Spotlight on The Noosa National Park Walks and The Fantastic Coastal Walk Section
Noosa markets itself well on being the relaxation capital of Australia and despite the fact that the Noosa National Park Walks involve … well … walking, it’s actually quite relaxing! Take your time, stop on the beach for a rest and breathe in the fresh air surrounded by nature. Sounds bliss, right?
The Noosa National Park walks are located in the Noosa National Park which is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the urban development of the Sunshine Coast’s northern area. Some of South East Queensland’s most picturesque coastline is seen here!
The Coastal Walk is my favourite for the great views but other Noosa National Park walks include Alexandria Bay Walk, Emu Mountain Summit Walk, Hakea Walk, Noosa Hill Walk, Ocean Beach Walk, Palm Grove Walk and Tanglewood Walk. You can read more about all of these further down.
The Coastal Walk – Our Favourite of The Noosa National Park Walks
On the Coastal Walk which skirts the headland, expect to see hidden beaches, coastal views, and dolphins. Not to mention woodlands, koalas and secret rock pools. If it’s whale season, there is a good chance of spotting them also!
The coastal walk is fairly easily managed with kids and many families don’t do the entire walk. The entire Coastal Walk is 5.4 km one way (or 10.8km return), beginning at Noosa Headlands day-use area and finishing at Sunshine Beach. Many families walk only to Hell’s Gate and return for a manageable 5.4 km treck.
The Noosa National Park Guide suggests 4 hours for the full 10.8 km return walk. We did the 5.4 km return walk from Hell’s Gates in just under 3 hours, but this involved walking at a three-years-old’s pace for most of the walk, and also stopping to watch some whales, take photos, and sit on the beach for a snack.
If you are walking to Hell’s Gates and back without kids and are reasonably fit, then it should not take longer than 2 hours.
What to Expect From The Noosa Coastal Walk
The Noosa Coastal Walk starts at the Noosa Headland day-use area located at the end of Park St. There are four Noosa National Park Walks that depart from this point! Even if you aren’t doing one of the walks, it’s a nice place to visit with shaded areas, wildlife, BBQ’s, toilets and a pretty ocean backdrop. There is also a cafe and an information centre that doubles as a gift shop.
Getting a car park here is mission impossible in peak season unless you arrive early. One alternative is to walk 1km along a coastal boardwalk from Hastings Street but unfortunately, getting a park on Hastings Street can sometimes be difficult too.
The first 1.2 km of the walk (to Dolphin Point) is sealed and suitable for strollers.
The Boiling Pot
The first point of interest on the Noosa Coastal Walk is called the Boiling Pot. At only 300 m into the walk, the path to this section is also suitable for wheelchairs. There are some nice views of the Great Sandy National Park and Tea Tree Bay, which is your next point of interest.
Tea Tree Bay
Tea Tree Bay is popular with surfers and you will pass many people carrying their boards on this walk. As you get closer to Tea Tree Bay, make sure to look up as this is the best section to spot a koala or two. There is some signage along the path to remind you!
The toilets located nearby are your last chance to go for a while. Tea Tree Bay is really lovely and has a nice stretch of sand. You will absolutely have an urge to sit on the sand or rocks and watch the surfers for a while. Why not? We did!
Dolphin Point
The next point of interest is Dolphin Point, which has some good views of the next coves, Winch Cove and Picnic Cove. This is a good spot to see Dolphins apparently. We didn’t see any here but were lucky enough to spot both dolphins and whales further on at Picnic Cove.
Granite Bay
The track now becomes unsealed but it’s fairly compact and well maintained. The coastal track follows Granite Bay and you will pass Winch Cove and Picnic Cove. There are more paths leading down to hidden surf beaches and even the much talked about secret fairly pools.
I won’t tell you the location of the fairy pools as it’s fun to find them yourself. Let’s just say they are at the end of Granite Bay somewhere!
Hell’s Gate
The next point of interest is Hell’s Gate. You can watch the forceful waves smash into the rocks here and there are some awesome coastal views of Alexandria Bay. If you wish to complete the Noosa Coastal Walk in full, you will walk along Alexandria Bay and over another headland to Sunshine Beach for a further 2.7 km one way. Basically, Hell’s Gate is the halfway point of the full walk.
We turned back here. The kids were tired and just wanted to get back to the day-use area for a promised ice-cream.
In general, this walk is not particularly strenuous and if you allow plenty of time to stop at the beaches and take in the views, it can be quite a nice, relaxing walk.
