Noosa: Sophistication by the Seashore
When you holiday in Noosa, you have national parks, surf beaches and winding rivers at your fingertips. The hub of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a getaway hotspot for families, couples and even adrenaline junkies, conveniently located only an hour-and-a-half from Brisbane. Youââ¬â¢ll soon see that Noosa offers a combination of sophisticated pleasures and open air experiences. Commune with nature, then sit back and have a gourmet meal on world-renowned Hastings Street. Holiday homes and apartments can be found along the coast, boasting prime ocean views. Further inland, youââ¬â¢ll see cosy bungalows with tropical vegetation to greet you as soon as you step out the front door.
Nature in Noosa
Noosa Heads, the heart of the shire, is bordered by the Noosa National Park, the most visited reserve of its kind in Australia. Walking trails traverse a rainforest and meander through the headlandââ¬â¢s bush, providing ever-changing scenery. You may be able to spot koalas, possums and parrots as you wander. During migration season, you can also observe humpback whales frolicking in the water from the cliffs overhead. It is easy to access Noosa National Park on foot, as an oceanway has been created off Hastings Street.
Another way to get close to local wildlife is to embark on a cruiseââ¬âor kayak expeditionââ¬âthrough the Noosa Everglades. This inland adventure will reveal remote sand dunes, untouched beaches and crystal clear lakes that you wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to see otherwise. Take to Noosaââ¬â¢s river network on your own or join a half-day or day-long guided tour and keep your eyes peeled for hundreds of species of birdlife.
Noosaââ¬â¢s Beaches
While youââ¬â¢re visiting Noosa, chances are you want to spend time at the beach. There are quite a few beaches to choose from, each with its own set of characteristics and dedicated crowd. If youââ¬â¢re travelling with the kids, spend some time at safe, family-friendly Main Beach in Noosa Heads, fronted by calm waters. The beach is patrolled throughout the year and offers beginner surf lessons. More experienced surfers will prefer Sunshine Beach, which features 15km of excellent breaks. Noosa even has a beach for dog-owners to let their pets run free (Noosa Spit) and an unofficial nudist beach (within Noosa National Park).
Noosa in the Fast Lane
Get your blood pumping with Noosaââ¬â¢s adrenaline-fuelling activities. The shire is home to Australiaââ¬â¢s highest skydive jump, courtesy of Skydive Ramblers at Coolum Beach, just a short drive or bus ride from Noosa Heads. Soar 15,000 feet above the coastline before landing on the beach. If you prefer staying at ground level, kite-surfing may be more your cup of tea (or can of Red Bull). You can learn to kite surf at Adventure Sports Kite Surf Australia in Noosaville and once youââ¬â¢re ready to hit the water on your own, you can rent all the necessary equipment at the school, too. A short drive away is Aussie World, a thoroughly Australian theme park with over 30 rides. Across the road, youââ¬â¢ll find the iconic Ettamogah Pub, the most photographed pub on the planet, which serves modern Australian dishes.
Eating Out in Noosa
Each town within the shire of Noosa has its distinct dining culture. High end restaurants, many of which offer water views, are situated on Hastings Street in Noosa Heads. Before or after your meal, do some shopping at Hastings Streetââ¬â¢s chic boutiques. Gympie Terrace in Noosaville is another street lined by cafes, but the pace here is much slower, allowing guests to take their time, somewhat removed from the crowds. In addition, Duke Street in Sunshine Beach features a number of cafes, only a few steps from the ocean.
Getting to Noosa
As one of Australiaââ¬â¢s top holiday destinations, Noosa is very easy to access by car, train or plane. You can drive from Brisbane in under two hours, take a direct-service train right at Brisbane Airport or fly in to the Sunshine Coast Airport. Direct flights are offered several times a day from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
For more travel information on Noosa, see our article on Things to do in Noosa.
