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Noosa has some of the best surfing points in Australia. It rivals any of its' more well known Gold coast point breaks minus the high-rise along it's foreshore.
Blessed with the foresight of the earlier councils, Noosa set aside 4,000 hectares to form Noosa National Park. 4000 hectares of natural bush land, a winding track following unspoilt headlands. |
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Noosa is nestled in beautiful sparkling Laguna Bay, on the northern part of the Sunshine Coast in South Eastern Queensland. Despite the volume of people that visit the area, the water is still classed as some of the least polluted on the coast, and thus excellent opportunities exist for the versatile flyrodder. Although the freshwater river and impoundment fishing can be staggering, and the offshore scene can be phenomenal, this article focuses on the many areas and species one can target on foot within an easy walk from the main street. As a bonus to families, the main beaches are normally quite safe and there are plenty of activities for families in the area. |
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Tall, shady trees line a promenade of Hastings St restaurants, boutique shops and bustling outdoor cafes. The continental atmosphere is set off by stylishly designed, low-rise architecture.
Hastings St accommodation providers have the added advantage of being on the doorstep of Main Beach. Lapped by the gentle waters of Laguna Bay, Main Beach offers pristine sands to those seeking the ultimate beach holiday. A convenient boardwalk spans the length of the beach and continues to wind its way several kilometres along Little Cove’s scenic Park Road to the Noosa National Park entrance. |
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Occupying the headland at Noosa, the National Park encompasses a dramatic rocky coastline dotted with sheltered beaches and coves. A series of tracks through the National Park offer visitors a chance to explore tranquil rainforest, open forest, wallum headlands, scrubland and grass lands. The park entrance is located a short distance from Noosa town centre. |
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Cruise the spectacular waterways on a magical journey through the beautiful Noosa River, lakes and everglades region of Queensland. An incredible opportunity to photograph the abundant wildlife in its natural habitat and take in scenery of overwhelming beauty. |
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Inland from Noosa are the old cottage towns of Cooroy, Eumundi (famous for its markets), Yandina, Cooran, Kin Kin with its rolling hills and old country pub, and Pomona, where every July man is pitted against Mt Cooroora for the annual King of the Mountain Festival. |
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Take a wonderful family fishing trip on one of Queensland's most pristine fishing areas, with over 40km of the Noosa River. Enjoy the waterways, admire the rare native bird life and you'll even get to pull up a few crab pots and taste the legendary Queensland Mud or Blue Swimmer Crab. |
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Every Sunday morning Shane Stanley hosts the popular Noosa Farmers' Market held at the Aussie Rules Football ground on Weyba Road Noosaville.
The Noosa Farmer's Market showcases the finest and freshest of regional produce, grown or produced on the Sunshine Coast and surrounding districts.
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Follow the river to Tewantin to visit Noosa Harbour. A collection of restaurants, shops and boating adventures. You can book deep sea fishing, organise a canal cruise, or even hire your own boat. Catch the ferry from the Noosa Sheraton enjoying a relaxing ride and you arrive at Noosa Harbour. And if you prefer drive, just follow the river to Tewantin and look for Noosa Harbour on your right as you enter Tewantin. There is lots of parking. The harbour is alive all day and at night the very popular wine bar attracts a crowd and well known to locals. On Fridays live music creates the Harbour buzz. On Sundays the Noosa Harbour Market has a variety of stalls to appeal to all.
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The main attraction of crossing the Noosa River is the 50 km long beach that runs up to Double Island Point. To reach the North Shore the car ferry operates every few minutes from just beyond Tewantin Village. To drive on the beach a 4WD is required; these can be hired in Noosa. The problem for the bather is that North Shore is turning to a motorway and a very dangerous beach to lie on! |
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A scenic 80km steam rail journey along the Mary Valley. Departs on Sundays (10am) and Wednesdays (10.30am) arriving back at Old Gympie Station at 4pm Sundays and 3.30 Wednesdays. Along the way stop at Kandanga, Imbil and Dagun and enjoy good old fashioned country hospitality. Adults return $29.50; children $15. Journey starts at Old Gympie Station (07 5482 2750). |
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This world famous zoo run by Steve and Terri Irwin, affectionately known as the crocodile hunters, is at Beerwah and well worth a visit. Daily demonstrations start at 10.30 with the feeding of the otters, at 10.30am the Otters are fed at 11am the snake show, 11.30 it is time to feed the Giant Tortoise. The exciting crocodile demonstration takes place at 12.00 and 1.30pm and if you are in luck Steve will do it but he is often away filming. Do time your visit to include the Australia Zoo crocodile demonstration.
