Four Lesser Known Gems Around Noosa National Park

A person stands contemplatively on a forested path, surrounded by dense green foliage, conveying a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Noosa National Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is far from a best-kept secret, but it’s still more than worthy of a mention as one of the best places to explore in Noosa heads.

The breathtaking Noosa National Park is the perfect mix of adventure, action, exercise and relaxation. Explore Noosa National Park to discover opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and guided tours that showcase its natural beauty and wildlife.

We’ve been spending more and more time exploring the different areas of the national park so we could share with you some of its lesser known secrets.

1. The Tanglewood Track: Walk in Noosa National Park

Sure, the ocean beach walk is a stunner, but the various walks in Noosa National Park, including the Coastal Walk, will undoubtedly blow you away with spectacular views of Boiling Pot, Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, Hell’s Gates, and the amazing view over Alexandria Bay. However, you’ll also be sharing the walking tracks with crowds of surfers and fellow explorers, so it may become a bit hectic.

If you pull yourself away from the ocean views, you can also escape the chaos and step into a secluded greenery wonderland. Here’s the secret: When you reach Hell’s Gates and take a look over Alexandria Bay, follow the signs onto the Tanglewood Track. It will take you into the green depths of the National Park, revealing a different look at what this amazing area is.

Alongside the Tanglewood track walk is another scenic trail option called the Noosa Hill Walk, a 2.8-kilometre return trail suitable for all fitness levels, offering picturesque surroundings and the possibility to extend the walk with additional tracks.

2. Paradise Cove 

Hidden away on the Sunshine Beach end of the coastal walking track is a little hidden haven of cover called… Paradise Cove. Let time slip away as you experience the best of our Queensland coastline. Say hello to dolphins as they swim along this frequently visited coastline.

If you go to all the effort of making the 10-kilometre walk from Noosa to Sunshine Beach (or vice versa), then a short detour off the main track is well worth it.

A great spot to climb around the rocks and hidden beaches. On a calm day, you can even take a dip. But be warned, this is an unpatrolled area with limited mobile phone coverage. Enter and play at your own risk. Stay safe..

3. The Fairy Pools

Ok, ok! It’s Instagram photo time. You could get the shot in so many places, but we know you want that one of you in the Fairy Pools.

The Fairy Pools are located near the scenic Noosa Headland, known for its stunning views and natural beauty. To get here you’ll need to do some climbing and scaling of the rocks at the Hell’s Gates end of Granite Bay.

A word of warning once again, this area is unpatrolled and can get fairly dangerous if the swell is big or you’re not used to climbing. Climb down at your own risk and take care.

4. Little Cove

Only a short 5-minute stroll along the boardwalk from Main Beach, Noosa heads' first point, Little Cove lies nestled among the Noosa headland and is a spot that sometimes feels like a secret, even though everyone knows about it. With Noosa Main Beach just a short walk away, Little Cove is easily accessible for visitors to the Sunshine Coast.

Perhaps it’s the extra few steps you’ll need to take to get there, or the lack of close parking, but this secluded (for Noosa) little stretch of sand is a great spot and is high on our must-visit list.

It’s a great place to take the family for the day as it’s often sheltered from waves and wind. This beach also offers a more user-friendly area to practise surfing if you are a beginner.

If you are child-free during your stay then it could be the perfect location to set up a picnic for the afternoon and watch the sunset over the Noosa North Shore.

And there you have it. A few of the lesser-known secrets of the Noosa National Park. Tick these off, and you’ll be sure to have a holiday filled with long-lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is the Noosa Everglades special?

  • Swimming in Noosa heads on the Sunshine Coast is generally safe, especially in well-known and patrolled areas like Noosa Main beach. Always pay attention to the direction of local safety warnings and try to only swim on beaches where lifeguards are present.

    The Sunshine Coast is home to an array of wildlife such as dolphins, jellyfish and whales. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot these locals on your visit to Noosa National Park.

  • Hastings Street is a famous location on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Noosa, offering a blend of natural beauty, luxury, and laid-back coastal charm.

    Walking distance from some of the best stretches of coast in Australia, Hastings Street is an iconic street and is located in the heart of Noosa Heads and is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a great place to wander after a day at the beach for some tasty food.

  • The number of days needed to spend at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast depends on your interests and what you wish to experience. Generally, 3 to 5 days is a sufficient amount of time to enjoy the key attractions and activities that Noosa has to offer.

    • 3 days: Enough to see the main highlights, including Hastings Street, Noosa National Park, and the Noosa River.

    • 4-5 days: Allows for more in-depth exploration, including a day trip to Fraser Island or a visit to the Eumundi Markets, and some relaxation time.

    Ultimately, Noosa is a place where you can easily fill your days with activities or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, so the length of your stay can be tailored to your personal preferences.

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Image: @AimeeDodgePhotography