Australia · NOOSA TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 noosa tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Settle into a private booth for a 90-minute lunch cruise through Mooloolaba’s river and canals. Choose fish, calamari, prawns, or an Aussie burger, then listen to light local commentary from the captain and crew. Tommy, the two Ollies, and Shorty are among the friendly staff named by visitors.
“Well organised. Nice seafood lunch. Good selection/can upgrde if you want more Learnt a lot about the river and real estate”
Ride an eco safari vessel from Habitat Noosa into the quiet Noosa Everglades, one of only two such systems on Earth. Guides including Peter, Sonny, Jan, and Teri share local stories, point out birds and wildlife, and serve sparkling wine, beer, or juice. Transfers from Noosa are optional.
“An amazing trip. We didn’t expect to see so much wildlife . Our guide Peter was very knowledgable about the Ever glades and the wildlife and very interesting to listen to. A perfect afternoon !”
Spend two hours learning the basics at Noosa Heads Beach with a Level 1 instructor such as George, Reece, Cici, or Valentino. You’ll practice safety and board control on the sand, then catch waist-deep waves with help, a soft-top board, rash shirt, sunscreen, and showers provided.
“It was soooo goood ! The instructors were so nice and very helpful ! Best experience in Noosa so far”
Meet more than 700 native and exotic birds in walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Guides such as Lydia help you handle close encounters with cockatoos and macaws, while six kilometres of gardens, farm animals, gazebos, and Glass House Mountains views fill out the day.
“Majestic and amazing was so cool to have the family experience the delight of all the birds doing what they do”
Cruise the tea-tree waters of Australia’s Everglades from Habitat Noosa for about 2.5 hours. Guides such as Chris, Paul, Sonny, Cal, and Peter share local stories while you watch for birds, turtles, kangaroos, goannas, and the occasional koala. A complimentary beer or glass of bubbles is included.
“Easy pick up/Drop off, everyone very friendly, knowledgeable. Sonny and Paul are excellent hosts and had everyone laughing.”
Travel from Noosa to Australia’s only Everglades, then cruise the tea-tree waterways or paddle 5km to Harry’s Hut. Your English-speaking guide shares local stories, wildlife notes, and natural history. Morning tea is included, while lunch and craft beer at the bistro are optional.
“A great day trip from Noosa, really knowledgeable guide. Picked up and dropped off exactly on time.”
Travel from Noosa to Double Island Point by 4WD, crossing the North Shore beach and Cooloola sands. Guides such as Vince and Tyron lead a sea-kayak trip around Honeymoon Bay, with chances to see dolphins, turtles, stingrays and humpback whales from June to November.
“We didn't see any (alive) dolphins, but our guide Vid still made the tour a fun experience!”
Ride from your Sunshine Coast hotel to Australia Zoo in a comfortable, air-conditioned Croc Tours vehicle. Your day includes the Wildlife Hospital, zoo entry, tiger presentations, and the 1:00 PM Wildlife Warriors crocodile show. Drivers such as Bruce, Mark, and Kerry also share useful tips along the way.
“The driver, Mark, was punctual, courteous, competent and professional. The trip was great!”
Join Noosa Oceanrider at Noosa Marina for a 2-hour cruise down the river and out past the headland. Captain Mike or Michael searches for migrating humpback whales, with binoculars and rain jackets provided. Expect coastal cliffs, beaches, coves, and the chance to see breaches, tail lobs, dolphins, or a mother and calf.
“Captain knew where we might finding the whales and’s got it spot on”
Ride a 4WD vehicle through Great Sandy National Park to Double Island Point for a six-hour surf lesson in warm, clear, waist-deep water. English-speaking instructors teach beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced riders. The surf break can offer very long rides, with equipment, snacks, and park entry included.
“We had a so much fun and a had a great time! Even though we had pouring rain the whole time! Our guide Vince made it a pleasant experience, with all the facts he knew about the area and surfing history! The drive there was so much fun and a unique experience! We all managed to stand up a few times on the board! Would recommend this activity to anyone staying in Noosa!🏄♀️🤩”
Join guide Aussie aboard Noosa Oceanrider for a 90-minute jet boat ride from Noosa Marina. Watch for local Indo-Pacific dolphins, turtles, sea snakes, and seabirds while racing past Main Beach, Alexander Bay, Hell’s Gate, Fairy Pools, Paradise Caves, and Devil’s Kitchen.
Set off from Weyba Esplanade near Noosa Heads in a stable sit-on-top kayak. After an English briefing, you follow a map through calm creeks and mangrove tunnels, watching for stingrays and birds. Bring swimwear for an optional creek swim, plus sun protection and a change of clothes.
Travel from the Sunshine Coast coast into Maleny and Montville for cheese, handmade Belgian chocolate, mountain lookouts, and a two-course lakeside lunch. Guides such as Jan and Rob keep the day relaxed and informative. Friday and Sunday include winery tasting, while Tuesday includes two glasses of wine at lunch.
“Although it was a rainy day our guide Rob did his best to keep us entertained. Food on tour was beyond our expectations. Thankyou”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
