Tewantin (26°23′S 153°01′E) is part of the Noosa district and was the original settlement of Noosa. The name Tewantin is the europeanised version of the Aboriginal name for the area, dauwadhum, meaning place of dead logs.[2] Tewantin was originally a timber town. In 1869, Tewantin was the river port for the Noosa area. In 1871 Clarendon Stuart surveyed a town site for the Tewantin settlement. Tewantin was a thriving small town with a reliance on the gold, fishing and timber industries.

Its main street, Poinciana Ave, leads to the Tewantin RSL, which holds a strong legacy towards the Australia's history in war. With an ANZAC Memorial, Poinciana Ave has a well destinguished pub, the royal mail.An innovative streetscape has made Poinciana Avenue a pedestrian friendly area with a range of shops, restaurants and town square.

Tewantin, among other things, is home to the primary school Tewantin State School.

Tewantin is the location for Noosa Council. The Noosa ferry goes to Noosa Harbour from where you can walk to Tewantin.