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Australia was off everyone's travel radar for the last two years due to tight Covid restrictions. Now that entry requirements have been lifted, tourism has finally returned and it's time to start planning that long-awaited trip to the land down under.
While Sydney-to-Byron Bay has been a long popular east coast road trip itinerary, travelers shouldn't pass up exploring the beauty that lies further to the north. Located on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa National Park is a nature and beach lover's dream come true. The idyllic white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters will not disappoint!
What Makes Noosa National Park So Special?
Not many national parks are located literally steps away from a bustling shopping and dining precinct AND stunning beaches that are part of an officially declared World Surfing Reserve. Visitors can sip and shop along Hastings Street, soak up the sun, catch a wave, or take a hike through the rainforest, all without getting in the car! The walking tracks are well-marked and easy to follow, and the park is amply equipped with public bathrooms, picnic areas, and outdoor showers.
Breathtaking Beaches, Flora, and Fauna
The sheer beauty of the beaches that lie within Noosa National Park is one of the main draw cards. There are four picturesque bays that look like they're straight from a postcard: Nationals, Little Cove, Tea Tree, and Granites. If feeling extra adventurous, continue hiking all the way around to the stunning (and clothing-optional) Alexandra Bay.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are great ways to explore the waters around Noosa National Park. Tours and rentals are readily available around the town of Noosa heads.
- If the swell is up, surfers will be in paradise. There are also several surf schools for beginners to take a lesson. Prices average around $75 per person for a 2-hour group class.
- Be sure to pack, rent, or buy a mask and snorkel to explore what lies beneath the surface of the sparkling clear waters.
Noosa National Park covers nearly 3000 hectares and is a wildlife sanctuary to many species. With its abundance of eucalyptus, it's especially renowned for its koala population; don't forget to look up! The entire region is also an internationally-recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Besides koalas, visitors are also likely to spot wallabies, echidnas, kangaroos, hundreds of species of birds, goannas (a type of lizard), dolphins, turtles, and more.
What Is The Best Time Of Year In Noosa?
While there is no bad time to visit, the best time is really a matter of personal preference. Aside from temperature, which really does not fluctuate that dramatically, there are certain characteristics that make each season unique. Don't forget that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons may fall at a different time of the year than many readers are accustomed to. Here is a guide to getting the planning process started:
Summer (December - March)
As locals would put it, summer can be a scorcher (or, scorcha'). Those who love hot, tropical weather day and night will be in their element. Surfers flock to the famous point breaks lining Noosa National Park at this time of year as this is when the swells are biggest and best. With that said, these conditions are created as a result of cyclonic activity. While cyclones rarely make landfall in the area, they have the potential to bring a lot of rain.
- Check out the Noosa Festival of Surfing which happens every summer in February or March. This famed international event attracts the world's best longboarders. There are lots of parties, live music, art shows, and more.
Fall (April/May)
Generally speaking, autumn is a wonderful time of year for traveling almost anywhere and Noosa is no exception. Many visitors would likely not even be able to differentiate based solely on the temperature, as daily highs average between 24-26 degrees Celsius (76-78 F). It's a few degrees cooler at night compared with the summer, and there's a much lower chance of any rain.
Winter (June - August)
Due to the orientation of Noosa headland compared to the prevailing southerly winds, wintertime can be surprisingly pleasant on the beach. The bays are so sheltered that it is often warm enough to sit on the sand in a swimsuit in the midday sun, however, the water temps are on the cooler side. Speaking of the sun, there is plenty of it at this time of year as it rarely rains. The temperature drops at night, but rarely below about 10 C/50 F.
- Whale watching: Whale sightings in Noosa National Park are frequent and winter is the prime whale-watching season. They can often be seen from shore, or there are plenty of boat tours available for a closer look.
- Noosa Eat and Drink Festival is held every year in June. Enjoy wine-tasting stalls, craft beer, cooking classes, live music, and of course, food.
Spring (September - November)
For the uninitiated, spring temperatures can certainly feel like summer. The downfall of this time of year is that the northerly winds often blow, which is not ideal for the beach. It makes the ocean surface choppy and blows sand around. It also stirs up the bluebottles (Portuguese Man-o-war jellyfish), which arrive from the tropical waters to the north with these winds and warmer ocean currents. Nonetheless, the vibe is lively as everyone starts gearing up for the summer holidays.
How To Get To Noosa National Park?
For those traveling along the east coast of Australia, renting a car is the best mode of transportation. Another option for domestic travel is to fly to Sunshine Coast airport, which services direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Noosa is located about half an hour north and is easily accessible by shuttle or local busses. The closest international airport is in Brisbane (airport code BNE).