6 minute read
Villages and Style by Noosa
Villages by Noosa
From beachfront towns to hinterland communities steeped in history, take the time to explore the villages and towns of the Noosa region and beyond where you will discover great food, unique shopping, friendly locals and creative communities.
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Noosa Heads - Surrounded by the calm waters of Laguna Bay, Noosa National Park and the tranquil Noosa River, it’s no surprise that Noosa Heads has long been one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. At its heart is Hastings Street, a relaxed and sophisticated centre for resort accommodation, cosmopolitan cafés, alfresco dining, freshly made ice creams, and fashion from high-end designer wear to affordable beach gear. Go for a dip in the safe waters of Main Beach, one of Australia’s few north-facing beaches, or take a sunset stroll along the boardwalk.
At one end of Hastings Street is Noosa Woods, overlooking the Noosa River mouth and a popular venue for concerts, weddings and picnics. A short walk from the other end is Noosa National Park, with panoramic views, walking tracks and the chance to see koalas, dolphins and turtles.
On the other side of Noosa Hill is the thriving business centre of Noosa Junction, with its backpacker hostels, surf shops, boutiques, funky cafés, popular restaurants, gift and homeware stores, galleries and entertainment choices.
Noosaville - A short drive from Main Beach, Noosaville is a vibrant, relaxed spot for holiday accommodation, water sports, restaurants and cafés, with the pristine Noosa River coursing through its heart. A popular place for locals and visitors, Noosaville has safe river swimming, a laidback and friendly atmosphere, gift and fashion boutiques, and a strong cafe and restaurant scene. Water activities are endless, from jet skis and sailing to kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddle surfing. Or board the Noosa Ferry for the best way to see the river. Noosaville is also where you’ll find some of Noosa’s main shopping centres, and check out the hidden outlet shopping gems along Gateway Drive.
Sunshine Beach to Peregian - Coastal villages from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach stretch south from Noosa Heads and epitomise surf culture, with great eateries, alternative shopping options and a laidback atmosphere in quiet, friendly villages. Bakeries, bars, cafés, restaurants and surf clubs are popular with locals and visitors looking for a quiet alternative, while eastern-facing beaches attract experienced surfers to test the swell.
Tewantin - A small village on the Noosa River, Tewantin is home to the bustling Noosa Marina, docking point for the Noosa Ferry, fishing charters, river restaurant cruises and houseboats. The Marina is also a great place for a coffee or wine on the boardwalk, an alfresco lunch or evening meal with river views. It houses specialty shops, pampering salons and an art gallery, and hosts weekly Sunday markets. Historic Tewantin is the launching point for the vehicular ferry to Noosa North Shore, Great Sandy National Park and Fraser Island.
Coolum Beach - Coolum Beach is a friendly coastal village, just 20 minutes south of Noosa along the coastal highway, and has long been a popular holiday destination for families and couples. With a year-round patrolled surf beach and wonderful bays and rocky headlands to explore, Coolum has fabulous views up and down the Coast. Take in stunning coastal views from lookout points along the beachside boardwalk, which is also the best landbased whale-watching spot on the Sunshine Coast.
Coolum is a few minutes’ drive from Sunshine Coast Airport. Accommodation ranges from penthouses and luxury villas, to selfcontained apartments and budget accommodation, including beachfront camping and caravan park.
Surfing, hiking and skydiving are among the many adventures on offer in Coolum, while Mt Coolum National Park has plenty of bushwalking opportunities. The newly renovated Esplanade precinct and cafe strip offers a variety of cafés and restaurants – or head to the beachfront Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Pack a picnic and take the kids to play in Tickle Park overlooking the sea. The 18-hole golf course at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Coolum is home to the Australian PGA Golf Championship. Coolum will also host the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series in February 2012 and 2013.
Eumundi and Hinterland - Just a 20-30 minute drive from Noosa Heads is the lush Noosa hinterland, a patchwork of tranquil lakes, forests and striking volcanic formations, dotted throughout with friendly country towns. Lively but laidback, Eumundi is famous for its markets every Wednesday and Saturday with an amazing array of sights, sounds, scents and sensations.
There’s plenty more to experience in Eumundi, with art and glass galleries showcasing contemporary to Aboriginal art; boutiques and specialty shops with unique offerings; food artisans at work; restaurants and cafés creating menus using locally grown foods; and charming country pubs. Eumundi, where the main street is dominated by magnificent heritagelisted fig trees and buildings from the early 1900s, is also home to a thriving The historic town of Cooroy is a busy creative centre. Enjoy hinterland hospitality at a cafe, restaurant or club, and browse the diverse shops, from fashion and homewares to gifts, books, antiques and second-hand bargains.
The restored Butter Factory Arts Centre showcases local and national artists and is part of the new Cooroy Mill Place, a community and tourism hub. Walking, biking, horse-riding and bird trails traverse the area around Cooroy, and on the way, explore the Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald with its magnificent amphitheatre.
Further into the Noosa hinterland are towns including Pomona, Kin Kin and Cooran where you will find friendly cafés, galleries, farm gates, mountaintop lookouts, walking and bike trails, spas and historic pubs with inviting beer gardens. Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit and orchards, is at the foot of Mt Cooroora.
Style by Noosa
Go shopping in Noosa. Indulge in some holiday retail therapy at stylish boutiques, specialty stores, outdoor markets and all-in-one retail precincts. Update your wardrobe or try a new ‘look’ in one of the many fashion outlets in Noosa.
Make a beeline for designer signature stores or boutiques specialising in edgy designs or high-end international fashion labels. Shop at specialist and gift shops for footwear, things for the kids, homewares, jewellery and accessories.
Decorate your home with original creations made by a local craftsperson or artist. Browse galleries selling handmade furniture, woodwork, paintings, works on paper, ceramics, sculptures, wearable art and handmade designs.
Update your beachwear with a new sarong, sandals, swimwear or gear for any aquatic activity from a surf shop in Noosa, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach or Coolum. Take home the ultimate surf souvenir – a new surfboard designed and made by one of the local board makers who specialise in long boards and short boards, as well as traditional Hawaiian timber boards.
Shopping hot-spots in Noosa are Hastings Street, Noosa Junction and Noosaville, along with Sunshine and Peregian Beaches. For convenience and choice, head to one of Noosa’s shopping complexes. Choose from Noosa Civic, Noosa Village, or Noosa Fair.
Further afield - Explore the shopping strips in the hinterland towns not far from Noosa, especially Eumundi where you will be welcomed by friendly business owners. Call in to see work by emerging and established artists at galleries around town, shop in quirky boutiques, and pick up fair-trade and environmentally friendly products.
To market, to market - Stock up on fresh produce or buy handmade creations at festive community markets. While you are there you can meet the designer or artist or ask the grower for a favourite recipe. Bring a bag and spend some time at one of our local, hinterland or seaside markets to stock up on the freshest produce, specialty fare and original creations.
