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Welcome to Noosa
Do you know Noosa ?
Located on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, only one hour and a half drive north from Brisbane, it is a paradise.
I discovered over Christmas. Noosa belongs to this kind of places which have it all! Nature, wildlife, style and good food!
What else?
For my first Christmas Holiday in Australia, I can say I did the right choice and below I tell you why...
1. To enjoy the Aussie lifestyle : beach, barbecue…
Noosa is right on the beach but lies also on a river, the Noosa River. Here you have the opportunity to kayak or stand up paddle gently on the river, enjoy a barbecue or a pic nic and then go for a play in the surf breaks in the afternoon in one of the beaches around the town.
Experience a laid back lifestyle centred around pristine beaches, freshwater rivers and lakes. Meet friendly people, go fishing or simply relax on the beach.
Finish the day in style by boarding the sunset ferry cruise and enjoy a perfect pre dinner experience You can bring your own drinks which makes it even better! But don’t forget to book a few days in advance.
Rate: about AUD $20
2. To learn to surf
One of the Australian clichés is surfing. And Noosa is actually the perfect place to give it a try and stand up!
Learn from a former world surf champion, Merrick Davis and you will be sure to have fun! You can go for a two hour lesson just to see if you like it or stay a few days to master the waves! Merrick guarantees you will stand up during your first lesson, I did and the sensation is so cool !
The water is warm, the beaches are pristine and the instructors are very nice, patient and masters of it, so everything’s perfect to learn safe and easy!
Learn to Surf Noosa : www.learntosurf.com.au
After your class, enjoy a beer and a nice lunch with the best beach view in town at Australian Surf Life Saving Club of the year: Noosa Surf Club.
3. To spot a koala in the wild in a beautiful National Park
Noosa National Park is the most popular and visited in Queensland. Follow a choice of easy and moderate tracks that take you around the headland following the coastline through rainforest and open woodlands. Expect spectacular views from the several lookout along the way such as Boiling Pot and Hell’s gate. Adorable wild koalas frequent the gum trees along the walk so observe carefully and you may be lucky!
Out to sea, you could also spot rays, sea turtles, dolphins at sunset and humpback whales during their migration
A walk you will remember!
4. To find the best youth hostel in Australia : Halse Lodge Noosa
If you are a backpacker travelling the country, don’t look any further for a place to stay in Noosa, book at Halse Lodge!
This wonderful youth hostel has been voted number 1* in the whole country and this is for a reason! And I would say not only for one!
Located up hill but only 100 meters from the main beach, Halse Lodge is a typical Queensland house. From here, you can enjoy all Noosa has to offer. The staff is cheerful and here you will be warm welcomed. Enjoy a nice dinner on the terrace or simply a fresh beer! Ping pong and pool tables, board games, trivia nights etc are here to make sure you have fun with your new mates!
SO just check it out by yourself while you are on the East Coast!
*The BEST Backpacker in Australia - TNT GoldenAward 2013
More info and booking on www.halselodge.com.au
or via YHA
To all the shopping lovers, you will adore Hasting Street! Here there is a shop for everyone! From surfers to high class clothes, it’s a pleasure to stroll around!
Allow you some breaks and taste the ice creams, here there is the choice! Nitrogenie for the most curious (ice cream being instantly made using liquid nitrogen, interesting but not the best ice cream ever!) I preferred the ones at Gelatissimo or Copenhagen.
The streets is also full of nice cafes. On the beach, cosy or more laid back, you will find your favourite place.
Finish the day by dining out in one of the chic restaurants. Italian, seafood, Japanese, fine dining : to most difficult is to choose one!
Some ideas...
Lunch:
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Gaston : French café great for lunch
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Raw Energy :Amazing fresh juices and sandwiches – at Noosa Ville
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Noosa Surf Club : the fries are delicious!
Dining:
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Ricky’s: really great restaurant (fine dining) - At Quamby Place, Noosa Sound.
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Wasabi: Japanese restaurant - At Quamby Place, Noosa Sound.
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Lindoni’s Italian Restaurant – Hasting’s Street
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Sails: fine dining seafood - Hastings Street
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Bistro C : pleasant café with a beach view - Hasting's Street
5. To shop and dine in style
