Spread the love
" />
Back to home
in Travel, Travel Australia

Noosa au Natural

  • September 25, 2015
  • By 50 Shades
  • 14 Comments
Noosa River Gondola at Sunset

Noosa River Gondola at Sunset

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be on assignment at one of Queensland’s sought after holiday destinations, Noosa Heads on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Whilst I was there I learnt something new about this place, and that was it abounds with natural attractions. In fact I would say that Noosa has some of the most amazing natural surrounds out of any holiday destination in Australia.

During my two day stay at this resort town this is what I experienced:

Noosa National Park

My trek through the Noosa National Park commenced at the entrance at the end of Hastings Street at Little Cove, a lovely little beach. The coastal track initially comprises of boardwalks and concrete pavement but then becomes a dirt track with some rocky sections. As you walk around the headland there are magnificent views over Boiling Point, Tea Tree Bay, Dolphin Point, Winch Cove and then to the point aptly named Hells Gates because of its steep cliffs and deep crevasse. From Hells Gates you get magic views of Alexandria Bay which is a remote and stunning beach.

Noosa National Park Walk

Noosa National Park Walk

There are over 15km of walking tracks to explore in Noosa Headland which are marked with colour-coded signposts. On hot summer days, the Tanglewood track and the Palm Grove circuit through rainforest, provide cool alternatives to the coastal track.

Noosa National Park Walk

Noosa National Park Walk

Noosa River/Spit

The Noosa River entrance or Noosa Spit, is at the other end of Hastings Street. The river meanders through Noosa’s Noosaville and then south through a lakes district around Tewantin. Noosa Spit beach is a dedicated off-leash dog beach and is also a popular picnic spot and for river boats to pull in to spend the day.

Noosa Spit

Noosa Spit

The sandy banks of the river are a safe place for swimming but also offers endless water activities like jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, boating and fishing. You can board a river cruise, jump on the river ferry or hire a boat which is the best way to experience the river. For nature buffs there are great eco cruises that take you out to the Noosa Everglades where there is stunning scenery, plants, animals and abundant birdlife.

Noosa River at Noosaville

Noosa River at Noosaville

Mt Tinbeerwah

Mount Tinbeerwah is in the Tewantin National Park, just 2km west of Tewantin and 10km from Noosa along Cooroy-Noosa Rd. This easy climb offers panoramic 360 degree views of the northern end of the Sunshine Coast over Noosa Heads and the hinterland.  The walk to the summit is a 1km return trip from the car park over rocky sediment up to a small sheltered lookout. On the day I was there a small group of abseilers were harnessing up to descend down the rocky cliff face of the western side of the mountain.

Mt Tinbeerwah Walk

Mt Tinbeerwah Walk

Lake Macdonald/Noosa Botanic Gardens

The Noosa Botanic Gardens are located 20kms from Noosa Heads near the hinterland town of Cooroy, on the shores of Lake Macdonald. The lake is in fact a reservoir that supplies water to the Sunshine Coast.

The gardens comprise eight hectares of native and exotic plant species, an open-air bush chapel, a fern house, a lily pond and large lawn areas with winding paths leading to picnic areas. But the main attraction is the large Greek style amphitheatre (a circular structure with rows of seats), where regular live concerts are held.

Lake Macdonald & Noosa Botanic Gardens

Lake Macdonald & Noosa Botanic Gardens

Pomona/Mt Cooroora

A little historic town, which once housed Noosa’s local council, Pomona is set under the watchful eye of the imposing Mt Cooroora. Characterised by its maintained historic buildings such as the Pomona Hotel, the old railway station which now houses an art gallery and the unique Majestic Theatre, which show silent movies of another era. Pomona is 31kms from Noosa Heads via the country town of Cooroy.

Historic Village of Pomona and Mt Cooroora

Historic Village of Pomona and Mt Cooroora

Eumundi

With a main street dominated by magnificent heritage-listed fig trees and buildings from the 1900s, Eumundi is worth a visit. Only 22kms west of Noosa Heads, the town is famous for its Eumundi Markets held every Wednesday and Saturday. The town is full of galleries, clothing stores, cafes and heritage pubs and is a picturesque little place.

Village of Eumundi

Village of Eumundi

Noosa Beaches

A visit to a beach resort place like Noosa Heads would not be complete without going to the beach. There are actually several beaches in and around Noosa Heads which are worth checking out.

