Meander through the Noosa Hinterland this winter, and cosy up by outdoor wood burning fires, with a locally distilled gin in hand, or explore hinterland dining destinations and rustic country pubs. It’s all in a weekend in the Noosa Hinterland!
Head to the country town of Cooroy, and feel a million miles away, just thirty minutes from the heart of Noosa.
Wander through the pretty surrounds of the Noosa Botanic Gardens, situated on the water’s edge over Lake Macdonald, and discover native species and wildlife, a roman style amphitheatre overlooking the lake, and rare species of plants.
Hinterland Adventure Playground
Little adventurers will love a visit to the sprawling nature-play spaces at the Hinterland Adventure Playground, set at the end of Cooroy’s quaint, winding main street. With giant twisty slides, climbing towers, flying foxes, water play area and expansive green parklands with picnic and BBQ facilities, it’s a relaxing spot for families to settle in and spend the day.
Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre
Located just up the hill, the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is housed in the old butter factory warehouse and is a community space dedicated to promoting local and visiting artists, as well as hosting a permanent selection of workshops and classes for budding ceramicists and artists.
Head to the outskirts of Cooroy to the country setting of 20 20 Distillery, and sample the small-batch distilled gin, whisky and seltzers produced on-site. The curated menu features a share-friendly selection of grazing plates, charcuterie, and bar snacks.
A weekend spent in Pomona is a weekend well spent and will soothe the soul and help get you back in balance.
Begin your weekend with a visit to Pomona Country Market, which takes place in the town centre each Saturday morning, featuring a quaint selection of locally made arts and crafts, locally grown produce, food trucks and bric-a-brac stalls.
Pomona Railway Station Gallery
Take a visit to this main-street gem, housed in a collection of buildings from the town’s former railway station, which operates as a community space exhibiting and selling a rotating selection of mainly local art.
Head to this rustic multi-venue space, concealed behind giant timber barn doors at the furthest edge of the town’s main street. Inside, you will find a cute bistro-style restaurant in the original timber weatherboard house at the front of the property, and a flowing outdoor space featuring atrium restaurant seating, a cellar, beer garden, and an on-site art space. Sample the small-batch distilled gin and spirits and choose from the menu of pub-style classics, grazing boards, and meats smoked on the outdoor coals.
The world’s longest-running silent theatre, this old-world space nestled on the outskirts of Pomona will take you on a nostalgic journey back in time. The historic theatre screens silent films on Saturday afternoons, as well as hosting an eclectic calendar of live music, theatre, and other events.
After a day spent meandering through the hinterland town of Pomona, it’s time to retreat to nature at the bush surrounds of Noosa Eco Retreat. Set serenely in the shadow of the formidable Mt Cooroora, luxury eco yurts dotted throughout the property provide the perfect setting for a relaxing retreat. Spend the evening by the rustic fire pits, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
A true hidden gem in the Noosa region, Boreen Point is a local’s favourite and the perfect spot to enjoy a cosy winter weekend exploring the tiny town centre and nearby Lake Cootharaba.
For true old-world Australiana vibes, you can’t beat Boreen Point’s favourite local watering hole, The Apollonian Hotel. Just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Noosa, you’ll feel like you have stepped back in time at this rustic country pub, set within an original timber weatherboard house transported from nearby Gympie, and tree-lined green outdoor spaces. Choose from the pub-style menu, or on weekends, head to the outdoor smokehouse for smoked meats and live country music. The property also features a collection of 10 comfy rooms, for the perfect weekend break in Boreen Point.
The sprawling bush property at Habitat Noosa offers powered and unpowered campsites, cabin accommodation and luxury glamping, where you can cosy up by the outdoor fire pits or settle into the onsite CootharaBAR bistro for warming meals and woodfired pizzas. During the day, explore the shallow waters of the bordering Lake Cootharaba by canoe or kayak, or set off on an expedition to discover the nearby Noosa Everglades (Everglades Eco Safaris have boating tours leaving from Habitat daily).
Journey deep into the Noosa Hinterland to discover the rolling green hills, farm gates, and a thriving small community in the town of Kin Kin.
The rustic Kin Kin Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month on the town’s central oval, and stalls offer a selection of locally made arts, crafts, farm-fresh produce, organic skincare, massage, plants and more. Look out for regular Art Fairs throughout the year and the beloved Kin Kin Christmas Market to kick off the festive season.
Although unassumingly small, the hinterland town of Kin Kin is home to one of the region’s best eco-luxury retreats, Mayan Farm. The collection of rammed earth villas is perched atop a hill outside of town, overlooking the rolling green hills the town is famous for. Outdoor baths, a rustic fire pit, and delightfully comfortable sleeping spaces will get you back in balance. Book out the whole villa for a rejuvenating weekend getaway, and organise catering from the nearby Black Ant Gourmet, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect Noosa Hinterland escape.
Black Ant Gourmet at Kin Kin General Store
Explore the cute main street of Kin Kin, with its handful of tiny, eclectic stores, like the delightful treasure trove Kin Kin Depot, and stop for lunch at the hidden gem, Black Ant Gourmet at Kin Kin General Store. The restaurant offers a true paddock to plate experience, with a menu featuring locally sourced meats and seafood, and a selection of take-home goodies from the adjoining General Store.
Famous for its heaving local market, there is so much to see and love in the hinterland town of Eumundi – the perfect spot for a cosy winter getaway.
They’re not called The Original Eumundi Markets for nothing – this iconic bi-weekly market has been thriving in Eumundi for over 30 years and offers an incredibly large array of stalls including arts, crafts, spiritual healers, international food stalls, restaurants, and just about everything else you could think of. The markets take over the otherwise sleepy town of Eumundi every Wednesday and Saturday.
This stunning 15-room boutique hotel overlooks Eumundi’s tranquil main street, with interiors to rival some of the world’s best design hotels. Each of the 15 rooms is complete with artwork by a different local artist, and furnished with natural timbers, soft linens, and locally handcrafted ceramics, which all combine to effortlessly embody the laidback essence of Eumundi.
One of the region’s longest-standing and most loved local pubs, The Imperial Hotel hosts a regular rotation of live music and houses the Eumundi Larger brewery. It is the locals’ destination of choice, and you’ll find it humming with life at most times of the day and night.
Gridley Homestead Bed & Breakfast
For a truly charming country escape, bunker down at Gridley Homestead B&B, which lies at the edge of the town of Eumundi, just a ten-minute walk from the markets, and with uninterrupted views over Cooroy Mountain. The homestead consists of an original timber Queenslander housing four queen bedrooms, and a separate one-bedroom cottage, both decorated with vintage furniture and cosy florals, with a wood-burning fireplace in the book-lined living room.
