📍10 Best Day Trips From Noosa Within 2 Hours By Car, Boat & Foot. (2024.)

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM NOOSA ARE?

Noosa is one of Australia’s most beloved seaside destinations thanks to its beautiful golden beaches, peaceful river, relaxed seaside atmosphere, gorgeous lookouts and best of all, the magnificent national park it has right on its doorstep.

It’s home the what is easily the Sunshine Coast’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, featuring breathtaking sea cliffs with treacherous-sounding names and a long secluded beach, making it the town’s greatest natural asset in a place surrounded by many incredible landscapes. This equals an abundance of outstanding outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities that you could easily spend your entire holiday basking in the prolific beauty that this place has to offer.

But there’s also plenty to see surrounding this idyllic Queensland destination. From high-profile cities and breathtaking coastal towns to remote hiking trails, paddling routes and 4WD tracks, here are the best day trip destinations from Noosa within a two-hour commute, that you’ll well and truly want to explore, whether it be by car, boat or on foot from someone who loves nothing more than exploring the great outdoors.

1. Noosa Everglades.

One of the best day trips from Noosa also happens to be right on its doorstep. Just north of the breathtaking coastal town in the Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park lies the spectacular Noosa Everglade. sWhat makes this one of my all-time favourite places is not just that it’s incredibly unique being only one of two Everglades in the world and the only one in Australia, but just how remote and serene it is. It is so peaceful and pristine, it was like I had gone back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. It just felt so timeless.

And the tranquillity is further exemplified by the river’s stunning glassiness which perfectly mirrored the treeline making it seem like the canoe was floating through a fantasy landscape where the surface was air instead of water. What also made it better was that it was so quiet and that Dad and I barely saw another soul all day which only made me feel more spiritually connected to the place and why I can’t recommend going paddling here yourself or on a guided tour enough.

But it’s not the only way to see this rare outstanding place of ecological value. There are also scenic cruises you can board that’ll take you through the lovely lakes of Cooroiba and Cootharaba to see this breathtaking place. And make sure to bring binoculars, as there is absolutely no shortage of birdlife so you’ll never know what you might see on a beautiful river adventure of the Upper Noosa River.

Note: The Noosa Everglades is also one of the best multi-day paddling routes with many campsites along the way to spend as much time away from civilisation as possible.

• Distance From Noosa To Boreen Point: 27km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 25 mins.
• Wanna Stay Longer? Habitat Noosa Camping. Several NP campsites along the route.

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2. Great Sandy National Park. (Cooloola Section.)

As incredible and unmissable as the Noosa Everglades are, it’s only a small part of Great Sandy National Park’s Cooloola section. This massive southern expanse is 4WD territory and is home to some fantastic rugged drives for capable high-clearance vehicles inland and even breathtaking beach driving opportunities along the coast that few get to experience between Noosa’s North Shore and the magnificent Rainbow Beach (more on this unforgettable town below.) Hire a 4WD from one of the car rental companies in town and explore this unspoilt paradise on your own or join a tour and see the highlights for an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Or if you’re the kind of person who likes exploring isolated places on foot and have a few days, two phenomenal multi-day treks showcase even more of the most remote areas of this stunning national park.

The Cooloola Great Walk is a rewarding 102km, 5-day through-hike along a grade 4 track that takes you over the towering dunes of the Cooloola Sand Mass, between the pristine Teewah and the untouched Noosa Everglades and visiting landmarks such as the Cooloola Sandpatch, Double Island Point and the Carlo Sandblow. Meanwhile, the Cooloola Wilderness Walk is a 48km, 3-5 day, grade 4 hike that explores the western side, going through several different natural habitats to remote waterholes and forest-fringed creeks.

• Distance From Noosa To Elanda Point, To The Third Cutting: 26km, 16km
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 26mins, 42mins.
• Wanna Stay Longer? Habitat Noosa Camping. Many campsites within the national park.

3. Maroochydore.

If you don’t want to go full remote, but still want to spend time by the seaside, there’s no better day trip from Noosa within an hour’s drive than Maroochydore. This gorgeous place is the Sunshine Coast’s only city and is a stunning destination to lap up the oceanic scenery, swim at some of the region’s best beaches and enjoy some of its most fun and rewarding things to do.

Some of the highlights include ripping around the water on a jet boat, taking a magical scenic flight over the coastline in a helicopter or seaplane, having close encounters with majestic humpback whales (during the annual migration between May & October.) and watching the sunrise and sunset from Point Cartwright.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Point Cartwright: 47km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 45min.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Coolum.

