base and want a little bit of everything, Noosa’s hard to beat.

Is Noosa Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Things to Do in Noosa

Maybe you’re worried there isn’t enough to do or that it’s all just beaches and bougie brunches. Totally fair. But Noosa has a really solid mix of laid-back, active, and foodie-friendly stuff to keep you busy. 

Here’s a quick list of things you can do in Noosa:

  • Walk the Noosa National Park coastal track – an easy, stunning hike with ocean views and possible koala spotting
  • Swim or surf at Main Beach – calm, safe, and right next to all the action
  • Visit quieter beaches like Tea Tree Bay, Little Cove, or Sunshine Beach
  • Explore the Noosa River by kayak or paddleboard – or take a lazy boat ride
  • Eat your way through Hastings Street – cafes, gelato, beachside cocktails
  • Day trip to the Noosa Everglades – yes, there are Everglades in Australia
  • Catch the sunrise or sunset from Laguna Lookout – trust me, it’s worth the uphill
  • Shop the Eumundi Markets – on Wednesdays and Saturdays, full of local food, fashion, and handmade stuff

Things I Didn’t Love About Noosa

As much as I enjoyed Noosa, there were definitely a few things that weren’t ideal.

Parking was a nightmare. We once spent 30 minutes circling around trying to find a spot near Main Beach, and that seems pretty standard unless you get super lucky or show up early. It’s not the most car-friendly place if you’re staying outside of town.

The shopping wasn’t for us, mostly because our bank accounts weren’t ready for $400 linen dresses and designer sunnies. Hastings Street is full of beautiful boutiques, but they’re mostly on the high-end side, so window shopping it was.

And the restaurant dress codes caught us off guard. A few places turned us away because we came straight from the beach or a hike. Totally fair on their part, but it was a bit frustrating when you’re just trying to grab a casual dinner in sandy shorts.

FAQ

Is Noosa worth visiting for a day?

This really depends on you. We drove in just for the day from Montville (about an hour away), and honestly, it was worth it. We hiked the coastal walk, swam at two beaches, and had dinner on the beach at sunset—all in one day, and it was fantastic. That said, we could’ve easily stayed in Montville, visited some cute wineries, explored the hinterlands, and had an equally amazing day. So it really comes down to the kind of experience you’re after.

Best place to stay in Noosa for couples?

If you’re after a romantic escape, try:

Why is Noosa so popular?

It’s the mix of natural beauty and ease. Noosa has stunning beaches, a protected national park, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere, all in one compact, walkable area. It’s easy to get around, easy to enjoy, and just feels good to be in.

Noosa or Sunshine Coast?

Noosa is part of the Sunshine Coast, but it feels different from the rest. If you’re choosing between Noosa and other towns on the Sunshine Coast (like Mooloolaba, Caloundra, or Coolum), Noosa wins for nature, food, and that relaxed-luxury vibe. But if you want something more affordable or low-key, other towns might be a better fit.

Final Verdict: Is Noosa Worth Visiting?

For me, the good definitely outweighed the bad. I wish we had more time in Noosa, between the hiking trails, the beaches, and the flat whites that actually taste like something, it was exactly the kind of slow-paced, outdoorsy adventure I love.

If you’re into nature, coastal walks, and starting your mornings with a swim instead of traffic noise, you’ll probably fall for Noosa just like we did. But if you’re more of a big-city traveler, into late-night bars, fast-paced energy, and a ton of nightlife, you might find it a little too quiet. At the end of the day, it all depends on what kind of holiday you’re after. For us, Noosa is definitely worth visiting.

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