A budget guide to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast
Bike or walk along the coast
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
No matter where you choose to stay on the coast, there’s bound to be a beachfront boardwalk. Watch the surfers at the lookouts along the Point Arkwright Trail in Coolum Beach, or wander from Golden Beach to Kings Beach along the Caloundra Coastal Walk, strung with pandanus and pop-up coffee vans.
Mooloolaba’s beachfront boardwalk buzzes with bikers, hikers and beachgoers year-round. Take a refreshing dip along the way, or stop for a bite to eat on Mooloolaba Esplanade. Best of all, these beachfront paths connect, offering an easy way to travel along the coast.
Stroll along Hastings Street
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Hastings Street is the hot spot for Noosa shopping and dining, and a stroll down this vibrant promenade doesn’t cost a cent. Browse the chic boutiques, gift shops, surf stores, and galleries, then grab a cup of coffee at one of the street-side cafés and soak up the vibe.
Budget dining options cover all tastes. If you’re looking for a cheap place to eat, head to Raw + Rice, Grill’d or Oakberry Acai or duck into Dog Shack for a Chicago-style hot dog and chilli loaded fries.
Hike the trails in Noosa National Park
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One of the best free things to do in Noosa is take a scenic hike through Noosa National Park. Stroll along the coastal track from Main Beach and explore more than 9,800 acres of eucalyptus forests, pandanus-fringed lookouts, and sandy coves. Cool off in the rock pools of Tea Tree Bay, or take the 5.2-kilometer trek to Hell’s Gates, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping ocean views.
Wildlife is abundant here, too. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales in the ocean, and koalas, cockatoos and kookaburras in the trees.
Looking to fully immerse yourself in nature? Located less than half an hour north of Noosa Heads, a stay at YHA Noosa Everglades | Kangarooms puts your right on the cusp of the jaw-dropping biodiversity of the UNESCO-recognised Noosa Everglades wetlands ecosystem.
Grab affordable nosh at The Wharf Mooloolaba
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The Sunshine Coast isn’t all cocktail sipping and fine dining — you’ll also find plenty of great cheap eats. Find some of the best and most affordable food at The Wharf Mooloolaba.
Tantalize your taste buds with Greek gyros, Latin American street food and Asian-fusion cuisine to name a few. Order a delectable bao or a fragrant curry from Rice Boi, then head upstairs to the Japanese-inspired dive bar. And for dessert, order one of Ninth Street’s all-American sundaes or some decadent crepes from Flo’s Creperie.
Takeaway is always an affordable way to eat. The hill on Alex Headland or the lighthouse at Point Cartwright are prime picnic spots — especially around sunset.
Hit the markets
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The Sunshine Coast is famous for its markets. Browse the stalls for unique treasures and budget-friendly bites.
At the Eumundi markets (Wednesday and Saturday), pick up some artisan food and funky gifts — from hand-crafted bracelets and body products to candles, curry pastes and kombucha.
Also on a Saturday are the Yandina markets, known for their impressive selection of cheap plants and second-hand gear. For a basket full of fresh fruit and veg, head to Noosa Farmers Market on a Sunday morning.
And you can’t beat browsing the stalls of Peregian Beach Markets followed by a crisp ocean dip. Held on the first and third Sunday morning of every month, they are the place to go for pre-loved clothes, boho design, and beachy gifts.
Bask on the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches
Soaking up the sun on the golden-sand beaches is one of the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast. Best of all, it’s completely free.
Noosa Main Beach is a top pick for its unmatched natural beauty, surf breaks, and proximity to the shops and restaurants of Hastings Street. Stake a spot among the sea of colourful cabanas and cool off in the calm waters.
Just a seven-minute drive away is Sunshine Beach, a more untamed stretch of sand. It’s less sheltered than Noosa Main Beach, but a perfect way to escape the crowds. Keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins along the surf-washed coast.
Over at Mooloolaba Beach, the vibes are cruisy and fun, with gentle waves, free beach volleyball courts, and ocean-view picnic benches on offer.
If you’re looking for the best place to catch a wave, Noosa and the crystal-clear waters of Coolum Beach host some of the coast’s hottest surf breaks.
Explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
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Need a break from the beach? Take a low-cost day trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Less than an hour’s drive from Noosa Heads, you can wander around cute mountain villages sprinkled with charming cafés, galleries and chocolate shops.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is also a nature lover’s playground. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Kondalilla Falls are both excellent spots for scenic wilderness hikes.
Climb Mount Coolum
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Another great no-cost way to see the Sunshine Coast is by hiking to the summit of Mount Coolum. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the coastline and hinterland. This is one of the most popular treks in the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason. The moderately challenging 800-metre out-and-back trail features plenty of native flora and fauna, as well as spectacular photo opportunities.
Vibe to the Nightlife
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Keen to live it up without blowing the budget? Lucky for you, the Sunshine Coast offers a wonderfully vibrant nightlife scene. Maroochydore’s Ocean Street is a great place to start, with its lively strip of bars, restaurants and clubs. Be sure to check out Solbar, your one-stop shop for live music, comedy shows, open mics, killer DJs and mouthwatering pizza.
In Noosa, it’s easy to be lured by the expensive bars and restaurants, but there are plenty of ways around it. Options for a night out include singing karaoke at the popular Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, chugging a beer with locals in the Junction, or sipping an espresso martini for less at 10 Hastings Street.
Words: K. Hastings
Read next: Why you should visit the Noosa Everglades
