Luckily, finding this spectacular vacation secret allowed me to discover an amazing adventure, and experience Queensland to the fullest.
From stunning natural beauty, to sunny beaches, and laid back towns full of easy-going people, and all that just a couple of hours north of Brisbane, Noosa gave me the ideal blend of action, and relaxation I was searching for.
And with so much to do, there are things in Noosa you definitely don’t want to miss once you are there!
Noosa National Park
The first stop on your way to exploring UNESCO’s world heritage Noosa Biosphere Reserve should be its heart – the Noosa National Park. Delve into Queensland’s most visited park on foot along its up to 5km long pathways, while the lush rainforest springs all around you. Venture through bamboo groves, and fragrant eucalyptus forests for some koala spotting. These cuties just lay around in the tree tops munching, and sleeping, but are still a great sight to see. And once you step onto Tea Tree Bay, (avoiding the odd wondering bush turkey) you will be mesmerised by the stunning views of the Pacific.
Noosa Beaches
Astonishingly, just across the park is the amazing Noosa Main Beach. A short trip from the boardwalk, and you can enjoy basking in the sun on a low-key white sandy beach, and cool off with a dip in the ocean. And if you want to get away from the sun, Bernardo’s Bistro overlooks the beach, and has the best beer and Vegemite sandwich combination on offer. And since this is the Sunshine Coast, at the other side of the park, there is an unparalleled beach extravaganza of six beaches you can explore. From Sunshine Beach to Coolum in the south, these beaches offer some of the best waves in the world, and are great to start you Australian surfing experience. If water sports are not your thing, you can enjoy the natural surroundings. In fact, out of all the beaches I have ever visited, Noosa’s beaches perfectly blend into the natural environment, which is probably why I fell in love with them.
Hastings Street and Noosa Heads
Right from the Main Beach is fabulous Hastings Street, and the entrance point to the low-lined, shady coastal town of Noosa Heads. It’s the perfect place to spend your afternoons, winning and dinning on some Australian-Asian fusion in stylish restaurants, or shopping for locally deigned goods. But, if you are more like me, you will definitely be in one of the breezy pubs enjoying a Queensland special. Overlooking it all on Hastings Roundabout is Noosa’s best known resident – koala Harper. In the evening be sure to go for a walk along the banks of Noosa River, all the way into Noosa Woods, where you just might stumble on an open-air theatre performance, or a great gig. With luck on your side, this is the perfect place to mingle with the super-friendly locals, and get invited for a real-life Aussie BBQ.
Noosa’s Hinterland Escape
Take a few days from your “busy schedule” to get away, and go exploring Noosa’s Hinterland. Embark on your journey from Lake Weybe by a day-long ferry, meandering through the vast water networks of Noosa Everglades. Watching the lush banks slowly pass by, you will reach Lake Cooroibah, where you can discover the cultural legacy of the Gubbi Gubbi tribe. Once there, hitch a ride to Kin Kin’s health resort for a relaxing over-nighter. As with everything, I found these peaceful relaxation retreats by chance, and made the most out of them during the morning by enjoying a rejuvenating massage. Continue your journey to Mt. Cooroora for an otherworldly panoramic vista of the landscape. The road will take you to lunch in Cooroy, where Noosa Botanical Gardens are a definite dessert choice, always on the menu. With the sun setting behind you, end your great escape among the figs of Eumundi, exploring its world famous markets, where there is definitely something you will bring back home with you.
Fellow travellers, this is just a small part of what lies in wait once you step into the wonderful, and magical land of Noosa. As soon as your first trip to this hidden gem of the Land Down Under is over, you will come to share my passion for this place, and find yourself planning a comeback like me, time after time.
By Marie Nieves
About the author
Marie Nieves, a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. As she always loved to travel, she really loves to talk about her experiences. On her journeys she likes to read poetry and prose and loves to surf the Internet. She is an avid lover of photography and regular author on High Style Life. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and G+.
