You may be well acquainted with Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach but venture beyond and you’ll find the lifeblood of the Noosa Biosphere, snaking its way from the ocean to the Noosa Everglades. Noosaville is the laidback centre point of the Noosa River, with 2km of foreshore that meanders through parkland and past waterfront restaurants, boat hire spots, and plenty of pelicans.
Whether you prefer to do your exploration on land or via eco-friendly water activities and tours, there are endless ways to experience the beauty of the Noosa River. Get amongst it with this guide.
Noosa River Boat Hire
This side of Noosa is undeniably best seen from the water, and you don’t even need a boat licence.
Go DIY and hire a BBQ pontoon boat to cruise the river with O Boat Hire and enjoy your lunch wherever you choose to pull up.
Pelican Boat Hire (next to the Big Pelican) has wheelchair accessible boats with enclosed toilets. And dogs are welcome, too!
And Terrace Marina has a large range of boats so you can explore Noosa's canals and waterways.
Noosa River Tours & Water Sports
Whether you prefer to explore under the steam of your own exertion or to kick back, a glass of champagne in hand as the sun melts into the mountains, there’s no better way to get a feel for the real Noosa than on one of these tours.
Get your thrills on a high-adrenaline jet boat tour up the river and across the Noosa bar – Noosa Oceanrider and Noosa Ocean Adventures both have you covered – or saddle up for an Ocean or River jet-ski tour from the Noosa Marina with Noosa Watersports.
Fliteschool Noosa offers electric hydrofoil lessons on premium Fliteboards, providing an exhilarating introduction to gliding silently above the pristine Noosa River. Or Boardwalk Boat Hire rent out boats, SUPs and kayaks from their handy Noosa Heads location, just off Hastings Street, right next to the Elysium Noosa Jetty.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book ahead for lunch on the water or join a Sunday Session aboard the winsome Catalina, or dial up the romance levels with a jaunt on Noosa Dreamboats or Gondolas of Noosa.
You can also ogle the local real estate and sip sundowners aboard Noosa River & Canal Cruises, join a sunset cruise with Noosa Ferry Cruise Company or an eco-cruise into the Noosa Everglades with Everglades Ecosafaris, or have a magical evening on the water with a sunset cruise aboard the Noosa Queen.
Fishing on the Noosa River
With 40km of waterways to explore, if you love to fish, Noosaville will have you hook, line and sinker. Hire a rod and buy some bait to throw a line in from the shoreline, or join a local fishing charter.
Noosa River Fishing Safaris can get you out on the water with the local experts for a fuss-free adventure chasing a variety of species, no matter your experience level. You can fish as much as you like, sit back with a cold one in hand, and come home with a fresh catch, already cleaned for you. Now, that’s what we call a holiday.
Noosaville Restaurants
There’s something about dining on the waterfront that makes everything taste better but with the pedigree of Noosaville restaurants also highly lauded, you’re guaranteed a memorable meal.
Let lunch melt into an afternoon session and perhaps into dinner from your perch at Lanai Noosa where local, seasonal produce is elevated to delectable heights or enjoy an excellent prix fixe lunch with impeccable service at Gusto, just a couple of blocks away.
And if you haven’t dined at Noosa institution Rickys, set on the Noosa Sound, book yourself a water transfer for some spanner crab spaghettini or local pasture-fed eye fillet and make a date night to remember.
Looking for more Noosa inspiration? Discover a whole world of destinations to enjoy the best beaches, rivers and hinterland experiences.