4. Woodum National Park.

Swapping the sea for the countryside, Woodum National Park is the closest place to Noosa where visitors can experience some of the raw beauty of the Sunshine Coast’s absolutely spectacular hinterland. The most popular attraction is the Mothar Mountain Rock Pools, which features a picturesque creek as it navigates through a rocky landscape, before turning into a small waterfall that cascades into a large basin that provides the perfect setting for rock hopping and wild swimming.

For those who like a physical challenge, the Boulder Mountain Hiking Trail is a great way to get the blood pumping as the 3.2km return, grade 5 track climbs steeply to the namesake’s peak and offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

And that’s not all. Beyond the 2WD accessible road to the rock pools and the Boulder Mountain trailhead, lies a network of rugged off-road trails, perfect for exploring in a 4WD, motorbike, quad bike or mountain bike.

But whether you have a conventional vehicle or one with off-road capabilities, I highly recommend accompanying a visit to this place with a clockwise drive around its circumference as it’s an incredibly fun, scenic, curvy and undulating road to drive. Then cap it off with a visit to James M McKane Memorial Lookout, north of Cooroy, where you can stop and enjoy a lovely view of the scenery while chowing down on some food.

Note: Despite visiting in December after rain, the water at the rock pools a little stagnant when I went, so it may not always be the best to go for a dip.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Mothar Mountain Rock Pools: 54km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.

4. Amamoor State Forest.

Heading even further inland, another fantastic hinterland escape is Amamoor State Forest. Home to one of the nation’s most iconic annual events, the Gympie Music Muster, which draws in over 20,000 revellers for its jam-packed 4-day schedule in August, it is a must-visit for anyone who loves all things country, music and mateship. But when it’s not hosting this massive gig, it’s a beautiful place to reconnect with nature.

One of the best things about this place is the picturesque creek running across its entire length, which is another incredible place for swimming in the natural environment. And with it being shallow in some areas and deeper in others, it’s great for people of all ages, from tiny tots splashing around to older kids and adults wanting to go full immersion. The super cute but elusive platypus also lives in this creek, making visiting early to see these lovely unique mammals in the quiet of the day that much more appealing.

Additionally, there are also several walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, with the 1.5km, Grade 4 Amama Walk being my favourite as it was both physically challenging and visually rewarding, with the quaint Cascades, and the view at Diamonfield Lookout, making its many creek crossings and the steep climbs and descents worth it.

And if you want to spend the night under the stars, the two campgrounds are gorgeous places to pitch a tent or park the caravan or motorhome.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Cedar Grove Camping Area: 67km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.
• Wanna Stay Longer? Cedar Grove Camping Area or Amamoor Creek Camping Area.

5. Gympie.

Another incredible day trip destination from Noosa is the stunning regional city of Gympie. This place is famous for its prolific gold mining heritage after James Nash found 72 ounces of the shiny precious metal in just 6 days in 1867, triggering a gold rush, which saved Queensland from bankruptcy. That was one hell of a feat and one of the best ways to learn about the history of it is as the Gold Mining & Historical Museum. You can even see if you can strike it rich at the Deep Creek Fossicking Area, but you’ll need to obtain a license first.

Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, fear not, there are still plenty of great things to do in Gympie. One of the best is riding the iconic Mary Valley Rattler, a stunning heritage steam train journey through the picturesque Mary Valley, or driving a similar route on the Mary Valley Drive instead of following the highway and walking or cycling along the beautiful river of the same name or picnicking at the lovely Alford Park.

• Distance From Cedar Grove Camping Area: 67km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Mary Valley Drive, Woodum National Park.

6. Rainbow Beach.

Along with being a fantastic place to visit, Gympie is also the gateway to the spectacular Rainbow Beach, home to one of the most incredible coastlines in Australia: the coloured sands. These breathing cliffs of various red, yellow, grey and white hues start just south of town and tower a staggering 40m behind the beach for a jaw-dropping Double Island Point 16km in the distance, making it one hell of a sight to see.

Meanwhile, the stunning Carlo Sandblow is a barren landscape that sits atop the cliffs providing an epic elevated view of the magnificent coastal landscape making it another must-visit. Plus, it’s also an incredible scenic hang gliding and paragliding launch spot.

And that’s just the north-easternmost fringe of the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. This outstanding place also has many fantastic walks and overnight hikes, including the aforementioned Cooloola Great Walk and Wilderness Trail if you’re into unforgettable trekking adventures. The former is a 5-day, 102km one-way journey along a coastal grade 4 track while the latter is a 3-5 day, 48km, grade 4 inland pathway.

