destination – Noosa's

NOOSA'S–many delights

There’s no better way to start the day than undertaking a morning walk along Noosa’s Main Beach into the national park.

The temperature is pleasant, the scenery inspiring and the `locals’ you meet often unforgettable.

There’s a chance you’ll see koalas and goannas and you’ll certainly hear and often see numerous bird species. The park is home to rare and threatened wildlife and flora such as the glossy black cockatoo, ground parrot, red goshawk, wallum froglet, swamp orchid and Christmas bell.

>> Destination Noosa, Weekends For Two

Between July and November if you’re really luck you may also see Humpback whales off the coast.

A number of excellent walking tracks have been marked throughout the park. Some wind along the coast, others traverse rainforests and open woodlands and across wallum heath and sedgelands. Longer tracks lead out through open forest and heath, where a great variety of wildflowers are a highlight in spring. An early morning or late afternoon walk is best during the warmer months, not only can temperatures rise rapidly during the day, but they are the best times for wildlife watching. And it gives you plenty of time to enjoy the many other delights of Noosa and surrounding areas. In many ways Noosa is the perfect example of how an area can perfectly cater for tourists and keep its natural appeal.

The national park plays a major role is ensuring this appeal as does the white sandy main beach. At the same time Noosa also has plenty to offer if you are looking for a cosmopolitan experience.

Many top restaurateurs have set up home here offering a range of cuisines which take full advantage of delicious locally grown produce. Given the good weather, alfresco dining is all the go here.

Shopping is another of the attractions. You’ll find an eclectic mix of souvenirs, clothing, art and craft and food in surrounds ranging from upmarket boutiques to atmosphere-filled markets.

The Noosa River is also very much a part of the Noosa lifestyle. You’ll find numerous cruise boats and ferries based around Noosaville. Enjoy a glass of champagne on a sunset cruise or perhaps a relaxing lunch while cruising along the river, taking in the untouched bushland through to stunning mansions.

A five minute drive south of Noosa Heads is the expansive Sunshine Beach area, a serious wave location with an excellent surf club. The area incorporates some of Australia’s most innovative, architect-designed homes, and has its own unique and laid-back style.

A further 10 minutes down the coast is the wide clean sweep of Peregian Beach with its calm water swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. On the western side of Peregian Beach is Lake Weyba National Park, and Lake Weyba itself, a large, shallow salt-water lake which is home to pelicans, prawns, and crabs, not to mention some fabulous fish, including whiting and flathead.

You can pick up local produce and crafts at the regular Peregian community market, held on the second and fourth Sunday morning of each month. Following the markets you can soak up the sounds of a Sunday outdoor Peregian Originals concert where participating musicians are required to perform their own, original material.

Another iconic market experience is the Eumundi Market held every Wednesday and Saturday. Alongside everything from great entertainment to local arts and crafts, it also provides a great opportunity to sample and purchase some of the region’s offerings – from fresh strawberries through to spiced nuts, regional honey or homemade sauces and pickles.

If your visit doesn’t coincide with either market, don’t despair there are plenty of other opportunities to experience the many gourmet delights of the area. And an early morning walk means you can enjoy them guilt free!