Noosa
Noosa [1] is a city on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Of the major settlements along that coast, Noosa is generally the most expensive and "touristy", catering increasingly for an upmarket and well-heeled clientele.
Culture and History
Districts
- Noosa Heads is the resort area that contains Hastings Street and the main tourist area behind Hastings Street. The main beach fronts onto Hastings Street. At the end of Hastings Street are the Noosa Woods and Noosa Spit. At the eastern end of Hastings Street is the Noosa National Park.
- Noosaville is alongside the river, a bit quieter.
- Noosa Junction the business area.
Travel to Noosa, visa requirements
Flights to Noosa, airtickets
Fly to Sunshine Coast airport at Maroochydoore, 30km to the south. From the airport, take a taxi or a regular bus, or rent a car.
Fly to Brisbane airport. The best way to reach Noosa is to use one of the transfer services. The courier will meet you at the baggage carousel for domestic arrivals and in the arrivals hall for international arrivals. Pre booking is important. Taxis to Noosa at the airport are expensive.
By train
The nearest stations to Noosa are at Nambour and Maryborough, with a connecting bus or taxi required.
By car
Drive north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway for approximately 150km.
Buses to Noosa
By boat
Get around
Noosa attractions and sightseeing
There are some excellent organised tours originating in Noosa. Most tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation.
Cruise along Noosa River to the Everglades. Tours travel the full length of the Noosa River taking in Lakes Cooroibah and Cootharaba and the Everglades which are part of the Great Sandy National Park. The dark still waters of the upper Noosa River provide stunning mirrored reflections. Most tours involve a BBQ or tea break at Harry’s Hut. All tours are led by enthusiastic guides who will bring to life all the varied wildlife and birds that will be seen. The tour is best done as a day trip but can be done as a half day tour.
The stunning unspoiled scenery that surrounds Noosa provides opportunities for a number of wildlife and eco tours. Most eco tours usa a 4WD and provide a soft adventure that will give wonderful memories of your time in Noosa.
The hinterland behind Noosa has some wonderful villages and scenic spots. Most usually involve a trip to Montville and may continue south to the Glasshouse Mountains. Some of the tours combine the hinterland trip with visits to some of the main attractions that include the Ginger Factory or the Big Pineapple. A popular one day tour is to the Australia Zoo which is offered as one tour or maybe in combination with a hinterland tour.
City tours
Walking
There are some nice walks in the National Park at Noosa Heads. Pick up a trail map from the information center in the park. Probably the best is to start along the coastal path (keep your eyes peeled for Koalas) and then cut back along Tanglewood Track. This will take about 2 hours.
Scuba Diving
For more details see Scuba diving in Australia Scuba Diving in Laguna bay.
- Blue Water Dive (07) 5447 1300
Surf
Many surf schools operate in the area
- Merrick's Learn to Surf 0418 787 577. Two hour lessons take place twice a day for $50. They get almost everyone standing up on the first lesson.
- WaveSense Classes from 10 till 12 and 2 till 4 for $55
Boating
Hire a sail or motor boat along the Noosa River.
- U-Drive Boat Hire 256 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville 5449 9248
Shopping, Noosa souvenirs
Noosa's most famous shopping strip is Hastings Street, a veritable paradise for the shopaholic. Just be careful to spend within your limits, which is not always easy to do.
Mid-range
Splurge
Noosa nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
- Berardo's Restaurant and Bar, Hastings Street 07 5447 5666
- Moondoggies in Noosaville is good for breakfast
- Cafe Le Monde on Hastings Street is good for breakfast
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
- Sandy Court Holiday Units, 30 James Street Noosaville 07 5449 7225. Tucked down a quiet street, but still only a few minutes walk from the riverfront with its shops and restaurants. Has swimming pool. The owner is helpful. Quiet is enforced from 10pm till 7:30am. From $65 per night.
- YHA Halse Lodge 2 Halse Lane, Noosa Heads. Very close to Hastings Street. Dorm beds from $26 per night with card.
- Koala Backpackers in Noosa Junction
Mid-range
Splurge
Noosa is famous for its upmarket and luxury hotels. Highly recommended is the Noosa Sheraton, part of the global chain and with everything you would expect from a Sheraton hotel.
Contact
Stay safe
Only swim between the red and yellow flags which mark the safest part of the beach. It's more crowded, but the alternative is a trip to the emergency room or worse. Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach when swimming.
Get out
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