A local's guide to Noosa

Get up early and enjoy a morning beach walk along Peregian Beach, followed by breakfast across from the ocean. Serving coffee from local roaster Padre Coffee and a wholefood menu, including acai bowls, gluten-free cakes and a selection of vegan options, Skal Coffee hums with locals for good reason.

On weekends, Sum Yung Guys opens for lunch and draws a crowd of Sunshine Coast locals who can’t get enough of the buzzing energy, creative cocktails and punchy Asian flavours. Come hungry and ready to share. 

After something a bit more fancy? You can’t go wrong with lunch at sun-drenched Noosa Waterfront Restaurant. Overlooking one of Noosa’s canals, this hidden gem is perfect for a lazy long lunch. The elegant yet casual setting will entice you to sit and stay awhile and the innovative modern Italian menu is inspired by locally sourced seasonal produce. Take the guesswork out of what to order and opt for the five-course tasting menu. 

Nights on Hastings Street are pretty special, and even locals will battle the holiday crowds on a weekend to find a table at Locale. Stunning interior, impeccable service and dishing up some of the best Italian in town, this restaurant isn’t cheap but you won’t be complaining.

Tip: Arrive early and order a cocktail at the bar. The mixologists are dapper, the lighting is dim and it’s all kinds of romantic.

Drink

Noosa is all about coffee. There are so many places pouring a cup of joe that would rival any city haunt, but specialty roasters Clandestino Roasters in Noosaville is a favourite for enviro-conscious coffee connoisseurs (and great for folks wanting something to eat on the side). Costa Noosa at Sunshine Beach is the spot for morning hangs on a sprawling deck and Padre Coffee, also in Noosaville, is a roastery-cafe with Melbourne roots, so you know their coffee is top-notch.

In Noosa, locals love to support locals, and it goes both ways at Land & Sea Brewery. Noosa natives congregate at this off-the-beaten track brewery and tap room in the industrial corner of Noosaville. Noosa's first and original craft brewery, (these days, craft beer joints are dotted up the coast and through the hills) their beers are made with the finest locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, wherever possible.

Land & Sea are big on supporting other Sunshine Coast businesses too, like local artist Wendy - who supplies their ceramic keep cups - and Good Wax, a local surf wax company that promotes a sustainable alternative to regular paraffin wax which is harmful to the ocean. The brewery also recycles its spent malted barley grains by giving them to a local farm who feeds it to their cattle.

When the sun sets, wander over to Noosa Junction. Start at Moto, a motorcycle showroom-slash-bar for a beer or two, before heading to Noosa’s Mexican joint, Paradise Arcade, for margaritas on tap and plates of popcorn chicken.

When you’re ready for a change of scenery, dally around the corner to Village Bicycle. The O.G. of the junction, Village is where the locals go for a night of fun times.

See this Noosa guide to more of the best places to eat and drink.

Stay

If you want prime beachfront positioning and that relaxed coastal feel from the Noosa accommodation you arrange for your holiday, rent an apartment at Seahaven Noosa Resort. Or, for direct Noosa National Park access, Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas is your perfect crash pad. The secluded two and three-level villas come with a personal concierge, a hamper packed with local produce and access to all the resort facilities.

For something a little more budget-friendly, the Noosa Heads YHA is tucked away just off Hastings Street and fuses Aussie beach shack vibes with a bed for the night starting at $26. You can also hire a surfboard and bodyboard for free during your stay.

By far the best way to experience Noosa like a local is to sleep under the stars. Noosa’s natural beauty makes it the ideal place to pitch a tent. The serenity doesn’t get much better than at Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp, and there’s a camping or glamping option to suit everyone. Those with their own gear can pick out the perfect spot anywhere on the 65-acre property (we recommend opting for river frontage). You can also hire everything you need from Habitat Noosa. If you prefer a few home comforts while camping, the Paperbark Glamping Tents have an ensuite, private deck, bar fridge and everything you need to make tea or coffee in the morning.

