'''Noosa''' [http://www.noosa.com.au/] is a city on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Of the major settlements along that coast, Noosa is generally the most expensive and touristy, increasingly catering for an upmarket and well-heeled clientele.

Understand

Geography

  • 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.
  • Get in

    By plane

    Fly to Sunshine Coast airport at Maroochydoore, 30km to the south. From the airport, take a taxi, 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. They 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 from Brisbane 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.

    Get around

    Discover Noosa_fs natural environment. Watch whales, enjoy pristine beaches, explore the dramatic hinterland landscape, and visit the world_fs largest sand island.

    See

  • Tewantin State Forest and Forest Reserve. ewantin Forest Reserve, Tewantin, Noosa Heads QLD 4565. 1-1300-130-372. ttp://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=21. A raiforest

  • Noosa National Park. ttp://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/noosa_national_park/.

    Tours

    There are some excellent organised tours originating in Noosa. Most tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation.

    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 at Yandina 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.

    Cruises

    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_fs 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.

  • Noosa Cruising Restaurant [http://Noosacruisingrestaurant.com.au] If you like food, good company , and enjoy a cruise on the river you can do all these by having a breakfast , lunch, or a sunset dinner on-board. The food is cooked freshly on board.
  • Do

    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.

    Fishing

    Fishing from Noosa is great year round, with seasonal changes in species, so there is always something to fish for. The Reef and Bait Grounds off Noosa are close, so travel time is at a minimum. Beach Fishing, and river fishing is fantastic too.
  • [http://www.lagunachartersnoosa.com.au Noosa's Laguna Charters] (07) 5449 7454. Sheraton Jetty Noosa Heads.
  • Noosa's Laguna Charters can cater from the complete Novice, to expert. Fully Catered (By the Sheraton Noosa Resort) 1/2, 3/4 and Full day fishing trips are available. Noosa's Laguna Charters are the people to see for all river, and offshore fishing from Noosa.

    Scuba Diving

    For more details see Scuba diving in Australia ''' Scuba Diving''' in Laguna bay.
  • [http://www.bluewaterdive.com.au Blue Water Dive] (07) 5447 1300
  • Surf

    Many surf schools operate in the area
  • [http://www.learntosurf.com.au Merrick's Learn to Surf] 0418 787 577. Two hour lessons take place twice a day for $55. They get almost everyone standing up on the first lesson and are Noosa's only licensed surf school. Classes 9am and 1.30pm daily. Private lessons available at 11.15am for $140.
  • [http://www.wavesense.com.au WaveSense] Classes from 10 till 12 and 2 till 4 for $55
  • Kite Surfing

    Noosa is one of the best Kite Surfing destinations in the world, as the prevailing wind directions are almost always favourable.
  • [http://www.noosasailing.com.au/kiteboarding/about.html Noosa Kite Surfing Lessons] Mike Burrell from Noosa Kiteboarding conducts one on one Kite surfing lessons, catering to all levels of experience.
  • Boating

    Hire a sail or motor boat along the Noosa River.
  • U-Drive Boat Hire 256 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville 5449 9248
  • [http://www.noosasailing.com.au Noosa Beach Sailing] Hire a catamaran to sail in Noosa's Laguna bay. Instruction available if necessary.
  • Buy

    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.

    Eat

  • Jasper. astings Street 42. 7 5474 9600. /7 from 7.30am. Excellent fish on barbecue. Pleasant terrace.

  • '''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
  • Drink

    Sleep

    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 [http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=54] 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

  • Wolngarin Holiday Resort [http://www.wolngarin.com] offers clean, comfortable self catering style apartments from $120 per night. 2 bedroom townhouses or villas, swimming pool, hot tub, poolside BBQ's, half size kids tennis court, opposite small park with playground, 2 minutes walk to the closest beach and fishing area on the '''Noosa River''' Located at 27 Munna Crescent, Noosaville. Tel:+61 7 5449 8755
  • Splurge

    Noosa is famous for its upmarket and luxury hotels.
  • '''Noosa Sheraton''', part of the global chain and with everything you would expect from a Sheraton hotel.
  • [http://www.noosariviera.com.au/noosaville-accommodation-2.html NoosaRiviera] Noosa Riviera is a small boutique resort located near the beach, Hastings Street, and Gympie TCE.
  • Contact

  • [http://www.visitnoosa.com.au/ Noosa Visitor Information Centre]
  • Stay safe

    Only swim between the red and yellow flags which mark the safest and patrolled part of the beach. Be aware of beach conditions including beach drop offs, weather and jellyfish warnings (located on a small blackboard near lifesaver vehicles).

    Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach when swimming.

    Get out