East Coast
Australia

A Backpacker's Guide: Things To Do In Noosa

Posted on 8 May 2018

 

Beaches for days, national parks with weird-looking wildlife and a decent amount of attractive people, Noosa is the epitome of an East Coast destination. But if that isn't enough to get you there, you'll be pleased to know there is a lot more to this place than the sun, surf and sand. So hop off your premier bus and let us walk you through the must-do's. 

 

Where to Eat in Noosa

 

Hastings Street

 

Where to Eat in Noosa

Image thanks to HerCanberra

Hastings Street is Queensland's answer to Bondi Beach. This means a ridiculous amount of gluten-free options, overbearing celebrity sightings, and fancy Aussies holidaying. The number of fancy cafés and places to eat here will leave you spoiled for choice. It’s also right near Noosa Heads Main Beach so it’s a perfect place check out after a day of sun, sand, and surf. 

 

Betty’s Burgers

 

Betty’s Burgers

Image thanks to Betty’s Burgers

Betty's Burgers is a local favourite and a mainstay on Hastings Street. It’s not just cheap and delicious, the burger gods have decided and Betty’s Burgers has been voted as one of the best burgers on the East Coast. If you’re looking for something a bit different, we recommend the Bare Betty. It’s a bunless burger all wrapped in lettuce, perfect if you’re looking to cut carbs. You’re welcome.

 

Paradise Arcade

 

Paradise Arcade

Image thanks to The Urban List

If you’ve ever felt like abandoning your current life and moving to Mexico, Paradise Arcade is the next best thing. This Cali-Mexican inspired taco joint is a gem that’s hidden in Arcadia St, just off of Noosa Junctions main drag. Paradise Arcade has the authentic Spanish vibes that make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Mexican beaches of Cancún. Open every day of the week, 4 pm - Late, come grab a Cerveza or cocktail paired with a darn good taco. With such a late opening time, this place is great to finish a night on the town.

 

Places to Party in Noosa

 

KB’s Bar

 

Places to Party in Noosa

Image thanks to VisitNoosa

KB’s is Noosa’s local backpacker bar. Located right near Nomads Hostel it’s a great way to start a night out on the town. And because at KB’s everyone is a friend, they’ve hooked everybody up with some quality mates rates on drinks.

 

Rolling Rock Nightclub

 

Rolling Rock Nightclub

Image thanks to TripAdvisor

If you’re after some pumping bass and party vibes then you can’t go past Rolling Rock Nightclub. Touting themselves as the #1 club in Noosa they’re party veterans, keeping the night alive for over 30 years, since 1987. Every weekend Rolling Rock nightclub offers big-name and local DJ’s as well as heaps of special events so you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

 

 Halse Lodge

 

 Halse Lodget

Image thanks to Halse Lodge

If you’re looking for a few cheeky drinks during a weekday Halse Lodge is here to serve. Halse Lodge doubles as a hostel, but don’t be deceived, this is a favourite of internationals and locals alike. With this worldly clientele, you’re likely to never have a boring conversation here. And don’t go past their food they’ve got a full restaurant with daily deals so you can save some cash.

 

The Cheapest Thrills...Freebies in Noosa.

 

Noosa National Park

 

Noosa National Park

Image thanks to Noosa Crest Resort

Barely outside of Noosa, Noosa National Park is a natural wonderland. Encompassing an area of over 4,000 hectares, there’s plenty to explore.

We recommend the National Park Coastal Walk. You should allow a couple of hours to do it, but it’s two hours well spent as the walk is one of the best on the East Coast. On the walk there is a good chance of spotting koalas, whales, turtles or dolphins in their natural habitat. Once you reach Tea Tree Bay, a reward awaits with secluded beaches and lush fairy pools.

 

Eumundi Markets

 

Eumundi Markets

Image thanks to Visit Noosa

Every Wednesday, 8 am - 1:30 pm and every Sunday, 7 am - 2 pm Eumundi Markets opens to the public. The markets are a great place to get your fair share of live music, arts and eats, all from passionate locals. The markets run rain hail or shine, so if you’re really craving some wholesome market fun Eumundi market is a great place to go.

Heads up: If you’ve got a car the Eumundi Markets are a 20-minute drive from Noosa. There are also public buses that take around 40 minutes to get there. Make sure to get there early, it gets busy!

 

Noosa Heads Main Beach

 

Noosa Heads Main Beach
Image thanks to Visit Noosa

It would be crazy for someone to come to Noosa and not check out its main beach. Noosa Heads Main Beach is a relaxing paradise that borders Noosa National park, giving awesome views no matter where you look. The beach is also one the few along Australia’s coastline that faces north. This means gentle waves that are patrolled by surf lifesavers. These waves make Noosa’s Main Beach great the beginner surfer, just chilling out and going for a swim or lying on the beach and working on your tan. The best bit, it’s an easy walk from most parts of Noosa!

 

What's the Weather Like in Noosa?

 

Noosa Everglades

Its coastal position means summer in Noosa is glistening skies with a comfortable high of 28ºC. Winter tends to drop but only to highs of 22ºC and lows of 11ºC - so it’s unlikely you’ll need to rug up for the cold.  

 

Must-Do Day Trips and Overnight Adventures in Noosa:

 

Noosa Everglades

 

Noosa Everglades

Image thanks to Visit Noosa

The Noosa Everglades are one of the only two everglades in the world (with the other being in Florida). Noosa Everglades is a 60km stretch of pristine mirror-like water, beautiful natural sights and plenty of local wildlife. The best way to see this natural wonder is by hiring a kayak, taking your time and just enjoying these breathtaking surroundings. You can either drive down and hire a kayak yourself or join in on one of the many tours. The everglades are around a 40-minute drive from Noosa Heads and take about half a day to explore.

 

Fraser Island

 

Fraser Island, Fraser Island Day Tours

Image thanks to Queensland.com

If you can’t get enough of Australia’s sun and sand, why not check out Fraser Island Tours? Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island stretching over 120km (around 75 miles). Fraser Island features amazing views, crystal clear waters and tons of natural wildlife (especially dingos!). The best way to get here is by joining a tour. Most tours include meals, overnight camping accommodation and provide the best way of getting around Fraser Island, your very own 4WD!

 

Wrapping it up

 

With amazing sand and surf that puts it on the map, Noosa is a beach town to rival all beach towns. But in the end, it’s more than just a place to work on your tan. Noosa is surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature and interesting places you can find all over Australia. If you’re still wondering why Noosa is so famous, you have to go to find out yourself.

 

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