Check Out Our YouTube Clip of The Noosa Coastal Walk With Kids!
The Other Noosa National Park Walks
Alexandria Bay Walk
The Alexandria Bay Walk is in the Headland section of the Noosa National Park and access is from Parkedge Road in Sunshine Beach.
This walk strolls along the coastal southern edge of the headland, through eucalypt forest and heathland. It’s 4.2km return and joins up to some of the other Noosa National Park Walks.
If you’re into birdwatching, this walk is for you!
Emu Mountain Summit Walk
The Emu Mountain Summit Walk is in the Emu Mountain section of the Noosa National Park and is accessed from Havana Road East in Coolum Beach.
Enjoy uninterrupted coastal views from the summit on this short 1.1km return hill climb. Expect to wander through wild flowers and Mt. Emu she-oaks before reaching the top to soak in the panoramic views of the coastline from Noosa to Maroochydore.
Hakea Walk
This Noosa National Walk is also located in the Emu Mountain Section with access from Havana Road East in Coolum Beach.
This walk is 2.4km return and winds through beautiful coastal heathland fringed with paperbarks and eucalypts. There is a side track that leads to the Emu Mountain Summit Walk if you keep your eyes peeled for the signpost.
Noosa Hill Walk
The Noosa Hill Walk begins at the day-use area at the end of Park Road in Noosa heads along with three other Noosa National Park Walks.
This tranquil hillside climb goes for 2.8 km return and climbs alongside the northern face of Noosa Hill. Pass through open forests of blue gums and Moreton Bay ash tree and take a 150m detour along the main track to climb to the summit.
Ocean Beach Walk
The Ocean Beach Walk is in the Peregian section of the Noosa National Park and begins from the carpark on David Low Way. This is a super easy walk that brings you to a nice secluded beach away from the township.
Palm Grove Walk
The Palm Grove Walk begins at the day-use area at the end of Park Road in Noosa heads along with three other Noosa National Park Walks.
This family-friendly walk is only 1.1km return and feels like a rejuvenating rainforest escape with lush palms and birdsong.
Tanglewood Walk
The Tanglewood Walk begins at the day-use area at the end of Park Road in Noosa heads along with three other Noosa National Park Walks.
This 8km return walk meanders through the middle of the Noosa National Park, finishing near Hell’s Gates where you turn around and return via the same path.
Flora and fauna are beautiful and be on the lookout for lace monitors, koalas, echidnas, fairy-wrens and wattlebirds.
The Noosa National Park walks are amazing and most of them are a great length for families. The headland day use-area, where four of the Noosa National Park walks begin, is a great picnic opportunity with plenty of shade and green grass.
Although they sell ice-cream here, if you’re a Ben and Jerry’s fan, head back down to Hastings St in the hub of Noosa for your hit of mixed in goodness!
Pssst. If you’re looking for other things to do in Noosa, check out our post on fantastic things to do in Noosa.
Planning and Booking Your Holiday to Noosa
Getting to Noosa:
Road
If driving, Noosa is approximately 2 hours north of Brisbane, 3 hours from the Gold Coast, and 12 hours from Sydney. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, or are flying in, compare rental car prices here.
Rail
Trains run regularly from Brisbane, stopping at both Nambour and Cooroy. From here, Sunbus collects passengers heading to Noosa. More information on rail and bus timetables can be found at www.translink.com.au
Air
The Sunshine Coast Airport is the closest airport to Noosa. It’s located in Maroochydore and is only 35 minutes drive away. Direct flights are available from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Where to Stay in Noosa:
There are lots of accommodation options in Noosa!
Boreen Point Camp Grounds is great for families wanting to get away from the hustle of Noosa!
Budget options include Ingenia Holidays Noosa and the Villa Noosa Hotel.
Mid-range to more expensive options include Noosa International Resort and the Noosa Sun Motel.
High end options include the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort in a fantastic location on Hastings St, and the RACV Noosa Resort which has a toddler pool for little ones.
Travel Guides to Noosa:
Check out the official Tourism Noosa Page for more information on things to do in Noosa.
Looking for Family Holiday Destination and Activities Inspiration?
For more information on visiting the Sunshine Coast with kids, head on over to our Sunshine Coast page. Head on back to the home page for both Australian and worldwide inspiration.
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You have fantastic photos! What camera do you use? 🙂
Thanks so much. I use a Nikon D810 most of the time.