Official Course Guide
Noosa Triathlon Course
Master every meter of the iconic Olympic-distance course. Detailed breakdowns of swim, bike, and run legs with pro tips.
1.5km
Swim
40km
Bike
10km
Run
Swim Course
1.5km • Ocean swim at Main Beach, Noosa Heads
Swim Course Map
1.5km ocean rectangle
Course Features
- Beach start with deep water entry
- Rectangular course with 3 turn buoys
- Usually calm conditions (protected bay)
- Water temp typically 22-24°C in November
- Wetsuit legal when water temp below 22°C
Typical Conditions
22-24°C
Water Temp
Calm
Protected Bay
Pro Tips
1Sight regularly - buoys can be hard to spot in sun glare
2Start wide if nervous about the pack swim
3Practice beach entries and exits
4The ocean is typically calmer than you expect
Bike Course
40km • 450m total climbing
Course Features
- Rolling terrain with one major climb
- Garmin Hill at km 25 - the key challenge
- 2-3% average gradient, up to 8% max
- Fast downhill sections require bike handling skills
- Fully closed roads - no traffic concerns
Garmin Hill - The Key Challenge
Located at the 25km mark, this 2km climb is where races are made or broken. Average 3-4% gradient with sections up to 8%.
2km
Length
3-4%
Avg Grade
8%
Max Grade
Elevation Profile
Elevation Profile
450m total climbing
0kmGarmin Hill @ 25km40km
Pro Tips
1Don't go too hard early - save legs for Garmin Hill
2Stay aero on the flats, power on the climbs
3Practice the Garmin Hill descent - it's technical
4Drafting is NOT allowed - keep 12m gap
Run Course
10km • Flat, fast course along Noosa waterfront
Run Course Map
Two-loop 10km course
Course Features
- Pancake flat course along the river
- Two-loop course for spectator access
- Shaded sections through parks
- Aid stations every 2.5km
- Famous finish on Hastings Street
Race Day Conditions
25-30°C
Air Temp
Every 2.5km
Aid Stations
Pro Tips
1Start conservatively - the heat can be brutal
2Use every aid station for water AND sponges
3Run in the shade wherever possible
4Save energy for the Hastings Street finish!
Ready to Conquer This Course?
Get a structured training plan designed specifically for the Noosa Triathlon course. From ocean swimming to conquering Garmin Hill.
View Training PlansCourse FAQs
How hard is the Noosa Triathlon bike course?
The bike course is moderately challenging with 450m of climbing over 40km. The main obstacle is Garmin Hill around the 25km mark. Most age-groupers find it manageable with proper pacing.
Is the Noosa Triathlon swim wetsuit legal?
Wetsuits are permitted when water temperature is below 22°C. In November, water is typically 22-24°C, so wetsuit legality varies year to year. Check the race briefing for the final call.
What is the Noosa Triathlon run course like?
The run is a flat, fast 10km two-loop course along the Noosa River foreshore. It's one of the fastest 10km courses in Australian triathlon, though November heat can be a factor.
How do I train for Garmin Hill?
Garmin Hill is a 2km climb averaging 3-4% gradient. Include hill repeats in your training and practice seated climbing at threshold power. Don't forget to practice the technical descent too.