The only Noosa family holiday guide you’ll ever need
Itinerary
By Sarah Bristow
When it comes to where to host your next family holiday, there are few destinations which can compete with Noosa. The Sunshine Coast favourite has long tempted those travelling with kids in tow, thanks to the resort town being sprinkled with more than its fair share of child-favouring activities no matter your budget. If you have a week to spare, we know just how you should spend your time - get a good look at this Noosa family holiday guide.
Day One: Immerse yourself in Hastings Street
The jewel in the crown of Noosa is its main thoroughfare of Hastings Street. This pedestrian-friendly road features a majority of Noosa's accommodation and is covered from top to toe with boutiques to wander and restaurants to explore.
Must-do's on any Noosa family holiday guide include a trip to Massimo’s Gelateria — a haven of sweet treats, Happy Pops to create your very own Instagram-worthy gelato pops, and the Noosa Surf Life Saving Club which features a kids menu.
But the best part of Hastings Street is not only its offerings but its location - it sits on a direct beachfront, nudging Noosa Main Beach, a sheltered corner favoured for a swim with the kids and patrolled daily from 7.00am.
Day Two: Cruise the Noosa River
Neighbouring Noosaville is an equally popular place to stay thanks to its main resident, the Noosa River. This bountiful waterway remains popular among the young’uns for swimming and water sports but is best explored by boat. Join Noosa Ferry Cruise or take the wheel of your own via Pelican Boat Hire; a BBQ pontoon boat an easy way to while away an afternoon with the family and (best of all) doesn’t require a licence. You can even pick up fishing rods and bait (and a stand-up paddle board) from the adjoining shop.
Or venture further afield into the Noosa Everglades (one of only two Everglade systems in the world). You can paddle down all 60 kilometres of it with the kayak-based adventures of Everglades Eco Safaris and Kanu Kapers. Post-paddle, kick back and relax with a night at the neighbouring (and eco-friendly) Habitat Noosa, or pitch a tent just down the road in the quaint fishing village of Boreen Point at the Boreen Point Campground.
Day Three: Greet the locals
Australia Zoo
Any Noosa family holiday should include a trip to Steve Irwin’s famed Australia Zoo. This spot remains a popular place to visit for both tourists and locals, thanks to its impressive collection of animals, both from Australia as well as further afield. Less than an hour’s drive south of Noosa along the Bruce Highway (and with coach transfers available) it’s close enough to warrant a day’s adventure with the family. After a morning spent getting to know the resident crocodiles, wombats, koalas (among much, much more), you can join the daily behind-the-scenes tours of the adjoining Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital where your kids will learn about treating injured and recovering wildlife.
Day Four: Work up a sweat
With activities in spades, Noosa is a mecca for the outdoors enthusiast, no matter your age group. Famed for its longboard waves (this place is in fact a World Surfing Reserve), and within easy reach of a handful of swell spots, there’s arguably nowhere better to learn to surf. Novices are welcomed to learn the basics with Go Ride a Wave. Experience up your sleeve? Make way for Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, or The Groyne for reliable swell.
Or stick to land instead. Cyclists have plenty of bike paths at their disposal, especially around the Noosa River. If you haven’t brought your own along with you on your Noosa family holiday you can rent a ride for the week (or join a tour) with Bike On Noosa, who have 20 separate locations scattered across the region.
Kids a little too small for a group bike ride? Take it easy with a visit to the Pirate Park on the Noosa riverfront. You’ll find it at the far end of Gympie Terrace just out the front of the Noosa Yacht Club.
Day Five: Wander Noosa National Park
One of Noosa’s best natural attributes sits within easy access to Hastings Street. Noosa National Park is a relevant addition to any Noosa family holiday guide thanks largely in part to its ample eye-catching beauty. Grab your walking shoes and a picnic basket and take your family on a wander along its 15 kilometres of walking tracks, taking in koalas, fairy pools, and secret coves along the way. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you can settle for lunch at one of its many beaches - Tea Tree Bay remains one of the most popular. Just don’t forget your swimwear!
Day Six: Grab a souvenir
Trawling the stalls of the Eumundi Markets should be a non-negotiable for any Noosa family holiday. This bi-weekly community event takes place on Saturday and Wednesday mornings in the neighbouring town of Eumundi and gathers the region’s producers and creatives to showcase their wares, making it an ideal location to grab yourself a souvenir or two. If you’re more of a foodie the Noosa Farmers Market is also worth a visit. The Sunday affair takes place in the morning and hosts a gathering of local producers as well as food stalls - it’s a true celebration of Sunshine Coast cuisine.
Day Seven: Get out and about
Before you depart your Noosa family holiday, take your kids for a spin out beyond the region’s borders. You could partner up with Epic Ocean Adventures, who will take you on an unforgettable adventure around Noosa and neighbouring Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point in the Great Sandy National Park, accessible only by 4WD. It’s here you can partake in everything from surfing lessons to kayaking with dolphins. Or immerse yourself among the high seas, joining one of the region’s experts for a whirl past the white wash and out through to the open ocean. Noosa Ocean Rider is famed for its dolphin safari and whale watching opportunities.
