Top Noosa & Sunshine Coast Outdoor Activities

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a half-day tour on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

Enjoy a full day of family fun at the SEA LIFE aquarium on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Explore the 11 underwater exhibit zones, get up close to sharks, stingrays and turtles in the underwater tunnel and spot a rainbow of tropical fish. That’s not all: watch animal presentations such as seal and jelly fish kingdom talks, ray talk and feeding, take an ocean tunnel tour, explore the new interactive Finding Dory and Friends exhibit and see unique creatures such as lion fish and much more.

Venture into Noosa's National Marine Park to encounter species such as dolphins, sea-turtles and aquatic birds. Our friendly Captain will share some of Noosa's most special coastal areas. Explore the breathtaking coastline and view Noosa Heads from a completely different perspective! We are Noosa's longest and most experienced commercial ocean boating company with over 38 years experience. Noosa Thriller is built for maximum strength, safety, speed and manoeuverability. Our 500-HP, Australian-designed and made vessel, is constructed from high tensile, 5083 aluminium 6mm plate. The craft is foam-filled for positive floatation and is virtually bulletproof – there are no air bags on this boat.

Don't miss the chance to learn how to surf when you're in Noosa during this 2-hour lesson. Whether you're a beginner or advanced surfer, you'll enjoy a structured class on the shores Australia's Pacific coast. Group classes have a 1:8 coaching ratio and follow a specially designed 1-2-3 teaching method that results in most students standing on the board during their first lessons. Minimum age is seven years.

Our Nauticycle Water Bike tour is a fun and eco friendly self guided tour, that lets you get into nature and away from the crowds. The bikes glide easily and silently through the water allowing amazing opportunities for wildlife watching. The scenery is beautiful and the water is clear, match this with a secluded stop and it makes for a sensational day on the water. This is the best way to get out and explore Noosa River. Our self guided tour comes complete with a dry bag, map, suggested itinerary and the option for snacks, or alternatively, you can hire the bikes and head out and choose your own adventure. It's easy to do, even if you can't ride a bike you can ride one of these. If you love cycling, even better, this is cycling on water, without the stress of the road. They're agile and efficient and will surprise everyone on just how much fun they are. So join us for an amazing, sustainable, eco experience.

Double Island Point is one of the best places in Australia to learn to surf and this half-day tour from Noosa is ideal for first-time surfers. Follow the Great Beach Drive to the island by 4WD, enjoy magnificent views of Rainbow Beach, then join an expert instructor for a surf lesson on the island’s gorgeous beach.

Satisfy your appetite for adventure during a 90-minute jet ski tour of Moreton Bay Marine Park from Caloundra. Take control of a powerful jet ski, either alone or with a companion, and follow your expert guide through atmospheric mangroves to spectacular volcanic landscapes and areas of dense tropical jungle. Scour the scenery for sightings of dolphins, turtles and dugongs and pose as a professional photographer captures your adventurous experience on camera.

Prepare to get a taste of Noosa from the water and discover the cheeky dolphins that play along the coast on the amazing Dolphin Safari! Departing from Noosa Marina, Captain Nathan will take you on a relaxing scenic cruise down the Noosa River and around the headland where you will soak up amazing views of Noosa, spectacular scenery and iconic sights including Hells Gate and more! Once at sea, our mammal mates will come and play – they know the Ocean Rider well! Get up close and personal with the beautiful dolphins as they feed and socialise, and look out for the varied species of birds before finishing with a relaxing cruise back to Noosa Marina.

The one hour amphibious Aquaduck tour includes an informative tour along Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade and Sunshine Strip with a cruise through the canals and waterways. This tour offers a perfect mix between beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife and waterways with the homes and mega mansions of the super rich and famous. On board we share stories featuring the history of the region including those from the original owners, beach culture, local produce, wildlife and much more. The tour has a one hour duration and is a fantastic way to see and experience the heart of the Sunshine Coast. There are many photo opportunities on the tour and guests are encouraged to bring cameras, phones and go pro’s.

Spot humpback whales and dolphins swimming in their natural habitat during a spectacular whale watching cruise from Mooloolaba. Listen to the crew's informative commentary about the whales, which migrate annually between Australia and Antarctica, and learn about other marine life of the Sunshine Coast that you get to see firsthand. Your 22-passenger vessel provides optimal viewing opportunities without the crowds.

Take an unforgettable wilderness cruise in one of Australia’s most pristine regions, the Noosa Everglades. Your full-day adventure begins with a cruise across Lake Cootharaba to the start of the Noosa Everglades. Take a guided boardwalk at Fig Tree Point,  before moving further into the Everglades and stopping at historic Harry’s Hut – a relic of the early timber cutting days. Explore, take a swim in pristine waters, photograph the abundant wildlife or simply relax in this unique natural environment.  Enjoy lunch while taking in the stunning views of Lake Cootharaba and maybe even spot a few kangaroos.

