It’s so frustrating and annoying trying to find the location of the fairy pools in Noosa. Most information online doesn’t go into detail on the specifics on how to get there and just expect you to know everything.
To make things even worse, asking the staff within the Noosa National Park doesn’t help. Unfortunately, they cannot tell you how to get there due to the fairy pools being a health and safety risk. They have been forbidden to tell the public the location and none of the maps highlight the specific area.
However, have no fear, we will come to the rescue and give you all the details you need to visit and enjoy the beautiful pools safely and without stress.
The walk to the fairy pools is lovely and there are many spots to enjoy on your way.
What are the fairy pools in Noosa?
First things first, let’s get to bottom of why there is so much hype around the Noosa fairy pools.
The fairy pools aren’t like other pools around and far from the traditional ones you find outside hotels or in someone’s back garden. They are natural gifts from mother nature.
Over millions of years, the basalt rocks on the coast of Noosa National Park formed tidal rock pools for us to enjoy today.
Due to this, it is not hard to see why they have become an Instagram phenomenon, as they ooze beauty but at the same time are safe areas to swim, with them not being directly in the ocean. No fear of sharks or jellyfish!
It’s a refreshing experience as you lay care-free in the pools. We had a great time there as we shared the pools with others taking it in turns to dive in.
How to get to the fairy pools in Noosa
There is no official guide to get to the fairy pools provided by the council or shown on any of their maps, which is quite frustrating. However, in this easy step-by-step guide, you will have no trouble finding them.
STEP 1: Get to the Noosa National Park
The fairy pools are located in the Noosa National Park so this is where you will need to head to first.
Have a car? Parking TIP: We would suggest parking at the Noosa National Park car park as there is free parking for 4 hours from Monday – Sunday. This will be more than enough time to not only enjoy the fairy pools but the other key points on the way. Get there early for a parking spot.
Don’t miss out on more TIPS near the end of this blog!
Alternatively, if you are coming from the Noosa Main Beach, head towards Noosa National Park via Little Cove Beach.
There is a boardwalk which will take you straight to the entrance of Noosa National Park. Make sure you keep to the right and follow the sign titled ‘First Point National Park Via Boardwalk’.
Walking from the end of Noosa Main Beach to the entrance of the Noosa National Park this way will take around 15 min.
STEP 2: Follow the trail towards Hell’s Gate
You have reached the national park and now it’s time to start the trail.
The Noosa National Park walk you need to follow is shown on the map. This is the blue trail which will take you on a coastal walk past points such as Boiling Pot Lookout, Tea Tree Bay and Dolphin Point towards Hell’s Gate.
Boiling Pot is a viewpoint which is named very well. Looking below you can see the waves crashing on the rocks giving it a water boiling effect.
Passing Tea Tree Bay, you will often see surfers annoying the waves and other people relaxing on the beach (swimming isn’t advised here).
Dolphin point is self-explanatory, hopefully, you will have more luck than us and spot some dolphins on your way to the fairy pools.
STEP 3: Look out for the wire fencing and wooden stump or the park bench near Picnic Cove
After you’ve calmed down with excitement spotting dolphins, continue on heading towards Granite Bay.
You have the option to follow the signs down to the golden sand beach and enjoying the views, however, keep to the right and continue onwards for the fairy pools.
Keep going until you get to Picnic Cove.
It is at this point where you need to keep an eye out for a wired fence near a wooden stump. These are to your left as you are walking. There is also a park bench which looks out towards the sea under a tree, where the track bends, further up the path.
This is where you need to throw the rulebook into the wind, go off the path and climb down towards the fairy pools.
If you go past the Picnic Cove sign, you have gone too far.
STEP 4: Climb down to the fairy pools
You can taste the saltwater in the air, you can feel the tension coming to an end, you’re nearly there.
Once you have gone off the track beside the park bench, you have to go climb down some rocks. Just be careful here because you don’t know how slippery they are and you don’t want to twist an ankle.
Unless you’re the first ones there, you may see a few people climbing down or standing overlooking the pools which will be additional guidance.
Once you reach the fairy pools there are 2 to choose from. Looking out to the sea, the one to the far left is less popular and can get rushed with waves quite easily.
We would recommend spending more time in the one furthest to the right as it is slightly higher up and less chance of waves crashing into you. It’s also the most popular.
What to expect at the fairy pools
The water is a blessing away from the Australian sun, especially after your hike to get there.
You can simply sunbathe on the rocks and periodically dip your toes in the water to cool off or take the plunge and dive in from the rocks as we did.
