The Crown Jewel of the Sunshine Coast
Originally declared a national park in 1939, Noosa National Park is one of Australia's most visited — and most loved — coastal sanctuaries. Stretching across 3,000 hectares of headland, open woodland, lowland rainforest, wetland, and heathland, the park wraps around the Noosa Headland just steps from Hastings Street. Had it not been for tenacious locals in the 1960s, led by Dr Arthur Harrold and the Noosa Parks Development Association, there could have been a road carved straight through to Sunshine Beach. Instead, we have one of the most pristine coastal landscapes on Australia's east coast.
The star attraction is the Coastal Walk — a 10.8-kilometre return trail that follows the shoreline from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach, passing over dramatic headlands, past hidden bays, through pandanus-fringed lookouts, and alongside waters teeming with dolphins, turtles, and (in season) humpback whales. Add wild koalas snoozing in the eucalypts, lace monitors sunbaking on the tree trunks, and brahminy kites soaring above, and you have an experience that feels remarkably wild for somewhere so close to civilisation.
Beyond the famous coastal track, quieter inland trails — Tanglewood Track, Palm Grove Circuit, and Noosa Hill Walk — thread through rainforest alive with birdsong, while surfers stake out breaks at Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, and Nationals. Entry is free, the park is open 24 hours, and sunrise and sunset are nothing short of extraordinary.
Noosa Heads → Sunshine Beach
The iconic 10.8km return trail. Walk the whole thing (3–4 hours) or turn back at any point. Each section reveals a new character.
What You Might Spot
One of the most reliable places in Queensland to see wild koalas. Keep your eyes on the trees, the water, and the sky.
Koalas
Year-round in eucalypts along the Coastal Walk and Tanglewood Track. Look for scratch marks on trunks.
Dolphins
Pods spotted most days from Dolphin Point and near Hells Gates, often surfing the waves.
Sea Turtles
Feeding on rocks near Boiling Pot and Tea Tree Bay. Best seen in calm conditions.
Humpback Whales
June–November migration. Visible from headland lookouts, especially Hells Gates.
Sea Eagles & Kites
Brahminy kites, ospreys, and white-bellied sea eagles soar above the coastline.
Lace Monitors
Large goanna lizards sunbaking on tree trunks. Also blue-tongues and bearded dragons.
Beyond the Coastal Track
Tanglewood Track
A quieter inland return route through ever-changing rainforest and eucalypt forest. Strangler figs, birdsong, and a good chance of spotting wallabies and koalas away from the crowds.
Palm Grove Circuit
A short loop through dense lowland rainforest near the park entrance. Towering palms, ferns, and filtered light. The quietest trail in the headland section — perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.
Noosa Hill Walk
Climb through towering trees to a small summit with coastal views peeking through the canopy. Connects to Tanglewood Track via a link trail for a longer loop option through the interior of the park.
Alexandria Bay Walk
A direct inland trail from the car park to Alexandria Bay through sandy heathland and cool forest. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are common. Connects with the Coastal Walk at the beach.
Coast, Forest & Wildlife
Everything You Need to Know
Getting There & Parking
End of Park Road, Noosa Heads. Parking fills early (especially weekends and school holidays). Arrive before 7:30am or walk from Hastings Street (~10 minutes). Street parking available along Park Road and Noosa Drive. No public transport to the park entrance, but the 627 bus connects Sunshine Beach.
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise is magical for photography, wildlife, and avoiding crowds. Early morning and late afternoon are also quieter. Midweek is far less busy than weekends. Winter (June–August) is ideal — cooler for walking, and whale season. The park is open 24 hours, year-round.
What to Bring
Water (at least 1L per person — refill taps at the entrance and Tea Tree Bay only), hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. There's a small coffee kiosk at the entrance but no other food outlets inside the park. Pack snacks for longer walks.
Safety
Stay on marked tracks and keep away from cliff edges (unprotected). No beaches in the park are patrolled by lifesavers — swimming is at your own risk. Alexandria Bay has high surf. Fairy Pools are off-track and can be dangerous in storms. Snakes are present — stay aware on trails.
Surfing & Swimming
Tea Tree Bay is the most popular surf break (15 min walk in). Granite Bay has the biggest waves. Nationals (near the entrance) is for experienced surfers only. Little Cove is sheltered and family-friendly. All beaches are unpatrolled.
Return Options
Walk back the same way (most popular), loop via the quieter Tanglewood Track through the rainforest, walk the boardwalk from Sunshine Beach to Hastings Street, or catch the 627 bus from Sunshine Beach back to Noosa Junction.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full return walk from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach is approximately 10.8km and takes 3–4 hours. Many people walk to Hells Gates (2.7km one way, ~1 hour each way) and turn back — this covers the most scenic highlights. You can also turn around at any point along the trail.
Yes — completely free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No entry fees, no permits, no booking required. The only cost is parking if street spots are full.
The first section to Tea Tree Bay (800m) is easy and paved — great for families. To Dolphin Point (1.2km) is also paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. Beyond Dolphin Point the track becomes unsealed with steps and steep sections. Most people of moderate fitness can reach Hells Gates (2.7km) comfortably.
The Fairy Pools are natural tidal rock pools located off the main trail between Granite Bay and Hells Gates (around the 2.2km mark). They're not signposted and require scrambling over rocks to reach. Take care — they can be dangerous in rough seas and at high tide. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Humpback whales migrate past the Noosa coastline from approximately June to November. The best viewing points in the park are the headland lookouts between Dolphin Point and Hells Gates. Dolphins and turtles can be spotted year-round.
Yes, but at your own risk — no beaches in the park are patrolled by lifesavers. Tea Tree Bay is popular for surfing and sheltered swimming. Little Cove (near the entrance) is the most family-friendly. Alexandria Bay has strong currents. Always check conditions before entering the water.
The inland trails are significantly quieter: Tanglewood Track, Noosa Hill Walk, and Palm Grove Circuit. On the Coastal Walk, the section beyond Hells Gates toward Alexandria Bay and Sunshine Beach sees far fewer people. Visit before 7am or on midweek mornings for the quietest experience.
More Sunshine Coast Adventures
Combine the park with other Noosa and Sunshine Coast experiences.
Discover the Headland
Koalas in the canopy, dolphins in the surf, fairy pools in the rocks, and one of Australia's most iconic coastal walks — all free, all year, steps from Noosa.