Planning your Noosa itinerary, but you’re not quite sure where to start? This three-day Noosa itinerary will guide you through the best of the area, from coastal adventures and riverside strolls to boutique shopping and dining with a view. Staying at Noosa Place Resort puts you at the heart of all of it all, making it easy to explore, relax, and enjoy the charm of Noosaville at your own pace.
Day One
Check into Noosa Place Resort
Your perfect Noosa itinerary starts at Noosa Place Resort. Ideal for families, groups, and couples, the resort is just moments from the vibrant cafés and restaurants of Gympie Terrace, while the tranquil Noosa River is right on your doorstep. Enjoy the perfect balance of convenience and relaxation, with everything you need for a memorable Noosaville getaway at your fingertips.
Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park
After check-in, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa National Park. The Coastal Walk is an absolute must-do when visiting Noosa, boasting sweeping ocean views, native bushland, and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities from koalas to turtles to dolphins. The best thing about this walk is you can choose your own adventure. Whether you’re heading all the way to Sunshine Beach for the 10.8km return or just meandering to Boiling Pot, this walk promises the iconic Queensland experience.
Shop on Hastings Street
After you’ve finished your hike, it’s time to slow down the pace a little bit as you stroll along the cosmopolitan Hastings Street for a spot of shopping. This iconic strip boasts a unique blend of internationally renowned designers to independent boutiques, making for a vibrant and unique atmosphere to find a piece of Noosa to take home with you. Grab a coffee from Blended Health Bar and a sweet treat from Tanglewood Bakery and you’ve got the perfect morning on your hands.
Unwind at Noosa Main Beach
Make sure you carve out an afternoon for some well-earned R&R on Noosa Main Beach. One of Australia’s only north-facing beaches on the east coast, this sparkling bay boasts gentle waves that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply unwinding and soaking up the sunshine. Take a dip, settle in with a good book or simply watch the world go by as the day slowly winds down.
Dinner with a View
Nothing says holidays like dinner on the water, and you’re spoilt for choice when in Noosa. Along the river in Noosaville, spots like Rickys River Bar & Restaurant and Noosa Boathouse offer a refined yet relaxed setting for dining with your loved ones. For that iconic Noosa experience, settle in for sunset over Laguna Bay at Sails Restaurant Noosa or Bistro C, where beachfront dining meets beautifully crafted dishes celebrating the region’s finest local produce.
Day Two
Morning Stroll on the Foreshore
Start your morning the Noosaville way with a stroll along the river foreshore. If you’re an early bird, we warmly recommend getting up for sunrise so you can watch the sun peek over the horizon and paint the sky in golden hues. Even if you fancy a more leisurely start to your day, this scenic pathway meanders along the river foreshore offering picturesque views the entire time. It’s a local favourite for a very good reason, with plenty of places to pause and take in the views and atmosphere. Grab a coffee from the Terrace Marina kiosk as you leave your accommodation and you’re set for a cruisey, idyllic morning in Noosaville.
Explore the Noosa Industrial Estate
Beyond the stunning coastline, spend some time exploring the industrial estate in Noosaville. This underrated pocket of Noosa is home to an abundance of local breweries, boutique stores and other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We warmly recommend visiting the Noosa Chocolate Factory for some sweet treats, the newly opened Let’s Get Roasted & Toasted for the most incredible toasties (try the Rueben and thank us later) and the Land & Sea brewery for an ice cold local brew to wash it all down with. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon discovering local flavours, unique shopping and a different side of Noosa.
Cocktails by the Noosa River
End your day with a couple of sundowners along the Noosa River, with a variety of charming bars for you to choose from. Ease into the afternoon at 250 Grammi, where Aperitivo Hour from 2–5pm invites you to slow down with $15 spritzes in a relaxed, sun-soaked setting. For unparalleled views of the sunset, head upstairs to the aptly named Sunset Bar at Noosa Boathouse and indulge in a couple of drinks and snacks as the sun dips below the horizon. Need we say more?
Day Three
Coffee & Brunch on Gympie Terrace
For a leisurely start to your day, indulge in a cheeky brunch at one of the many cafes that line Gympie Terrace. We love Depot Noosa for a big brekkie, La Vie en Rose for some delicious French crepes and galettes and Grind Cafe for that classic morning feed. Whatever you’re craving, taking a stroll along Gympie Terrace will lead you to where you need to be.
Hire a Boat
One of the best ways to experience Noosa is from the water, and hiring a boat and heading out to explore the Noosa River is an absolute must. Whether you opt for a self-drive BBQ pontoon from Terrace Marina or a Roundaboat to be filled with drinks, it’s the perfect way to spend a few relaxed hours cruising the waterways at your own pace. Drop anchor for a swim, pull up to a riverside spot for lunch, or simply drift along and take in the scenery.
Sunset Picnic
End the day the Noosa way with a leisurely picnic by the water. Whether you’re unwinding on the Noosa River foreshore, setting up on Noosa Main Beach or heading over to Sunshine Beach, it’s a truly magical way to experience the unparalleled beauty of Noosa. Grab some bits and pieces for a cheeseboard, a couple of tinnies and you’ve got the perfect evening on your hands.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about Noosa that invites you to slow down and savour the moment. Whether it’s a morning by the ocean, an afternoon on the river or an evening spent watching the sun dip below the horizon, every experience feels effortless. With Noosa Place Resort as your base, you’re perfectly positioned to soak it all up with this 3 day Noosa itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 days is enough time in Noosa to experience the highlights including Noosa Main Beach, Noosa National Park, Hastings Street and the Noosa River, all while still allowing time to relax and soak up the scenery. We definitely recommend longer than 3 days though!
The best things to do in Noosa include walking through Noosa National Park, relaxing on Noosa Main Beach, shopping on Hastings Street, riverside dining by the Noosa River and exploring local cafes and breweries.
Noosa Place Resort in Noosaville is a great place to stay for a relaxed, central base with easy access to the river, restaurants and nearby beaches.
Yes, Noosa is ideal for families, with calm beaches, outdoor activities, scenic walks and a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options.
While a car definitely makes it more convenient to enjoy Noosa, it’s definitely not a necessity. Many attractions are within walking distance from Noosa Place Resort, and there are also plenty of buses, ferries and other public transport options to effortlessly explore the region.