  • Noosa Main Beach – which fringes Hastings Street, is a safe beach because of its northerly aspect and has gentle waves and is patrolled.
  • Noosa Spit – although an off-leash beach for dogs is a popular safe beach for families.
  • National Park Beaches – there are several beautiful unspolit beaches in the headland section of the Noosa National Park, including Alexandria Bay.
  • Sunshine Beach – Another patrolled stretch of beach, equally beautiful but with much bigger surf.
  • Noosa North Shore – you can drive on this long stretch of beach on the northern side of Noosa (cross on the ferry at Tewantin), as well as fish, surf and camp.
Noosa Heads Beaches

Noosa Heads Beaches

During a whirlwind two days in Noosa I got to do and see a lot of its many local natural attractions. It convinced me that I must return and further experience all the wondrous places there are, that the normal tourist wouldn’t know about. If sun-drenched beaches, stunning national parks, meandering rivers and lakes and lush countryside don’t take your fancy, then I say go someplace else. Noosa Heads is a gem!

Noosa is also a very child-friendly holiday destination. Check out the Top 10 Things To Do In Noosa With Kids.

Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday

Spread the love
By 50 Shades, September 25, 2015 Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.
  • 14

50 Shades

Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.

14 Comments
  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    September 25, 2015

    Pomona and Eumundi are such pretty little historic towns aren’t they! They just beg you to call in for a shandy in the shade. It’s a great part of Australia alright.

    • Kathy
      September 25, 2015

      Yes they are great little towns for a visit. The Eumindi Markets would have to one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Such a great array of arts & crafts, fresh produce and fashion. Shandy in the shade does sound very appealing!! :)

  • budgettraveltalk
    September 25, 2015

    We love the Noosa area and have visited for many years, but didn’t know about the Noosa Botanic Gardens. Fancy them having a Greek style Amphitheatren- I’m impressed. Next time we’re there we might cross the river to the north shore – exciting.

    • Kathy
      September 25, 2015

      There was so much I didn’t know about Noosa as well. I’m so glad I was sent up there to explore the area. There are heaps of natural attractions and it is not at all just about the posh Hastings Street! :)

  • Rae Hilhorst
    September 25, 2015

    Wow what a fabulous place, one day my friend one day X

    • Kathy
      September 26, 2015

      Rae you would love Noosa. It is a trendy little place with great shopping, places to eat and drink plus the bonus of all the natural beauty. :)

  • Johanna
    September 25, 2015

    I can’t wait to get back to Noosa one of these days. And I loved the Eumundi markets. I didn’t realise there were so many walking trails to explore in the area. Thanks for some great tips and things to do which I’ll definitely be checking out when we DO get back over East!! Loved your pics :)

    • Kathy
      September 26, 2015

      So you have been to Noosa Jo? Noosa has a wide array of walking paths through the National Park or along the Noosa River. Also the Eumundi Markets are incredible and a definite must do. :)

  • seizetheday20
    September 25, 2015

    Yes Kathy, Noosa certainly is a beautiful place. Lovely photos of this gorgeous part of Australia – and the inland towns of Eumundi and Pomona :-)

    • Kathy
      September 26, 2015

      Thanks Lyndall. The little town of Pomona and the beautiful surrounding countryside was breathtaking. I was so fortunate to be in such a gorgeous place for a few days. :)

  • cvail
    September 26, 2015

    I really love Noosa! So pretty and lots to see and do. Great photos.

    • Kathy
      September 26, 2015

      Noosa is a pretty spot with lots of natural attractions. I enjoyed my few days there enormously. :)

  • malaysianmeanders
    September 30, 2015

    Wow, there’s so much to do in Noosa. (Although, when I read “au natural”, my brain interpreted that as “naked”. I thought you were going to report about nudist colonies, ha ha.) Anyways, I’d much rather see the beautiful landscape you showed us.

    • Kathy
      September 30, 2015

      Ha Ha, I don’t think anyone would like to see me running around Noosa naked with my camera! That would be a sight!! Although I think there is a clothing optional beach in the National Park but I never saw anyone naked during my walk. The landscape around Noosa Heads is amazing. Such a great place for holidaymakers. :)

Comments are closed.

Partica
Buy my articles on

Download, Edit & Post
Quality Written Articles
Motorhome Republic
Loading search form...
I Want That Flight

OUT NOW!! 50 Shades of Age eBook

Women Over 50 Blogs

Subscribe To Blog Via Email

Don't miss new posts! Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Instagram API currently not available.