Escape the mainland—and discover Fraser Island’s UNESCO-listed scenery—on this seamless day trip. Depart in the morning directly from your Noosa or Rainbow Beach accommodation, and travel in the comfort of a custom-built 4x4 vehicle. You’ll discover the highlights of Fraser Island—the world’s largest sand island. Stop for breakfast on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, swim in Lake McKenzie, discover the Central Station Rainforest, and much more.

Screaming and lots of laughing is mandatory. The sound of a few hundred horsepower behind you… The heart starts to beat a little faster as your driver opens up the throttle and points the nose towards the waves… The feeling of weightlessness as you get airborne… The feel of the wind in your hair and the salt spray in your face all adds up to one thing… Noosa’s original & best ‘Thrill Ride’!

Set sail for a scenic cruise around the Noosa Everglades on this full-day tour, including hotel pick-up from Noosa Heads or Noosaville. Zip down the Noosa River on a motorboat, then spot some of Australia’s most vibrant birds as you drift around the Cooroibah and Cootharaba lakes. Hop on a canoe and paddle your way along the River of Mirrors in the Great Sandy National Park. After tuck, into a roast lunch with  stunning views of Lake Cootharaba.

Enjoy an afternoon cruise in the Noosa Everglades for another perspective on the Sunshine Coast. See Australian wildlife as you glide across Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba to reach the Noosa River, situated within Great Sandy National Park's Cooloola Recreation Area. Learn from informative commentary supplied by your captain as you sit back and relax in this unique natural environment. After your Noosa Everglades cruise, you'll enjoy an anipasto platter while overlooking Lake Cootharaba.

Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.

Elanda Point National Park is an ideal location to see native Australian flora and fauna and experience the Noosa Everglades. This tour saves you the hassle of navigation and provides the kayaking knowhow to cruise through these waterways at your own pace. Choose your own adventure and paddle to Harry’s hut for a dip in the tea-colored waters, discover the lesser-paddled waters of Kin Kin Creek, or explore the nearby islands.

Jetski the protected waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. It's a 30 km adrenaline blast. An expert jetski guide will quickly get you used to your ski and before long you will be zooming along the waterway at up to 55 kph. Plenty of opportunity for some hot laps in the freestyle area at Lighthouse Reach.

Animal lovers—this one’s for you. Enjoy a hassle-free day with hotel pickup, drop-off, and transfers included. If you’re traveling with littles ones, they’ll stay entertained on the journey as you’ll watch videos on board. Avoid long visitor lines with entrance tickets provided. Highlights include live wildlife shows, and seeing tigers, giraffes, rhinos, crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos, and one of the world’s largest animal hospitals.

Want to experience the thrill of catching your first wave at one of Australia’s most legendary surf spots? Sign up for a 2-hour surf class in Noosa Heads and learn to surf on the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast. With all equipment provided and one-to-one attention from an expert surf instructor, you’ll be taking to the waves in no time.

Explore the wild wetlands and mangrove forests of the Noosa Everglades on this full-day kayaking adventure. Paddle along the Upper Noosa River, the ‘River of Mirrors’; admire natural wonders such as Lake Cootharaba, Lake of Lillies, and Fig Tree Lake; and look out for wildlife including kangaroos, black swans, and cockatoos. Along the way, stop to swim in the crystalline waters and enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfront.

Discover the beauty of the Noosa River while paddling on a Stand Up Paddle Board. Enjoy an activity that will leave you feeling revitalised, while providing a low impact, full body workout that will leave you wanting to do it again and again.  While paddle boarding on the Noosa River you'll have the chance to spot amazing wildlife such as stingrays, schools of fish and Osprey while you cruise silently across the turquoise water. Environmentally friendly and sustainable, this is a great way to get out, get active and appreciate  nature at it's best. Available everyday between 7am and 5pm, boards can hired on an hourly basis, or turn it into a real adventure and take one for a day, allowing you to explore further and at your leisure. Stop off for a swim on your own private beach near the mouth, or search for birdlife in the mangroves, the choice is yours, just get out and paddle more.

Take a half-day jet ski tour from Caloundra or the Sunshine Coast to explore Moreton Bay Marine Park. Look for Australian marine life and experience the fun of a jet skiing with your informative guide, who provides instruction for jet skiing, use of equipment, and a meal at the half-way mark.

The sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Double Island Point offer a stunning backdrop for a water sports adventure. On this full-day 4WD excursion, soak up the scenery within Great Sandy National Park, then take to the water for a thrilling SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) lesson, and look out for sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and stingrays as you paddle along the coast.