Noosa Day Trips & Wildlife

A full day from Brisbane — koalas, national park trails, Main Beach, and Hastings Street

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Tour Overview

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 vehicle, with stops at Noosa National Park for wild koala spotting, free time at Main Beach 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.

Your experienced local guide handles the two-hour drive each way so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. Small groups of up to 12 mean a personal experience with plenty of time at each stop.

Tour Highlights

Wild Koala Spotting

Guided walk through Noosa National Park — koalas sighted on ~90% of tours

Main Beach & Swimming

Calm, patrolled waters and golden sand at Laguna Bay

Eumundi Markets

600+ stalls of local crafts, food, and live music (Wed & Sat)

Noosa River & Dolphins

Watch dolphins, pelicans, and water birds at Gympie Terrace

Coastal Scenery

Hidden coves, headland lookouts, and the famous coastal boardwalk

Hastings Street

Beachfront restaurants, gelato, boutiques, and galleries

What You'll Experience

Noosa National Park & Koalas

An easy guided walk (approx. 2 km) through coastal bushland where your guide knows the best koala trees. You'll also spot goannas, brush turkeys, sea eagles, and — from the headland — dolphins just offshore.

Main Beach & Laguna Bay

One of Queensland's safest and most beautiful swimming beaches — north-facing, patrolled, and sheltered by the headland. You'll have time to swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the sand.

Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat)

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. On non-market days, extra time is spent at Hastings Street and the National Park.

Noosa River Precinct

End the day at Gympie Terrace watching pelicans and dolphins cruise the river estuary in the golden afternoon light. 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.

  • 07:00 – Pick-up from Brisbane CBD and inner-suburb hotels
  • 09:00 – Scenic drive north through the Glass House Mountains corridor — comfort stop and photo opportunity
  • 09:30Wed/Sat only: Arrive Eumundi Markets — browse 600+ stalls, local produce, and live music (On other days: continue directly to Noosa)
  • 10:30 – Arrive Noosa Heads — stroll Hastings Street's boutiques and cafés
  • 11:15 – Guided walk through Noosa National Park — koala spotting, headland lookouts, and coastal views (approx. 2 km, easy)
  • 12:45 – Free time at Noosa Main Beach — swim, sunbathe, or grab lunch at a beachside restaurant (own expense)
  • 14:15 – Continue exploring Hastings Street or take the coastal boardwalk
  • 15:00 – Drive to Noosa River precinct — Gympie Terrace walk, pelican feeding, and dolphin watching
  • 16:00 – Depart Noosa for Brisbane
  • 18:00–18:30 – Drop-off at Brisbane hotels

Gallery

Tour Pricing

From AUD $185

Per person · Full-day tour · Return transport from Brisbane included

TypePrice
AdultAUD $185
Concession / SeniorAUD $165
Child (5–15)AUD $120
Under 5Free
Private group (up to 6)POA
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What's Included

✓ Included

  • Return transport from Brisbane CBD and inner-suburb hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle and professional local guide
  • Guided koala-spotting walk in Noosa National Park
  • Eumundi Markets visit (Wed & Sat departures)
  • Noosa River precinct walk
  • Bottled water and light morning snack
  • Beach time at Main Beach

✗ Not Included

  • Lunch (plenty of options on Hastings Street and the wharf)
  • Optional kayak hire at Noosa River
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Good to Know

  • Duration: Approximately 11–11.5 hours including the 2-hour drive each way.
  • Fitness level: Easy. The National Park walk is approximately 2 km on a formed path. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
  • Children: All ages welcome. The beach, koalas, and markets are popular with kids. Under-5s travel free.
  • Koala sightings: Wild koalas are sighted on approximately 90% of tours. Your guide knows the best trees — but wildlife can never be guaranteed.
  • Eumundi Markets: Operate Wednesdays and Saturdays only. On other days, the itinerary includes extra time at Noosa National Park and Hastings Street.
  • What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, camera, reusable water bottle, and spending money for lunch and shopping.
  • Pick-up: Brisbane CBD and inner suburbs. Exact pick-up time and location confirmed by email after booking.
  • Group size: Small groups of up to 12 guests.

Guest Reviews

"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

Book Your Noosa Day Trip

Small groups, limited spots. Runs daily from Brisbane — Wednesday and Saturday departures include Eumundi Markets.

Enquire & Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I definitely see koalas?

Wild koalas are spotted on approximately 90% of tours. Our guides know the best trees in Noosa National Park, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. You'll also have excellent chances of seeing goannas, brush turkeys, sea eagles, and dolphins from the headland.

What if the Eumundi Markets aren't on?

The famous Eumundi Markets operate Wednesdays and Saturdays only. On other days, the time is reallocated to extra exploration in Noosa National Park and Hastings Street. Both itinerary versions are equally enjoyable — many guests prefer the quieter non-market days for more beach and wildlife time.

How long is the drive from Brisbane?

Approximately 2 hours each way in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. We make a comfort stop with photo opportunities near the Glass House Mountains. The scenic route provides beautiful views of the hinterland.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes — it's a popular family choice. The national park walk is easy (about 2 km), Main Beach is calm and patrolled, and kids love the koala spotting. Children under 5 travel free. Pushchairs can manage the first section of the park walk.

Can I swim at Noosa Beach?

Absolutely. Noosa Main Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches on the Sunshine Coast — north-facing, patrolled, and sheltered by the headland. You'll have approximately 1.5 hours of beach time.

Is lunch included?

A light morning snack and bottled water are included. Lunch is at your own expense so you can choose from the many options on Hastings Street — beachside restaurants, fish and chips, cafés, and gelato. Your guide will recommend the best spots.

Where will I be picked up in Brisbane?

We pick up from major Brisbane CBD hotels and selected inner-suburb locations. Your exact pick-up time and meeting point are confirmed by email after booking. If your hotel isn't on our standard route, we'll arrange the nearest convenient point.

How do I book?

Use the "Enquire & Book Now" button on this page, call us on 07 0000 0000, or email info@cooeetours.com.au. A deposit secures your place, with the balance due 48 hours before departure. Free cancellation up to 48 hours prior.

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