Thinking about hiking the Noosa Coastal Walk? In this post, you will find the best route from Sunshine Beach to Noosa Coastal Walk, including many special hotspots, such as fairy pools and the dolphin point lookout.
As a „I’m only doing this hike, because you talked me into this whole thing“ person, it’s unusual that the first memory that comes into my mind when I think back on backpacking Australia, is of Emma and me standing in the middle of the Noosa Coastal Track, enjoying the ocean view, the warm wind and the birds chirping. This place has my whole heart. I’m delighted to tell you about this very special place and show you all the beauty I experienced during this walk. The Noosa Coastal Walk is about 6 km long – if you start at Sunshine Beach – and takes approximately 4 hours to walk, according to queensland.com. I actually don’t think it takes that long if you mainly consider the time spent walking. But I surely believe that all the beautiful hotspots will influence the duration of your hike. Well, it would be a shame if you missed any of these memorable spots on the Noosa coastline! Imagine you are in this specific place called Noosa, enjoying your time in a hostel, with good air conditioning, a cozy bed and lockers that help you worry less about your personal belongings. In the morning you put on your sports outfit, pack that tote bag and put on closed shoes for the first time in ages. *Emma tested the walk with flip flops which were more or less working, but especially at the beginning they were not too safe. On the other hand, she had a blast easily taking them off at the beach, while I was struggling to keep all the sand out of my shoes. When you stay in the Noosa Flashpackers Hostel (102 Pacific Avenue Sunshine Beach QLD 4567, Australia) you are already at a good start for your hike. At least this is where we passed the starting line and went straight to the sunshine beach. Crossing palm after palm and a lot of light-toned beach houses, you’ll eventually get to your first stop.1. Sunshine Beach
A very long, quiet and clean beach. On one side you’ll see the never-ending ocean and on the other all the different cute-looking houses up the hill. I really loved the vibe of the beach, with the sandy shore and the hilly landscape behind you. The beach is dog-friendly, so it’s not unusual to encounter one. To follow the walking route, there is a way up the hill, with a lot of stairs. If you ever get to that spot, count the stairs and tell us how much you have to suffer until you’re on the top, to enjoy the most beautiful view. The hike through the Noosa National Park is really enjoyable. Enjoy the ocean views, enjoy the national park views, enjoy whatever you see! If you have luck and take a closer look through the trees, maybe you’ll even spot a sleeping koala. Tea trees, palms and eucalypt canopy, they have it all. I loved the hiking trails. Especially when the trees to the left and the right bend towards the middle to form a beautiful avenue. Felt like a queen at that point.2. Alexandria Bay
An even more isolated beach, which you’ll reach after walking the 3 km hike through the National Park, is Alexandria Bay. The hidden vibe, the pure nature and the loneliness of the beach led people to shed their clothes and use it as a nude beach. The locals call the place „A-Bay“. Be careful, the beach is unpatrolled. Rather take a quick dip, than get on a long swim. This was also the first place where I got a glimpse of Australian wildlife, thanks to all the jellyfish stranded on the sand. Getting back on track, you’ll get to the next special lookout.3. Hells Gate
Hells Gate is an Amazing lookout point, with not only stunning views of the landscape and the ocean. A rocky ravine, where all the wild waves meet the shore. It’s good not to be scared of heights when you take a look down at the action, but you can also enjoy Hells Gate from a safe distance. Even after looking my pictures and videos back, I could stare at Hell’s Gate forever and watch the waves dance.4. Fairy Pool
Not too far away, you’ll see the fairy pools. A hidden spot, which is often overlooked, if you’re not specifically searching for them. The Noosa coastline is quite rocky, and over time, erosion has sculpted two pools in the area. When the tide comes in, the pools fill with water, creating perfect spots for a swim. One pool is closer to the water level and therefore not very deep, while the other one is set further among the rocks and is considerably deeper. The surrounding rocks keep the water crystal clear, offering a great view of the underwater world. Watch the various fish and colorful corals that have found their way into the pool. Noosa is known for its excellent surfing conditions, thanks to its waves. However, those waves can sometimes be quite exhausting. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, the Fairy Pools provide the perfect spot to relax. A place where I imagine all the fairies to hang out. Don’t get lost too long in those pools, because we are not at the finished line yet!5. Granite Bay Beach
Off to the next beach, the Granite Bay has a lot of black and grey rocks to offer. If you love to collect rocks, this might be your area. Try to find the small treasures in between the huge stones. I don’t even know if it’s legal to take things from the beach with you, so don’t blame me for your actions! For a long rest and tanning session, the beach is probably not the most comfortable, but still worth a visit. The area is also not patrolled, so enjoy the water with mindfulness.6. Dolphin Point
This lookout seems so exciting. Don’t have too many hopes though. I didn’t see a single dolphin:( But! If you come to the right time, during the right season, you may be able to enjoy a perfect view of the cute sea creatures. Good luck, babe!7. Tea Tree Bay
Welcome to the next bay. This area is not recommended for swimming. It’s not patrolled, and there are a lot of waves that carry all the surfers along the water. Enjoy some time on the flat rocks and watch the surfers as well as the waves. The beach is surrounded by many unique trees. Some of them are known as pandanus trees, tea trees and some more, whose names I don’t know. It’s such a beautiful area and a good spot to enjoy some peace. It even offers public toilets. If you are already searching desperately for a toilet, there is your spot. *I just looked at the Google images and got way too excited when I remembered going to those toilets. Weird flex, but I was there and I remember it all too well.8. Boiling Pot Lookout
Just another nice lookout point. At this moment, you may realize that you are meeting many more people than you did at the beginning. It’s starting to feel a little less silent, while the surfer boys cross your way, running with their board to the next shore. That’s the sign that you’re getting closer to your goal, the main beach.9. Little Cove
There is one more spot you can check out, the Little Cove beach, which is not that hidden anymore. It features a resort directly at the beach and offers a perfect view of the main beach.10. Noosa Heads Main Beach
Yayyy, you have reached the end of your noosa coastal walk. The main beach. This is a perfect spot to end your trip. Enjoy some time at the beach and jump in the waves. If you have waited to take a long swim in the water, this is your chance, because the beach is patrolled. If you already have enough of beaches and feel like you could eat up anything that comes near you, go down the promenade and decide between all the cute restaurants and cafes. There are so many different options that you’ll definitely find what you’re craving. If you want more to explore, spend some time in the different stores and enjoy a shopping trip.This seems like a very fulfilling trip and the noosa coastal walk is an adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss while visiting Noosa. Use the overview I gave you and create your own special memories. Maybe one day in the middle of the night, when you’re in this dream, you’re on the most beautiful hike and feel the ocean breeze and the warm tingly sun on your tanned skin! Dreaming about that one walk in Noosa.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
