What is the Noosa Everglades?

The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades ecosystems in the world, located within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in the Great Sandy National Park. The upper Noosa River flows through an ancient waterway system flanked by tea tree forests, creating extraordinary mirror-like reflections. Best explored by kayak with local operator Kanu Kapers, which has offered guided tours of the Everglades since 2002.

What tours does Kanu Kapers offer?

Kanu Kapers offers half-day, full-day and multi-day guided and self-guided kayak tours into the Noosa Everglades. Full-day guided tours include all equipment, a professional guide and a hearty brunch. The company was founded by Olympic gold medal kayaker Vivienne Golding and her partner Kym McGregor.

What does Epic Ocean Adventures offer?

Epic Ocean Adventures offers kayak tours with dolphins and marine wildlife at Double Island Point in the Great Sandy National Park, accessible only by 4WD along the beach. Tours include dolphin view kayaking, surf safaris, whale watching (June–October), stand-up paddleboarding and private guided adventures.

How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?

The Sunshine Coast is approximately 100 km north of Brisbane — around 1.5 hours by car via the Bruce Highway. Noosa is a further 40 km north of the Sunshine Coast's main beaches.

Sunshine Coast Tours & Noosa

Local Tour Operators

Sunshine Coast's Best Tours & Operators

Verified local operators Cooee Tours works with and recommends for Sunshine Coast and Noosa experiences — from the Everglades to wildlife and wildlife encounters.

Kayak & Eco Adventures

Into the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems in the world. Fed by ancient tea tree waters filtering through the Cooloola sand mass, the Upper Noosa River creates extraordinary mirror-like reflections in a pristine wilderness that is home to 44% of Australia's bird species.

Since 2002

Kayaking through the mirror-like waters of the Noosa Everglades in Queensland

Kanu Kapers — Noosa Everglades

The leading Noosa Everglades kayak tour operator, founded in 2002 by Olympic gold medal kayaker Vivienne Golding and partner Kym McGregor. Kanu Kapers operates guided and self-guided kayak adventures into the heart of the Everglades using locally handcrafted expedition sea kayaks. Half-day tours, full-day guided tours (including a hearty brunch), and three-day self-guided expeditions are available. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families with children and older adults.

Half & Full Day3-Day Self-GuidedAll AgesOlympic Founders

4WD Access Only

Sea kayaker watching dolphins in crystal water at Double Island Point, Noosa

Epic Ocean Adventures

The only operator offering kayak and wildlife eco tours at Double Island Point — a spectacular location within the Great Sandy National Park that is accessible only by 4WD along the beach. Tours combine a 4WD beach drive with sea kayaking among dolphins, turtles, manta rays and (seasonally, June–October) migrating humpback whales. Also offers surf safaris teaching on the longest beginner point break in Noosa, and private guided 4WD tours for families and groups.

Dolphin Kayaking4WD AccessWhale WatchingNational Park

Award-Winning

Noosa River cruise on the Sunshine Coast at golden hour

Joel's Journeys Noosa

An award-winning Noosa tour operator specialising in small-group, all-inclusive food, wine and hinterland touring. Joel's Journeys offers full-day tours of the Mary Valley, Maleny and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, including lunch at award-winning restaurants and visits to artisan food producers. Rated one of Noosa's top five experiences and consistently highly reviewed on TripAdvisor. Hotel pickup from Noosa and Sunshine Coast accommodation included.

Food & WineHinterlandHotel PickupAll-Inclusive

Wildlife & Major Attractions

Australia Zoo & Beyond

The Sunshine Coast is home to Steve Irwin's legendary Australia Zoo and some of Queensland's finest coastal national parks, accessible from both Brisbane and Noosa.

Steve Irwin Legacy

Australia Zoo crocodile show and wildlife encounters at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo — Beerwah

The most famous zoo in Australia, founded by Steve Irwin in Beerwah — midway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Over 110 acres and more than 1,200 animals including saltwater crocodiles, Bengal tigers, elephants, giraffes, Komodo dragons and all Australian native species. The daily Wildlife Warriors Show with croc demonstrations and freeflight birds of prey is the centrepiece. Guided back-of-house tours, private animal encounters and children's birthday packages available.

1,200+ AnimalsCroc ShowAnimal EncountersFull Day

Coastal Walks

Noosa National Park

One of the most visited national parks in Queensland, Noosa National Park wraps around the headland directly above Noosa Main Beach. The coastal walking track passes through stunning sub-tropical vegetation, with reliable koala sightings in the eucalyptus trees, views across the Coral Sea and opportunities to spot dolphins and whales from the clifftop lookouts during migration season (June–November). Free entry — simply walk from Hastings Street.

Free EntryKoalasCoastal TrackWalk from Noosa

Volcanic Mountains

Glass House Mountains

Eleven ancient volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the Sunshine Coast hinterland — some up to 253 million years old — creating one of Queensland's most distinctive natural landscapes. Named by Captain Cook in 1770, the Glass House Mountains are sacred to the Jinibara people and offer excellent hiking, rock climbing and photography opportunities. The 640-metre summit of Mount Beerwah offers sweeping coastal panoramas. Located between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

HikingPhotography253M Years OldSacred Country

Sunshine Coast &
Noosa Tours