Noosa National Park

While camping is not allowed in Noosa National Park, there are plenty of Sunshine Coast camping areas and caravan parks nearby, at Noosa Heads, Peregian Beach and Coolum Beach. About 160km north of the Queensland capital, Brisbane, Noosa National Park features spectacular coastal scenery and is a place you’re likely to spot koalas, lace monitors, cockatoos and kookaburras. Take the 1km along the beachfront Hastings Street boardwalk to join the 11km Coastal Walk, which includes the Laguna Lookout, with sweeping views of Laguna Bay beach and the coastline toward the Noosa River mouth. There are 15km of marked bushland walking tracks, or hit the surf at any of the surrounding beaches.

When to Go

Noosa has an average daily temperature of 25 degrees in summer, with water temperatures around the same, dropping to 19 degrees in winter. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, with some relief provided by coastal breezes, but is the busiest time of year as this is a prime holiday destination for Australians, with more than 1.5 million visitors a year. March/April is also a peak season, around Easter.

Know before you go

• Early mornings and dusk are the best times for koala spotting and birdwatching.
• There is no wheelchair access to Laguna Lookout.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic tables are available in the Noosa Headland day-use area, which you can drive to.
• There have been serious assaults in this park. Never walk alone, stay on marked trails and don’t walk after dark.