Noosa Day Trip
from Brisbane — Koalas, Beach & Markets
Full day from Brisbane CBD to one of Queensland's most loved coastal destinations — guided koala-spotting walk in Noosa National Park, swim at Main Beach Laguna Bay, browse Hastings Street, the 600-stall Eumundi Markets on Wed/Sat, and Noosa River dolphins. All transport, no driving.
Escape Brisbane for the day and discover why Noosa is one of Queensland's most loved coastal destinations. This full-day guided tour takes you from the city to the Sunshine Coast in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, with stops at Noosa National Park for wild koala spotting (~90% sighting rate), free time at Main Beach Laguna Bay and Hastings Street, a visit to the Noosa River to watch dolphins and pelicans, and — on Wednesdays and Saturdays — a browse through the famous Eumundi Markets with 600+ stallholders established since 1979.
Your experienced local guide handles the two-hour drive each way so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery — including the 11 ancient peaks of the Glass House Mountains, formed 26–27 million years ago and named by Captain Cook on 17 May 1770 after the glass furnaces of his native Yorkshire. Small groups of up to 12 mean a personal experience with plenty of time at each stop.
If you're already on the Sunshine Coast, our Noosa & Coastal Explorer covers the full 5.4km coastal track from a local hotel pickup. This Brisbane-departure tour is the broader-strokes Noosa introduction with the scenic drive included.
Six Noosa Day Trip Experiences
Six core moments that make this Brisbane day trip worth the drive.
Wild Koala Spotting
Guided walk through Noosa National Park — koalas sighted on ~90% of tours, mostly in the Tea Tree Bay section
Main Beach & Swimming
Calm, north-facing, patrolled waters at Laguna Bay — one of Queensland's safest swimming beaches
Eumundi Markets (Wed/Sat)
600+ stallholders since 1979, artisan crafts, food, live music — operates 7:30am to 2pm only
Noosa River & Dolphins
Watch dolphins, pelicans, and water birds at Gympie Terrace in the golden afternoon light
Coastal Headland
Hidden coves, the famous boardwalk, and whale-watching lookouts (May–November)
Hastings Street
Beachfront restaurants, gelato, boutiques, and galleries on Noosa's most iconic strip
The Four Anchor Stops
Noosa National Park & Koalas
An easy guided walk (approx. 2 km) through coastal bushland on the Noosa Coastal Track. Your guide knows the best koala trees — most sightings happen in the Tea Tree Bay section. You'll also spot goannas, brush turkeys, sea eagles, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, and — from the headland — dolphins just offshore (humpback whales May–November). The first section to Boiling Pot lookout is wheelchair accessible.
Main Beach & Laguna Bay
One of Queensland's safest and most beautiful swimming beaches — north-facing (unusual for the east coast), patrolled by surf lifesavers, and sheltered by Noosa Headland. You'll have approximately 1.5 hours of beach time to swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the sand. Marine stinger advice: while jellyfish are present further north, Noosa is generally safe but always swim between the flags.
Eumundi Markets
On market days, we stop at one of Australia's largest artisan markets — over 600 stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce, and gourmet food, all with live music. Operating since 1979, the markets span multiple precincts including the wheelchair-accessible Munimba-ja Arts Centre. On non-market days (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun), the time is reallocated to extra exploration in Noosa National Park and Hastings Street.
Noosa River Precinct
End the day at Gympie Terrace watching pelicans and dolphins cruise the river estuary in the golden afternoon light. The river precinct has a calmer feel than Hastings Street — wide grassy lawns, kayak rentals (optional add-on), and waterfront cafés. A peaceful way to wrap up before the drive back to Brisbane.
Sample Itinerary
Times are approximate. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the itinerary includes Eumundi Markets; on other days that time is reallocated to the National Park and Hastings Street.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- Return transport from Brisbane CBD and inner-suburb hotels
- Premium air-conditioned coach & professional local guide for the full day
- Guided koala-spotting walk in Noosa National Park
- Eumundi Markets visit (Wed & Sat departures)
- Noosa River precinct walk and dolphin/pelican watching
- Beach time at Noosa Main Beach
- Bottled water and morning snack
- Commentary on Glass House Mountains, Gubbi Gubbi Country, and Noosa history
✗ Not Included
- Lunch (budget $20–$45 — plenty of options on Hastings Street)
- Optional kayak hire at Noosa River
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses, market shopping, souvenirs
- Gratuities (optional and appreciated)
Good to Know
Duration & pace
11–11.5 hours total, including the 2-hour drive each way. The pace is relaxed with plenty of time at each stop — this isn't a rushed sightseeing whistle-stop.
