The 14 Best Things To Do In Noosa With Kids

It’s renowned for sophisticated dining and chic shopping but exploring Noosa with kids is a family holiday dream come true.

Picturesque beaches, fresh coastal air and killer kids’ menus at the region’s best restaurants — there are plenty of reasons to bring little ones here for a much-needed escape. We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Noosa with kids to help you and the clan stay busy and keep meltdowns at bay.

1. Cut loose at Hinterland Adventure Playground

Show the kids how much you appreciated their patience during the drive into Noosa by dropping into the Hinterland Adventure Playground in Cooroy, a 30-minute drive from Hastings Street.

Built on a former timber mill site, the playground is a total children’s paradise, featuring a bunch of swings, a flying fox, a splash zone, a sand pit, a rock play area, tunnels, a sensory garden, a giant slide and plenty of nets to climb and tumble down from.

a young girl sliding down, Hinterland Adventure Playground

Go down the slide.

Toddlers will also love trotting along the nature trails. Best of all, there’s ample shade, plus barbecue areas to make an afternoon of it all which means even teens are bound to get on board. It only opened early 2023 so consider it one of the newest ways to keep everyone happy if you’re exploring Noosa with kids.

a giant slide in Hinterland Adventure Playground

Hinterland Adventure Playground has a gigantic slide for kids.

2. Learn to surf

Boasting 300-odd days of sunshine a year, it’s likely you’ll spend most of your Noosa holiday by the beach. Noosa’s Main Beach, which is a hop, skip and jump from bustling Hastings Street, is not just popular for its white sand and cerulean water. It’s also super safe for families visiting Noosa with kids.

a group of students during a surfing lesson with Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf

Sit in on a surfing lesson with Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf.

Patrolled year-round, it is safe for swimming with moderate waves and is a great spot to learn to surf. Book a lesson with Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf, or if your kids are really keen on surfing, they also offer five-day school holiday surfing programs.

Noosa Main Beach is a great spot to learn to surf.

3. Ride a horse along the beach

Swap your surfboard for a steed. Meander along Noosa’s stunning coastline on horseback with Equathon Horse Riding Adventures, which offers private tours for groups and families (aged seven years and older) along Teewah Beach on Noosa’s North Shore.

If you’re a more experienced rider (aged 12 and above), Rainbow Beach Horse Rides run a bareback ocean ride, where you can ride your horse into the sparkling waters of Rainbow Beach. It is one of the most memorable things to do with kids in Noosa, hands down.

an aerial view of people riding horses along Rainbow Beach

Hop on and enjoy the view.

4. Get messy with arts and craft at Noosa Regional Gallery

If you’re in town on the third Sunday of the month, the Noosa Regional Gallery runs ArtPlay Sunday, a free program made for families visiting Noosa with kids. Staged from 11am to 1pm, the awesome initiative includes activities that stem from the current exhibitions going on in the gallery – so expect some very cool stuff beyond simple colouring in. Perfect for primary school-aged children, ArtPlay Sunday is held just outside the gallery, weather permitting, so families will also score the bonus of some epic Noosa River views during their visit.

5. Visit The Ginger Factory

You don’t have to be a fan of ginger to enjoy The Ginger Factory, located just 30 minutes south-west of Noosa at Yandina. Surrounded by subtropical gardens, The Ginger Factory is a great day out for the family, with a sprawling nine-hectare property to explore.

a family touring around The Ginger Factory

Ride a 100-year-old sugar cane train, enjoy a boat ride with music and puppetry, browse the boutiques in the heritage-style village, let the kids run wild in the outdoor playground, take a factory tour, and – of course – taste Buderim Ginger products (ginger beer, gingerbread, chocolate, honey and more…). A gift that keeps on giving if you’re visiting Noosa with kids of any age.

a family outside Giuseppe's Workshop, The Ginger Factory

Find handmade toys and sweet treats at Giuseppe’s Workshop.

6. Explore Noosa by bike

Ditch the car and get around this scenic region on two wheels. There are a number of easy cycle paths for families to ride in Noosa with kids of all ages.

Aerial shot of cyclists mountain biking in Wooroi

Pump up your adrenaline on two wheels down the palm forests along Wooroi Creek.

The best ones include the flat 6.5-kilometre ride from Noosa Marina to Hastings Street, which passes the Pirate Playground along Noosa River, some of the region’s best cafes and coffee, and Main Beach; an 11.5-kilometre track along the coast from Noosa Junction to Peregian Beach; the 2.5-kilometre loop around the Noosa River and a six-kilometre path from Weyba Creek to Noosa Farmers Market and Mangrove Boardwalk.

Two people riding bikes on boardwalk in Noosa.

Ditch the car and get around this scenic region on two wheels.

Bike On offers hire with standard baby seats, shotgun child seats and child chariots starting from $20 a day and older kids can book out their own mountain bike and BMX from $10 a day.

Bike On lets you hire an assortment of bicycles.

7. Spend the day at Australia Zoo

It would be remiss not to mention Australia’s most famous zoo on this list of the best things to do in Noosa with kids. Located less than an hour south of Noosa, Australia Zoo has been operating since the 1990s and is home to more than a thousand native and exotic animals.

a father with his two children feeding animals in Australia Zoo

Get a chance to feed animals in Australia Zoo.

