Accommodation on offer screams position! position! position!
and in the main can be found perched ocean-side, riverside or
mountainside amidst semi-tropical rainforest.
Whether it is a resort luxury, stylish self-contained beach villas,
or treehouse cabins, the Coast will not disappoint. Noosa is undeniably
the jewel in the coast's crown and the perfect base from which
to discover the region's other treasures.
Once a sleepy seaside village, Noosa embodies the essence of
relaxed Queensland ambience. It radiates a casual elegance and
has managed to develop into an international standard resort while
retaining its original beach holiday charm.
Vibrant Hastings Street at Noosa Heads is alive with designer
boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants and all manner of accommodation.
The pink pastel facaded Noosa Sheraton Resort sits comfortably
just a few doors down from a sidewalk tropical fruit stall and
a surf shop where golden haired board riders congregate to check
out the latest in surfing hardware.
The resort enclave caters to an amazing mix of sunseekers ranging
from serious surfies to families, foodies, and executive couples
doing their best to forget the office. It is this mix that is
the vital life blood of Noosa and the restaurants and cafes lining
both sides of Hastings Street provide the ideal vantage point
from which to watch the passing parade.
Noosa's reputation as one of Australia's premier gourmet destinations
is not without foundation. A thriving food culture and the Coast's
sublime weather ensure eating alfresco is the order of the day.
Eduardo's On The Beach is the perfect breakfast stop. Lunch and
dinner choice is endless with Coco's at the entrance to Noosa
National Park, the impeccable Palmers, brasserie-style Aqua Bar
and swank La Plage recommended. Noosaville on the Noosa River
offers other divine grazing experiences with Native Sun Cuisine,
The Lemon Tree and Chilli Jam Thai all recommended.
Local fresh products and produce are well used and not surprisingly
seafood and tropical fruits often feature. Surely the world's
finest fish and chips are to be found at Saltwater on Hastings
Street.
For those wanting to step slightly out of their comfort zone,
soft adventure options include camel trekking on Noosa's North
Shore, surfing safaris, abseiling, mountain biking, scuba diving,
and ocean kayaking. Noosa Beach borders Hastings Street and a
ten minute walk takes you to Noosa National Park, a natural haven
of quiet sandy coves, walking tracks, rocky headlands and some
of the best surf the coast has to offer. The Noosa River is superb
fishing and crabbing country and Sunshine Beach provides challenging
surf and rock fishing.
Numerous day and half day trips from Noosa to the Coast's other
attractions complete the diversity on offer.
The quiet village of Eumundi, a short drive south west of Noosa,
is notable for its rural authenticity and its colourful Saturday
Markets. Stalls selling everything from organic carrots and new-born
ducklings to hand woven hammocks and local pottery sprawl the
main street from 6am to lunchtime. Eats of Eumundi and Batu Jimba
are the grooviest eateries in town and the fern-encrusted Imperial
Hotel serves a fair dinkum Aussie counter lunch that's hard to
beat. There is a range of Bed and Breakfast accommodation if you
fancy a few days peace.
A 30 minute drive west up the Blackall Ranges and you are in
the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Often the climb affords both spectacular
coastal views to the east and to the west the imposing silhouettes
of the dormant volcanic Glass House Mountains. Dairy cattle graze
on rolling green hills and the temperature drops a degree or two.
The villages of Montville and Maleny are sleepy hamlets where
a culture of coffee houses, country pubs, cosy restaurants, and
craft studios thrives. Highlights include the Herb Garden, Pantano
Glass Studio and Montville Art Gallery which features the work
of leading Australian artists including Robert Dickerson, Pro
Hart, Colley Whisson, Hugh Sawrey and Jill Kirstein. Bed and Breakfast
guest-houses such as Maleny Manor, Bendles Cottages and rainforest
treehouses Witta Gums are the ultimate in local accommodation.
Moving back to the coast, Coolum offers great surfing beaches
and the elegant Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort nestled at the base
of majestic Mt Coolum. The morning mountain climb, a round of
golf at the championship course and a massage at the health centre
are a must.
Novotel Twin Waters Resort at Mudjimba Beach also offers a superb
golf course and the supervised lake and ocean water sports and
creche are perfect for keeping children happy while parents unwind
in peace.
Further south are Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, all
renown for their surf beaches and quality beachfront apartments.
Underwater World at Mooloolaba is recommended for families. Interactive
marine displays and touch tanks allow children hands-on fun and
an opportunity to ask questions.
Instant relaxation hits when you touch down at the Sunshine Coast.
The locals are friendly, the food exquisite and the range of activities
seems only limited by your inclination.
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