Noosa Biosphere Reserve
World class, it’s in our nature!
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve, on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country, is a celebration of community and environment. Our pristine beaches, natural landscape, and rich biodiversity make the Noosa Shire an attractive place to live, work and visit. Here, our community values the arts, culture and environment. Together, we work to manage the region’s land, forests, mountains, waters, heathlands and wildlife sustainably.
NBRF works with an array of stakeholders and partners to identify ways in which sustainable practices can be implemented to benefit the NBR.
Our history
A UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2007
In 2007, Noosa Shire was the first site in Queensland to be awarded UNESCO biosphere reserve status. The factors that have helped shape the Noosa Biosphere Reserve include its unique natural landscape, social history, cultural traditions, government and regulatory systems as well as its political, social and economic activities. Our community respects the Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people, and works to ensure connection to Country continues to be shared.
Timeline
Our journey towards sustainability
Our place, Noosa Shire
Where is the Noosa Biosphere Reserve?
- The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is the geographical area known as the Noosa Shire, an hour and a half north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.
- The Noosa Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 150,000 hectares of freshwater/tidal and terrestrial areas, and extends 3km offshore.
- The boundary encompasses Peregian Beach in the south to Kin Kin in the north, and from neighbouring Noosa hinterland townships in the west to Noosa’s eastern beaches.
What is a biosphere reserve?
It’s about life!
Different to world heritage status or protected lands, biosphere reserves are sites of excellence. They are areas declared by UNESCO as having achieved a notable balance between environmental conservation and sustainable human development.
Biosphere reserve status recognises places around the world with outstanding natural environments, where communities are committed to working together to live sustainably. There are 738 sites across 134 countries – and currently only 5 in Australia!
Why does it matter?
Better relationships between people and nature
Live in harmony with nature and within our natural limits to future-proof our home.
Learning ways to reduce your impact on the environment makes good business sense.
When you visit Noosa, you’re one of our many caretakers. What you do here, matters.
Our biodiverse region
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Quick Facts
of Noosa is protected
of Australia’s total bird varieties
native plant species
native animal species
distinct regional ecosystems
Our place, Noosa
What’s unique about the Noosa Biosphere Reserve
Noosa is recognised globally for its rich biodiversity surrounding and weaving through a thriving urban population. Our beautiful location attracts around 2 million visitors a year, chasing nature-based experiences, protected swimming bays, cosmopolitan shopping and world-class dining.
- Located within the MacPherson-Macleay overlap, where temperate and subtropical climate zones meet.
- Covers approximately 150,000 hectares of freshwater, tidal and terrestrial areas, of which nearly 42% of its area is protected.
- Home to the Noosa Everglades, one of only two ancient everglade systems in the world.
- A species-rich river and lakes system with 2 nationally important wetlands, the Noosa River and Lake Weyba. · The Noosa Shire is home to half of all the known Australian bird species.
- Over 700 species of native fauna species are present in the Noosa Biosphere!
