If you’re looking for a way to explore one of the world’s few untouched wilderness areas while enjoying gourmet food and craft beers, the Tasty Noosa Everglades tour might just be your ideal day out. This 5.5-hour journey promises a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local flavors.
From a peaceful cruise through the Southern Hemisphere’s only Everglades system to a delicious lunch paired with fresh locally brewed beers, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Queensland’s natural beauty and culinary scene.
What really sets it apart? The knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the chance to see Australian wildlife up close. The only potential downside? It’s quite a packed half-day, so if you’re craving a longer, more leisurely experience, you might want to consider other options.
This tour is perfect for those who enjoy nature, good food, and local brews—ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting an immersive yet manageable escape into the wild.
Key Points
- Unique Ecosystem: It’s the only Everglades system in the Southern Hemisphere, offering rare wildlife and scenery.
- Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy fresh, local ingredients on a beautifully situated eco-friendly camp.
- Craft Beer Experience: Sample up to 11 beers brewed onsite, made from artesian water sourced from the Artesian Basin.
- Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness.
- Scenic Cruise: A 2.5-hour cruise on Lake Cootharaba showcases stunning reflections and wildlife.
- All-Inclusive Value: Includes transportation, lunch, drinks, and a gift bag, making it a hassle-free day.
An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect
Looking for more options in Sunshine Coast? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Easy, Comfortable Transportation from Noosa
The tour starts with a door-to-door pickup, which means no stress about finding meeting points. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride through the lush bushland of Queensland’s Great Sandy National Park. Expect a scenic drive as the vehicle glides past dense greenery, giving you a sneak peek of the natural beauty ahead.
Arrival at Habitat Noosa: A Picturesque Base
Your first stop is Habitat Noosa, a charming eco-friendly camp on 65 acres beside Lake Cootharaba, Queensland’s largest tidal lake. Here, you’ll be greeted with fresh grazing boards and a cold drink—great for settling in before the adventure begins.
This spot is not just a launchpad but a destination in itself, offering impressive views, a relaxed vibe, and the chance to explore a little before the cruise. The restaurant, CootharaBAR & Bistro, has earned praise for its use of local ingredients, creating dishes like Salt and Pepper Calamari, Prawns, and Pork Belly Bites that you’ll be tempted to linger over.
Lunch: A Feast of Local Flavors and Artisanal Beers
Post-arrival, you’ll settle into the award-winning restaurant and enjoy a grazing board lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Reviewers emphasize how satisfying and flavorful the dishes are, with particular praise for the calamari, prawns, and pork belly bites. The menu is crafted to showcase Queensland’s best produce, making this a true taste of the region.
Accompanying the food, you can opt for a glass of wine or a craft beer paddle. The Eco Brewing Co. microbrewery offers up to 11 beers brewed onsite, made with artesian water filtered over 75 years—no preservatives or additives. Reviewers specify that sampling the onsite beers is a highlight, with four beers included in your paddle. The beers are brewed using water drawn from the Artesian Basin, which adds a natural element to the brewing process and ensures high-quality, preservative-free options.
More Great Tours NearbyThe 2.5-Hour Stillwater Cruise: Nature’s Masterpiece
After lunch, a knowledgeable guide from Habitat Noosa Eco Safaris will take you on a relaxing 2.5-hour cruise through the River of Mirrors and the waterways of the Noosa Everglades.
This system is one of only two in the world, and the only one in the southern hemisphere, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts. You’ll drift across pristine waters, with your guide providing commentary about the flora, fauna, and history of the region.
Expect to see an abundance of birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you may spot local wildlife such as kangaroos that visit the campground at sunset. The reflections on the water are often compared to a mirror, providing spectacular photo opportunities.
Many reviewers describe the cruise as “surreal,” emphasizing how peaceful and scenic the journey is. One guest highlighted the “beautiful reflections on the Noosa River” and the diversity of flora and fauna seen during the cruise.
Wildlife Encounters and Sunset Views
The day concludes with a brief walk back through the campground, where you can observe kangaroos and other wildlife that visit the site. This adds an authentic touch to the experience, reminding you that this is a protected and relatively untouched ecosystem.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
The Guides: Knowledgeable and Humorous
Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and wealth of local knowledge. Reviewers mention guides like Liz, who “had all details covered from go to whoa,” and the boat skipper, who combined insight with humor. Their expertise helps you appreciate the environment, making the journey more engaging.
The Scenery: A Photographer’s Dream
The Lake Cootharaba and the waters of the Noosa Everglades offer postcard-worthy views—calm, mirror-like surfaces reflecting the sky and trees. The waterways stretch across 60 km, offering plenty of vantage points and opportunities to spot wildlife or simply soak in the tranquility.
The Food and Beer: Authentic Queensland Flavors
The grazing lunch is simple yet satisfying, with emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The beers brewed onsite are a hit, with many travelers mentioning they enjoyed trying multiple artisanal brews. The combination of good food and craft beer adds a relaxed, indulgent touch to the day.
The Overall Value
At $211 per person, the tour includes transport, a gourmet lunch, craft beer tasting, a scenic cruise, a guided commentary, and a gift bag. Reviews highlight how the experience feels well-priced given all the included components, especially considering the high quality of the guides and the scenery.
Practical Details
The tour duration of 5.5 hours is just enough to enjoy a balanced mix of activities without feeling rushed. The pickup and drop-off service makes things straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Noosa. It’s worth noting that the experience is not suitable for children under 18, so it’s geared more towards adults or older teenagers.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. You can check availability and starting times directly with the provider, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re someone who appreciates authentic wildlife experiences, scenic landscapes, and good food paired with local beers, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for nature lovers, foodies, and those wanting a relaxed yet enriching half-day trip.
Couples seeking a romantic escape, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a taste of Queensland’s natural and culinary gems will find plenty to love here. It’s also a great option for anyone who enjoys learning from expert guides and enjoys a comfortable, hassle-free experience.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Mix of Nature and Nurture
The Tasty Noosa Everglades tour offers a rare glimpse into one of the Earth’s most pristine ecosystems, coupled with a top-notch culinary experience. The combination of a scenic boat cruise, a delicious grazing lunch, and craft beers brewed onsite creates a well-rounded, memorable outing.
While it’s a half-day trip, the experience feels thorough—covering everything from wildlife and scenery to local flavors. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add a personal touch that makes this tour stand out.
This experience is best suited for travelers who want to combine nature with indulgence, and who value authentic, well-organized tours with great value.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, making the day seamless.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
What is included in the lunch?
You’ll enjoy grazing boards with local prawns, calamari, pork belly bites, and salads, paired with a glass of wine or a craft beer.
Can I sample the onsite beers?
Absolutely. The microbrewery offers up to 11 artesian beers, with four included in your paddle.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for guests 18 and over.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing; don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for outdoor parts.
How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $211 per person, which includes all activities, food, drinks, transport, and a gift bag.
How do I cancel if needed?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour date.
The Tasty Noosa Everglades tour combines stunning scenery, local flavors, and expert commentary into a truly memorable half-day escape that’s worth every dollar. It’s an ideal choice for travelers eager to connect with nature while indulging in Queensland’s culinary delights.
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