Noosaville attractions

During this 90-minute cruise, you'll explore Mooloolaba Harbor, River and canals by boat. You'll have picturesque views of the bay of Mooloolaba and pass the Minyama mansions as you float along the canals and main river. During your cruise, you'll get to eat a fresh seafood lunch from a choice of four options and you'll hear informative commentary about the local area.

On the Mooloolaba Canal Cruise, you will glide through the waterways as the setting sun slips behind the Blackall Mountain Range to the west of Mooloolaba. Your skipper will provide an entertaining commentary as glass-fronted waterside mansions catch and reflect the evening light, giving a different perspective on the town from the water. Along the way you will see local highlights including Steve Irwin’s vessel Croc One, Mooloolah Island and Minyama Island, and you will pass through the Kawana Canal System and by La Balsa Park. The boat will continue out to the river heads, where it will turn so you can take in views of the coastline from Mooloolaba Beach up to Noosa Heads. You can take the helm and steer the boat alongside the friendly skipper, or simply relax with a drink while you cruise and enjoy the Mooloolaba sky.

An afternoon cruise along the Noosa River system will take you into a largely protected landscape where the entire upper catchment lies within National Park. As you move through the waterways you will pass the northern reaches that form Australia’s Everglades, perched among the sand dunes of Cooloola National Park. The area feels untouched and pristine, with a tea-tree infused ecosystem shaped by fresh water emerging from the Cooloola Sandmass. Along the way you can take the opportunity to observe and photograph the spectacular mirrored waterways and the unique reflections created as pure freshwater filters through the river system. You will enjoy a complimentary glass of beer or bubbles while gliding down these reflective channels, and watch the colour changes as the sun sets slowly over the wilderness. The cruise will end with a return to Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp.

This amphibious Aquaduck tour takes you along Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade and the Sunshine Strip before cruising through the canals and waterways of the Sunshine Coast. As you move through coastal and waterway scenery, you’ll take in natural landscapes, local wildlife and waterways alongside the homes and mega mansions of the rich and famous. On board, you’ll hear stories about the region’s history, including tales from the original owners, plus insights into beach culture, local produce and the area’s wildlife. Along the way there will be many photo opportunities, so bring a camera, phone or GoPro to capture the views and landmarks.

In Noosa, this boat experience includes an onboard whale and dolphin researcher who will provide unique educational commentary to all guests. The vessel is fitted with a hydrophone that captures live communications from dolphins and whales as they communicate in their pods. Those sounds are broadcast through the boat’s stereo system, so you can listen on board and record audio on your phone to take home. The boat also has a roof to give shelter from the sun while you travel. You will also have access to surf charters during the off-season — a service unique to this operator in Noosa. Private charters are available, with family rates tailored to the needs of your group, and trips can be arranged both on the ocean and in the river. More information about guest experiences is available in the reviews.

On this two-hour cruise, you’ll have the chance to sail along the Mooloolah River against the backdrop of the setting sun. As you admire the scenic views, you’ll be served with complimentary glasses of champagne and a grazing box to snack on. You'll have live music to accompany your voyage, performed by talented up-and-coming artists.

In Mooloolaba you will join Adventure Rafting for whale watching from their new vessel, KRAKEN — a purpose-built 1200HP Woody Marine Rib. The craft’s high-speed design means less time travelling and more time watching the humpback whale migration along the Sunshine Coast. As you move through the water, the coastal scenery will form a backdrop while whales may frolic and play nearby. Groups are strictly limited to 20 guests, so you will avoid larger, crowded boats and are guaranteed close, personal viewing. Onboard everyone has a window seat, making it easier to spot behaviours and enjoy the surroundings. The outing focuses on up-close encounters with humpbacks during migration and on taking in the dramatic coastal views of the Sunshine Coast as you watch.

The Mary Valley Rattler offers a heritage steam train journey from the Historic Gympie Station aboard a beautifully restored C17 steam train. As you travel through rich agricultural farmland, the route will lead into the heart of the picturesque Mary Valley. Volunteer guides on board will share historical detail about the trains and the region, adding context and local stories as you relax and take in the passing scenery. When the train reaches the quaint town of Amamoor, you will be able to disembark your carriage and go to a viewing area to watch the engine as it turns on the turntable. You’ll have a short stay to explore the Amamoor Village Green before reboarding your assigned carriage for the return to Gympie Station. The experience combines regional history, landscape views and the nostalgia of travel from times past.

