Noosa for families, fun and adventure! It’s the idyllic place for a family escape, where you can all connect through exploration and play within picture-perfect natural surroundings.
Immerse yourselves in accessible nature, from the clean oceans, rivers and lakes to the wilds of the national parks and mountainous hinterland. All the while being within easy reach of shopping, dining and activities to keep everyone happy and fulfilled.
Discover Noosa for families and find out the top 5 things to do:
1. Life’s a beach in Noosa!
If you and your kids love the beach, then Noosa is the place for your family. Noosa Main Beach is popular due to its north-facing headland, which is covered by the protected Noosa National Park. This headland often provides shelter from the wind, so you and your little ones can swim in calm water most days of the year. With gentler waves, it’s the perfect place to learn to surf! It’s also patrolled year-round, so you and your family will feel extra safe!
The beaches throughout the National Park are more secluded, but they can get stronger currents and some areas are rocky. So, these little bays are fab for a leisurely picnic and for stronger swimmers.
To enjoy long and uninterrupted sandy walks, follow the coast road south to discover Noosa’s Eastern beaches. Check out the quaint villages of Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach for some food and playtime! Here you’ll find skate parks, playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants and open spaces for family activities.
2. Playing around the Noosa River
The Noosa River is a great part of Noosa to play, eat and relax. Attracting all types of people to its bike paths, playgrounds, water activities, barbecues and picnic areas.
Gympie Terrace runs parallel to the river and offers a range of food options including, fish and chips, Italian pizza and mouth-watering gelato. Or bring your own food and cook a BBQ or share some nibbles around the picnic tables and seating along the river.
Check out the Noosa River Pirate Playground, which is covered by sail shades to keep your little ones protected from the sun. With six slides, rope climbing apparatus, three-person swing and a large, fenced wheelchair-accessible swing, the park is a free, fun and relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Or check out the little beach next to the Noosa River, where the water is still, making it ideal for small kids to paddle.
The beautiful Noosa River is excellent for water activities and with several hire shops lining the shoreline, your families’ good to go! Take the kayaks or a boat to one of several sandbar islands around the Spit, where you can refresh yourselves in the calm waters, only accessible by boat or kayak.
Who’s up for trying stand up paddle boarding? Navigate the calm waterways as a family or take some lessons with experience instructors. However, you want to float on water – winding around the Noosa River is a fun way to take in the gorgeous natural sights.
3. Going into the wilds of the Noosa Hinterland
If you didn’t drive to Noosa, then how about hiring a car for the day? That way you can all enjoy the enchanting scenery of the Noosa Hinterland.
Within the Noosa region there’s over 2,000 species of plants and over 700 species of native animals, 49 of which are internationally significant. So, look around to see if you spot plants or animals that you’ve never seen before along the 450kms+ of public walking paths and bikeways.
Feeling fit, or just want a view like no other? Then checkout the many lookouts signposted throughout the hinterland, some of which involve little or no climbing, like Mt Tinbeerwah. Or, if the kids have some energy to burn, then checkout some local mountains to climb.
The Noosa Hinterland is the best place to get active whilst immersing yourselves in Noosa’s nature and stunning scenery.
4. Animal spotting in the Noosa National Park
The Noosa National Park is the stunning, protected headland that can be accessed by the boardwalk from Noosa beach. The 40 km² park is home to lots of wildlife, including koalas and tropical birds. There’re several trails that will take you through the park and along the coastline, where it’s easy to embrace nature and the outdoors.
With several lookouts and beaches along the coastal track, there is plenty of places to stop for a picnic, swim or to spot sea turtles and dolphins! Migrating humpback whales can be seen from the lookouts between May and November. With so many sights to see and trails to explore, it’s a great activity to do more than once on your holiday.
5. It’s market day!
There’s something about markets and holidays – they seem to go hand-in-hand! There’s plenty of Noosa markets across the Shire, but the most popular with locals and tourists is the Noosa Farmers Market and Eumundi Markets.
The Noosa Farmers Market is packed full of yummy breakfast and brunch options including pancakes, bacon wraps, pastries, potato cakes, smoothies and coffee. Most delights on offer are gluten free, organic and there’s plenty of vegan options too. There’s covered seating areas and often live music, offering a fun foodie experience.
There’re also plenty of stalls with a variety of exotic food, organic fruit and veg and local hand-crafted souvenirs.
The markets on every Sunday only open from 7am till 12pm, so either get there early to get the first pick of the bunch or come later and get discounted produce.
The renowned and original Eumundi Markets is the biggest and best arts and crafts market in Australia. Just a 20-minute drive, or 30-minute bus journey away, this market is a must-do on your Noosa holidays! You and your family will be blown away by the all the unique and beautiful goodies on offer from talented locals.
Eumundi Markets is more than just a market, it’s a social destination, infused with energy and fresh creativity. Your family will be running around this sprawling market, wide-eyed and excited at finding unique fashion, hand-made jewellery, eye-catching art, beautiful homeware and so much more. The sellers love to chat, so you will all will feel that community vibe!
There’s plenty of locally produced food and drink stalls, so you won’t go hungry, but you may struggle to make a decision… Open EVERY Wed 8am – 2pm and Sat 7am – 2pm.
Noosa family accommodation
Discover Noosa for families and make precious memories that will stay with you long after you leave.
We have a fabulous selection of holiday homes that are perfectly suited to families. From large family homes offering plenty of space to spread out, to beachfront holiday homes in the centre of town -we’ve got you and your family covered.
Start planning your holiday to Noosa and your family will be having the best time in no time!
Featured Image: Visit Noosa