The Weekender: Noosa, Queensland

Relax and recharge with a little luxury this summer in the high-class weekend getaway in Noosa.

Known for its pockets of serenity and exceptional wining and dining, Noosa really is a coastal town like no other. From heavy surf to tranquil bushlands, bounds of boutiques to gold-standard dining, there is something for everyone in this chic Queensland coastal town.

Just up from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is perfect for a family getaway, romantic rendezvous or perhaps even a little R&R. Here’s our complete guide for everything you’ll need for a weekend getaway in Noosa

How far is Noosa from Brisbane?

Located in southern Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, it takes approximately two hours to get from Brisbnane’s CBD to Noosa by car. If time permits, we recommend stopping in at Caloundra or Alexandra Heads on the way.

Where to Eat in Noosa, Queensland:

Cafe Le Monde

: Freshly shucked oysters from Cafe Le Monde in Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Florence Lemyre. Image supplied by Cafe Le Monde.

: Cafe Le Monde on Hastings Street in Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Florence Lemyre. Image supplied by Cafe Le Monde.

: Yellow Coconut Curry lunch special at Cafe Le Monde in Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Florence Lemyre. Image supplied by Cafe Le Monde.

Located right in the heart of Noosa, Cafe Le Monde is a Hastings Street icon. Filling the bellies of Noosa locals and visitors for over 34 years, this charming spot serves everything from your morning coffee to your cheeky happy hour drinks. With an atmosphere that seamlessly switches from day to night, Cafe Le Monde is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat any time of the day. If you’re planning on heading to this delightful spot for breakfast, we recommend trying the Noosa Spanner Crab Omelet ($23) to start your morning with a kick. Or, for the evening festivities, we recommend the Frozen Mango Daiquiri to be paired with a plate of their delicious Freshly Shucked Oysters (prices vary based on availability).

Cafe Le Monde – 52 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

La Vida Seafood Restaurant

: Crab being prepared for cooking. Photographed by Marie France-Latour. Image supplied via Unsplash.

: Fine dining set. Photographed by Bady Abbas. Image supplied via Unsplash.

If it’s an exceptional seafood experience that you’re after, then look no further then La Vida Seafood Restaurant. Also located in the heart of Hastings Street, this intimate dining establishment is the perfect place to come for excellent dining service. With 20 years of experience since their original Tasmanian venue, this charming restaurant creates an indulgent seafood affair for you to enjoy at an affordable price. We recommend trying the Fettuccine di Mare ($44.5) which uses Queensland fin-fish, Tasmanian black-lip mussels, Tassal smoked salmon, calamari, Cloudy Bay clams and Mooloolaba tiger prawns. Or, if it’s an exclusive dining experience you’re after, La Vida Seafood also offers private dining bookings, complete with a seven-course degustation menu served with matching wines.

La Vida Seafood Restaurant – 11 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar

: Close-up of a Zachary’s Pizza from Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar.

: Avocado Pizza from Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar.

: Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar.

Whether you’re coming back from the surf or looking for a late-night bite, Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar is the place to go. Coined as “The Best Pizza on The Sunshine Coast”, this pizza bar will satisfy your carb-cravings and bring a smile to your dial at any time of the day. Matched with a delicious cocktail list and locations both by the river and the sea, the atmosphere is always vibrant at Zachary’s. If you happen to stop by, we recommend getting the Main Beach ($25) with roasted avocado, bacon, Roma tomatoes, sweet chilli, yoghurt and BBQ sauce for a delicious sweet and tangy feast.

Zachary’s Gourmet Pizza Bar – 15 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567
271 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, QLD 4566

Where to Drink in Noosa, Queensland:

The Noosa Boathouse

: Evening Meal at the Noosa Boathouse in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

: Close-up of Evening Meal at Noosa Boathouse in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

For a happy hour like no other, stop by The Noosa Boathouse’s Sunset Bar. Open from 4 pm each day, this bar faces directly onto the Noosa River, creating a gorgeous afternoon view to accompany some delicious cocktails. With chilled tunes, sensational share plates, an extensive list of cocktails and a breathtaking view, there is no place better to relax in style! To make your afternoon visit all the more delightful, we recommend getting the famous Noosa River Sling Cocktail ($14) as your refreshment of choice.

The Noosa Boathouse – 194 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, QLD 4566

Flux Restaurant and Lounge

: Two beers on a table. Photographed by Thais Do Rio. Image supplied via Unsplash.

If it’s a more chilled affair you’re after for happy hour, then look no further then Flux Restaurant and Lounge. With a warm and welcoming space positioned just off the gorgeous Noosa River, Flux is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beverage and wash away the day. Known for their tapas and bar variety, you’ll be spoiled for choice with their selection of cocktails, craft beers and wines; though if you were to ask us, we’d say that you can’t go past the Captain Ginger Beard ($16) cocktail. With Captain Morgan’s spiced rum, King’s ginger liqueur, Medos honey vodka and cloudy apple juice served on ice with a cinnamon sugar rim, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy!

Flux Restaurant and Lounge – 3/255 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, QLD 4566

Aromas Restaurant and Bar

Nothing beats a bustling afternoon drinks session, especially at Aromas Restaurant and Bar! Located in the heart of Hastings Street, this vibrant little spot is the perfect place for a wine or two! With gorgeous outdoor seating overlooking the main strip, you’ll feel like one of the locals as you sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the live music and good vibes of Aromas Restaurant and Bar. Plus, Aromas are committed to ensuring their restaurant follows as many sustainability practices as possible, so you can rest easy knowing that happy hour is eco-safe! Unsure what to order off the menu? We recommend getting the Passionfruit Mojito ($16) for a refreshing treat.

