The Noosa region is well known for its stunning beaches. However, this little corner of Queensland is also spoilt for mountains and bush walks… many easy enough for little legs to enjoy. Here are our favourite and FREE Noosa outdoor activities for kids and their grown-ups.
Emu Mountain
Let’s start with the most manageable mountain to climb—Emu Mountain. An easy 20-minute hike on a well-marked path, it’s not so much a climb as a gentle walk. Our three-year-old had no trouble running to the top. Despite the easy climb, the views from the top are impressive, along the coast north to Noosa and south to Coolum.
Emu Mountain is also a popular spot to watch for whales passing by during their migration season—from June to September.
It’s an easy 20-minute walk to the top of Emu Mountain. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Mount Tinbeerwah
Just a 15-minute drive from Noosa Heads, Mount Tinbeerwah is another easy climb for the little ones. The 1km round trip offers good views from the top, and the first part of the track is paved, so it’s pram friendly too.
Mount Tinbeerwah is an easy walk for the family. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Mount Ninderry
A longer trail of about 3 km round trip, it’s still doable with the little ones if you have a couple of breaks along the way. A lot of the trail is shaded, and there are no challenging parts. There are two lookouts at the top—one north, one facing south. Both are spectacular.
Noosa National Park
This popular path mixes the best of coastal views and the bush. A stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street, this is a popular bush walk for kids.
For little legs, stroll along the stunning coastline to Tee Tree Bay, where there are rock pools to explore and a lovely bay to dip your toes. For those keen on a longer walk, continue the trek to Hell’s Gate or take the inland trail up Noosa Hill (2.8km return). Oh, and watch for koalas chilling in the trees above. You may also spot dolphins and, when in season, a travelling whale or two.
The boardwalk winds its way along the coastline of Noosa National Park. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Weyba Creek cycle loop
Prefer to travel on two wheels? Take this 6.5km picturesque ride to experience one of Noosa’s estuaries and the Noosa of old. This mostly-flat path isn’t signposted, so have a map handy. The route crosses Weyba Creek on the charming historical wooden bridge and the soaring new bypass bridge for fantastic birds-eye views of this natural area. It’s a tremendous bird-watching location, so look out for an Osprey that nests in the Weyba Park Mangrove Walk area and Mangrove Gerygones and Striated Herons. This track has several road crossings, but it’s still very safe for families. Park in the Girraween Sports Complex car park off Eenie Creek Road to get there. From there, ride to Eenie Creek Road and follow the cement pathway beside it on the left.
Exploring Noosa on two wheels. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
