Hangin' In Noosa (Noosa)

Member Name: indiecater

Product:	Noosa
Date:	11/03/02 (651 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Laidback Resort That Hasn't Been Totally Succumbed By Commercialism.

Disadvantages: The Distances Between Accommodation & Town.

Noosa in that rather typical Australian way (c.f. Mission Beach, Hervey Bay et al) is made up of a series of small hamlets spread over a large geographical area. These form the focal point of what is called the Sunshine coast, an area in Queensland that stretches from Noosa nearly all the way to Brisbane.

Noosa started out as a hippy commune back in the 1960's and although its laid back nature persists it now comes complete with all of lifes modern trappings. Today the resort is viewed as an expensive escape from the city but thankfully there are quite a few options for least well heeled travellers. The surf and beaches in Noosa are legendary which means that surfing and sun bathing are its chief calling cards. That said Noosa has a lot more to offer and 3 or 4 days at least are required to see it in full.


ACCOMMODATION

Don't expect to pick up a room as you arrive off the bus in Noosa Heads. From our experience it seems that the most convenient budget accommodation is booked out well in advance. Most places have free phone numbers so if you know when you're travelling you should make a booking.

By far the most enticing place to stay (both by the look of it and lavish praise from people who've stayed there) is the YHA Halse Lodge. With its airy verandas, clean kitchen and shiny wooden floors a stay there is near idyllic. Rates are reasonable and there are both dorms and more private singles and doubles available. The lodge's main drawing point, though, is its location in Noosa Heads about 100 metres from the bus drop off point. Unfortunately the Halse Lodge is forever booked out days in advance (in summer at least).

Further out in Noosa Junction, Koala's has plenty of dorms for the party animals amongst you. By all accounts the place is as lively as Noosa gets but its rooms are often stuffy and some are even windowless. Other travellers we talked to said that there
was a tarantula in the loos but whether the sighting was drink induced is open to question.

Noosaville, a couple of kilometres from the centre, is all flash without any bang. Lots of cafes and river apartments but little charm. There is quite a spread of accommodation here too but its remoteness and aloofness means that you should only stay here as a last resort (!).

Dolphin's in Sunshine Beach (a 5 minute ride from Noosa Heads) prides itself on its chilled out atmosphere. We stayed in a double room with a TV and video for $50 a night. The place certainly has all the ingrediants for a restful stay, the hammocks swing to reasoned tunes (Stereolab when we were there) and the sound of the table tennis out the back. With free transport to town and plenty of boogie boards Dolphin's tries its best to make your stay enjoyable. It stuck in our gut a little when they charged $5 for oldish videos but overall this was a well run if a tad inpersonal place to stay.

If you have money to burn there are unlimited accommodation possibilities throughout the Noosa area. Expensive apartments line up beside the expensive shops on Hastings streets and are dotted all over the resort. Many have balconies and large living areas which would be ideal for families or scheming larger groups.


BEACHES

Noosa has a revered standing amongst surfers throughout Australia and beyond. The waves are undoubtedly big but the currents are a little disconcerting for those of us who are better at flapping rather than cutting through the water. As you walk gingerly towards the waves don't be too surprised to find dips and sand ridges that can easily trip the unsuspecting.

The sand and waters of Noosa are well maintained and most have lifeguards during the day. The best beach can be found at Alexandra Bay which is only accessible by foot. This beach has become a naturist enclave which means that
disconcerting eyes are thrown at the more modest amongst us. Quite how these people negotiate the stinger infested waters is something that is hard to contemplate but I guess a good tan acts affords a little protection.

The water at Alexandra Bay is clear, blue and quite warm. Most of the time the shore is close to deserted and is perfect for a day's seclusion from the world. The surrounding scenary is spectacular with the broad rock formations acting as a good barrier from the Pacific's wrath. Bringing a water bottle is essential if you are visiting this beach as the nearest supply is a couple of kilometres away.

Sunshine Beach is among the best places to surf in Australia. The waves are huge and for the inexperienced they can be a little overbearing. The stinger (deadly Jellyfish) problem is a lot less obvious than at Alexandra Bay but many surfers still wear wet suits for protection. We had no problems at all so it is just a matter of luck. This beach stretches for a couple of kilometres and is much quieter than Main Beach. There is a lifeguard on duty during office hours (??) and the safety flags demonstrate where it is safest to swim.

Noosa's most accessible beach is somewhat disapppointingly called Main Beach and is only metres from the solubrious Hastings Street. Despite its lazy title the beach boasts a fine stretch of sand and although the waves never quite match those on Sunshine Beach surfers still find comfort in the fact that the crowded beach will give them plenty of spectators. There are plenty of places you can rent boards if you feel like becoming a showoff yourself!

One small drawback (at least in summertime when we were there) to frolicing in the water is the presence of smaller jellyfish known as Bluebottles. They are so called because of their navy stinger that trails behind them. Luckily we avoided coming into contact with them but Alexand
ra Bay in particular had dozens of dead one washed up on its shore. Thankfully these jellyfish are more an annoyance than dangerous, the sting is painful but there are no long term effects. Watching from the shore it is sometimes comical (sorry) to see swimmers react to everything from seaweed to other swimmers as if it was a stinger.


ATTRACTIONS

Apart from Noosa's excellent beaches there are lots of other activities that enhance a stay there. The Noosa National Park may be small but it contains several excellent paths that traverse the wonderfully scenic environment. If you are staying in Sunshine Beach there are entry points from Parkledge road and the beach.

