Arrive in Noosa and drop your bags at your Noosa accommodation – some great hen’s party accommodation options include the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort (the swim up bar and late-night parties at The Cabanas will fit the bill nicely), or the beachside villas at Netanya Noosa are ideal for late sleep-ins and evening drinks with epic views overlooking Laguna Bay. There’s time to drop your bags, get changed and get ready to board the private bus for your bespoke tour of Noosa’s best gin distilleries with Creative Tours and Events.
First stop on your tour is Pomona Gin Distillery, where you’ll find a rustic garden courtyard and a selection of four house-distilled gins to sample, along with a quirky cocktail list. Try the Pomonacolada for a tropical tipple and share some plates of tasty Thai-fusion treats from the kitchen. Don’t miss the Massaman beef curry and Hoisin duck bao buns. Ask the bartenders for a demo on how to shake the perfect gin martini and learn all the tricks of the trade to impress your fiancé back at home!
As the bus weaves through the lush Noosa Country, get ready for your next stop in the charming town of Cooroy, at micro-distillery 2020 Distillery. With four small-batch gins and four whiskeys to sample in the tasting room, as well as refreshing gin seltzers, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s not much these guys don’t know about gin, and they’re happy to share, taking you on a guided tour for a real behind-the-scenes experience at a working distillery.
As the fun bus rolls back into Noosaville, you’ll make your final stop at Fortune Distillery. Don’t get too distracted by the soaring interiors and shiny copper stills lining the walls, you’re here to sample the small batch spirits made on-site. Try the iconic Noosa Gin or the signature Pho Gin, a collaboration between Fortune and the local legends at Sum Yung Guys, with its hints of ginger, spring onion and exotic spices.
Wind up a perfect day in the hinterland, with a drink beside the stunning Noosa River. Climb the stairs at Noosa Boathouse to the top-floor Sunset Bar. Boasting one of the best views on the coast for a sundowner, it’s the perfect place to take in the dreamy pastel skies at dusk. It’s hard to go past the “Noosa River Sling” with its combination of gin, blackberry liqueur, pineapple, cranberry, native lime and a splash of soda.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, pop downstairs to the Boathouse Restaurant for a dinner that will have you floating in foodie heaven. Share their signature seafood tower, loaded with the best of the Sunshine Coast’s local fish, prawns, oysters and more.
After a full day of drink tastings, delicious eats and plenty of mischief, some rest and relaxation might be calling. Head back to your hotel and unwind on the outdoor terrace, with the twinkling lights of Noosa Heads as your backdrop.
After a well-earned sleep in, frock up and head out for brunch – did someone say Bloody Marys and Bellinis?
Smack-bang in the middle of Hastings Street with tables that almost touch the sand, Bistro C is a local brunch favourite. Feast on delicious dishes that are light, fresh and seasoned with Noosa’s salt air. Take your time and soak in the sunshine and ocean views – this is Noosa at its best!
If you can drag yourselves away from the beachside locale, head for a wander down Hastings Street for some window shopping or a little pre-wedding splurge. Noosa’s famous shopping strip has a wide variety of stores with everything from bikinis and local art to floaty summer dresses and high-end designer fashion. Head to Husk for unique house-designed pieces and designers like Lala Berlin and Amber Sceats. If you’re looking for something to wear out in Noosa, don’t miss a stop at long-time local favourite Toscani, for their selection of international designers like Isabel Marant and Ulla Johnson. Shop till you almost drop – then head back to your hotel with your coveted finds and get ready for a night out on the town, Noosa style.
Noosa has a great selection of bars and clubs if you’re looking to dance the night away with your besties. Start with a cocktail or a bottle of bubbles at Miss Moneypenny’s on Hastings Street and try something from their delicious menu of bar bites. Don’t miss the freshly-shucked oysters and signature prawn toast, or one of their tasty pizzas to fuel the rest of your night out. Moonstruck Bar is a delightfully tiny gin bar in the heart of Hastings St, with Euro-inspired interiors, a vast selection of Australian gins to sample and share plates that will tide you over.
If you’ve got your dancing shoes on, head down the street to The Cabanas at the Sofitel Noosa Pacific, where DJ’s spin tunes until well into the evening, or head to Little Sister to dance the night away.
Looking for more Noosa inspiration? Discover a whole world of destinations to enjoy the best beaches, rivers and hinterland experiences.