There are also fantastic 4WD opportunities to drive along the beach next to the coloured sands and catch the ferry to explore the southern expanse of K’gari (Fraser Island), famous for being the world’s largest sand island and home to the largest wild purebred dingo population in Australia. Plus, there’s also plenty of accessible and remote camping, making this small town the gateway to so many adventures.

• Distance From Noosa Heads: 116km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 35min.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Gympie, Tin Can Bay.
• Wanna Stay Longer? One of the many Inskip Peninsula or Cooloola Campgrounds.

7. Kondalilla National Park.

If it’s waterfalls you’re seeking, there is no shortage of these incredible landmarks in the Sunshine Coast. However, if there’s one to rule them all, it would have to be Kondalilla Falls in the national park of the same name. The way Skene Creek cascades 80-90m over the striking rockface is nothing short of spectacular.

And while it is the undisputed highlight of the 4.7km, grade 4 track that circumnavigates it and allows you to see it from several breathtaking angles, there is so much variety to this walk that it’s one of the most beautiful and rewarding trails in the region, which is truly saying something as it shares territory with the magnificent Glass House Mountains.

There’s also the beautiful Picnic Creek Falls, Obi Obi Lookout which peers into the Obi Obi Valley, and most refreshingly, the gorgeous Rock Pool at the top of Kondalilla Falls, which features a breathtaking basin and one of the best wild swimming holes I’ve ever come across.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Kondalilla Falls Parking Area.: 53km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 50min.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: The Ginger Factory, The Big Pineapple.

8. Conondale National Park.

Another phenomenal national park that provides to perfect day out from Noosa is Conondale National Park. This spectacular natural habitat is only a little over an hour’s drive (64km), however, all of its attractions are accessible by high-clearance 4WD only. Luckily, the beautiful coastal town has several car rental companies that have these rugged off-road vehicles to hire to visit this breathtaking place of outstanding ecological value.

Two of the highlights include Boolumba Falls and the Artist’s Cascades, two stunning small waterfalls with spectacular basins perfect for a refreshing swim in a pristine remote environment with the 3.7m high Strangler Cairn sculpture hand cut from granite and metamorphic blocks with a real stranger fig sapling growing from the top of it being another. The goal of this artwork is for the seeding of this iconic rainforest species to overtake it in the same way these plants grow around other trees they have infiltrated.

Meanwhile, those who have more days to spare and love long challenging hikes will want to trek the Conondale Great Walk, a sensational 56km, grade 4 circuit that incorporates many of the national park’s main attractions, plus plenty more for one of the most physically and visually rewarding hinterland trails on the Sunshine Coast.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Booloumba Creek Day Use Area: 64km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 5min.
• Wanna Stay Longer? Booloumba Creek Camping Area.

9. Imbil State Forest.

While Imbil State Forest & Conondale National Park are closely linked thanks to the scenic 4WD loops that connect the two places, the former isn’t exclusively terrain for high-clearance vehicles with off-road capabilities like the latter. Imbil has lovely walks, mountain biking trails and a picturesque creek, perfect for swimming in the natural environment making it a fantastic place for people with conventional 2WDs to visit, especially for those looking for a family-friendly nature escape.

• Distance From Noosa Heads To Charlie Moreland Camping Area: 63km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.
• Wanna Stay Longer? Charlie Moreland Camping Area.

10. Lake Borumba.

Just north of Imbil State Forest lies one the prettiest dams in southeastern Queensland. Lake Borumba is a spectacular dammed waterway that has nothing but stunning hilltops surrounding it with absolutely no signs of civilisation once you get away from the dam wall, making it impossible not to feel like you’ve transcended back through time.

Over at the far end, it gets even more interesting thanks to the sheer amount of trees that populate the water, which waterbirds love to rest on and birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles love to nest upon, and there were hundreds on the branches and taking off from the water when I kayaked over where which made me feel like I was in a National Geographic documentary.

Along with paddling, boating, sailing and waterskiing, this is also one of the few lakes in this part of the state where jet skiing is allowed, giving people plenty of options to have fun on this stunning inland lake.

• Distance From Noosa Heads: 73km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 5min.

From cruising or paddling the peaceful waters of the Noosa Everglades, hiking one of the many trails at the national parks and state forests, riding the historic Mary Valley Rattler steam train and gold panning in Gympie, there are many excellent day trip destinations from Noosa that’ll satisfy all kinds of traveller.

If you are planning to visit Noosa & surrounds, consider looking at these other posts.