Get on your bike and head to Airlie Beach for a brand new mountain bike adventure.
When you think of Airlie Beach and the surrounding Whitsundays, the first pictures that come to mind are of white sand beaches, underwater creatures, boats and maybe a surfer or 10. But even on land, there’s so much to offer – from rainforest to mountain ranges. Which is why the newest mountain bike trails to be announced may just also be the prettiest: the first stage of Twin Creeks Eco Park will debut mountain bike trails, with 35–40 kilometres of singletrack just over the hill from Airlie Beach.
Conway National Park is the site of the new Twin Creeks Eco Park.
We’ve already seen the rise of running tourism this year, and now that enthusiasm to get moving seems to have well and truly spilled over to the mountain biking community. And it seems the Whitsundays may just be the next go-to destination for biking enthusiasts. What with Finch Hatton – a small town west of Mackay, home to waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulders – nearby, and discussion of another mountain bike project connected to the Whitsunday Skyway Project (a new eco-tourism initiative bringing cable car rides that will take tourists 430 metres above sea level).
But what is Twin Creeks Eco Park? The project plans to turn a thousand acres – adjoining the Conway National Park – into an enhanced, natural playground. The approach of developers is to follow the mould of golf course living and tourism – where private homes are built along the fairway, with a clubhouse and holiday accommodation to top it off. But make that golf fairway a web of biking, hiking and running trails, open to the public. And all just 12 minutes from Airlie Beach.
Mountain bikers in the know already love The Whitsundays. (Image: Riptide Creative)
This singletrack announcement is just stage one, with 220 kilometres of vertical track and more to follow in the next 12 months. Most of the trails will be gravity-based, with some adventure-style trails taking in some of the most beautiful parts of the surrounding rainforest.
The project is being undertaken by born and bred Airlie Beach local, Ashley Rees, Kerr and Cole Claxton (who are also the owners of Ride Whitsundays bike shop and Ocean Safari Rafting) and one other. So it’s a group of people who know a thing or two about the area and how best to explore it.
Other scenic spots for mountain bikers
Ride through Twin Creeks Eco Park, then discover more trails around Australia.
Fully onboard for a mountain biking travel takeover? There are plenty of new and favourite mountain bike parks and trails to call your name.
Discover the new Great Southern Trails, combining over 550 kilometres of dedicated MTB trails around Southern New South Wales. Stay in the state to ride 22 kilometres of bike tracks through the rugged beauty and pastoral landscapes near the Snowy Mountains at Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park.
The Whitsundays isn’t Queensland’s only destination jumping on the MTB trend. The Scenic Rim Trail Bike tour shows travellers the lush bush, farmland and extinct volcanoes of this region just outside Brisbane on two wheels.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.
Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.
Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.
1. Explore the hinterland
Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.
Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.
Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.
Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.
2. Accommodation to suit all budgets
Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.
The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.
Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.
For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.
Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.
3. Reset and rejuvenate
Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.
Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.
Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.
For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.
4. New dining experiences
Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.
Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.
Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.
5. Where the locals eat
Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)
Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.
Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.
6. Spot humpback whales
Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)
There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.
To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.
7. Take a country drive
Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.
Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.
Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.
8. Explore the eastern beaches
Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)
Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.
Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.
9. Discover the Noosa River
Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.
Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.
Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.
At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.
