When we really want a relaxing holiday, a chance to read
a book, eat great food and really wind down, there is nowhere we prefer to Noosa,
just over an hour north of Brisbane - take a little longer and avoid traffic tickets!!
Getting There
We recommend hiring a car at the airport for one day to get you up to Noosa, plus
you can use it to collect a few supplies from the supermarket! We have found that
using a rental for 24 hours at the beginning and end of the holiday is convenient
and no more expensive than two of us buying transfers.
Tip: Take the motorway exit for Eumundi not the exit for Noosa via the Sunshine Motorway
- it's far slower.
Tip: Don't panic about refuelling going back to Brisbane Airport - there is a petrol
station just before the International Terminal - while it is on the wrong side of
the highway just go around the roundabout and come back to it!
Hastings Street
There are lots of parts of Noosa, but we only stay on Hastings Street. While more
expensive than other areas, it is simply the essence of Noosa - between the beach
and the river, lined by gorgeous shops and restaurants, with parks and walkways at
either end.
We stay at Hotel Laguna at the River end of Hastings Street - usually a suite backing
on to the river. It is possibly one of the less expensive spots on Hastings Street
- note that there are no lifts and it is 3 levels, so be sure to check if walking
up stairs is a problem.
The river view from the back balcony of the Hotel Laguna |
The suite has a kitchen so we stock up on goodies
at the Coles Supermarket on top of the hill. There is a barbeque by the pool also.
Our recommendation for grog is to drive up to Noosaville's Village Hotel, which has
an excellent wine selection at reasonable rates - it is where the restaurants shop!
A Day in Paradise
Our Noosa days are totally predictable and while there
are plenty of things to do - trips and tours, we prefer to laze, shop, eat, read
and swim.
However, an early morning walk along the beach boardwalk
to the National Park is a great way to start and you can pick up fresh croissants
and the papers on the way home! Alternatively you can walk along the beach to the
river mouth and back through Noosa Woods.
The morning passes with a wander around the shops,
time at the beach, a swim there and back to the pool and balcony for reading.
We enjoy lunching while on holiday and there are some
wonderful spots, none more delish than Sails, located down at the National Park end
of the beach. What could be nicer than sipping on a T'Gallant Pinot Gris and nibbling
on delectable seafood, while watching the gentle surf roll in?
Afternoon, well it just seems to drift by, with more
swimming and reading. Often we just have a light picnic for tea - some rare roast
beef, cheese and french bread from the deli under the Seibel with a glass of Aussie
red. Then it's time for early bed because tomorrow is another exhausting day!
Best times of the Year
April/May is a quiet time for Noosa, in fact a few
of the restaurants close for holidays. We find it a delightful time and the sea is
still warm from summer.
Another pleasant time is Sept/Oct, a little busier
and a little warmer but the sea is not as quite as warm.
Liz Shaw
Let us know about your Noosa experiences, recommendations
and tips.
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Nowhere Nicer than Noosa