Breathe in the fresh country air and delve into rich experiences in the Noosa Hinterland, where farm gates and gourmet producers are dotted throughout the country villages.
Embark on a self-drive tour across forest trails and country roads to discover natural wonders, serene lakes, mountain lookouts, country villages, farm gates and a side to Noosa that you may not know, on the Noosa Country Drive.
Quiet country vibes enchant visitors to this hinterland town, but you’ll also find plenty to do, like a round at the Cooroy Golf Club, a long lunch at the Cooroy Hotel or one of the town’s fabulous craft breweries and distilleries (see #87). With kids in tow, the main street offers such delights as the Hinterland Adventure Playground, Butter Factory Arts Centre and the architecturally-acclaimed Cooroy Library.
Unearth other-worldly treasures from times gone by in the antique and bric-a-brac stores that line the picturesque town centre, and take a journey back in time at the Majestic Theatre, the world’s longest running silent movie theatre. Settle in for good times and boutique gin distilled onsite at the buzzing Pomona Distilling Co, then retreat to a unique stay in a private yurt in the shadow of the towering Mt Cooroora, at Noosa Eco Retreat.
This little hinterland town packs a huge punch for its size. The rolling hills are dotted with producers and farm gates, while the tiny town centre rewards visitors with a true paddock-to-plate experience at Black Ant Gourmet and good, old-fashioned country hospitality at the whimsical Kin Kin Depot, perched on the sloping hill of the main street.
You’re just a 20-minute drive from Noosa, but you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time at the Apollonian Hotel, a laid-back country establishment serving unfussy meals and extra large beers on tap, surrounded by open green spaces for little ones to roam. Nearby, explore the salt water Lake Cootharaba and eco-wilderness camp Habitat Noosa, both at the gateway to the Noosa Everglades.
Although you don’t need an excuse to explore the pretty country surrounds of the tiny hinterland town Cooran, the rustic Noosa Hinterland Brewing Co. will provide you with the extra motivation you need to get off the beaten track, and tuck into one of Noosa’s best craft brews along the way.
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