Australia Zoo has more than 650 animals looked after by a team of over 300 people. The zoo was started in 1970 and has developed to be leaders in the field of crocodile rescue and conservation. The zoo contains a food court which features six different specialised outlets which include burgers, italian and chinese and an ice cream parlour.
Open daily 8.30 – 4 and located on the Glass House Mountains Tourist Route at Beerwah Ph.07 5494 1134
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The largest oceanarium in the Southern Hemisphere is located at The Wharf, Mooloolaba and has almost 20,000 sea creatures, an 80 metre walk through tunnel. Shows take place during the day. Open every day 9 – 6 with an entry fee of $22.50 for adults, $13 for children and a family ticket for $59. (07 5444 8488). |
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The world's largest high tech Ginger processing plant with historic cane train through native rainforest and gardens. The ginger shop sells the biggest selection of ginger produce in the world. Open daily 9 – 5, free admission and located at 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina (07 5446 7096).
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The famous Ettamogah Pub, with attached small theme park and free entry is a good stopping point on the Bruce Highway and has the advantage of selling some of the cheapest petrol in the area. Attractions include mini golf, rollercoaster, carnival fairground, giant Ferris wheel, fun luge, dodgem cars and specialty shops. Open daily 9 – 5 and located at Frizzo Road, Bruce Highway (07 5494 5444).
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Offers mini golf, rock climbing, blaster boats and a giant vertical trampoline, great for kids from $15 per person. Open all day until late evening and located at 2 Allora Drive, Maroochydore (07 5442 7007) |
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Drive around what is claimed by the owners to be Australia's fastest and longest go-kart tracks at 1200m or ride the Bungy Bullet where you can be shot 50m into the air in just over a second. Located at Old Brisbane Road, Landsborough on the route to Australia zoo, open every day from 9- 5 and until 10pm on Saturday. An action deal that combines 30 minutes of go kart with a Bungy bullet ride costs $44 (07 5494 1613). |
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A wildlife park at Forest Glen, with deer and lots of Koalas and Kangaroos. Located just off the Bruce Highway at Tanawah Tourist Drive, Forest Glen (07 5445 1274) open daily 9 – 5. |
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The famous Eumundi market operates every Saturday and Wednesday morning. Over 250 exciting stores offer handicrafts local produce and many other delights. With careful selection ensures only the best items and crafts are available for purchase. Regular buses operate from Noosa to Eumundi and also many local tour operators offer an excursion. Henry's (07 5474 0199) offer a shuttle service direct from your accommodation to Eumundi Market. Easy to find in the centre of Eumundi with parking signposted. (0428 135 456). |
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Take a train ride through this working pineapple farm at which a number of additional tours have been added over the years since it opened in 1971. These include a ride on the Macadamia nut mobile where enthusiastic guides explain how Macadamia nuts are processed, the Harvest Boat ride that educates us on hydroponics, the rainforest walk or visit the wildlife gardens. Located on Old Bruce Highway, Woombye and easy to spot with a 16m high fibre glass pineapple marking the entrance. Open every day 9.30 – 5 with free admission, but with charges for the tours, which cost for all tours combined $23.60 for adults, $18.15 for children and a family ticket for $69 (07 5442 1333). |
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View how nougat is made at this small friendly factory located at 4 Tallgum Avenue, Eumundi. Taste some of the many samples which are exported across the world. Open weekdays. (07 5442 7617). |
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