To fully appreciate the trails you need a couple of days and although many of the walks are shaded a water supply is essential. Highlights on the way include Dolphin Point, Devils Gate and the quaint Noosa Hill. The latter is topped by Eculyptus trees which means that it is an excellent place to spot Koala Bears. Seeing these undescribably cute animals in the wild is a rare treat and we were lucky enough to have a few minutes with one of them. As we made our way down from the hill a furry ball stared at us from a few yards away. Instead of scarpering he merely looked away and began to doze off (Koala's sleep an average of 20 hours a day, nearly more than us backpackers!)

Situated off in the sticks near a small town called Beerwah Steve Irwin's Australian Zoo is a major draw. Getting there is awkward but from Noosa it couldn't be easier. At least 3 times a day there is a courtesy bus from Noosa Junction straight to the Zoo's front doors. Entry to the Zoo is $16 and it is worth every cent. You might even get to see madcap Steve!

The Australian Zoo differs from other animal parks because it operates under the theme 'Conservation Through Exciting Education' which means that you get up close t
o the animals and there are about a dozen demonstrations throughout the day that inform visitors about various animals. Feeding a Kangaroo, watching a 7 foot crocodile being fed by a trained hand and holding a Koala Bear are just some of the many highlights.

Frasier Islands main entry point is at Hervey Bay but getting to the worlds largest sand island is not too difficult from Noosa. This spectacular island is over 100 Kilometres long and houses the most spectacular scenary imaginable. Most operaters offer camping safari's that are self drive but if you find the notion of taking on a 4 wheel drive too much driver guides are available. Prices range from $120 to $300 depending on the length of your stay. We paid $225 for an all inclusive 2 night/3 day tour. In Hervey Bay Fraser Escape! are the most popular operators although the hostel they run is well below par.

Highlights on Frasier include Lake McKensie, a crystal clear stretch of water banked by fluffy white sand. Indian Head gives panormic views of the islands long beaches and the ocean below just teams with manta rays, sharks and dolphins. Then there's the elegant Eli Creek which is a natural waterway that resembles a minature lazy river.


EATING OUT

Bay Village Shopping Centre on Hastings Street has a small but inexpensive food court. Particulary good value is China Kitchen where a large chinese meal costs only $8. You can also find an ice-cream parlour, a deli and a pasta bar there. Upstairs Michali's restaurant is a little more upmarket and you can avoid having to share your table.

Hastings Street is awash with expensive eateries. Shiny wooden floors are complemented by austere yet perfectly formed tables and a menu that would lighten your pocket more than it fills your stomach. Yes you've guessed it we didn't dine here but the homemade tomato sandwiches we ate in our room were just as appetising
!


ENTERTAINMENT

Noosa pales in comparison with Airlie Beach, Cairns and Brisbane in terms of nightlife but if you are determined enough you can still have a ball. There are quite a few happy hours taking place as the sun goes down, many have half priced cocktails which are tempting after a days self-baking on the beach. You'll find a heap of places on Hastings Street and its environs although prices (even during happy hours) tend to be a little steep.

From a backpacker's point of view Koala's is where a lot of the action takes place. Although the accommodation is a little basic their nightly entertainment is among the best in town. Each Wednesday night there is live music laid on and there is usually no cover charge. Somewhat annoyingly everything closes down at midnight so the happy hours which kick in at 4:30 are well populated.

Rolling Rock in the Bay Village Shopping Centre is a swanky joint that insists on neat dress. Despite this there are a some good drink deals that you would expect to find in more downmarket establishments. Pots of beer (noncy looking vessels you wouldn't be seen dead holding back home) and basics (regular spirits like vodka) go for $3 right up to the 3am closing time.

Noosa 5 Cinema is located on Sunshine Beach Road in Noosa Junction. Showing up to 12 films a day it is a comfortable place that has special prices ($8) for VIP card holders. As with most cinema's in Oz, Tuesday is budget day with pre 6pm prices all day.

For a guide to what's on in Noosa there is a supplement with the free Noosa News paper that is helpful. Other freebies like the Brisbane produced Rave is a good read with a review section and comprehensive entertainment guide.


THE REST

Noosa isin't exactly overflowing with internet options and rates are above average. The cheapest price can be found in the sur
f shop at the end of Noosa Drive onto Sunshoine Beach Road. Here the very quick connections somewhat balance the $4 an hour charges. There are a few other internet resources on Sunshine Beach Road but the rates are prohibitive for those on a budget.

Noosa is a mini-mecca for anyone looking to stock up on branded gear. Hastings Street near the main beach is lined with glossy shopfronts and spartan shelves (why do expensive clothes need to be stacked detached?). The only shopping most backpackers will do in Noosa will be for food and the best option by far is Coles which is just around the corner from Sunshine Beach Road.

Most hostels in Noosa offer a courtesy shuttle bus to town. The state run Sunbus service is another option for getting around. The standard fare is a little pricey at nearly $2 from Sunshine Beach to Noosa Heads (it's only a couple of kilometres).

Noosa Heads is on most of the popular bus routes (McCafferty's/Greyhound, Premier) and makes a pleasant stopoff on the backpacker trail. While nightowls might be disappointed most will be entranced by the natural terrain and wildlife that abounds on the towns doorstep. Imagine all those dreams you've been having of the ultimate getaway and you have Noosa in a nutshell.

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