Watch saltwater crocs strike in the incredible Crocoseum, wrap a Burmese python around your shoulders, feed kangaroos that roam the grass areas and view exotic animals such as the red panda, meerkats, elephants, zebras and giraffes. Kids from four years of age can also partake in the Zookeeper for a Day program, which involves helping zookeepers feed animals, clean enclosures and get up close to the animals.

a family petting a giraffe in Australia Zoo

If you’re lucky you might get some tongue action with a giraffe.

8. Kayak through the Noosa Everglades

Noosa’s Everglades is one of just two everglades in the world and boasts a staggering 1365 species of plants and more than 44 per cent of Australia’s birdlife.

an aerial photo of people kayaking along the Noosa everglades

Kayak along the Noosa Everglades.

Explore this natural wonder in Noosa with kids thanks to the award-winning company Kanu Kapers, which runs self-guided and guided kayak tours through this fascinating ecosystem.

two people on a kayak along Noosa everglades

Paddle down Noosa River with Kanu Kapers.

The half-day tour is perfect for young kids, who will love spotting the wildlife and, if the wind is in the right direction, the return sail across Lake Cootharaba.

kayaking along Lake Cootharaba with sunset in the background, Kanu Kapers

Witness fiery sunset hues set amongst shady bushland in Lake Cootharaba.

9. Hike the Noosa National Park

Home to Noosa Headland, soaring eucalypt forest, pockets of rainforest, quiet beaches and a walk that captures incredible views of the coast, Noosa National Park is a great place to spend an early morning or late afternoon in Noosa with kids. There are five walking tracks, ranging from an easy one-kilometre trail through palm groves to an epic 10.8-kilometre coastal track that rewards you with panoramic views (you can do just part of this if you have small kids). Our guide to Noosa National Park offers a complete rundown. Spot a variety of wildflowers and keep an eye out for kookaburras, koalas and lace monitors. Between June and November, you may spot humpbacks cruising along the coast, while dolphins and turtles are occasionally spotted at Dolphins Point and Hell’s Gates.

a couple standing at the peak of Emu Mountain, Noosa National Park

Climb up to the peak of Emu Mountain to witness breathtaking views.

10. Paddle, fly and cycle Noosa River

The soothing river is prime turf for aquatic adventures in Noosa with kids. Noosa Stand Up Paddle offers stand-up paddleboard lessons and hire, as well as the more unique Fliteboard experience, which is an electric surfboard–snowboard hybrid that gives the sensation of flying over water. They also have nautical water bikes, which are easy and fun to use, making these guys the leaders in teenage boredom busting. The river is home to an abundance of birdlife, including pelicans, white-bellied sea eagles and the striking great egret.

Couple stand-up paddleboarding in Tea Tree Bay in Noosa

Stand-up paddling in Tea Tree Bay is bliss.

11. Board a classic river ferry

If you prefer to take a more relaxed route, this is a great alternative to explore the highlights along the Noosa River. Cruising between Hastings Street and Tewantin, the Noosa Ferry offers a scenic cruise with seven stops.

Explore the scenic waterway with Noosa Ferry.

All-day passes for adults cost $28 while children aged between five and 17 cost $14, and this allows you to hop on and off as much as you like. There is also a sunset cruise, which is BYO and can run up to two-and-a-half hours depending on where you’d like to go and get off.

Get on a rewarding sunset cruise.

12. Ride the Noosa Wave

Little ones love wildlife and speed, so why not combine them together if you’re visiting Noosa with kids? Spot the abundant marine life that call Noosa home, including dolphins, turtles and manta rays, on a thrilling zero-gravity-feeling ocean ride with Noosa Wave Boating Adventures. Kids from five years can join this 1.5-hour tour, which has you gliding over the waves without any hard bumps. It’s the fastest (and safest) adventure boat you’ll find in the area.

Aerial shot of whale and boat at Noosa Wave Boating Adventures

Spot the wildlife at Noosa Wave Boating Adventures.

13. Tackle a giant inflatable fun park

Just over a half-hour drive south of Noosa, the Blast Aqua Fun Park in Coolum claims to be the world’s largest aqua fun park and is sure to tire even the most energetic of kids aged six and over. The inflatable obstacle course comprises slides, trampolines, swings, wobble pads and more to slip and slide along. There are free barbecue areas so you can bring your lunch for the day or there’s a cafe to grab food from. All-day passes are $60, or a single 50-minute session is $25.

14. Noosa Aquatic Centre

Take a break from chasing your toddler away from Main Beach’s waves by visiting Noosa Aquatic Centre’s kid-friendly water mecca. Offering a heated toddler pool and heated bubble pool for even smaller bubs, plus giant inflatables for kids aged six and over during the school holidays, this long-running haven away from the madness is a bit of a local’s secret. There’s also a gym and cafe on site, and a creche if you’re desperate for a very virtuous swim or sweat session on your own while on holiday.

This article was originally written by Megan Arkinstall and updated by Kristie Lau-Adams.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis, Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa, organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano, traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina.

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter

Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore. Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa

Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter

Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater, a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter

Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

The 14 best things to do in Noosa with kids