The 2020 Sunshine Coast brochure places Noosa 160km north of Brisbane [N1]. The park covers 2,883ha [N2] and has four main sections: Noosa Headland, Peregian, Emu Mountain and East Weyba [N3]. This guide focuses on the Coastal Walk in the Headland section [N3]. It draws on the brochure and on the park’s Coastal Walk page as archived on 14 July 2026 [N4]. The brochure is an April 2020 edition [N5].
The walk at a glance
The archived page gives the Coastal Walk as 10.8km return [N6] and suggests allowing 4hrs of walking time [N7]. The archived page (14 July 2026) says it is a Grade 4 walking track [N8]. The start and finish points are the same, and walkers return by the same path [N9]. The brochure gives the same distance and time [N10].
Points along the track
The archived page gives the one-way distances to Boiling Pot (300m), Dolphin Point (1.2km) and Hell’s Gates (2.7km) [N11]. The brochure lists the same one-way distances [N12].
Access and facilities
The archived page says the Noosa Headland day-use area and the Coastal Walk are reached at the end of Park Road in Noosa Heads [N13]. The page says access is via sealed roads suitable for conventional 2WDs [N14]. Parking is limited, so the page encourages visitors to walk, ride or catch the bus during peak periods [N15].
The archived page’s wheelchair access section says the walk is suitable for assisted wheelchair access to The Boiling Pot (300m), with gradients up to 1:14 (4.1°) [N16]. Beyond this, to Dolphin Point (1.2km), gradients exceed 1:10 (5.7°) for short sections [N36], and the page says assistance may be required for the trail and toilets [N37]. The page’s walking section describes the 300m path to Boiling Pot as Class 1, sealed and barrier free [N33], which should be read with the assisted-access wording above. The archived page (14 July 2026) says bike racks are provided in the day-use area (bring your own padlock), and says to cycle with caution along Park Road [N34]. Past Dolphin Point the track is unsealed, with some steps and steep sections, and the page says that stretch is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers [N17]. The brochure says picnic tables, electric barbecues, drinking water and public toilets are provided in Noosa Headland at the end of Park Road [N18].
Swimming and surf
The archived page says beaches around the park are not patrolled by surf lifesavers and that swimming is not recommended [N19]. The brochure says swimming is only recommended at nearby Surf Life Saving patrolled beaches [N20]. Alexandria Bay has high surf conditions that can be dangerous, and the page advises swimming at nearby patrolled beaches [N21]. The page says the beach section along Alexandria Bay is subject to storm surges and tidal influences [N22]. It also says emergency radios are located on the Coastal Walk at the northern entrance to Alexandria Bay [N23]. The page also says to take extra care near cliff edges and to keep children under close supervision [N24].
Wildlife and the whale season
The brochure says to look for lace monitors, honeyeaters and koalas in trees near the walking tracks [N25]. Sources differ on the humpback whale season [N26][N27]. The 2020 brochure gives July to October as the period to watch for humpback whales breaching on the horizon [N26]. The archived page says visitors might spot humpback whales between June and November [N27]. Check current local sources before you plan a whale-watching visit.
Highlights
The brochure suggests taking a morning walk along the Coastal track [N28]. It says ‘Walk through a kaleidoscope of colour in late winter and spring, when coastal heathland bursts into flower’ [N29]. The archived page describes the walk as taking in sweeping ocean vistas, rocky bays, enclosed beaches and marine life [N30]. Nearby, the brochure suggests a boardwalk walk through the mangroves of Weyba Creek Conservation Park to look for wildlife [N35].
Park alerts and page dates
As at the 14 July 2026 capture, the park page listed planned burns in the Headland section for 13 to 31 July 2026 [N31]. That period has passed, so check the park alerts before you walk [N31]. The archived page was last reviewed on 26 June 2025 [N32].
Sources and limits
This guide has not walked the track. It does not cover opening hours, fees or current road works.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Noosa Coastal Walk?
The archived park page gives the Coastal Walk as 10.8km return and suggests allowing 4hrs of walking time. The 2020 brochure gives the same distance and time.
Is the Coastal Walk wheelchair accessible?
The archived page says the walk to The Boiling Pot (300m) is suitable for assisted wheelchair access, with gradients up to 1:14 (4.1°). Beyond it, to Dolphin Point (1.2km), gradients exceed 1:10 (5.7°) for short sections, and assistance may be required for the trail and toilets. Between Dolphin Point and Hell’s Gates the track is unsealed, with steps and steep sections, and the page says that section is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Is it safe to swim near the Coastal Walk?
The archived park page says the beaches around the park are not patrolled by surf lifesavers, and the brochure says swimming is only recommended at nearby Surf Life Saving patrolled beaches.
When can you see humpback whales from the Coastal Walk?
Sources differ. The 2020 brochure gives July to October, while the archived park page says June to November. Check current local sources before you plan a visit.
