Laughingly I say to my 91 year old mother: ‘I feel like Thelma and Louise!’ We’ve just picked up our car at Sunshine Coast airport, loaded it with luggage and head north towards Noosa before swinging around the first of over a hundred roundabouts. They make me giddy, but this time, with excitement.
For two weeks we’re fleeing the gloom of Victoria’s dank, wintry weather for our annual sojourn north to Noosa seeking sunshine. Already I’ve thrown the jacket and jumper onto the backseat and rolled up my sleeves.
Noosa has been our destination for four consecutive years and it’s time to share some of the things we love about the town and its environs that are spanned by rivers, beaches and coastlines, national parks and verdant rolling hills. In no particular order:
- Noosa National Park: the walk hugs the coastline to Hells Gates leaving surfers and paddle boarders behind before revealing spectacular views of Devils Kitchen, the expanse of Sunshine Beach and possible pods of dolphins.
- Swim or surf at Little Cove: after the hussle that’s Hastings Street, the beach at Little Cove is secluded and ever so serene, you may have it to yourself depending on the time of day.
- Barbie Boats: Hire a barbie boat and meander up the Noosa River to Lake Cooroibah. Once you’re upstream you can pull into the bank and light the barbie. You’ll be surprised at the number of feathered friends that will join you.
- Coffee fixes a plenty: They like it strong along the Noosa River – so much so, it’s hard to decide which boatshed to stop on your morning walk along Gympie Terrace – U Boat, Watermark, The Jetty or….
- Eumundi market: For anything that’s eclectic or a little eccentric – clothes, gadgets, lotions and potions and food. Wednesday and Saturday. Get there early or go late.
- Golf at Noosa Valley Country Club: it’s a sleepy oasis filled with interest and challenges – lily-ponds, kangaroos, kookaburras, the odd sculpture carved into a tree and beautiful garden areas. Nine holes that beckon you for a repeat round, this time from different tees.
- Sunset over the Noosa River – around 5pm head to the river, drink in hand to be seduced by the changing hues of the skyscape: yellow to amber, red to violet. Or take a Noosa Ferry Sunset Cruise along the river.
- Fish and chips at Noosa Boathouse: arguably the best fish and chips in Noosa and you can dine in or take away, or savour the skyscape from their Sunset Bar.
- Farmers market: every Sunday, head to the local footy ground and fill your baskets with fresh fruit and vegies, wraps, meats and cheeses, all locally grown.
- Hire a bike, SUP or canoe: Take a close-up look at the water expanse and bird life that is Lake Weyba by stand-up paddle, canoe or cycling. There’s an abundance of bike paths in and around Noosa and Sunshine Beach too.
- Take a break from the sunshine: the Noosa Alive festival late July has over 100 events including plays, music and art on the beach, in churches, theatres and café’s. Noosa International film festival is on in October.
Sounds idyllic? It is! My mother wants me to book again next year with one proviso she says: ‘so long as I’m still around!’ I remind her that she’s said that for the past ten years!
