4 minute read
Noosa to Coolum
Blend nature at its most unspoilt with culture at its most refined, and you have the rarity that is Noosa and surrounds. This is the holiday destination you dream about.
When you visit Noosa and appreciate its natural and cultural attractions, you could be forgiven for feeling like you never want to leave.
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Noosa’s National Park, with its abundance of wildlife and secluded beaches, is only a ten-minute walk from one of Australia’s most elegant shopping strips - Hastings Street. This popular tourist destination is where you’ll find stylish restaurants, trendy cafes, bars and designer fashion boutiques just a few steps from the turquoise waters of Noosa Main Beach.
A five-minute drive or a leisurely ferry ride up the Noosa River takes you to neighbouring Noosaville, now growing in reputation for fine dining and great shopping. Noosaville takes full advantage of its riverfront location, with plenty of playgrounds, barbecue areas, walking tracks and fishing platforms along the shoreline.
The beauty of a holiday in the Noosa to Coolum region of the Sunshine Coast, is that you can alternate your beach time with naturally refreshing ‘green time’ playing golf ... or in the Noosa Biosphere.
HINTERLAND VILLAGE - Set amidst lush green hills, Eumundi mixes an historic atmosphere with a modern and very vibrant arts community, centred around the Original Eumundi Markets. Every Wednesday and Saturday, this usually slow-paced town explodes with life as thousands of visitors flock to the colourful markets spread out beneath towering heritage-listed fig trees.
STYLISH BUT SMALLER - Nearby to Noosa are Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Marcus Beach, Peregian Beach and Coolum Beach - all uncrowded surf beaches with sparkling blue water, offset by pure, white sand. Coolum is a beautiful coastal town with a carefree holiday atmosphere. Hit the waves with Coolum Surf School, check out the dinosaurs at Palmersaurus or learn to water-ski or wakeboard at Oz Ski Resort. The area is in constant view of Mount Coolum, a grand volcanic dome that presides over the landscape.
BACK TO NATURE - Stunning Noosa Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia. There are also spectacular bays and beaches hidden inside bushland pockets of the Noosa National Park. For a change from the beach, discover the Noosa Biosphere on a cruise with Noosa Ferries or take a sunset cruise down the breathtaking Noosa River with MV Noosa Queen.
Further afield, you can go hiking up some of Noosa’s many mountains, or spend an adventurous day abseiling, climbing or mountain biking at the volcanic formation of Mount Tinbeerwah. Across the river from Noosa Heads and Noosaville is Noosa North Shore, the gateway to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island and the Great Sandy National Park. You can four-wheel drive along the beach past Teewah and the Coloured Sands, all the way to Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point. Unspoilt Lake Cooroibah is another favourite among nature lovers and watersport enthusiasts. It’s a great place to go kayaking or see the wonderful array of native wildlife including kangaroos and birds.
HINTERLAND
Be embraced by the quiet beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
If you long for time and space just to ‘be’, to slow down life’s hurried pace and connect with the healing power of nature, then allow yourself to be embraced by the quiet beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Take in the sweeping coastal and country views. Let the organic lifestyle and creativity of the locals inspire you. Allow yourself time to rest, reflect and relax in body, mind and soul.
Stroll the quaint laneways of the shopping village of Montville. Browse boutiques and galleries, or hike through the glowing jade green forests of Maleny to Mapleton and across the Mary Valley to the Conondale Ranges. Venture across the Blackall Range to Maleny’s enchanting Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve where you will find endangered species, subtropical plants and remnants of the ancient forests. Or drive into the open country spaces of Witta or Kenilworth.
Visit the mysterious Glass House Mountains and learn about the ancient Aboriginal legend of Mount Beerwah, Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Coonowrin. The region is blessed with freshly grown produce and transformed from paddock to plate into culinary masterpieces for you to savour. Don’t miss The Real Food Festival celebrated every September - talk, taste, buy and connect with local producers.
GET CREATIVE - The Hinterland is alive with a thriving creative scene of artist’s co-operatives, live music venues and galleries such as Art on Cairncross. Local group, Arts Connect run an Open Studios Program that allows visitors to get up close and personal to creative works. New to the region, HinterLand is a coming together of events in the region under one umbrella celebrating Place, Arts and Creativity. Explore the Art Gallery Trail, enjoying the original and inspiring art on display.
The vibrant buzz of Maleny is due to its eco-conscious co-op culture, which began in the 1970s and continues to thrive today. Maleny is home to one of the highest concentrations of co-ops in Australia - businesses which focus on the interests of the community.
REAL FRESH FOOD - Foodies can see first-hand where milk comes from at Maleny Dairies, discover the real taste of Queensland at The Ginger Factory or devour a delicious Asian meal at the renowned Spirit House Restaurant, in Yandina.
