Visiting Noosa safely

Find out about Noosa National Park by visiting the outdoor display in the Headland section day-use area.

Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

The Coastal Walk to Dolphin Point is a sealed, barrier free path. This image shows an uphill section of the walk close to Dolphin Point.

Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

Getting there and getting around

• Sunshine Coast locality map (PDF, 227.9KB)
• Noosa National Park, Headland section map (PDF, 233.6KB)
• Noosa National Park, Peregian and Emu Mountain sections map (PDF, 184.3KB)

Noosa is 160km north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway and the Sunshine Motorway.

Headland section

Arriving by car

Please note: Noosa Council 4hr regulated parking applies at the Headland section main entrance and Laguna lookout car parks.

• The Headland section main entrance car park is at the end of Park Road, Noosa Heads. This is a very popular and busy car park.
• There is also access to the Headland section from Parkedge Road and the northern end of Sunshine Beach. There is limited parking.
• Laguna Lookout is accessed from the end of Viewland Drive, in Noosa Heads. There is a small car park.

Walking from Hastings Street

• Walk to Noosa National Park's main entrance along the seaside boardwalk (1km, 30mins), enjoying the ocean views.
• Walk to Laguna Lookout from Hastings Street via the local council’s Yunaman Bushland Reserve walking track (2.4km return). Please note this track is very steep and there are many steps.

Bike access

• Cycle with caution along Park Road.
• Bike racks are provided in the day-use area (bring your own padlock, bikes are not permitted on tracks within the park).

Catch a bus and walk

• To the Park Road entrance (1km walk from Noosa Heads bus station platform 1, near Hastings Street)
• To the Sunshine Beach Beach park entrance (1.3km walk from Duke Street, Ed Webb Park bus stop).

For bus timetables and fares visit Translink or phone 13 12 30.

Check the availability of free public buses over the busy Christmas and Easter holiday periods. They depart to and from Noosa Heads bus station platform 1 (near Hastings Street).

Peregian section

Access is from the eastern side of David Low Way, 3km north of Coolum Beach and 3km south of Peregian Beach.

Emu Mountain section

Access is located on the western side of David Low Way, 3.5km north of Coolum Beach and 2.5km south of Peregian Beach. Turn into Havana Road East for on-street parking.

East Weyba section

Access is from David Low Way, at Marcus Beach, 2.5km north of Peregian Beach. From David Low Way, turn into Podargus Parade and into Calliandra Grove or continue to the Hawthorn Grove access point.

Wheelchair accessibility

Some wheelchair accessible facilities are provided in Noosa Headland section including wheelchair accessible toilets and picnic tables at the day-use area and Tea Tree Bay.

The Coastal Walk from the day-use area features a section of sealed, barrier-free path. Choose activities that suit your capabilities:

• The path is suitable for assisted-wheelchair access for 300m to Boiling Pot, with gradients up to 1:14 (4.1 degrees).
• Beyond the Boiling Pot, the remainder of the sealed, barrier-free path leads to Dolphin Point (1.2km). Beware: this section has gradients which exceed 1:10 (5.7 degrees) for short sections—on average 1:7 (8 degrees) with a 10m section of 1:5 (11 degrees).

Staying safe

• Never walk alone; always walk with a group or in sight of another group. Stay on marked walking tracks and walk in daylight hours only. There have been serious assaults in this park.
• Be prepared for your walk, especially in hot weather. Wear a hat and sunscreen, carry sufficient water, and allow adequate time to complete the walk in daylight hours. Suitable sturdy footwear is recommended.
• Be aware that beaches surrounding Noosa National Park are not patrolled by surf lifesavers. Swimming here is not recommended.
• Stay away from cliff edges and supervise children at all times.
• Ensure that you lock your vehicle and remove all valuables, including garage remote controls. Do not leave valuables unattended.
• Carry a mobile phone. Be aware that mobile phone reception is not reliable in all areas of the park, including parts of the Headland section. Mobile phone reception is generally available at Emu Mountain and Peregian sections.
• Be aware that mobile phone reception is not reliable in all areas of the park.
• Emergency radios are located on the Coastal Walk at the northern entrance to Alexandria Bay and on the Alexandria Bay Walk where it accesses the beach.
• Please report details of unusual activity or illegal camp sites to the police.

Consider others

Noosa is a busy place, in excess of 1.5 million visitors annually! Make your visit enjoyable for you and other visitors.

• Everyone moves at a different pace—give elderly, disabled and young people greater space.
• Be careful to avoid collisions—especially when carrying larger gear or moving quickly; carry surfboards with fins turned in; slow down for narrow sections; alert other before passing.
• Remember that walkers have right of way on walking tracks.
• Never take bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades on park walking tracks. They are not permitted here. Bike racks are provided in the day-use area (bring your own padlock).

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Bring adequate drinking water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
• For walking, wear suitable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Opening hours

For your safety, walk in Noosa National Park in daylight hours only (see staying safe).

Overnight stays or camping is not permitted.

Permits and fees

Large groups and commercial users may need to obtain an organised event or commercial activity permit.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Noosa National Park.

Climate and weather

Noosa Heads has a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 21–29°C in summer and 10–21°C in winter. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in Noosa Heads and nearby towns. For more information see the tourism information links.