noosa heads
How does this sound for your next long weekend; sensational nature, distinctive shopping and fine dining. How about all within ear's reach of crashing waves, and the scent of the salty perfume of Main Beach? Whatever your budget or holiday purpose, Noosa - located 140km north of Brisbane city - has it all. And even if you're a short drive from Noosa, there are so many things it has to offer. Chances are you haven't tried them all yet! Wether it's sports, natural wonders, shopping or dining, Noosa's got it, and it's first-class.
hastings street at night
Start your day off with a morning walk or jog through 40km of pure, untainted nature, and be rewarded by spectacular views of the ocean at the various lookouts. Have a break at Boiling Pot, Tea Tree Bay, Dolphin Point, or brave the miles all the way to Hell's Gates, which offers a much nicer view than the name suggests. You'll look like a tourist snapping pictures at all the little glimpses of the ocean, but who cares - I do it all the time! The only side effect is you'll probably be asked to take someone's group holiday picture while you're at it.
If you'd rather be in the ocean than look at it, you can surf the famous breaks from Tea Tree Bay to Main Beach, snorkel in the crystal bays or try something extra challenging (and extra fun) like windsurfing - there are so many options. Main Beach is flagged and patrolled and a brilliant spot to take the kids swimming.
After all that running and swimming you're probably hungry. There are many great places to get a healthy juice, coffee or fully cooked breakfast as a tasty start to the morning. With various coffee shops and juice bars scattered throughout Hastings Street there's no shortage of Instagram quality breakfast spots, or just a quick Boost Juice if you'd prefer. And if you're in the mood for indulging in an extra-special experience, you can have a champagne breakfast on a two-hour long cruise of the Noosa river, with champagne on arrival and a cooked breakfast for only $30. Find out more about the champagne breakfasts, lunches or dinners on the Noosa marine cruise
here.
Now searching for the perfect cordon bleu lunch or dinner? Noosa's many restaurants and bistros will not fail to impress even the hardest critic. The revered Season restaurant offers a delectable menu with fantastic service, a direct beachside view of the sea right from the boardwalk and a great atmosphere. For a classy, beachy feel visit Noosa's Bistro C, or for an affordable and extremely delicious lunch, check out Betty's Burgers near the French Quarter resort. ROCOCO Bistro & Bar offers a Piano Bar, with a wide menu offering some of the best Australian and international wines and cocktails of the season.
If you'd like to learn to surf while staying, or already know how but don't want to bring a board, surfboard hire is easily available along Hastings Street. For the beginners, lessons are available most days. Visit
here for more information.
Noosa is quieter throughout the winter and autumn months, but watch out for directly after Christmas! Boxing Day and onwards Noosa tends to fill to the brim with tourists and locals alike, and parking can be scarce if you're not staying right in Hastings Street. I know this from many a frustrated morning circling the packed car parks in an attempt to find a vacant space and get running before the sun's too hot. Many backpackers nab the good spots at the National Park and tend to stay all day, so the earlier you get there the better.
For more information on how to get to Noosa
click here.
noosa sparkles