The Mooloolaba Canal Cruise has been operating for over 30 years and has recently been refurbished to give a modern, luxe feel to this local favourite. From departure you will cruise past the Wharf complex and Marina towards Mooloolah Island, where some of Mooloolaba’s most desirable mansions and award‑winning homes line the shore. Along the way you will continue past Minyama Island and hear about its famous residents before entering the Kawana Canal system to learn about the history of the canal development. You will also cruise past Steve Irwin’s famous vessel, Croc One. The boat will head out to the river heads and turn so you can take in the coastline views from Mooloolaba Beach up to Noosa Heads. On the return trip you will pass pilot boats and the commercial fishing fleet, and you may observe the wild Osprey Eagles’ nest among other sights. A fully licensed bar is onboard offering alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages and snacks, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

This relaxing seafood lunch cruise takes you through the river and canals of Mooloolaba, where you can sit back in comfortable booth seating and enjoy table service as the scenery passes by. You’ll dine on fresh seafood included in the ticket price, with a choice of fish, calamari, Mooloolaba prawns or an Aussie burger. Along the way, you’ll hear entertaining commentary that highlights the views and local points of interest. A fully licensed bar is available on board, and an optional menu offers extras and upgrades if you want something beyond the included selection. The experience is relaxed and social, letting you enjoy the coastal atmosphere and waterways of Mooloolaba while you eat.

This tour will take you to explore the picturesque Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Here, you can walk along approximately six miles of walking trails that take you to terraced gardens, waterfalls and lakes. During your walk, you can take in the serene surroundings and observe a variety of colorful birds. Additionally, you can also have a picnic at the gardens' café.

You'll watch the sun sink over the tranquil waters of the Noosa River aboard the Noosa Queen. The cruise will depart from Noosa Marina and glide past Richard Branson's Makepeace Island and the North Shore ferry crossing, continuing on towards the calm surrounds of Lake Cooroibah. Along the way the crew will share relaxed local stories and set a chilled mood with laid-back tunes. You may spot native birdlife and kangaroos as you move through the waterways, and there might even be an opportunity to feed some of the local birds. Bring binoculars if you want a closer look. A fully licensed bar will be on board, so you can sip a glass of wine or a cold beer while you take in the changing colours. Whether you're with friends, a partner or travelling alone, you'll enjoy a peaceful cruise that highlights Noosa's riverscape and wildlife at sunset.

Ranked among the top-rated things to do in Noosa, this high-speed boat adventure departs from the Noosa River with local father-and-son crew Mike & Ozzie. You will head straight out past the iconic Noosa Headlands, Tea Tree Bay and Noosa’s famous surf beaches, taking in open-ocean views as you go. The trip is run for small groups, so you’ll have a more personal experience on board. The area is home to around 200 resident dolphins, and the tour regularly encounters pods close to the boat. You may see playful calves riding alongside as the boat passes, making each outing different. Along the way, the crew combines a balance of adrenaline and comfort while pointing out coastal scenery and wildlife. Seats are limited, keeping the group size small and the experience more intimate.

This Noosa whale-watching experience with father-and-son crew Mike & Ozzie puts you aboard the fastest rigid inflatable boat in town — the same type trusted by the Navy, Police, Sea Rescue and leading adventure operators worldwide. As you move along the coast, the skipper will take you past Noosa Headlands, Hells Gate, Alexander Bay, The Devil’s Kitchen and Sunshine Beach while searching for humpback whales. You may see humpback whales, often described as living dinosaurs from the Cretaceous era, and you may witness breaches, tail-lobs and pectoral slaps up close. About a third of the whales encountered are mothers with calves, and dolphins commonly join the trip by riding the bow and the boat’s wake. The high-speed boat lets you cover more water and reach likely whale areas quickly, making the outing a nature-immersive, family-friendly wildlife safari.

Glide along the picturesque Noosa River from Noosa Marina while savouring a seafood lunch sourced fresh from the Noosa Harbour Fish Market. You will relax in a friendly, easygoing atmosphere with river views as your backdrop. A selection of lunch options is offered, with non-seafood alternatives available, and drinks can be purchased from the fully licensed bar on board. Along the way, the captain will share local history and point out wildlife highlights, giving you insight into the area as you travel. The crew provide attentive, welcoming service, so you can sit back and enjoy the freshest seafood, the scenery and the stories that bring Noosa’s river and shoreline to life.