It was so much fun. There was even a family there with a little girl taking the leap…So there is your encouragement to do it.
Within the pools, there can be a few harmless fish. We didn’t realise this until one of the fish starting sucking on Kerrie’s toes and she flapped around profusely like a fish out of water. However, they are harmless so no need to worry.
Nearer to the end of the pools is where the waves can come crashing in, we wouldn’t recommend hanging out there as the waves can be unpredictable.
Fair pools Noosa TOP TIPS & Safety
Check the tides
If you take only one tip from us, then make sure it is this one. You must check the tides before you visit the fairy pools.
You can check the tides by clicking here.
Checking the tides for the Fairy Pools in Noose is essential for two reasons.
The first reason is safety
If the tide is high then it is likely the waves can come crashing into the fairy pools. This makes it unsafe because if you are in or around the pools you could get pushed around or dragged into the sea.
It’s no laughing matter, there have been some major injuries and even deaths because of this.
The second reason is fun
If the tide is high then you won’t be able to enjoy the fairy pools anyway.
You won’t be able to relax in them because it would be too dangerous and the whole thing may be covered with water.
Get to the Fairy Pools early
Usually, the tide is lowest in the early mornings, so it would be wise to get there as early as possible.
Another bonus to this is that most people won’t be there early in the morning so you may have the fairy pools all to yourself.
Finally, going so early you will avoid the heat that can peak midday. A more pleasant walk in the morning is far more enjoyable than a sweaty afternoon crawl.
Bring plenty of water + snacks
We’ve all been there at some point, halfway through a hike or in the gym and forgotten our water or not brought enough.
Instead of tilting your water bottle up to the heavens gasping for that one last drop, just bring plenty of water with you. There aren’t any places to fill up your water bottle on the trails within Noosa National Park so pack some extra in a backpack.
A few snacks won’t hurt either.
Bring a hat and extra sun lotion
We shouldn’t have to recommend this but unfortunately, there’s always one that forgets or feels superhuman.
The Australian sun doesn’t care about your feelings, it will burn you to a crisp. Just slap on some extra sun protection and wear a hat.
On some parts of the trail, there is little shade from the sun so you’ll be thankful you did go extra prepared.
A side note on the sun lotion: Since there are fish in the fairy pools please try to use some which are ‘Reef-safe’. Otherwise, it may harm them.
Go to the toilet before setting off
Before you start the trail towards the fairy pools you may want to use the toilet before you go.
We didn’t see any other toilets along the way even though there seems to be some pointed on the map at Tea Tree Bay. Just in case, save yourself the bladder aches and try squeeze one out before you go.
Best time to visit the fairy pools in Noosa
The fairy pools are open all year round since the Noosa National Park is.
You will get good weather all year round so that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
However, make sure you visit as early as possible because it will get busy. You’re not the only one who wants to snap themselves and put it on Instagram.
We would recommend getting there before 9 am to have any chance of being alone.
Where to stay in Noosa
For those on a tight budget
Nomads Noosa Backpackers: For those backpackers on a budget this is the perfect place to stay whilst you explore Noosa and its surroundings.
They have a swimming pool for you to enjoy, and it is close to shops, restaurants and the cinema.
They also have their own restaurant serving pub food and their own bar with events such as quiz nights and pool competitions.
The best part is, it is only a 5 min walk away from Noosa National Park. What more could one ask for?
Check out the latest prices here.
Why not try Airbnb?
This is particularly good for couples and can keep the cost down compared to booking a hotel.
Check out the Airbnb accommodation in Noosa here.
A little bit more luxurious
The Sebel Noosa: With absolutely stunning views and scenery all around the hotel, you will feel like you’re in paradise.
It’s located in the heart of the famous Hastings Street where all the fine eateries are located. It helps only being a 100-yard walk from Noosa Beach too. As well as being a short 15 min walk away from Noosa National Park.
You will have access to a hot tub, pool and fitness centre. Absolute bliss.
Find out their latest prices here.
Other places to visit in Noosa
There are a few highlights not to be missed when visiting Noosa. As well as the National Park don’t miss out on:
Noosa Main Beach – Would be rude to miss it being in Noosa
Hastings Street – Where all the hustle and bustle is, with some fine dining and also cheap eats + street food
Sandy Cove – A lovely cove which aesthetically changes due to the tide.
FAQ
Starting from the Noosa National Park it will take you approximately 45 min to reach the fairy pools.
Yes, it is safe to swim there are only a few harmless fish in the pools.
It can be dangerous especially at high tide. Going at low tide is safer.
