Beach Resort Guide
Noosa
Noosa Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
Blessed with picturesque waterways, pristine beaches and tranquil natural beauty, Noosa is famous for its beautiful setting. It has long attracted wealthy holidaymakers, and several 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. Hastings Street, the resort's main artery, is a colourful mix of restaurants, bars, ice creameries, boutiques and art galleries.
Who goes there?
Noosa has always attracted wealthy holiday makers (many of whom own property here), and although there is no shortage of top end accommodation, restaurants, shops and galleries, the resort is still fairly laid back Australian-style. Noosa appeals to families and couples alike, and even those on a budget can spend a few days here without breaking the bank.
Where in the world?
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.
When to go?
The temperate sub-tropical climate makes Noosa Heads a popular playground year-round. Mild to hot summers experience frequent lightning storms. Winters are mild and dry.
Beach
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.
Beyond the beach
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. A river cruise is a popular way to discover the area and the nearby ‘Noosa Everglades'.
Family fun
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) (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) (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.
Retail therapy
There are plenty of boutiques and art galleries lining Hastings Street. Styles range from traditional 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, held every Saturday and Wednesday. Noosa Civic (28 Eenie Creek Road) (www.noosacivic.com.au) is the biggest shopping complex in Noosa Heads.
A night on the town
On infamous Hastings Street, Cato's Bar at the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa is popular, featuring live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. The Rolling Rock Lounge & Club features various DJ acts and is open seven days a week, and The Flamingo Club Lounge & Bar, an intimate, exclusive lounge, is slightly more upmarket. In Noosa Junction, try Irish Murphy's (corner of Sunshine Beach Road and Noosa Drive), which has live bands on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Eating out
Hastings Street and Gympie Terrace are the town's heartbeat for restaurants. Riverside cafes, alfresco dining with water views, bars and ice creameries line these main arteries. Dining out in Noosa can be expensive, but fish and chips and hinterland pub meals are good options for those on a budget. The Blue Angel (235 Gympie Terrace), on the banks of the Noosa River, serves organic produce and fresh seafood purchased from local farmers and fishermen, and the owner/chef regularly offers cooking classes. The multi-award winning Berado's Restaurant and Bar (Hastings Street), with breathtaking ocean views, serves European bistro-style meals in a casual atmosphere, and is a magnet for celebrities.
Getting around
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.
Exploring further afield
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, or 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. The island is home to no fewer than 354 species of birds, making it a real birdwatcher's paradise.
Splashing out
You can practise your swing at one of Noosa's top class golf courses. The award-winning Noosa Springs (Links Drive, Noosa Heads) (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.
Flying in
Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) (MCY)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
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