Maroochydore to Noosa: Driving time, distance and best stops

The Maroochyore to Noosa drive is 36km long, with a driving time of about 33 minutes. Good stops on the route include Mudjimba Beach, Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach.

The drive from Maroochydore to Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is not a long one. The two towns are relatively close together, if a significant distance apart in vibe.

Maroochydore is more workaday, albeit with some marvellous beach suburbs. Noosa is a genuinely world class beach town, with a strong mix of chic, surf and nature.

Maroochydore to Noosa distance and driving time

The Maroochydore to Noosa drive is 36km in distance, with a driving time of around 33 minutes. This is assuming you’re heading to Noosa Heads, the most attractive part of Noosa.

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.

This journey along the Queensland coast is largely along the Sunshine Motorway. There’s no need to go inland to the Bruce Highway, which is usually the backbone of the Queensland coastal drive.

There are several decent places to stop along the way, including Mudjimba Beach and Marcoola. These are beach suburbs that would be raved about anywhere else, but fall back into the pack on the Sunshine Coast.

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.

Stops on the Maroochydore to Noosa drive

Before breaking off the Sunshine Motorway, you’ll go past Coolum Beach. The quickest Maroochydore to Noosa route then breaks off the motorway at Peregian Springs. Branch off onto David Low Way, then continue hugging the coast past Peregian Beach and Sunrise Beach.

However, if you’re planning a trip from Maroochydore to Noosa based on flying into Maroochydore Airport, the journey is a bit shorter.

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.

Maroochydore Airport to Noosa drive

Sunshine Coast Airport, formerly known as Maroochydore Airport, is actually in Marcoola. It’s slightly further north. From the closest airport to Noosa, it’s a 30km drive.