An early-morning exchange at a bus stop on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has left a British backpacker in hospital and a teenager facing court.

The 25-year-old tourist sustained non-life threatening injuries after being stabbed in the back and wrist following the “unhelpful exchange” in Noosa just before 4am on Sunday.

Police believe words were traded before a 15-year-old returned with a bottle and a knife.

“I understand bystanders came to the assistance of the 25-year-old British backpacker and detained the young person at the scene until police arrived,” Inspector Jason Overland told reporters.

“It’s very difficult to … say that’s the wrong thing to do, but I would just urge caution in those situations, particularly when there’s weapons involved.”

The injured man is being treated in hospital and is expected to be released on Monday.

The boy is expected to appear in court on Monday charged with unlawful wounding.

-AAP