Aromas Restaurant and Bar – 32 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

What to do in Noosa, Queensland:

Eco Noosa River Adventures

: Stand-up paddleboarders enjoying the Noosa River with the Sunshine Coast Hinterland behind them in Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Jim Picton. Image supplied via Shutterstock.

: Kayaking at Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

Why not try something new on your visit to Noosa and see all that Eco Noosa River Adventures has to offer! Take the opportunity to see all the natural beauties of Noosa as you glide, row, or board down the tranquil Noosa River with the wind in your hair and the sun on your back. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a chill-seeker, Eco Noosa River Adventures has an eco-friendly water activity for you! Explore the gorgeous Sunshine Coast Hinterland and escape reality for a while. Hire a stand-up paddleboard for two hours to test the waters, or, if you’re up to it, test out their popular eco-friendly nautical bike and take yourself on a little tour of the river.

Eco Noosa River Adventures – 172 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, QLD 4566

Noosa National Park

: Tea Tree Bay at Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

: Fairy Pools at Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Guillem Lopez Barras. Image supplied via Shutterstock.

: Tea Tree Bay Track at Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

With over 3000-hectares of land, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland than by stepping into nature with one of the many walking trails at Noosa National Park. With eight scenic tracks to choose from, it’s the perfect way to spend your morning or afternoon! As a protected park land, you’ll be able to see rare and endangered fauna and flora on your trip, such as the red goshawk, wallum froglet and swamp orchid, as well as the heath plains and high dunes of Lake Weyba, a large shallow saltwater lake connecting to the Noosa River. Not to mention the gorgeous scenic Noosa Heads Headland — the perfect place to take a quick Instagram picture too! If you’re wanting to escape reality, enjoy some quality time in the wild and uncover some hidden gems of the Sunshine Coast like the Noosa Fairy Pools, thanks to Noosa National Park you can enjoy all of this and more!

Noosa National Park – Palm Grove Cct, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Eumundi Markets

: The Eumundi Market Stalls in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

: Cronut stall at the Eumundi Markets in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

: The Eumundi Markets in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

You can’t leave Noosa without visiting the popular Eumundi Markets! Open every Wednesday and Saturday, these markets are a Noosa icon for all things home-grown, sewn and made. With live music, palm readings, street performers and even the chance of a massage or two, these markets have something for everyone to enjoy. Stock up on fresh produce and baked goods or treat yourself to some new fashion and craft pieces while you’re there and support local businesses. Plus, the market aims to be eco-friendly so you can rest easy knowing your visit will be as sustainable as possible!

Eumundi Markets – 80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi, QLD 4562

Noosa’s Best Beaches

: Little Cove, Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied by Tourism and Events Queensland.

: Surfers at Noosa National Park in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

: Noosa Main Beach in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Tourism and Events Queensland.

If it’s a lay in the sun kind of vibe you’re going for, then stop by one of Noosa’s many gorgeous beaches! With a variety of surf and soft beaches, you’ll be spoiled for choice when picking your spot in the sun. With big crowds and surf galore, Noosa Main Beach is the place to be for all the best beach hangs! But, if its a little more peace and serenity you’re after, you can’t look past the beautiful Little Cove just off the Noosa boardwalk. It’s the perfect little hideaway for that basking in the sun daydream you’ve been thinking of.

Where to stay in Noosa, Queensland:

Tingirana

For a luxury beachfront stay, there is no place like Tingirana in Noosa. Bringing a touch of the Hamptons to Noosa, Tingirana offers luxury apartments right in the heart of Hastings Street. With gorgeous views overlooking Noosa Main Beach, private beach access and a short walk to all the best cafes and boutiques on offer, this five-star accommodation is the perfect place to take that someone special for a relaxing escape from the daily grind.

Tingirana – 25 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Sofitel

: View from a balcony overlooking the pool at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort in Noosa Heads, Noosa, Queensland. Photographed by Steve Lovegrove. Image supplied via Shutterstock.

Renown for their elegant affairs, the Sofitel in Noosa is the perfect place to stay for that extra bit of class! With innovative design, French art de Vivre and local-inspired interior, this Noosa hotel will add another level of sophistication to your relaxing getaway. Located in the heart of Hastings Street and with a variety of room options, you’ll have everything you need in the palm of your hand during your Sofitel stay.

Sofitel – 14-16 Hastings St, Noosa Parade, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Alaya Verde

: Outdoor bath in Alaya Verde’s Gold Room in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Alaya Verde.

: Outdoor View of Alaya Verde Noosa Nature Luxury Bed and Breakfast in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Alaya Verde.

: The Gold Suite available at Alaya Verde in Noosa, Queensland. Image supplied via Alaya Verde.

To help you wind down on your visit to Noosa, Alaya Verde may just have what you’re looking for. As a luxury bed and breakfast stay just outside the main strip in the Noosa Hinterland, this place is perfect for anyone who is looking to escape reality just for a moment. With an organic a la carte breakfast, wellness experiences, in-house three-course dinners and a serene swimming pool for the occasional dip, you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Noosa Hinterland in style. Plus, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Noosa, meaning you can still visit all this coastal town has to offer before relaxing at your luxury nature escape at Alaya Verde.

Alaya Verde – 355 Ringtail Creek Rd, Ringtail Creek, QLD 4565

Looking to explore more of what Queensland has to offer? Check out these 10 Unique Getaway Gems To Discover Around Queensland. Or, if it is more luxury stays you’re after, check out The 8 Most Luxurious Seaside Hotel Stays Across Queensland.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Gubbi Gubbi Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.