Skip to content
Australia Travel EscapesAustralian travel and wellness escapes, revived for a new editorial era

Guide · Queensland coast walks ·

Noosa National Park walk: the coastal track guide

By the Australia Travel Escapes editorial team · Who we are

The Noosa National Park walk follows the coast from Noosa Heads out around the headlands, and it is one of the easiest ways to see the Queensland coast on foot. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, start early and expect to stop often for the views.

This guide covers the route, the Hell's Gates detour, the beaches along the way, wildlife, parking and what to pack.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa National Park; Wikipedia, Noosa Heads, Queensland.

The coastal track

The coastal route is the park's best known walk. An oceanway runs from the mouth of the Noosa River, along the Hastings Street town centre, and then out around the headlands and beaches of Noosa National Park to Sunshine Beach. Most visitors start in town, close to the shops and the sea, and walk out along the water.

You do not have to walk the whole way. The park has a handful of walking tracks, and the longest is about 8 km, so a short out and back walk still gives you the best of the headlands. Walkers who want the full length to Sunshine Beach should plan a long, slow morning with swim and snack stops, and should arrange a way back, since a one way walk is not a loop.

One walking track climbs Noosa Hill, the highest point in the park at 147 metres. It is a good choice if you want a view over the town and coast, and you prefer a steady uphill walk to a seaside stroll.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa National Park; Wikipedia, Noosa Heads, Queensland.

The Hell's Gates detour

Hell's Gate is one of the headlands in the park, and a walking track leads out to it. It is reported to be the most walked trail in Queensland, so expect company, especially at weekends. It is worth the detour for the cliff views and for the feel of the open sea below. Take care near the edge. Cliff tops can be slippery, and wind can gust without warning.

Stay on the marked track and keep children close at lookouts. If the weather turns rough, skip the exposed headlands and spend your time on the sheltered bays instead.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa Heads, Queensland; Wikipedia, Noosa National Park.

Beaches and swimming

The bays are the reward on this walk, but they are not all the same. Several beaches in the park are good for swimming, but none of them are patrolled. Alexandria Bay needs extra care. Swimmers should watch for strong currents there, so paddle at the edge and do not swim far out. If you are not sure about conditions, stay on the sand and enjoy the view.

The southern end of Alexandria Bay is known locally as unofficially clothing optional. Families who prefer to avoid that can choose a different bay for their stop.

Camping is banned in the park, so plan this as a day walk.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa National Park.

Wildlife and whales

The park is home to koalas, short-nosed bandicoots, common ringtail possums and brushtail possums. Look up into the eucalypts, because koalas are often high and still. Birdlife includes the eastern ground parrot, glossy black cockatoos, rufous fantails, satin bowerbirds, crimson rosellas and eastern yellow robins.

The headlands are a popular spot to watch migrating humpback whales. Bring binoculars if you have them, and give yourself time to stand and scan the water. Please keep quiet and keep your distance from any wildlife you meet on the track.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa National Park; Wikipedia, Noosa Heads, Queensland.

Parking, history and planning

The park is right beside the town, so the walk is easy to reach on foot from Noosa Heads. The park is the most visited national park in the country, with more than a million visits a year, so it can be busy. Walking in from town, or arranging a lift back from the far end, means you do not need to hunt for a parking space.

The land has a long record of protection. Early settlers set aside a reserve here in 1879, and the area became a national park in 1939. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages it, so follow the signs and rules on the day.

Before you go, check the current park information from Queensland Parks, because track conditions and closures can change. Pack these basics:

This is general travel information only. Rules and conditions change, so check the official source before you travel.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Noosa National Park.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Noosa National Park: en.wikipedia.org
  2. Wikipedia, Noosa Heads, Queensland: en.wikipedia.org