Regardless of what type of tent accommodation you choose, you’ll wake up each morning surrounded by national park (and maybe even some large eastern grey kangaroos) and are a quick five-minute boat ride from one of Noosa’s most spectacular natural wonders - the Noosa Everglades. In the evenings, end your days at the on-site CootharaBAR meeting fellow campers and sipping on Habitat Noosa’s own Eco Brewing Co. artesian beer.

Play

Unsurprisingly, locals spend a lot of their spare time at the beach. While Main Beach’s vast stretch of golden sand and easy access to restaurants and shops attracts tourists, Sunshine Coast locals prefer to avoid the crowds. Sunshine Beach is popular because it’s patrolled and dog-friendly, while Peregian Beach and Little Cove tick the box for a relaxed day of sun, surf and sand.

We’ll let you in on a secret: Noosa National Park really is as picture-perfect as it seems on everyone’s Instagram feed. So, start your morning exploring it with a loop walk from Hastings Street to Hell’s Gates and back. Tracing along the coastline, you won’t be able to resist the pull of the ocean at Little Cove or Tea Tree Bay, so come prepared and wear your swimmers under your activewear.

Visitors to Noosa often have no idea that a lush hinterland exists nearby. So, fill up the car and head out to the quaint country town of Pomona to climb Mount Cooroora, a challenging 439-metre mound with 360-degree views of the Noosa region at the summit. If you want to explore more of Noosa’s breathtaking nature on foot, check out the Noosa Trail Network.

Need to get back by the water? Hire a SUP and take a paddle up the beautiful Noosa River. Or, if you’re ready to take it next-level, lock in a SUP yoga class with Kat Harding.

For the adventurous, you can hire a 4WD and drive the Great Beach Drive all the way to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, which is just a few hours north.

Cocktails, sunsets and tunes sums up what it’s like to spend the afternoon cruising on board the M.V. Catalina. Their Saltwater Sundays are a sell-out every week, so book ahead to ensure you don’t miss out.

If you came here to surf, then here’s your Noosa guide to 48 hours of world-class surfing

Shop

Fresh is best, and the freshest produce you can get is at Noosa Farmers Market each Sunday. Take your canvas tote and your empty stomach, and stock up on the best fruit and veggies, cheese, honey, meat and flowers that Noosa has to offer. There are a heap of street food stalls too. Hint: the organic vegan smoothies from The Sunflower Hotel are a must-try.

If you don’t want to wait until the weekend to get your fresh fix, Belmondos Organic Market in Noosaville is open six days a week. Inside this fresh food mecca you’ll find certified organic local produce alongside artisan butchers, bakers, coffee roasters and more. It’s your one-stop-shop for filling up a gourmet picnic basket!

For all things interiors, fashion and gifts, Peregian Beach village really does have it all. Source mid-century treasures and artwork from local and Australian artists from Midmodoz. Or, spruce up your wardrobe with a bit of hippy luxe from Bohemian Sundays, quality staples like Bassike at The Romantic and elegant coastal chic from sustainable fashion boutique Cloth & Hide.

If you’re looking to discover something new, Alterior Motif in Noosa Heads sells an eclectic mix of local, organic and sustainable fashion and accessories from leading Australian labels and up-and-coming designers.  

Local’s tip

The Noosa Everglades are a hidden oasis at the top end of Noosa River. There are only two everglades in the entire world (the other is in Florida). Motor boats aren’t permitted to some parts of the river, so hire a canoe or kayak for a few days from Elanda Point to really explore this magical place.

Pack the tent, Esky and whatever else will fit in your vessel, and paddle to your pre-booked, riverside campsite (this needs to be done in advance on the national parks website). If you want a DIY adventure where you’re completely immersed in the great outdoors, this is it!

For more ideas on how to best spend your time in Noosa, check out this long weekend Noosa guide. Or, to explore more of the Sunshine Coast, add these day activities to your itinerary, and these nighttime ones.