Travel Budget for Noosa Heads Visit Noosa Heads on a Budget or Travel in Style

Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia
Pacific / Australia / Queensland /
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Noosa Heads is a relaxed coastal town known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Noosa Heads that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Noosa Heads?

You should plan to spend around $128 (AU$206) per day on your vacation in Noosa Heads. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $55 (AU$89) on meals
  • $16 (AU$26) on local transportation
  • $111 (AU$179) on hotels

A one week trip to Noosa Heads for two people costs, on average, $1,788 (AU$2,884). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $128
    AU$206
  • One Week Per person
    $894
    AU$1,442
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,788
    AU$2,884
  • One Month Per person
    $3,831
    AU$6,180
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,788
    AU$2,884
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,576
    AU$5,768
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,662
    AU$12,360
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Noosa Heads cost?

A one week trip to Noosa Heads usually costs around $894 (AU$1,442) for one person and $1,788 (AU$2,884) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Noosa Heads on average costs around $1,788 (AU$2,884) for one person and $3,576 (AU$5,768) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Noosa Heads will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Noosa Heads on average costs around $3,831 (AU$6,180) for one person and $7,662 (AU$12,360) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Noosa Heads expensive to visit?

Noosa Heads is a popular coastal town that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

While Noosa Heads can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $58 (AU$90) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (AU$206) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $254 (AU$395) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Noosa Heads.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Noosa Heads is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Arrowtown or Darwin.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Noosa Heads Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Noosa Heads?

The average Noosa Heads trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Noosa Heads travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Noosa Heads cost?

Noosa Heads on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$24
(AU$39) 		$55
(AU$89) 		$106
(AU$171)
Local Transportation 1 $7
(AU$11) 		$16
(AU$26) 		$30
(AU$49)
Food 2 $24
(AU$39) 		$55
(AU$89) 		$105
(AU$170)
Entertainment 1 $16
(AU$27) 		$38
(AU$61) 		$73
(AU$118)
Alcohol 2 $2-6
(AU$3-10) 		$5-15
(AU$8-24) 		$9-28
(AU$15-45)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Noosa Heads. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $58 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Noosa Heads, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Noosa Heads generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $133 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Noosa Heads. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Seahaven Noosa Resort is a great choice for kids, and Noosa Hill Resort is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Noosa Heads hotel costs guide.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $254. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the coastal town will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Noosa Heads

The range of hotel prices in Noosa Heads can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $394, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $735. From $194 for budget hotels to $2,067 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Noosa Heads for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $111 (AU$179). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $55 (AU$89) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $55
    AU$89
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $111
    AU$179

Hotels in Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Noosa Heads? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Noosa Heads

The average hotel room price in Noosa Heads based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $394 in the low season and $735 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Noosa Heads include:

  • The Lookout Resort Noosa starting at $196
  • Seahaven Noosa Resort starting at $171
  • Noosa Hill Resort starting at $263
  • Emerald Noosa starting at $250
  • Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort starting at $244
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads has a good public transit system lets you stay farther from the coastal town, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.

Noosa Heads is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.

If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.

Noosa Heads is a top tourist destination, but its smaller size can make finding a hotel tricky, especially in summer. Be sure to book your room as far in advance as possible.

Many people like to wander through Noosa Heads, so it's a good idea to book a place in the center. Keep in mind that this could come with an increased cost.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.

If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $16 (AU$26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Noosa Heads. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Noosa Heads is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $16
    AU$26

Transportation Tips

When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast for $75 details
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax for $98 details
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 5 pax for $123 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Noosa Heads
How much does it cost to go to Noosa Heads? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Noosa Heads
The price of renting a car in Noosa Heads will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Noosa Heads

The culinary delights in Noosa Heads are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Noosa Heads can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Noosa Heads is $55 (AU$89) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $55
    AU$89

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Noosa Heads is around $57 (AU$89) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $109. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Noosa Heads are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $17
  • Lunch: $9 to $23
  • Dinner: $17 to $40
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

Noosa Heads is a place renowned for its cuisine as much as its pleasant weather. For the foodies, Noosa is especially thriving during its annual Food & Wine Festival (held in May) when Australian and international chefs take over the town to give cooking classes, present gala dinners, and guide visitors on local food trails. As a seaside location, Noosa also has a number of restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. Options from the sea are available from fine dining entrees to fast food like fish and chips. For those seeking some iconic Australian foods, Vegemite is a vitamin-rich, somewhat bitter yeast spread which is often thinly spread on buttered toast. Other unique items include a kind of chocolate biscuit called Tim Tams, fairy bread which is basically white bread buttered with sprinkles, a chocolate covered sponge cake called lamington, and macadamia nuts. Noosa also has dining options to satisfy international flavors from European to Mediterranean to Japanese and more. Most dining options can be easily found along Hastings Street and Duke Street.

