For nature lovers, Noosa is one of Australia’s best destinations. Located on the Sunshine Coast, two hours’ drive north of Brisbane, it’s the gateway to beautiful beaches, peaceful rivers, stunning coastal walks, and an excellent food and wine scene.
On top of all that, Noosa offers some unexpected adventures, too. Here are five to experience next time you’re in or around town.
VISIT A GINGER FACTORY
30 minutes’ drive southwest of Noosa in the little town of Yandina is the Ginger Factory. At this magical place, you can take a ginger growing and harvesting tour, sip a beverage in the Ginger Beer Garden, dine in the Ginger Kitchen and go shopping in Ginger Town.
There’s also a bunch of attractions for kids. On the Zog Trail, they’ll wander through rainforest, searching for Zog, Princess Pearl and Madam Dragon via an augmented reality app. On Moreton, the open-air Ginger Train, they’ll chug through the factory and its lush gardens, while learning all about the history of the local ginger industry. And, on the Overboard boat ride, they’ll follow the gingerbread man around the world, surrounded by more than 200 handmade puppets.
PADDLE THE NOOSA EVERGLADES
Noosa might be best known for its beaches, but the Noosa River, home to the Noosa Everglades, is every bit as enchanting. The Everglades are a 60-kilometre-long wonderland of tranquil waters, backdropped by abundant native greenery and wildlife.
If you’ve a kayak or canoe of your own, or can hire one from your accommodation, then you can take off on your own self-guided adventure. If you don’t have a boat, or would prefer some company, then book a tour with a local operator.
TAKE A HORSE RIDE ALONG THE BEACH
See Noosa’s spectacular beaches from a different perspective (and at a different speed) on a horse ride along the sand. Equathon Horse Riding, a local company, offers a variety of experiences – from gentle, one-hour-long walks (or trots or gallops, depending on how you feel) to epic, week-long adventures. You might spend the whole time by the water, or take off into nearby bushland.
In addition, if you’re nervous at the thought of jumping on a horse, or would like to upskill, you can take a horse-riding lesson. There are packages for people of all levels of experience.
CATCH A WAVE IN A WORLD SURFING RESERVE
There are just ten world surfing reserves on the planet, and Noosa is home to one of them. This means that the five kilometres of coastline from the Noosa River mouth to North Sunshine Beach are to be preserved for generations to come.
Choose from three beach breaks, which are ideal for beginners, and five point breaks, for the more experienced. Total newbies might like to start with a lesson with a local surfing school.
WANDER THROUGH A 45-YEAR-OLD MARKET
The Original Eumundi Markets have been going since 1979. Over the decades, they’ve only become increasingly colourful, interesting and diverse, and they’re now the biggest artisan market in Australia. The stalls are packed with original artworks, handcrafted objects, locally-grown produce and freshly-made meals.
Opening hours are 7am till 2pm on Saturday, and 8am till 2pm on Wednesday. Be sure to leave yourself some time to wander around Eumundi village.
GETTING TO NOOSA
Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is two hours’ drive north of Brisbane, 12 hours’ drive north of Sydney and 20 hours’ drive north of Melbourne.
The nearest airport is Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) Airport. If you decide to fly, then pick up a SIXT car hire when you land, and hit the road in no time. We also offer car hire at Noosa Junction.
