Noosa

Blessed with picturesque waterways, pristine beaches and tranquil natural beauty, Noosa has always been famous for its beautiful setting. It has also long attracted wealthy holidaymakers, and indeed a few millionaires have second homes in Noosa Sound (in 2003 Sir Richard Branson purchased Makepeace Island on the upper Noosa River for a ‘staff retreat and training centre'). With riverside restaurants, five-star accommodation, tree lined streets, upmarket shops and galleries, cultural and sporting events aplenty, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of attractions nearby, Noosa's appeal is obvious. What's more, Hastings Street, the resort's main artery, is currently undergoing an A$7 million makeover, which by the end of 2007 will have improved links to the beach, provided public art displays and reinforced the area's luxurious feel.

Noosa has always attracted wealthy holiday makers (many of which own property here), and although there is no shortage of top end accommodation, restaurants, shops and galleries, this being Australia, the resort is still fairly laid back. Noosa appeals to families and couples alike, and even those on a budget can spend a few days here without breaking the bank.

Noosa lies on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, 170km (106 miles) north of Brisbane, on the eastern coast of Australia. It is between Bundaberg to the north and Brisbane to the south. Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Airport (MCY) is located a few kilometres to the south of the resort.

Noosa is one of the best surfing locations in the world. The Noosa Festival of Surfing takes place every year in March, and there are plenty of surfing schools. Noosa's Main Beach on Laguna Bay is one of the few north-facing beaches along Australia's coastline. It is safe for swimming all year round. In Noosa National Park, Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay are smaller beaches with good surfing. On Alexandria Bay, around the headland, clothes are optional: this is one of the nicer sandy beaches in Noosa, and it doesn't get as busy as Main Beach in peak season. Further south, Sunshine Beach is the best surf beach in the area.

Explore Noosa National Park, the most visited national park in Australia. Several tracks take in different terrains, from rainforest to eucalyptus woodlands, and there are fantastic views to be had from various lookouts. You may get a chance to spot a koala or two as well. Or take a river cruise, another popular way to discover the area, and the nearby ‘Noosa Everglades'. You can hop on and off along the way between Tewantin, Noosaville and Noosa Heads.

In Noosa, a camel safari is a popular option with children of all ages. And there are plenty of attractions a short drive away to keep the kids occupied. Underwater World (Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba) (website: www.underwaterworld.com.au) is Queensland's largest aquarium, featuring over 25,000 sea creatures, including sharks and seals. Aussie World (73 Frizzo Road, Palmview Bruce Highway) is home to over 30 rides and attractions. And Australia Zoo (Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Route, Beerwah) (website: www.australiazoo.com.au), the brainchild of the late Steve Irwin aka ‘The Crocodile Hunter', boasts 50 acres of pristine bush and houses over 750 wildlife species, several of them endangered.

There are plenty of boutiques and art galleries lining Hastings Street. Styles range from traditional through to contemporary. David Hart Galleries are renowned for their collection of Australian art, while the Cooper Gallery showcases works by emerging artists and sculptors. For more unique arts, crafts and markets, head for the Hinterland. Established in 1979, the Eumundi Market is one of Australia's best and is held every Saturday and Wednesday. Noosa Civic (28 Eenie Creek Road) (website: www.noosacivic.com.au) is the biggest shopping complex in Noosa Heads.

On infamous Hastings Street, Cato's Bar at the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa is popular. So are The Rolling Rock Lounge + Club, which features various DJ acts and is open seven days a week, and The Flamingo Club Lounge + Bar, which is slightly more upmarket. In Noosa Junction, try Irish Murphy's (corner of Sunshine Beach Road and Noosa Drive), which has live bands on Friday and Saturday.

There are over 30 restaurants on Hastings Street, and you will be able to eat alfresco at most of them. Riverside cafes and restaurants are also very popular. Dining out in Noosa can be expensive, though. Fish and chips and hinterland pub meals are good options for those on a budget. Boathouse Restaurant (Bartender Jetty, 194 Gympie Terrace) has a great location with view to match and offers both casual (downstairs) and fine (upstairs) dining. Or try Humid Restaurant & Bar (2/195 Weyba Road), a warehouse surrounded by tropical foliage, with sleek, relaxed atmosphere and exquisite modern Australian menu (including vegetarian and gluten free) from an award-winning chef. And there are several famed cooking schools in Noosa, should you wish to take your culinary knowledge of the area further.

The best way to get around in Noosa is on foot, as the city centre is very compact. A free park n' ride operates at Noosa Junction. Local buses are handy for destinations outside the city centre. Taxis are available too, and so are car and boat hire.

To the north lie the Teewah Coloured Sands, where shades of red, ochre and cream are layered in the sand dunes and cliffs. Spectacular ocean views reward those climbing the Red Canyon Dunes. Further north still is Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, a great fun day out. Check out Seventy-Five Mile Beach, an actual highway that runs up the surf side of the island, and the Maheno wreck, and take a dip in one of the fresh water lakes. You might even spot a dingo (several roam the island) or catch a glimpse of a humpback whale between August and October, and the island is home to no fewer than 354 species of birds, making it a real birdwatcher's paradise.

You can practise your swing at one of Noosa's top class golf courses. The award-winning Noosa Springs (Links Drive, Noosa Heads) (website: www.noosasprings.com.au) is a manicured championship golf course set in the natural beauty of Noosa National Park. The ladies meanwhile can get pampered at the new Noosa Springs Spa, which boasts an impressive list of facilities, including a unique hydro-massage pool and a state of the art flotation pool, the only one of its kind in Australia.

Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) (MCY)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)