Attractions Nearby Noosa, Day Trips and Excursions

(Noosa, Queensland - QLD, Australia)

Close to Noosa are a number of nearby Sunshine Coast attractions, being highly suitable for day trips. Excursions to the Cooloola Coast are especially popular and this shoreline stretches northwards, between Noosa and Rainbow Beach. The Cooloola Coast is approximately 50 km / 31 miles in length and contains many beach attractions, offering easy access to the Great Sandy National Park and the Teewah Coloured Sands. Even the tourist Mecca of Brisbane is within driving distance, be reachable in just over two hours to the south.

Located a little more than 2 km / 1.5 miles to the north of Tewantin is Lake Cooroibah, which is fed by the Noosa River and is surrounded by attractions. Noosa River Ferries are available in Tewantin, off Moorindi Street, although it is quite easy to drive to the eastern shore, the Laguna Bay beaches and the Noosa North Shore Retreat. Just a short distance to the north of Lake Cooroibah is Lake Cootharaba, which is also well worth a look and lies to the north-west of Tewantin, being known for its canoeing and kayaking around Boreen Point.

General Information

One excursion to pencil in is a day out at the Australia Zoo - one of Queensland's most visited tourist attractions. Situated just over 55 km / 34 miles to the north of the Noosa National Park and within the small hinterland town of Beerwah, the award-winning Australia Zoo contains in excess of 2,000 animals and is owned and managed by Terri Irwin, the widow of famous Australian 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin.

Organised tours of the hinterland area are available, transporting Noosa tourists around this scenic landscape. Amongst the most visited attractions within the hinterland is the town of Nambour, where the 'Big Pineapple' theme park comprises a plantation train tour, a macadamia orchard, an animal nursery and a wildlife garden.

Other notable day trips within the hinterland include the Eumundi markets, the Kondalilla National Park, the Mapleton Falls National Park, the potteries of Montville and the Ginger Factory at Yandina.

Those headed from Noosa to the South Burnett region should look out for the Bunya Mountains National Park, which is reached by either Dalby or Kingaroy. Others may prefer to take a leisurely cruise along the Fraser Coast, with daily pick-ups being available from Hervey Bay, Noosa and Rainbow Beach.