Check park alerts for the latest on access, closures and conditions, following recent severe weather events in Queensland. Rangers are working hard to safely reopen affected parks.
Coastal Walk
Walk along the headlands and discover sweeping ocean vistas, rocky bays, enclosed beaches and marine life cruising by.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 10.8km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 4hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural and constructed)
- Toilets (flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Walking
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![The Coastal Walk to Dolphin Point is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.]()
The Coastal Walk to Dolphin Point is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
Photo credit: © Ross Naumann
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![Take in the views from the Coastal Walk in the Headland section of the park.]()
Take in the views from the Coastal Walk in the Headland section of the park.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Catch the sea breeze as the Coastal Walk passes close to the beach.]()
Catch the sea breeze as the Coastal Walk passes close to the beach.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Brown honeyeaters thrive on coastal flowers. Look for them on the Coastal Walk.]()
Brown honeyeaters thrive on coastal flowers. Look for them on the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: © Meri Pilloni
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![Boaters and jet skiers enjoy the waters off Noosa National Park.]()
Boaters and jet skiers enjoy the waters off Noosa National Park.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Capture early morning light on the pandanus on the Coastal Walk.]()
Capture early morning light on the pandanus on the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: © Ross Naumann
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![Brahminy kites are often seen along the Coastal Walk.]()
Brahminy kites are often seen along the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: © Meri Pilloni
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![Marvel at the beautiful and abundant banksia flowers.]()
Marvel at the beautiful and abundant banksia flowers.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Be surprised by the lace monitors that sunbake on the tree trunks along the Coastal Walk.]()
Be surprised by the lace monitors that sunbake on the tree trunks along the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: Trevor Hatfield © Queensland Government
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![Two tawny frogmouths spotted from the Coastal Walk.]()
Two tawny frogmouths spotted from the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: Trevor Hatfield © Queensland Government
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![The Coastal Walk winds through a variety of classic vegetation.]()
The Coastal Walk winds through a variety of classic vegetation.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![The Coastal Walk passes over several headlands and has spectacular coastal views.]()
The Coastal Walk passes over several headlands and has spectacular coastal views.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Stop, be still and you may spot beautiful variegated fairy-wrens.]()
Stop, be still and you may spot beautiful variegated fairy-wrens.
Photo credit: © Meri Pilloni
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![Turquoise and indigo are typical colours of the waters off Noosa National Park.]()
Turquoise and indigo are typical colours of the waters off Noosa National Park.
Photo credit: Trevor Hatfield © Queensland Government
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![You'll get great views down on Hell's Gates from the Coastal Walk.]()
You'll get great views down on Hell's Gates from the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Take a family walk along the Coastal Walk and enjoy scenic views.]()
Take a family walk along the Coastal Walk and enjoy scenic views.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
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![Hats are essential for the more open areas of the Coastal Walk.]()
Hats are essential for the more open areas of the Coastal Walk.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
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![The Coastal walk has stunning views of Alexandria Bay from Hell's Gates.]()
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
Follow the shoreline between Noosa Headland day-use area and Sunshine Beach, passing over several headlands boasting outstanding views across coastal she-oaks and pandanus palms.
Peer into the trees in search of koalas snoozing or munching on leaves. Feel the sea spray and feel the thunderous sounds of waves crashing ferociously into the rugged rocks at Boiling Pot (300m one way), Dolphin Point (1.2km one way) and Hell's Gates (2.7km one way).
Visit between June and November and you might spot humpback whales cruising past the coastline on their way to and from northern breeding grounds. Watch from several vantage points as turtles and dolphins drift and skim through the waves.
Sections of this walk from the day-use area are also class 1 and 3. The 300m path to Boiling Point is Class 1 is sealed and barrier free. The 2.4km stretch from Boiling Point to Hell's Gates is Class 3. It is sealed and barrier free to Dolphin Point, with gradients exceeding 1:10 (5.7 degrees) for short sections. Between Dolphin Point and Hell's Gates the track is unsealed, with some steps and steep sections. This section is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Take a virtual tour of the Coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Caution:
- Take extra care near cliff edges and keep children under close supervision.
- The Coastal Walk’s beach section along Alexandria Bay is subject to storm surges and tidal influences.
- Beaches surrounding Noosa National Park are not patrolled by surf lifesavers. Swimming is not recommended.
- Alexandria Bay has high surf conditions that can be dangerous. Swim at nearby patrolled beaches.
Emergency radios are located on the Coastal Walk at the northern entrance to Alexandria Bay, and further south where the Alexandria Bay walk enters the beach.
Getting there and getting around
The Coastal Walk is in the Headland section of Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast, 160km north of Brisbane.
Access is via sealed roads suitable for conventional 2WDs. Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to walk, ride or catch the bus (see TransLink) during peak periods.
Access Noosa Headland day-use area and Coastal Walk at the end of Park Road in Noosa Heads:
- Drive to the day-use area car park.
- Walk 1km along the scenic seaside boardwalk from Hastings Street (or 1.1km from bus stop). There are steps on this walk making it unsuitable for wheelchairs.
- Cycle with caution along Park Road. Bike racks are provided in the day-use area (bring own padlock).
Access the remote section of the Coastal Walk at Sunshine Beach:
- Drive and use council car parks located on Belmore Terrace or Seaview Drive. Walk the beach access tracks, turn north and walk along the public beach (up to 1km).
- Walk from the bus stop on Duke Street and take beach access track 32 (at Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club). Turn north and walk along the public beach (1.3km).
Wheelchair access
The walk is suitable for assisted wheelchair access to The Boiling Pot (300m) with gradients up to 1:14 (4.1°). Beyond this to Dolphin Point (1.2km) gradients exceed 1:10 (5.7°) for short sections—average 1:7 (8°) with a 10m section of 1:5 (11°).
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are at Noosa Headland day-use area and Tea Tree Bay along the track. Assistance may be required for the trail and toilets.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Coastal Walk is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Noosa safely and Walk with care.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.