They say it’s the relaxation capital of Australia. We go on everglades escapades in sunny QLD.
When people talk about Noosa being the relaxation capital of Australia, they must have stayed at Boreen Point Campground, writes JESSICA PALMER.
Noosa is best known for surf, sun and beaches, but a downpour of rain has us huddling inside our new home on wheels – a Jayco Swan camper trailer – during our Queensland escapades.
But the wet weather doesn’t last long, and soon there are ducks visiting our campsite at Boreen Point; I suspect they’ve caught on that the kids regularly drop morsels of food.
Paddling the Everglades
The calm after the storm leaves nearby Lake Cootharaba glassy, so we make the most of the great conditions.
We are readying to paddle across the water to explore the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems on Earth, when Miss Three thwarts my plans. She’s hungry, there are too many waves (on the flat lake) and her bathers are too wet.
Nevertheless, we have a great time at Boreen Point, which turns out to be a great base for exploring the region.
Lakeside lovin’
Boreen Point Campground is approximately 25 minutes by car from Noosa Heads on the ever-popular Sunshine Coast. It’s the perfect place to camp among nature and let the kids be free range, while still enjoying the comfort of clean facilities and hot showers.
At approximately 10 kilometres long and five kilometres wide, Lake Cootharaba is the largest lake on the Noosa River and the star attraction in the area. The shallow water makes it ideal for young swimmers, and it’s a popular launchpad for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There is even a BMX track and basketball hoop that backs onto the campground.
Boreen Point is one of three Noosa Holiday Parks properties, owned by Noosa Shire Council. It’s set in natural bushland, and there is a foreshore area with both powered and unpowered campsites, as well as a camp kitchen. It’s the perfect place to bring our little Jayco.
Life in a Swan
We bought the Jayco Swan after a hot and squishy three weeks spent in a rooftop tent in Central Australia. One of the best features of the Swan is how roomy it is.
The kids have plenty of space to play games at the table, while my husband, Jason, and I lounge around on the sofa.
Although technically a camper trailer, I like to think of the Swan as a hybrid caravan due to it having the luxuries of a kitchen, fridge and lounge, as well as running water and plenty of cupboard space. Jayco has a few different layout options, and we chose the Swan knowing we’d need the extra space and that even as the kids get older, there would still be room for all of us.
Hidden treasures
The Noosa area is famous for its surf beaches and, although stunning, conditions can be dangerous and unsuitable for little ones, depending on which beach you go to and the weather. There are, however, calm options for swimming right in the heart of Noosa around iconic Hastings Street, such as Main Beach, The Spit and tranquil Noosa River.
Before arrving, I’d expected Noosa River to be brown and unappealing, but it’s the exact opposite. It boasts white sandy banks, clear waters and friendly ducks.
We have a memorable afternoon in a small hire boat (no licence required) “oohing” and “aahing” over the beautiful mansions that grace the banks.
Another highlight of our stay is the Coastal Walk in stunning Noosa National Park. The full walk is 10.8 kilometres return and takes a few hours, which is a little too much for our young explorers. Instead, we hike just a section, called Hell’s Gate, which makes for a more manageable 5.4 kilometres return and is still beautiful.
During the walk, you can spot hidden surf beaches and playful dolphins, and the coastal views are stunning. There is also a chance of seeing koalas, as well as whales during migrating season (June–November). There are not many walks, I think, that can boast so many highlights.
During the rest of our stay we make it to Peregian Beach, Australia Zoo and the eccentric Eumundi Markets in the hinterland. In spite of all our exploring, I haven’t felt this chilled out in a long time. Maybe Noosa really is the relaxation capital of Australia.