One of the most popular holiday spots for Australians within their own country, I’ve been lucky enough to call the gorgeous coastal town of Noosa home on and off for almost a year now. Regularly described by both locals and visitors as a mini-paradise, this fantastic spot on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland certainly lives up to its region’s name, with gorgeous warm weather almost all year round.
For a cold-detesting pommie this is great news and one of the things I love most about living here. The other is the healthy, outdoors lifestyle the sunshine promotes, I mean anywhere you can swim in the ocean before and after work most days of the year can’t be bad – especially when you can share the waves with dolphins, turtles and the passing seasonal whale!
So if you’re thinking of coming to share a slice of paradise with us, here are my top 10 recommendations for things to do in Noosa.
1. Hike in the National Park
Coming in at number 1, is exploring the wonderful national park we have right on our doorstep. Starting literally 10 minutes from my front door, this coastal reserve boosts a wealth of walking trails, as well as some great lookout points and secluded beaches. If you visit between June and November, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of the migrating humpback whales from one of the cliffs or even an endangered koala clinging to a tree if you keep your eyes peeled. Dolphins, turtles and rays are also frequent visitors, but even without them the views across the blue ocean and white sand are mesmerising.
2. Paddle Board along the River
If I’ve got a day off and aren’t going to Noosa National Park, then you’ll probably find me down the river trying to stay on a paddleboard. I’m not that great, but I do enjoy it! A great relaxing form of exercise, its also fun and safe on the river as even novices like me can leisurely make their way upstream without having to worry about currents or waves too much!
3. Surf at Sunshine
If catching waves is more your thing, then great Noosa is a great place to practice our surfing skills, or to learn them. From Main Beach, to Sunshine Beach or Tea Tree Bay in between, there’s plenty of waves to choose from. There are also a number of surf schools that can help you get started, or just rent you a board if you already know the basics.
4. Enjoy the Fabulous Eumundi Markets
Taking place every Wednesday and Saturday morning (Saturday is the bigger day) Eumundi markets in the Noosa Hinterland offer a fabulous array of locally grown foods, handmade crafts, live music and beautiful artwork. There are also a host of tempting food and drink stalls where you can buy a healthy snack or little treat as you shop. As Australia’s premier artisan market, with a wonderfully bustling vibe and friendly characters, this is an opportunity you simply can’t miss.
5. Indulge at Noosa Farmers Market
If you’re into markets, then Noosa Farmers Market, held every Sunday morning is another must-do. Great for organic fresh produce, this is the place to buy local veggies straight from the ground. Make sure you sample of one of the Sunflower Hotel’s smoothies too – you’re life will never be the same!!
6. Splash in some Waterfalls
Driving your way up into the Hinterland behind Noosa makes for an awesome day out as you explore the cute country villages of this rural area. With stunning views down the range, this is a gorgeous region made even more beautiful by the glorious waterfalls that dot these little towns. Gardners Falls outside Maleny are a favourite, but Kondilla near Montville is the real gem.
7. Climb a Mountain
There’s plenty of mountains to choose from around Noosa and all provide stunning views – it just depends how energetic you’re feeling! For the real adventurers, why not to scale Mount Cooroora in Pomona. This competition worthy climb does involve some chain-pulling to get you to the top, but is worth it for the view. For the more sedate among you, then a drive down to the Glass House Mountains will give you stunning views of these huge vertical rock-faces which seem to jut out the ground from nowhere. Wild Horse Mountain is the best lookout here and easy to reach from a nearby carpark. Emu Mountain and Mount Coolum are 2 other great climbs in the Noosa area.
8. People Watch on Hastings Street
Rumoured to be one of the most exclusive streets in Australia, outside of Sydney and Melbourne, Noosa’s main street has made quite a name for itself! Grab a drink in one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes that line Hastings Street and enjoy watching all the people who like to be seen!
9. Visit Australia Zoo
This most famous attraction is situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and is an easy drive down the highway from Noosa. Spend a day viewing the huge number of animals found in what is Steve Irwin’s old stomping ground, and enjoy the many shows, talks, feeding and photo sessions this highly interactive zoo provides.
10. Snap Sunset over the Hinterland
If you’ve watched the sunrise over the pacific that morning, why not finish the day but watching it set over the rolling hills of the glorious Noosa hinterland. This can easily be done along Noosa River, when the colours of the departing sun bounce beautifully off the water. Take a picnic and enjoy the free BBQ area along the foreshore or treat yourself to a wonderful meal in one of the many Gympie Terrace restaurants, where you can sample food from across the globe including Thai, Brazilian, Italian and Greek.
Hopefully these local tips will give you plenty of ideas about how to spend some great time in Noosa and you’ll leave feeling as lucky to have been here as we do.
