Caloundra to Noosa distance, driving time & attractions

The Caloundra to Noosa drive covers a 55km distance in a driving time of around 48 minutes. Unless, of course, you decide to stop at one of the beaches along the way.

The Caloundra to Noosa drive covers most of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It’s an easy enough drive to do in one stint behind the wheel, but there are a few places you might want to consider stopping at along the way.

Caloundra to Noosa distance and driving time

The distance from Caloundra to Noosa Heads is 55km. Going via the quickest route, largely along the coast, the Caloundra to Noosa driving time is around 48 minutes.

Get the best out of Noosa – 6 sensational experiences to look into

Cruise the mirror-like waterways of the Noosa Everglades – a glorious glide through stunning natural landscapes.
4WD along the beaches – AND kayak with dolphins on a day tour full of easy adventure.
Take a dolphin-watching safari down the Noosa River.
Have a go at kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or waterbiking.
Take a tasting tour of the local craft breweries and distilleries – find out how the locals have devoted themselves to quality.
Get standing on your board by the end of a beginners’ surfing lesson.

The Caloundra to Noosa Heads drive initially starts along State Route 6 – also known as Nicklin Way. It goes past Dicky Beach, then through Currimundi, Wurtulla, Bokarina and Warana. The road runs pretty close to a long beach that goes by several different names, depending on which part of it you’re on.

12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now

Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour.
Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades.
Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour.
Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight.
Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour.
Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour.
Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.

Caloundra to Noosa drive: Sunshine Motorway

Just after Minyama, branch off for the Sunshine Motorway, which skirts the edge of Mooloolaba.

Things to do in Mooloolaba include diving the HMAS Brisbane wreck, dining at the Mooloolaba Surf Club and riding the Sunshine Coast Aquaduck.

More experience options in Mooloolaba include whale-watching cruises, adventure rafting at high speed and a submarine tour.

Caloundra to Noosa drive: Maroochydore and Marcoola

The route then skirts the edge of Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore, home of the Cotton Tree Pool and Cotton Tree caravan park.

Cotton Tree Beach and Cotton Tree Markets are also in Maroochydore.

Once over the Maroochy River, the Caloundra to Noosa drive goes past Mudjimba Beach and Sunshine Coast Airport in Marcoola.

Attractions between Caloundra and Noosa: Peregian Beach and Sunshine Beach

After running parallel to Mount Coolum, Point Arkwright and Coolum Beach, you’ll need to turn off the motorway at Peregian Springs along the Emu Mountain Road, then follow David Low Way along the coast. This goes past Peregian Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach before turning in for Noosa Heads.

If I can do just one thing in Noosa, what should it be?

The Great Beach Drive – a four wheel drive adventure up Teewah Beach towards Double Island Point – is fantastic on its own. To go kayaking with dolphins as part of the same trip makes for a genuinely superb day out.

Take it as a massive personal recommendation – the Great Beach Drive plus Kayaking With Dolphins day tour should be at the top of your Noosa wishlist.

Things to do in Noosa include shopping on Hastings Street, surfing at Little Cove or spotting koalas in Noosa National Park.

For other activities, try taking a cruise through the Noosa Everglades, a whale-watching tour, a beginners’ surfing lesson or viewing aquatic life from a speedboat.

Good Noosa accommodation picks include Seahaven Noosa, Habitat Noosa and Sofitel Noosa.

Sunshine Beach near Noosa Heads, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Caloundra checklist: 5 fab experiences to book in advance

1. Kayak hire or paddleboard rental at Golden Beach. 2. Self-guided scavenger hunt. 3. Half day Pummicestone Passage jetski tour. 4. Waterways cruise. 5. Two hour Efoil lesson.