Fitness level
Easy. The Noosa National Park walk is approximately 2 km on a formed coastal path. Suitable for most fitness levels. Wheelchair-accessible to Boiling Pot lookout.
Children & families
All ages welcome. The beach, koalas, and markets are popular with kids. Under-5s travel FREE. Booster seats available on request. Pushchairs can manage the first section of the National Park walk.
Koala sightings
Wild koalas are sighted on approximately 90% of tours. Your guide knows the best Tea Tree Bay trees, but wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Eumundi Markets days
Operate Wednesdays and Saturdays only (7:30am–2pm). On other days, the itinerary includes extra time at Noosa National Park and Hastings Street. Both itinerary versions are equally enjoyable.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, SPF 50+ sunscreen, broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, camera, reusable water bottle, and $50–$100 cash for lunch, gelato, and market shopping. See our packing guide.
What Past Guests Say
From our TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence-rated tours.
"We saw four koalas! The guide knew exactly which trees to check. Noosa Main Beach was beautiful, and the kids loved the Eumundi Markets. A perfect day trip from Brisbane."
— Michelle & Craig, Brisbane
"The drive up was scenic and relaxing, and having the whole day planned for us meant zero stress. Hastings Street is gorgeous and the river walk at the end was a lovely way to finish."
— Susan, Gold Coast
"We're visiting from the UK and this was the highlight of our trip. The koalas were incredible — just sitting there in the trees a few metres away. The guide's knowledge of the area was outstanding."
— James & Emma, London
Frequently Asked Questions
Wild koalas are spotted on approximately 90% of tours — this is one of the highest sighting rates in Queensland. Our guides know the best trees in the Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay sections of Noosa National Park, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. You'll also have excellent chances of seeing goannas, brush turkeys, sea eagles, rainbow lorikeets, and dolphins from the headland — plus humpback whales from May to November.
The famous Eumundi Markets operate Wednesdays and Saturdays only (7:30am–2pm), with 600+ stalls established since 1979. On other days the time is reallocated to extra exploration in Noosa National Park, Hastings Street, and the Noosa River precinct. Both itinerary versions are equally enjoyable — many guests prefer the quieter non-market days for more beach and wildlife time.
Approximately 2 hours each way in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. We make a comfort stop with photo opportunities near the Glass House Mountains — 11 ancient volcanic peaks formed 26–27 million years ago and named by Captain Cook on 17 May 1770. Mount Beerwah (556m) is the highest peak. Total tour length 11–11.5 hours including all stops.
Yes — it's a popular family choice. The National Park walk is easy (about 2km, mostly on formed paths), Main Beach is calm and patrolled, and kids love the koala spotting and Eumundi Markets. Children under 5 travel FREE on the standard tour. Booster seats available on request. Pushchairs can manage the first section of the park walk to Boiling Pot lookout.
Absolutely. Noosa Main Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches on the Sunshine Coast — north-facing, patrolled by surf lifesavers, and sheltered by Noosa Headland. You'll have approximately 1.5 hours of beach time. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Always swim between the flags.
A light morning snack and bottled water are included. Lunch is at your own expense (budget AUD $20–$45) so you can choose from the many options on Hastings Street — beachside restaurants, fish and chips at The Boathouse, casual cafés, Italian, Asian, fresh seafood, and gelato. Your guide will recommend the best spots for any dietary needs.
Door-to-door pickup from major Brisbane CBD hotels and selected inner-suburb locations (South Bank, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Spring Hill, West End, Milton). Your exact pickup time and meeting point are confirmed by email after booking. If your accommodation isn't on our standard route, we'll arrange the nearest convenient point — usually no further than 500m from your hotel.
This tour departs Brisbane (2hr drive each way, total 11–11.5hr, AUD $185 adult). Our separate Noosa & Coastal Explorer departs from Sunshine Coast hotels (Caloundra to Noosa) and includes the full 5.4km coastal track, Fairy Pools, and is shorter and cheaper because there's no Brisbane travel. Choose this tour if you're staying in Brisbane; choose the Coastal Explorer if you're already on the Sunshine Coast.
Use the Enquire & Book Now button on this page, call us on 0409 661 342, or email contact@waggiegroup.com. A deposit secures your place with the balance due 48 hours before departure. Free cancellation up to 48 hours prior; severe-weather adjustments qualify for a free date transfer.