The Noosa River is the calm, tidal waterway that runs past Tewantin and Noosaville to the sea at Noosa Heads, and its Noosaville foreshore is the easiest place to enjoy it. Gympie Terrace has about 2 km of riverside parks with a pirate-themed playground, covered barbecues, boat ramps, a public jetty and sandy spots to paddle.
It is a different day out from Noosa’s surf beaches: flat water, shade trees, boats coming and going, and a ferry you can hop on to reach Hastings Street.
About the Noosa River
The river starts at the Como Escarpment in Great Sandy National Park and flows south through a chain of lakes, including Cootharaba, Cooroibah and Weyba, before reaching the Coral Sea between Noosa Heads and Noosa North Shore. A training wall built in 1978 moved the river mouth to the north-west. The river is known for its migratory birdlife.
Tewantin, Noosaville and Noosa Heads sit along its banks, and most visitors meet it at Noosaville. The river is also the way across to Noosa North Shore, on the far bank, where the beach and camping country begins.
The Noosaville foreshore
The foreshore is a 2 km run of eight precincts from west to east, joined by shared riverside paths for walking and cycling. The paths are uneven and flood-prone in places, so take care with prams and wheelchairs.
Lions Park, Apex Park and the Pirate Playground
Lions and Apex Parks are the family hub. Lions Park has a large playground, the Pirate Playground, and a Liberty Swing, a wheelchair-accessible swing, which you unlock with a key from Noosa Council. Apex Park has covered picnic tables, a barbecue, outdoor fitness equipment, shade trees and access to the river for fishing and swimming. The precinct also has sloping lawn down to the water and an events stage.
Boat ramp, Ely Park and Quota Park
The Noosaville boat ramp, a public jetty and a public amenities block are in the Boat Ramp and Ely Park precinct. Ely Park is a riverside park with shade and seating. Quota Park has an internal car park and raised crossings that link Gympie Terrace to the foreshore.
On the water
The foreshore has boat hire, ferry stops and a slipway at Chaplin Park, so you can get out on the river without your own boat. The Noosa Ferry also stops along the foreshore and runs to Hastings Street. If you take your own boat, the Noosaville ramp is the public launch point.
The river mouth at Noosa Heads, where the water meets the surf, is a short trip downstream.
Swimming, dogs and safety
The foreshore has beach and swimming areas, and Apex Park has river access for swimming and fishing. It is open water with boats using the river, so keep a close eye on children. Dogs are not allowed in bathing reserves.
Dogs must be on a leash in public areas unless you are in a designated off-leash area. Weyba Foreshore Park in Noosaville is a designated off-leash area, as are Alec Loveday Park and Heritage Park in Tewantin.
Planning your visit
- How long: an hour for the playground and a walk, or a day if you hire a boat or ride the ferry.
- What to bring: sunscreen and a hat, swimmers for the river beaches, and food for the covered barbecues.
- Accessibility: the Liberty Swing is a council-keyed swing for wheelchair users. Paths are uneven in places.
Getting there and parking
Noosaville is about 135 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 115 minutes by car without traffic. Gympie Terrace runs along the foreshore.
There is an internal car park in Quota Park, street parking at Pelican Beach Park, and parking bays on Thomas Street. Parking is busy in holidays, so arrive early. More on the parks is on Noosa Council’s Noosaville Foreshore page.
Nearby
- Noosa Ferry – ride the river to Hastings Street.
- Noosa North Shore – beach driving and camping across the river.
- Hastings Street, Noosa – shops, cafes and Main Beach at the river’s end.
- Noosa Farmers Market – the weekly Sunday market.
- Castaways Beach – a quiet surf beach on the ocean side.
- More in the lakes and rivers and Noosa guides.
You might also like
- Wappa Dam (Kiamba)
- Ewen Maddock Dam (Landsborough)
- Northshore Riverside Park (Hamilton)
Quick answers
Where does the Noosa River start and end?
It starts at the Como Escarpment in Great Sandy National Park, flows through lakes including Cootharaba, Cooroibah and Weyba, and reaches the Coral Sea between Noosa Heads and Noosa North Shore.
Is there a playground on the Noosa River at Noosaville?
Yes. Lions Park on Gympie Terrace has a large playground, the Pirate Playground, and a Liberty Swing that council opens with a key.
Can you swim in the Noosa River?
The foreshore has beach and swimming areas, including river access at Apex Park. It is open water with boats about, so watch children closely.
Are dogs allowed at the Noosaville foreshore?
Dogs must be on a leash in public areas unless in a designated off-leash area. Weyba Foreshore Park in Noosaville is one of the council’s off-leash areas.
Where do you park at the Noosaville foreshore?
There is an internal car park in Quota Park, street parking at Pelican Beach Park and bays on Thomas Street.
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