Tewantin is the historic village on the Noosa River that most visitors drive through on the way to Noosa, and it has a marina with restaurants, a regional art gallery, mountain bike trails and the ferry to Noosa North Shore. It is one of the Noosa area’s earliest settled towns, a short riverside stroll from Noosaville.
The quieter pace and the river views make it a good half-day on its own or the start of a ferry ride down to Hastings Street.
Noosa Marina
The marina has riverfront shops and restaurants, with fish and chips, local seafood, Italian, modern Australian and gourmet ice cream on offer. Visit Noosa names cafe VinCino, The Marina Bar and Lucio’s Marina, an Italian restaurant with river views.
It is also where the Noosa Ferry starts. The ferry runs the river to Hastings Street with seven stops along the way, and there is a sunset cruise. A nice plan is lunch at the marina, then the ferry back for sunset.
Noosa Regional Gallery
The Noosa Regional Gallery is at Riverside, 9 Pelican Street, and shows local and touring exhibitions. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, and closed on Mondays, public holidays and while exhibitions are being changed over. Some exhibitions and events need a booking or an entry fee, and the Kids Art Space is free. Check the gallery website before you go.
The foreshore, murals and the village
The foreshore has a beginner-friendly skate bowl and a playground overlooking the bend of the river, and a splash park with fountains. The splash park was closed for repairs in April 2026 and may still be closed, so check Noosa Council’s works notices before you go and do not count on it.
The village’s leafy main street has large wildlife-themed murals, and the war memorial in the centre is a quick stop. Shops sell homewares and gifts, and there are galleries, spas, cafes and florists, plus bakery goods and good coffee.
There is also a Kabi Kabi walking trail of culturally significant sites around Tewantin, including an ancient burial tree, thought to be 200 to 400 years old, in the grounds of the Noosa Council offices.
On and across the river
Makepeace Island, just upstream, is a private island rented as a whole by one group at a time, so it is not a day-trip stop. Great Sandy National Park is reachable by ferry from Tewantin.
If you are staying in town, Noosa Lakes Resort has three large lagoon-style pools and self-catering apartments within walking distance of the river.
Mountain bike and walking trails
Tewantin National Park has the Wooroi Trails, which Visit Noosa describes as some of the Sunshine Coast’s best mountain bike trails. You can ride the flow trails or walk them. Access is from the base of Gyndier Drive on the edge of Tewantin.
For a bigger view, Mt Tinbeerwah lookout is an easy drive and looks over the coast and hinterland.
Tewantin’s history
Tewantin is one of the Noosa area’s earliest settled towns, and the war memorial in the village centre carries the Tewantin and District Roll of Honour. The Kabi Kabi sites mentioned above are a reminder that the river was settled long before the village.
Ferries to the North Shore
The vehicle ferry to Noosa North Shore leaves from Moorindil Street in Tewantin and serves the North Shore, Great Sandy National Park and K’gari (Fraser Island). It is the way to the beach driving and camping covered in the Noosa North Shore post, and the same river runs up to Lake Cootharaba.
Planning your visit
- How long: half a day for the marina, gallery and foreshore; a full day with a ferry ride or a mountain bike loop.
- What to bring: a hat and sunscreen, bike and helmet for the Wooroi Trails.
- Dogs: Alec Loveday Park and Heritage Park in Tewantin are designated off-leash areas; elsewhere dogs must be on a leash.
Getting there and parking
Tewantin is about 135 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 115 minutes by car without traffic. Translink bus routes 626 and 627 run along Hilton Terrace through Tewantin. Check times and fares at translink.com.au.
For the Noosa Ferry, parking is at the marina. See the Noosa Ferry guide for stops, times and fares.
More places nearby are in the Noosa guides.
You might also like
- Bracken Ridge (Brisbane)
- Carseldine (Brisbane)
- Nudgee (Brisbane)
Quick answers
What is there to do in Tewantin?
Eat at the Noosa Marina, visit the Noosa Regional Gallery, use the foreshore playground and skate bowl, ride the Wooroi Trails, or catch a ferry to Hastings Street or Noosa North Shore.
When is the Noosa Regional Gallery open?
Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Where does the ferry to Noosa North Shore leave from?
The vehicle ferry leaves from Moorindil Street in Tewantin.
Where are the Wooroi mountain bike trails?
In Tewantin National Park, reached from the base of Gyndier Drive on the outer edge of Tewantin.
How far is Tewantin from Brisbane?
About 135 km, roughly 115 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
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