In November 2019, I went on an interesting walk from Tewantin to Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast. I had been to Tewantin previously, and had walked from Sunshine Beach through Noosa National Park and back a few times before, but I'd never walked from Tewantin to Sunshine Beach.
Noosa National Park walking track
The 16-kilometre walk was relaxing and interesting. It was a pleasant walk in beautiful Queensland sunshine along riverside pathways, beaches, and bush tracks through the Noosa National Park.
Getting to Noosaville
After leaving Brisbane very early at 5am, we drove to Sunshine Beach and parked our cars, then caught a bus to Tewantin where we began the walk from a park overlooking the Noosa River.
Along the Noosaville foreshore
We set off along the boardwalk and through the Tewantin marina wharf complex. The shops were closed, as it was only 8am. I have been to markets at the Tewantin complex previously and dinner in one of the cafes. There are some very nice shops there.
Noosa River
Tewantin is a small, friendly village located on the Noosa River. It is the launching point for the vehicular ferry to the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park. It is a popular retiree place because it is a lot cheaper than Noosa.
Main Beach Noosa
In the late 1800s, Tewantin was a small town prospering on the local gold, fishing and timber industries. The historic town was originally a timber town and the river port for the Noosa area.
Heading to Noosa National Park
It didn't take long before we reached the walking path beside the Noosa River at Noosaville. We stopped for morning tea at Raw Energy café after walking about 3.3 kms. Noosaville is a lot less touristy than Noosa. It has gorgeous water views, shady trees and picnic spots along the 2 kilometres of grassy foreshore. You can hire kayaks and boats along the riverfront. I've spent many holidays there because friends own a unit there. There is also a very popular camping site right on the river.
Beautiful sea
After a snack and coffee, we set off through the back streets of Noosaville, across the bridge and into Noosa.
We turned off at the end of the bridge along the boardwalk into the Southern end of Noosa and walked along through the park at the end of Hastings Street until we got to the beach.
Views
After walking along the boardwalk at the top of the beach, we passed the main swimming area and headed off towards the National Park past Little Cove.
Noosa National Park walking track
After a short break for another snack, we set off through the National Park stopping along the way at the lookouts at Hell's Gates and Devil's Kitchen. On other trips, I've seen schools of large tuna, packs of dolphins and sea turtles in the sea at Hell's Gates.
Alexandra Bay beach
We did pass a couple of nudists at Alexandria Bay Beach. By the time we arrived at Sunshine Beach, we were all hot and tired and ready for some lunch and a cool drink. One walker had a swim on the beach before we walked back to our cars, changed into clean clothes and went for a lovely lunch at Moshka Café before driving home.
Walking down to Sunshine Beach
It was a wonderful day. Noosa National Park has everything, fantastic coastal views, wildlife, long white beaches, eucalypt forest, open woodland, melaleuca wetland, colourful Wallum Heathland and pockets of dense vine-strewn rainforest.
Windy lookout
