INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NOOSA
Sunshine, world-class food, beautiful beaches, a laid-back ethos – there’s a lot to love about this pristine slice of paradise
DO
It’s been 14 years since I’ve visited Noosa and, as we drive down into town and catch sight of the Noosa National Park headland where verdant rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean, I wonder why I left it so long to return.
A veritable foodie’s paradise and holiday hot spot, Noosa, located 140km north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only two in Queensland.
After the travel ban and lengthy isolation period, holidaying with my kids in such a pristine place – 35 per cent of Noosa’s land is protected – with plenty of natural attractions and fresh air is a very appealing prospect.
I was hoping to go for a surf but Noosa’s Main Beach is flat today so we waste no time hitting the beach for a dip and to enjoy the last rays of afternoon sun.
The following day, we decide to walk off last night’s dinner, post-dinner gelato – when in Noosa, right? – and our large breakfast, in the Noosa National Park. We follow the coastal boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach to the entrance of the park.
There is a vast network of walking tracks within the national park but, with two little reluctant hikers in tow, we follow the paved, well-worn coastal path and marvel over the tranquil bays and little coves, often climbing down the rocks to have a dip.
The rest of our time in Noosa is spent eating – oh, the food! – drinking, surfing the fun little point waves at the headland, lazing on the sand at Little Cove and people watching. I must say this was a joy, as to be honest, I’ve never seen so many smiling faces in one town. Admittedly, Noosa quickly has that effect on me, too.
We really enjoy hiring a BBQ pontoon from O Boat Hire [from $192 for four hours] to explore Noosa River and its crystal-clear estuaries and sheltered bays – marvelling all the while at the sprawling architecturally designed mansions that line the river – and cooking up a seafood barbie on board.
EAT
With its unique coast and lush hinterland geography, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a world-famous food bowl.
The Noosa hinterland is home to a diverse range of quality producers, and the nearby
town of Mooloolaba has one of the busiest seafood ports on the eastern seaboard.
Each day, trawlers bring in boatloads of freshly caught seafood – including those famous Mooloolaba prawns – and as a lover of seafood, I am in my element.
There are top-notch fine dining restaurants, laid-back cafes and cool bars along Main Beach, the bustling Hastings Street strip, Noosa Junction, Noosaville and the beautiful hamlet of Sunshine Beach.
The region also boasts some fabulous farmers’ markets as well as organic havens including Belmondos Organic Market, so you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options.
Start your food tour of Noosa with breakfast at the Hastings Street institution, Cafe Le Monde.
Popular with locals – you can spot the same group of retired local gents eating a post-surf breakfast at the same front table every day – this light and airy cafe is famous for its spanner crab omelette. Bursting with flavour, it doesn’t disappoint.
There are several beachfront eateries dotted along the beachfront, such as Bistro C, Boardwalk Bistro and Sails Restaurant – perfect for a long, lazy lunch while sipping a glass of Champagne or two – alongside more casual bites such as poke bar Raw + Rice and Betty’s Burgers.
One of our most memorable dinners is at Peter Kuruvita’s Noosa Beach House Restaurant. The upscale yet casual dining spot, located in the centre of Hastings Street, is busy the night we visit but celebrity chef Kuruvita, formerly of Sydney’s Flying Fish, makes a point of coming to the table to introduce himself and talk through the menu.
Having recently visited Sri Lanka and dreamt about the flavoursome food ever since, I was delighted to see Kuruvita’s Sri Lankan Snapper Curry served with roast carrot sambal, basmati rice and raita on the menu. It’s superb.
For dessert, the Golden Milk and Cardamom Crème Brûlée with caramelised orange and winter berry compote is equally delicious.
For a more casual, laid-back vibe and seriously good pizza, we love El Capitano.
This nautical-themed bar and pizzeria’s pizzas are made using organic, fresh-milled flour, filtered water, sea salt and a 72-hour fermentation process, and the ingredients for toppings are sourced from local growers. My favourites were the Wild Mushroom pizza with garlic and truffle oil, and the Local Tiger Prawn pizza accompanied by a glass of pinot noir.
We want to try the cult-favourite restaurant Sum Yung Guys – the brainchild of MasterChef 2016’s Matt Sinclair and three of his friends
– at Sunshine Beach but without a booking, we have no chance.
However, a helpful local kindly gives us the hot tip that the General Store at Sunshine Beach sells their bestselling curry sauces, so we swing by and purchase a yellow curry sauce on our way home.
We whip up a prawn curry the night we get home and vow to make a booking at Sum Yung Guys in advance next time.
DRINK
It might not have those famous Noosa ocean vistas, but Land & Sea Brewery is definitely worth a visit. Tucked away in an industrial area at Noosaville, Noosa’s first craft brewery has a local but lively and inclusive vibe.
Their award-winning beer is created from ingredients sourced locally and sustainably where possible, and the food is delicious with a couple of vegan and vegetarian options for the plant-based eaters.
For quality espresso coffee in the morning plus boutique, premium gin, cocktails and cheese boards in the afternoon and evening, the cool Moonstruck, on Hastings Street, is a must visit.
RELAX
The past few months have undoubtedly been the most stressful any of us have experienced in our lifetime.
For that reason, luxury Balinese day spa Ikatan, located a short drive from Hastings Street, is a tranquil haven where I indulge in some much-needed self care.
During my Balinese Boreh Wrap, my entire body is scrubbed with an aromatic, centuries-old healing recipe of herbs and spices and then cocooned in a wrap.
The healing treatment, traditionally used by rice farmers in Balinese villages after a hard day tending to their crops, is said to release tension, loosen stiff joints and increase circulation.
After a warm shower, I’m treated to a 45-minute massage using an anti-ageing oil – yes please – blended in-house by Ikatan
Spa’s owner, Katrina.
Afterwards, I enjoy a glass of Champagne in the lush, tropical gardens where I listen to the native bird life – an amazing 44 per cent of all Australian bird species are found in Noosa – and enjoy the warm winter sun.
STAY
For a luxe stay with impeccable service and a beautiful pool landscape, the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort is hard to beat.
In true Sofitel style, we’re greeted with a warm ‘bonjour’ and find the staff to be friendly and attentive throughout our stay.
The five-star hotel’s French Riviera-inspired pool area is appealing to both myself and my water-loving sons, with a swim-up pool bar, sun loungers and five luxury rentable cabanas.
Our Twin Superior River View Room is spacious, with two double beds, a lounge area, kitchenette and private balcony with views over the Noosa River.
R&W Noosa Holidays also have a range of stylish accommodation options, including absolute beachfront apartment Seahaven, which is ideal for those who want more space and self-catering options.