In case you missed it, the September Equinox just occurred ( 23rd of September). This is the moment when the sun appears to cross the celestial equator, heading Southward.
The sun’s looking down on us, Australia!
Sure, early mornings and evenings are still a little chilly, but it’s time to pack the stuffy winter clothes back into the basement/ attic / hidden depths of your closet.
And while it’s still a little too early to be bringing out the bikinis, it’s never too early to start planning your next Aussie summer getaway.
This year, we’ve got our eyes set on Noosa. From Sydney, I’ve only gone as far up as Byron Bay / Ballina and Brisbane. I’ve always been curious to see what the Sunshine Coast is like so I’ve done my fair share of research to see what fun things one can get up to in Noosa.
Where is Noosa?
Noosa is a coastal town and suburb on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. It is located approximately 136 kilometres north of Brisbane, Queensland’s capital.
How do you get to Noosa?
From Brisbane, Noosa is a 90-minute drive. If flying from major Australian capital cities, the closest airport is the Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore), where you can reach Noosa in 30 minutes by car.
Where to stay in Noosa?
image source: thesebel.com
There are two things to consider when are looking for accommodation in Noosa: proximity to the beach and a convenient location.
The Sebel Noosa is my pick for this. It is located in the iconic Hastings Street, considered the heart of Noosa Heads and known not just for the cafes and restaurants that line it but the alluring barefoot luxury vibe of the area.
On top of this, The Sebel Noosa is also just moments from Noosa’s main beach and the Noosa River. The prime location of The Sebel Noosa, along with its stylish one and two-bedroom spacious apartments make it an ideal choice for both romantic getaways or much-needed family holidays.
With the perfect accommodation in Noosa now sorted, we can focus on the fun things you can get up to in Noosa.
Here are our top activity picks that you can do while in Noosa:
1.) VISIT NOOSA FARMERS MARKET
If you can afford to time your holiday in Noosa to include a Sunday, please do. Noosa Farmers Market is an outdoor market that is open every Sunday from 6AM to 12 PM, rain or shine.
Tourists and locals come here every week for locally sourced produce – fruits, vegetables, baked foods and breakfast options.
Considered one of the best markets on the Sunshine Coast and in the region, Noosa Farmers Market also offers health and beauty products (usually organic, using local ingredients), and is the perfect place to have a local Sunday morning experience with your family or travel companions.
TIP: The apartments at The Sebel Noosa come with fully equipped kitchens. Shop for fresh local produce at the Noosa Farmers Market on Sundays, and you can enjoy a bit of living-like-a-local experience the rest of your stay by making your own breakfasts or brunches at the apartment.
2.) LEARN A WATER SPORT
While hitting the beaches and outdoors in Noosa may seem quite obvious, not many know that there are more than a dozen beaches, bays and hidden coves to explore in the area.
It’s been said that next to photographs, one of the best travel souvenirs you can take home is a learned skill.
If you’ve always wanted to learn a water sport like stand-up paddle boarding or surfing, Noosa is the best place to take these lessons. There are many local tour and adventure companies that offer these lessons.
Noosa Main Beach is famous for its sheltered waters so if you’re a beginner at water sports, it’s not too daunting or intimidating to learn.
TIP: After a full day in the beach and saltwater, one of the best ways to unwind is to relax and ‘desalinate’ yourself in either freshwater or a pool. The Sebel Noosa has two large outdoor pools that’s perfect for this.
3.) VISIT AUSTRALIA ZOO
I personally recommend visiting Australia Zoo both to people visiting Australia for the first time, or to locals who have simply not been yet.
So if you’re already in Noosa, where it’s just a little over an hour’s drive to Australia Zoo, I highly urge you to visit.
Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 as a reptile and fauna park by Bob and Lyn Irwin, parents of the late Australian legend, icon and national treasure Steve Irwin.
Today, it is a 1,000-acre zoo that still keeps Steve Irwin’s legacy alive 13 years after his death. Australia Zoo has the largest wildlife hospital in the world and is the best place to have an interactive and educational experience of Australia’s wildlife.
TIP: When you book an apartment at The Sebel Noosa, you get free undercover parking so this works perfectly if you plan to drive to Noosa, or hire a car during your stay.
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