Food in Noosa Heads

Food & Dining Tips

When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.

Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Noosa Heads, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast for $114 details
  • Australian Food Cooking Class for $83 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Noosa Heads

It's no surprise that Noosa Heads sees many visitors since it offers beaches, food, hiking, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Noosa Heads typically cost an average of $38 (AU$61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $38
    AU$61

Noosa National Park covers about 4,000 hectares of beaches, walking tracks, and a thriving habitat of local wildlife and vegetation. There are a total of five walking tracks - some of which include one leading to the highest point in the park at Noosa Hill, and another leading to Hell's Gate, one of the park's headlands. While on these trails, visitors might come across pockets of rainforest as well as areas of open eucalypt forest, wallum heaths, pandanus palms, and grasslands. Within these habitats are a population of koalas and other mammals as well as bird species like the eastern ground parrot, glossy black cockatoo, and eastern yellow robin. From the headlands in the park, visitors are sometimes able to watch migrating humpback whales. The park is divided into four sections: Headland Section, Peregian Section, Emu Mountain Section and the East Weyba Section. For more details and ideas about what to do, check out this guide to Noosa National Park.

Just south of the National Park is Sunshine Beach - a stretch where golden sands meet turquoise waters. While beach itself offers a laid-back atmosphere for surf and relaxation, it is also just a short walk away from the boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that line Duke Street just inland from the shore.

Noosa's Main Beach, to the west of the park is another prime location for seaside activities. It runs along Hastings Street which is lined with amenities including cafes, restaurants, shops, and a visitor information center, among other things.



Noosa is a home base for a number of great tours including wildlife and eco-tours of the immediate area as well as organized tours to Fraser Island just north of Noosa.

Walking the trails of Noosa National Park is also popular for enjoying its lush scenery, spotting koalas, or taking an ocean dip at one of its many beaches. The Fairy Pools of Noosa National Park are also a great attraction to see. Fishing from Noosa is great year round with seasonal changes in species, while boating is also available with opportunities to hire a sailboat or motorboat along the Noosa River. Other common activities include scuba diving, kite surfing, surfing (and surf lessons), as well as shopping, dining, or taking a local cruise.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in Noosa HeadsMany people visit Noosa Heads seeking a peaceful beach getaway. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Hiking:
Hiking in Noosa HeadsThe hiking paths in the vicinity of Noosa Heads are superb. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

A nice way to explore destinations in Noosa Heads is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Full-Day Guided Hinterland Adventure Tour in Queensland for $98 details
  • EBike Noosa Sightseeing Tour - New! For $88 details
  • Inlet to the Lakes Sunset Cruise for $35 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Noosa Heads?

Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Noosa Heads. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.


  • Surf Lesson
    AU$65
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    AU$130
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    AU$20


Nightlife Budget in Noosa Heads

For nightlife seekers, Noosa Heads has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $9.74 (AU$16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Noosa Heads per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $9.74
    AU$16
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Noosa Heads. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Sunshine Coast Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour for $227 details
  • Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday for $88 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 2, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Noosa Heads

  • Prices in the coastal town rise and crowds swell during the peak summer season. For a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience, consider visiting in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can help you save money, giving you a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings while you unwind. Packing your days with too many activities often leads to higher expenses. On the other hand, slowing down can lead to lower costs and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
  • There aren't a lot of hostel options in Noosa Heads, so if you're thinking of saving money in a dorm, you might need to adjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental may be a better choice.
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Noosa Heads Noosa National Park Coastline

A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.



Neighborhoods & Around

The name Noosa is applied to the areas including Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction, Noosaville, and Noosa Civic. Noosa Heads is the resort area that contains Hastings Street and the main tourist area behind Hastings Street. Noosa's Main Beach runs parallel to Hastings Street. Noosaville is located alongside the river, and is a bit quieter, while Noosa Junction is the business area. On the western end of Hastings Street are the Noosa Woods and Noosa Spit (a recreation area and home to the Noosa Botanic Gardens), while Noosa National Park is on the eastern end, and Noosa Lions Park is just to the south. Noosa Lions Park is an open, grassy area which is often used as a staging area for several large community events which include the Noosa Triathlon, Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Noosa Winter Festival, and Noosa Classic Car Show.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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