It’s the coastal town that – despite the influx of influencers, skyrocketing real estate prices and traffic jams that make you feel like you’re in a major city – still remains one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Byron Bay has forever attracted all ages of “cool”. From the old sea dog looking to hit the waves and relive his youth, to the European backpacker hoping to tick off another stop on their Aussie adventure to the Insta-model wanting to be seen, Byron Bay has a corner for all.
But in recent years, especially amid the pandemic when Queenslanders were forced to venture to their own coast rather than slipping into NSW, a certain slice of paradise has boomed more than ever — and it’s caught the rest of the country’s attention.
Bordered by warm, crystal waters, white sands, breezy bars and a little less Byron cliche, Noosa has emerged as the rival to the NSW town that no one saw coming.
I’d never visited before, and by the time I arrived I could instantly see the comparisons between both hubs.
But within moments of meandering down Hastings Street — Noosa’s shopping a restaurant district — and onto the white sands of main beach, it was easy to see why more and more holiday-makers have started to turn their attention to the lesser visited of the two towns.
So, if you haven’t hit your “holiday at home” quota, here’s how you might want to spend 48 hours on the Sunshine Coast hotspot.
Best places to eat in Noosa
No visit to Noosa is complete without a boozy lunch at Season Restaurant. It has some of the best views across the main beach but is also central to Hastings Street for a post-feed wander.
The decor is fresh and breezy, and despite being footsteps from the sand and the hustle and bustle the warm water attracts, the restaurant’s vibe is intimate and relaxed.
You can’t go past astarter of chargrilled harissa prawns with a side of tomato, fennel, lemon and sourdough. But be sure to leave room, because the main course of the pan-fried goldband snapper is a real highlight among diners.
Accompanied with sweet corn cream, kipfler potatoes and charred baby leeks, it’s hard to get bad seafood while on the Sunny Coast, but this will stand out as a real highlight.
For a real dinner scene, you can’t go past Bang Bang – even if it is for the theatrics of the bar staff whipping up their extravagant cocktails.
Yes, the restaurant is also in Byron Bay, but every visit to this moody corner you will be tempted by something new.
Serving up Southeast Asian cuisine, some of the best dishes on the menu are sans meat – a vegetarian’s absolute delight.
You can’t go past a serving of the garlic chive miang, which are these adorable parcels of flavour all wrapped up in a beetel leaf. Follow it with the fragrant yellow curry, which is based on roasted pumpkin and packed with flavour. This is a seriously satisfying dish that will leave your tastebuds buzzing.
For a casual lunch vibe with uninterrupted views of the Noosa River and surrounded by Quota Park and the waterfront walk, drop in for fish and chips at the Boathouse.
Casual and like a floating pontoon, you can’t beat the location.
There’s a range of different menus to suit all occasions, from standard bistro a la carte options to a more “feasting style” menu for larger groups.
It’s easy to lose time sitting and watching holiday-makers drift down the river on their boats, so settle in and make the most of a long lunch while out of the bustle of Hastings Street.
For something a little more intimate and just footsteps from the golden sands of the main beach, Locale is the place to be. But a word of warning: Don’t come here on a semi-full stomach, because the menu is bursting with so many choices you will want one of each.
The menu changes with the season and uses some of the best ingredients offered within the region and further abroad.
With a massive selection of wine and premium cocktails, the Italian-inspired menu is sure to impress. You can’t go past the tagliatelle with Fraser Isle spanner crab, basil, chilli, butter and lemon pangrattato with a side of the caprese salad with hand torn buffalo mozzarella, basil and the region’s Noosa Reds heirloom tomatoes.
Who says you need to go to the Amalfi Coast to experience the best Italy has to offer?
Where to stay in Noosa
There are plenty of private residences and apartments snaking along Hastings Street and into Noosa Heads and Sunrise Beach, but for a family-friendly option in the best location possible, book a room at Ocean Breeze Resort.
Walking distance to all that Hastings Street has to offer, and just footsteps from the white sands and surrounding nature walks, there’s plenty of space in each apartment – and a kitchen if you’re keen on dining in during your stay.
There are all the standard resort amenities – a pool, gym and space for the kids to play – so if you are after something roomy that won’t break the budget, this is where it’s at.
What to do in Noosa
The best part about Noosa and the surrounding coast and hinterland is the amount of scenic drives, so be sure to sort a car before your arrival.
If you’re keen to go straight from the arrival gates of Sunshine Coast airport and into a car just footsteps from the terminal door, book a vehicle with Bespoke Noosa for a very personalised experience. The car is literally brought to you, and instead of dropping it back a decent hike from the airport upon your return, staff will meet you at the departures gate to take the keys and car off you again. The experience is effortless, especially if you’re a frazzled traveller racing to make your flight!
If you don’t feel like getting behind the wheel of a car and want to take a walk instead, no trip to Noosa is complete without a sunrise walk through the national park.
The boardwalk snakes along Noosa’s main beach into the forest. Have your phone fully charged, because there’s scenic photo opportunities at every turn.
You can go as far or as near as you like, with the hike offering various destination points along the way.
But just because you’re holidaying in a relaxed slice of Queensland doesn’t mean you won’t want to indulge in a bit of adrenaline.
Head out from the main drag of Hastings Street and visit the Noosa Marina in Tewantin for the Oceanrider experience and to meet some locals (dolphins).
The adventure jet boat will take you out of the river mouth and into the ocean, exploring the coastline, the National Park’s hidden coves and natural wonders.
Visit Hells Gates and the Fairy Pools all while learning about the unique marine life that calls the region home.
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Oh, and if you’re lucky (and most visitors are) you will likely bump into a dolphin or 20 and maybe even a humpback whale if the season is right.
So keep your eyes peeled!
This writer visited the Sunshine Coast as a guest of Visit Noosa
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