24 hours in Noosa with
Kate, @TheNoosaInsider
Part I
Four years ago, I moved my young family from Melbourne up to Noosa. It had long been a dream of ours to live in Noosa (after visiting a few times every year and getting married up here in 2015), we were so excited to finally have made the big leap!
Since moving up here, I constantly get asked for my recommendations and to share the best of Noosa - from accommodation options, to the best places to shop, best coffee in Noosa, to new restaurants and cafes and child-friendly activities. And so, The Noosa Insider was born (@thenoosainsider); a platform and destination where I can share all of the best places to stay, eat, play and shop in Noosa, to showcase the very best on offer in this beautiful place I’m fortunate enough to now call home.
There are so many ways to spend a day in Noosa, so I thought I’d share two different options of 24 Hours in Noosa - here’s some of my favourite things to do, places to eat and ways to relax. Part II is still to come, so stay tuned.
If you’re not familiar with Noosa, Noosa is a coastal gem nestled on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and sophisticated dining. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been coming here for years, this 24-hour itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your day in paradise. Get ready to immerse yourself in the best that Noosa has to offer, from sunrise to sunset.
NOOSA NATIONAL PARK WALK
Start your day with a sunrise walk through the breathtaking Noosa National Park. Arrive early to catch the first light as it bathes the coast in a soft, golden hue. Head toward Hell's Gates, one of the park's most dramatic viewpoints, where you might be lucky enough to spot whales breaching or dolphins playing in the surf. Along the way, stop at Tea Tree Bay, a hidden cove where you can perch on the rocks and watch surfers catch the morning waves. This is nature at its finest, and the perfect way to start your day.
NOOSA BEACH HOUSE
After your walk, it’s time to refuel and grab some breakfast. Head back to Main Beach and grab a spot at Noosa Beach House. Recently opened for breakfast, this chic spot (part of the Sofitel Hotel) is quickly becoming a local favourite. Not only is the food delicious, with fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the best of the Sunshine Coast, but the people-watching is pretty darn good too. Grab a table by the window and take in the view of Hastings Street’s crowd mingling with the early beachgoers. With the ocean just across the road, it’s the ideal setting to enjoy a relaxed start to your day.
SENSAURA DAY SPA
After breakfast, it’s time to indulge in some well-deserved pampering. A short stroll down Hastings Street leads you to Sensaura Day Spa, an oasis of calm away from the bustle outside. Step inside and immediately you’ll feel relaxed. Opt for a massage and facial, designed to melt away any tension and leave you feeling rejuvenated. This is your time to switch off, recharge, and enjoy a few peaceful moments for yourself.
NOOSA RIVER
For lunch, swap the spa for the sun and head down to the Noosa River. The riverbanks are the perfect spot for a leisurely picnic, and you have plenty of gourmet options for stocking up. Take a quick pit-stop at Belmondo’s or Organika to create your own spread of cheeses, freshly baked breads, salads and seasonal fruits. Alternatively, swing by local favourite, Ari’s Deli, for traditional homemade focaccias, mouth-watering dips, and pastries that will elevate your picnic game. Once your basket is full, hire a Pontoon BBQ boat from Noosa Water Sports. Cruise leisurely down the river, soaking in the sunshine, and drop anchor at one of the many islands dotting the river. This is your own private paradise where you can enjoy your picnic, go fishing, or even fire up the on-board BBQ (with some premium cuts from Eumundi Meats). It’s the ultimate in relaxed, island-style dining.
BANG BANG, DINNER-TIME
Grab a spot up on the bar at Bang Bang, located on Hastings St, but you’d be forgiven if you missed this hidden restaurant. Delivering up delicious cocktails and delicious Asian-fusion style cuisine, Bang Bang has the perfect balance of cool city-vibe with beachside chilled dining.
DESSERT-TO-GO
A Noosa holiday wouldn’t be complete without a daily gelato-fix. Finish your night by wandering down Hastings St to my all-time favourite gelato shop, Massimos, where you’ll be treated to mouth-watering ice cream and gelato flavours like pistachio, cinnamon, watermelon and tiramisu. Grab your ice cream and find a spot on the beach and soak up the last hours of the day, enjoying your dessert-to-go.
