Noosa, a coastal gem nestled at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, has long captivated the hearts of travellers seeking natural beauty and luxe travel experiences. While there are plenty of tried-and-true favourites in Noosa, the best experiences come from getting off the beaten path and living like a local! Come along with us, on our locals guide to Noosa, uncovering hidden gems and indulging in the best the region has to offer.
Noosa is filled with great day spas and wellness experiences, but locals have been flocking to this out-of-the-way destination for years. At the foothills of the Noosa Hinterland in the sleepy village of Doonan, the Balinese-inspired Ikatan Spa proves that you don´t have to hop on a plane to experience incredible Balinese-style relaxation. Enter the lush tropical gardens and get ready to leave the world behind, with a range of luxurious treatments, from Balinese massage to revitalising chi treatments, or a hot rock massage. Then head to the bungalow, sip on a glass of bubbles, indulge in a gourmet platter, or partake in a peaceful tea ceremony to finish your treatment.
If you´re on the hunt for a true country pub experience, you´ll find it in spades just a short 30-minute drive from the heart of Noosa, in the riverside village of Boreen Point. A well-kept local secret, The Apollonian Hotel is set on an expansive 2.5-acre property, within an original weatherboard shack, transported from the nearby regional town of Gympie. They serve top-notch country-style counter meals, and hearty meats cooked on the outdoor coals as part of their Sunday Smokehouse. It´s the perfect spot to book a long lunch with an extended group, or to relax at a table under the shady trees while the kids run wild or kick the footy on the grass. You can even check into one of their ten quaint country-style rooms, set within a converted railway building in a quiet corner of the property. Check out the town of Boreen Point once you´re done, and the bordering Lake Cootharaba, which is one of Australia´s largest saltwater lakes and an ideal location to spot native wildlife.
If you've fallen in love with Noosa and dream of making it your permanent home, Home Scouts Noosa is your go-to partner. This dedicated team of buyer’s agents takes the hassle out of buying and relocating, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Their expertise covers all aspects of the purchase process, providing you with the confidence to invest wisely. Home Scouts' knowledgeable professionals have called Noosa home for over a decade and bring a deep understanding of the local real estate market. With Home Scouts by your side, you'll have a dedicated ally representing your best interests throughout the entire purchase process and beyond.
Once you have secured the perfect property, you´ll need to know where to go to furnish it, and Noosa has a raft of great interior style stores to help you get that refined, breezy coastal Noosa look. Locals love the vibrant, globally influenced interiors you´ll find at Eclectic Style, close to the Noosa River. Expect solid timber furniture, locally made homewares, vibrant soft furnishings, coastal-inspired artwork, airy linens, curated tableware and sustainably made rugs in the soaring warehouse space. Or head to the burgeoning industrial estate precinct, and hunt for antique nautical interiors, salvaged trinkets, rustic rattan and wicker lighting, and one-of-a-kind vintage items, within the treasure trove store Coastal Vintage.
Coffee drinking is a favourite Noosa pastime, and you will find throngs of locals lingering over their brews from the early hours at the Sunshine Beach gem, Sunshine Social. They roast their own coffee onsite and serve light offerings like oat bars, granola and raw slices to perfectly accompany your flat white or pot of sticky chai. Find a sunny spot on the sprawling outdoor deck and while away the hours reading the paper or chatting with your gang or the friendly locals, all with your furry friends in tow.
Prepare for a unique and creative experience at Frida's Sip ´n Paint Noosa. Located in the heart of Noosa Junction´s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, this vibrant sip ´n paint studio offers an unforgettable night out. Step into the lavishly adorned studio, complete with chandeliers, glassware, and elegant timber benches, and let your creativity soar. The 2.5-hour sessions, led by professionally trained artists, guide you through a creative journey as you paint your own bespoke masterpiece, to take home with you at the end of the session!
From June 24 to July 30, 2023, Noosa becomes a vibrant canvas for Australia's premier art-in-the-environment event, Floating Land. This unique biennial festival reflects Noosa's deep connection with the natural world, and showcases large-scale, temporary installations that harmonize with the breathtaking landscapes. As you explore the various sites across the region, encounter artworks that engage and collaborate with the surrounding spaces and respond to this years´ theme – Us and Them. The creative visions of talented artists merge with the beauty of nature, creating a truly immersive experience. Floating Land exemplifies Noosa's commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to fostering a vibrant arts community.
Round out your journey through Noosa like a local, with a visit to some of the fabulous creative and famers markets that pop up throughout the Noosa region every weekend. First up, there´s the adored local Noosa Farmers Market, where locals flock every Sunday morning for locally grown, organic and spray-free produce, artisan local products, from-the-source locally caught seafood and meat, flower stalls, and food trucks, under the shade of the eucalyptus trees along Weyba Road. A little further afield, discover the village vibes and homemade gems at the Peregian Beach Village markets, every second Sunday of the month. Or travel to the hinterland for the quaint Pomona Country Markets, held every Saturday morning. The famed Original Eumundi Market take over the hinterland town of Eumundi every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
