Noosa Heads Fairy Pools
Visiting the magical Noosa Heads Fairy Pools
If you’re traveling on the eastern side of Australia, there is no shortage of swimming holes, rock pools and incredible waterfalls. Many are easily accessible and worth pulling over the car for a quick swim!
One of these great and easily accessible spots is located in Noosa Heads. Welcome to the fairy pools! Here you can peacefully float in the ocean’s water without being pulled out to sea by the current. Two idyllic pools are tucked into the rock formations, making it a great place to hang out with friends, picnic or swim.
Quick Tips For Your Trip
- Go early to avoid crowds and find parking
- Set your GPS to “Noosa National Car Park” for the shorter 30 min walk up
- Pack sunscreen- the UV rays here are no joke
- The hike is paved and rather easy but wear comfortable shoes
- Bring water
- Keep your eyes peeled on the walk, it’s likely you’ll see wild koalas and dolphins
Just 2 Hours Outside Brisbane
Easily accessible from Brisbane, this stop is definitely worth the trip! Noosa Heads is a charming town with great beach vibes- it reminded me a lot of Bali. It’s a great place to have brunch or get coffee before you drive to the National Park for the beach and fairy pools.
Hidden off the coast of Noosa National Park
Hidden along the coast of Noosa National Park, the fairy pools are easy accessible. There is no charge for entrance into the park.
SET YOUR GPS TO “NOOSA NATIONAL CARPARK” FOR FREE PARKING & A 30 MIN WALK TO THE POOLS
However, this area is really popular and you’ll want to arrive early to grab a parking spot. We were there in the off season and still had to wait awhile for a parking space.
You can also walk from Noosa Main Beach which will take you 45 min to reach the fairy pools.
Easy, paved hike to the pools
The walk is fairly easy and paved until the turn off for the pools. However the turn isn’t marked. But you can spot people gathering around the pools just before the turn. Otherwise, you can follow along on Google Maps so you know you haven’t passed the pools.
Fortunately, large portions of the walk is shaded as it traces along the coast providing spectacular views of the ocean. But pack your sunscreen for the pools because there is no shade once you arrive!
Be on the lookout for koalas and dolphins!
As you walk to the pools, keep your eyes to the sky! Lots of koalas inhabit the trees above the walking path. And from the trails and the pools themselves, you can often see a pod of dolphins swimming past. It’s a very scenic walk!
Can you spot the little koala nestled in the tree branches?
Two Natural Tide Pools
There is one smaller, shallow one and a second larger, deeper pool nestled between the rocks.
In the morning the rock pools will be still and small from low tide. If you visit the evening, be prepared for larger waves crashing into the pools during high tide!
Enjoy your time at the pools!
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