Picture this: powder-white sand, glass-like waves fringed by a tangle of lush greenery and a vibing main strip lined with award-winning eateries, bars, boutiques and galleries. Nope, this isn’t some chic village in the Med we’re describing, it’s Noosa and it’s the perfect place to escape the winter blues.
With a forecast of crisp sunny days and good times on the agenda, there’s endless places to play and stay in this literal slice of paradise. Just a short flight from Melbourne and Sydney, or a leisurely road trip up the M1 from Brisbane, it’s time to treat yo’self to the sweet life in Noosa.
Stay
Netanya Noosa
Wake up to the sound of the ocean lapping against the sand at Netanya Noosa. The luxury beachfront resort is serving pure holiday vibes with poolside studios, rooftop terraces and a penthouse to slumber in. Snag a lounge by the pool and soak up the always perfect Noosa weather or sink your toes in the sand—it’s literally that close. With sleek furnishings, these digs are perfect for a solo sojourn right through to a group getaway.
Sofitel Noosa
If a swim-up bar sounds like your kind of holiday, then book yourself a night or three at Sofitel Noosa. Perched on Hastings Street, the five-star digs are truly decadent. Zen out with a blissful facial at the Aqua Day Spa, before indulging in a feast at the hotel’s hatted eatery, Noosa Beach House—the Moreton Bay Bug bisque is a nonnegotiable. Transport yourself to the French Riviera in one of their private cabanas (with a personal butler) or spend your days lazing by the pool, making use of the aforementioned swim up bar (the only one in Noosa), serving delicious cocktails.
RACV Noosa Resort
Perfect for the whole fam to enjoy or a crew of your best mates, the RACV Noosa Resort offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as luxury villas. The latter comes with a separate media room, plunge pool or rooftop spa. Dine poolside at the onsite restaurant serving a stacked buffet, or smash a stone-fired pizza and cocktail at Dazza’s Bar. Or, if you want to escape it all, book a massage at the One Spa—you won’t regret it.
Niche Holidays Noosa
Prefer to holiday in your own private oasis? No worries, Niche Holidays Noosa has you sorted with their impressive roster of dreamy accom. Put yourself in the middle of the action with a luxe villa on Hastings Street, bliss out at a tranquil treetop retreat or snag exclusive beachfront bliss with an oceanfront cottage. The choice is yours.
Tingirana Resort
For something extra special, book yourself a room at Tingirana Resort. Roll out of bed and straight onto the powder-white sand of Main Beach at this Hamptons-esque abode. Jaw-droppingly beautiful all year round, settle into your poolside sun lounger and let the holiday vibes wash over you. Hungry? The smorgasbord of eateries on Hastings Street is just steps away. When it comes to location—this one can’t be beat.
Zinc Properties Noosa
Uncover some of Noosa’s most premium real estate with Zinc Properties Noosa. Take your pick of gram-worthy stays, think a stunning penthouse with a rooftop pool, luxury homes perched amongst the greenery offering incredible vistas of the ocean, and boutique apartments right in the heart of Noosa. Organise one of these swanky stays for your lover or crew and you’ll score eternal bragging rights.
Clubb Coolum Beach Resort
Just a short drive along the coast is Clubb Coolum Beach Resort, the ultimate laid-back beachfront escape. Situated across from a popular, patrolled beach, and just steps from shopping and restaurants, choose between two and three-bedroom apartments offering sweeping views of the Pacific.
Play
Noosa Springs Golf, Spa and Resort
Once you’ve conquered the beaches of Noosa, get your competitive spirit on with a swing at Noosa Springs Golf, Spa and Resort. Nestled between Noosa National Park and Lake Weyba, this serene spot makes for the perfect day out. The lush course is open to the public, so you can practise your swing at the driving range, before hiring a cart and teeing off nine or eighteen holes—look out for the roos and koalas that reside there too. Post-game, relax your muscles at the Roman bath-inspired spa (their hydro-massage is a game-changer), or grab a meal at Relish Restaurant.
Adventure Tribe
Adrenaline junkies will want to check out Adventure Tribe, who offer private hikes, group abseiling and rock climbing trips around the Sunshine Coast. While we don’t like to play favourites, if you only have time for one of their activities, make it the kayak tour. You’ll cruise along the Noosa Everglades (one of only two Everglades systems in the world) and witness a magical landscape of plantlife and animals. There’s half, full and multi-day tours available.
Noosa Open Studios Art Trail
Culture seekers will want to mark their calendars for 30 August to 8 September when Queensland’s biggest open studio art trail event takes place in Noosa. Visitors will get the chance to visit private workshops and studios of over 100 incredible local artists. You’ll get the chance to have a yarn with them, purchase some pieces and watch in wonder as they create magic.
Noosa Wave
Get amongst nature with Noosa Wave and their bucket list-worthy aquatic tours. Snorkel the crystal clear waters off Noosa Heads National Park and get familiar with the locals that inhabit the area—dolphins, turtles, rays and tropical fish. Raise your heart rate with their Thrilling Dolphin Adventure, experiencing zero gravity as you ride waves and make epic turns along the coastline in your speed boat. For something truly goosebump-inducing opt for their swim with the whales tour. Prefer to stay dry? There’s a whale watching tour available too.
Aussie World
From mazes and arcade games to roller coasters and rides you’ll lose your stomach on, a trip to Aussie World is an absolute must when visiting Noosa. Just a short drive away, this technicolour adventure park is packed full of epic adventures—including SX360, Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum reaching speeds of up to 80km/h, 32 metres up in the sky.
Tesla Transfers
Forget worrying about car hire or buses from the airport to your accom, instead rest easy and arrive in luxury (sustainably of course) with Tesla Transfers. Their fleet includes sedans and SUVs to suit all of your travel needs so you can get your holiday started.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tourism Noosa and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.