If you are at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, you need to visit the beautiful and magical Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park. If you are tired of beaching around, then this is a great chance for you to enjoy splashing in this natural wonder. The Fairy Pools in Noosa National park are still an (almost) secret hidden gem. You can easily float in the crystal clear water with the most beautiful ocean views in Noosa. If you would like to know how to easily find Noosa’s fairy pools, what to bring with you for a hike, where to camp in Noosa Heads and other activities, then this is for you.
And don’t forget to look up to spot cute koalas in the trees on this beautiful walk.
Table of Contents
WHAT ARE THE FAIRY POOLS OF NOOSA?
Almost the entire coast of Noosa National Park is quite rocky and a great place for scenic photos. The Fairy Pools are a natural formation of basalt rocks and the sea. Over the many years, the movement of water created different shapes, holes, and cavities in the rocks. The ocean water comes in and creates a natural pool. However, you need to be careful with splashing waves at high tide.
READ MORE: 15 ICONIC LANDMARKS IN AUSTRALIA
HOW TO FIND NOOSA’S FAIRY POOLS?
The Fairy Pools are located in the Noosa National Park at the eastern end of Granite Bay. Noosa National park is one of the most beautiful parks in Queensland and definitely worth spending a day wandering around. Nowadays it is quite easy to find the Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park. Just put them in google and follow the route, however, you need to know where exactly to turn to the right on the Coastal Track. The are several other Noosa National Park walks you could check out as well.
Have a look at the google map, where you can find Noosa’s Fairy Pools and check the step by step guide below.
It will take you approximately 45 mins without stops in order to get to the Fairy Pools (total distance: 3.2 km). However, we recommend stopping at a few places on the way to enjoy stunning beaches.
EXTRA TIP: The Fairly Pools of Noosa can be accessed from three directions. The quickest and easiest route is to go to the main entrance of the Noosa National Park. Follow the coastal path past Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay.
1. GET TO NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
If you are coming from Noosa Main Beach (from Hasting Street) you need to follow the path along the coast all the way to Little Cove Beach.
Keep following the wooden path until you get to the main entrance of Noosa National Park. It is quite difficult to park around the main entrance, but you can try to find parking in Mitti Street. We did find parking there when everything else was full.
HEADING TO GREAT OCEAN ROAD? READ MORE: Great Ocean Road itinerary – 2 days slef drive with best beaches and views.
2. FOLLOW THE COAST – WALK TOWARDS HELL’S GATE
From the main entrance, you need to follow the Coastal Track to Hell’s Gate. It is one of the most beautiful national park walks and we highly recommend to do it. It will take around 1 hour to get to Hell’s Gate.
3: STOP AT BEAUTIFUL BEACHES FOR A SWIM
Don’t just run to get to the Fairy Pools, but enjoy the views in Noosa national park and freshen up on beautiful beaches along the way. We highly recommend you to make a full day trip to the Fairy Pools with the last stop at Hell’s Gate.
TEA TREE BAY
We absolutely loved Tea Tree Bay Beach. It is quiet, beautiful and the surroundings are stunning. It is really nice to cool down in the middle of the walk.
View on Tea Tree Bay Tea Tree Bay
After your swim, get back to the coastal track and follow the path. At some point, you see two paths, towards Dolphin Point and to Hell’s Gate.
Turn to the right and keep following the sign to Hell’s Gate. After 20 minutes you will pass by beautiful Granite Bay where you can swim as well.
GRANITE BAY
4. GET DOWN TO THE FAIRY POOLS
After passing Granite Bay and Picnic Cove you should arrive on this part of the path. You are almost there.
You will finally notice a rocky terrace on your left side. This is where you need to turn left and follow the rocky and steep path down to the Fairly Pools.
You made it! Now you can finally enjoy the beautiful Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park.
PICNIC COVE
And just when you thought there is nothing else left, you need to check out this place. On the left side of the Fairy Pools, you can relax at this beautiful beach called Picnic Cove.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Water & Snacks
- Sun lotion (Use GIGI10 for 10% off and help protect marine life)
- Swimwear & Towel
- Hat
- Walking shoes – The last part is very rocky and walking down to the Fairy Pools in flip-flops/thongs can be dangerous.
If you are planning to visit the Fairy Pools, you need to know that there are no facilities in Noosa National Park (except a coffee shop at the beginning of the park and bathroom at Tea Tree Bay). That’s why you need to pack snacks, enough water to enjoy a lovely picnic on the beach.
BEST TIPS TO ENJOY FAIRY POOLS IN NOOSA WITHOUT CROWDS
If you like to enjoy the Fairy Pools without crowds you should definitely AVOID PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (Easter and Christmas) weeks and WEEKENDS in Noosa Heads. It is packed. Also, the earlier the better doesn’t really work in Australia as life in Australia tends to start early. That is why you can try to go during the hottest time of the day, but other foreign travelers might think the same way.
OUR ADVICE: If you like a more peaceful option and avoid the crowds you could walk to the Fairy Pools through the Noosa National Park from the Sunshine Beachside at Parkedge Road and The Esplanade. It is a bit longer but most likely you will be alone on the path.
WHEN TO VISIT THE FAIRY POOLS IN NOOSA
The weather in Queensland is very nice, even in winter. But probably the best time to visit the Fairy Pools in Noosa Heads, and in general Queensland is during autumn and winter (April to September). It is less busy, not that hot nor humid. Also, you still have enough sunshine, the water has 22 degrees and its still very warm during the day. However, the mornings and evenings get cooler so bring a jumper.
WHERE TO STAY IN NOOSA HEADS
Noosa Heads has plenty of options for accommodations. The best places are around Noosa Heads but you can also look for more peaceful options around Noosaville or in Sunrise and Sunshine Beach.
WHEN TO CAMP IN NOOSA
There are 3 camping sites owned by Noosa Council where you can camp: Noosa river holiday park, Noosa North Shore Beach Campground, Boreen Point Campground. You find more information on fees and locations HERE. If you have a 4WD you can try Booloumba Creek which has also 3 camping areas as it is located in Conodale National Park.
HOTELS & AIRBNBS
There is a wide range of hotels in Noosa. If you like something fancy, try Little Cove Court and the Cove Noosa Apartments (more budget-friendly) where we actually worked for 4 months. The beach views are stunning. Not to mention Little Cove Beach is 100 times better than Noosa Main Beach.
Otherwise, try budget-friendly options Halse Lodge or Nomads Noosa Backpackers. If you have a car you can find some nice Airbnbs around Sunshine or Sunrise Beach. Click HERE to get your $40 off on the first stay in Airbnb.
The Cove Noosa The Cove Noosa
The east coast of Australia is very often traveled, but if you want to see the most extraordinary places in Australia, head to Western Australia. For more inspiration, check out our Shark Bay guide, and also one of the best road trips in Western Australia: awesome Perth to Esperance road trip.
Hope you enjoy your day trip to the Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park. Let us know if you found them easily.
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