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Whether you’re in Noosa for a quick getaway or a slow holiday, there’s plenty to keep you busy and well-fed. From good food and crisp beer to a morning paddle with no schedule, Noosa has it all covered. Just pack your swimmers and a decent appetite.
Where to Eat in Noosa
Sum Yung Guys
A crowd favourite and for good reason. This modern Asian spot in Noosaville delivers bold flavours, playful dishes and a buzzing atmosphere. Expect Mooloolaba prawn toast or spicy duck larb with roasted rice – the kind of dishes that’ll have you ordering seconds before your table has been cleared. Definitely worth booking ahead.
Peli’s Noosa
From the same team as Sum Yung Guys, this Med-inspired bistro-style diner has a prime location at the waterfront Noosa Marina. As befitting its address, seafood is one of the stars here; vegetables feature too. The wine list is extensive, and there’s also a private dining room if you happen to be in town with 40 of your nearest and dearest.
Rickys River Bar & Restaurant
One for when you’re feeling a little fancy but still want a laid-back coastal setting. The menu at this waterfront wonder leans Mediterranean with a local twist: seafood-heavy and packed with fresh produce. Ask for a table by the water and sit down to char-grilled swordfish, spanner crab tagliatelle and fried calamari with seaweed seasoning. Stretchy pants recommended.
El Capitano Pizzeria & Bar
This Hastings Street stalwart underwent a renovation in 2024, debuting not just a new look but also a new location: into the cafe site downstairs. Fear not, the wood-fired pizzas (made with 72-hour sourdough bases) and house-made pastas are still accounted for. Grab a table to put away a few slices, washed down with minimal intervention wines or craft beer.
VanillaFood
This Noosa Junction spot is a staple for anyone chasing wholefood goodness without skimping on flavour. VanillaFood serves colourful, nourishing plates that change according to what produce is in season. Stop by for smoothie bowls, avocado on charcoal sourdough or buckwheat waffles after a salty morning swim.
Light Years
Another fun Asian fusion spot in Noosa Heads with plenty of neon, personality and dishes you may well be reluctant to share. Here, the plates come fast and furious: think bao buns, fire cracker chicken, mud crab dumplings and crispy pork belly. Go with friends, or just your appetite.
Doña Cocina Mexicana
One of Hastings Street’s most vibrant venues where you’ll come for the fare but stay for the vibes. The menu reads like a laundry list of Mexican favourites: elote (grilled corn) and tostadas, to birria tacos, enchiladas and nachos. Sip your way through the margarita offering – from classic to coconut and jalapeno – and settle in for a night at this cool rooftop haunt.
Mahi Mahi Fish & Chippery
Did you even have a beach holiday in Noosa if you don’t have fish and chips at least once? Mahi Mahi do some of the best going around. Line-caught fish and hand-cut chips are the name of the game. Grab a table outdoors to tuck into yours under the Noosa sun.
Where to Drink in Noosa
Locale Noosa
Tucked just off Hastings Street, Locale is moody, sleek and the kind of place you might accidentally spend hours in. Their cocktails are classics with a twist; try the Amalfi Spritz or the house riff on a negroni. The wine list is solid too, with a focus on Italian and Australian producers.
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co.
If you’re into craft beer, this family-owned Noosaville brewery was founded by two brothers and is just the ticket, especially for those seeking afternoon respite from the sun. The taproom has a relaxed vibe with plenty of room to stretch out. Bonus points for the brewery tours if you’re keen to see behind the scenes.
Miss Moneypenny’s
This Hastings Street watering hole is great for late afternoon cocktails that easily roll into dinner. The bar team mix up martinis, old fashioneds and their own creative takes, plus cocktail classes are also on offer if you want to learn the tricks of the trade to take home. DJs spin tunes as the sun goes down.
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar
Head here for a setting that is a bit quieter and tucked away from the Hastings Street crowd. Located along the Noosa River, this elegant outpost is made for lazy afternoons sipping chilled wines and grazing on Italian-influenced plates. Plan on lingering longer.
Theo’s Social Club
One of the newer additions to Noosa Junction’s scene, this wine bar on Sunshine Beach Road has quickly built a loyal following. Expect natural wines, charcuterie boards and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a casual nightcap or pre-dinner drinks.
What to Do in Noosa
Noosa Farmers Market (Sundays)
Skip breakfast at your hotel and hit the markets instead. Locals come here for organic produce, fresh baked goods, locally-roasted coffee and stalls slinging everything from gourmet toasties to handmade dumplings and superfood-packed smoothies. Arrive early for prime parking spots around the football oval, and don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags if possible.
Noosa National Park Coastal Track
One of the best coastal walks in Australia, and you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. Start at the main park entrance near Hastings Street and follow the track along the headland. You’ll be rewarded to sweeping ocean views, hidden beaches like Tea Tree Bay, and maybe spot a koala napping in the trees.
Hit the water on Noosa River
Swap ocean swims for a calm paddle on the waters of Noosa River. There are places to hire stand-up paddle boards or kayaks along Gympie Terrace, and you’ll get the chance to glide past pelicans, waterfront homes and quiet inlets on your explorations. Head out earlier in the mornings for glassy water and fewer crowds.
Day trip to the Noosa Everglades
Not only is the Noosa Everglades one of only two everglade systems in the world (the other being in Louisiana), but this stretch of mirrored waterways is as peaceful as it is photogenic. One of the most popular ways to explore is by joining a guided kayak tour or a small-group boat tour.
Sunset at Laguna Lookout
Just a short drive or uphill walk from town, Laguna Lookout is an unrivalled spot to watch the sun setting over Noosa River, the hinterland, and out to the coast. Bring snacks, a couple of drinks and settle in for the show.
Eumundi Markets (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
These iconic sprawling markets are worth the short drive inland from Noosa. Local makers, live music, food stalls and quirky souvenirs are all on display, and meandering through the aisles of wares is a fantastic way to spend a morning. Be sure to arrive hungry, pick up a coffee and something to snack on, and give yourself plenty of time to browse unhurriedly.
