Noosa National Park Sunshine Coast

Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Coastal Walk

Walk along the headlands and discover sweeping ocean vistas, rocky bays, enclosed beaches and marine life cruising by.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
10.8km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 4hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural and constructed)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Walking

Follow the shoreline between Noosa Headland day-use area and Sunshine Beach, passing over several headlands boasting outstanding views across coastal she-oaks and pandanus palms.

Peer into the trees in search of koalas snoozing or munching on leaves. Feel the sea spray and feel the thunderous sounds of waves crashing ferociously into the rugged rocks at Boiling Pot (300m one way), Dolphin Point (1.2km one way) and Hell's Gates (2.7km one way).

Visit between June and November and you might spot humpback whales cruising past the coastline on their way to and from northern breeding grounds. Watch from several vantage points as turtles and dolphins drift and skim through the waves.

Sections of this walk from the day-use area are also class 1 and 3. The 300m path to Boiling Point is Class 1 is sealed and barrier free. The 2.4km stretch from Boiling Point to Hell's Gates is Class 3. It is sealed and barrier free to Dolphin Point, with gradients exceeding 1:10 (5.7 degrees) for short sections. Between Dolphin Point and Hell's Gates the track is unsealed, with some steps and steep sections. This section is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Take a virtual tour of the Coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Caution:

  • Take extra care near cliff edges and keep children under close supervision.
  • The Coastal Walk’s beach section along Alexandria Bay is subject to storm surges and tidal influences.
  • Beaches surrounding Noosa National Park are not patrolled by surf lifesavers. Swimming is not recommended.
  • Alexandria Bay has high surf conditions that can be dangerous. Swim at nearby patrolled beaches.

Emergency radios are located on the Coastal Walk at the northern entrance to Alexandria Bay, and further south where the Alexandria Bay walk enters the beach.

Getting there and getting around

The Coastal Walk is in the Headland section of Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast, 160km north of Brisbane.

Access is via sealed roads suitable for conventional 2WDs. Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to walk, ride or catch the bus (see TransLink) during peak periods.

Access Noosa Headland day-use area and Coastal Walk at the end of Park Road in Noosa Heads:

  • Drive to the day-use area car park.
  • Walk 1km along the scenic seaside boardwalk from Hastings Street (or 1.1km from bus stop). There are steps on this walk making it unsuitable for wheelchairs.
  • Cycle with caution along Park Road. Bike racks are provided in the day-use area (bring own padlock).

Access the remote section of the Coastal Walk at Sunshine Beach:

  • Drive and use council car parks located on Belmore Terrace or Seaview Drive. Walk the beach access tracks, turn north and walk along the public beach (up to 1km).
  • Walk from the bus stop on Duke Street and take beach access track 32 (at Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club). Turn north and walk along the public beach (1.3km).

Wheelchair access

The walk is suitable for assisted wheelchair access to The Boiling Pot (300m) with gradients up to 1:14 (4.1°). Beyond this to Dolphin Point (1.2km) gradients exceed 1:10 (5.7°) for short sections—average 1:7 (8°) with a 10m section of 1:5 (11°).

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are at Noosa Headland day-use area and Tea Tree Bay along the track. Assistance may be required for the trail and toilets.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Coastal Walk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Noosa safely and Walk with care.