Noosa, on Queensland’s aptly named Sunshine Coast, is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations – and with good reason. Located on north-easterly facing Laguna Bay, between the Noosa River and the local national park, this little corner of sun-kissed paradise is just the place to ‘go troppo,’ laze under a pandanus tree, relax, unwind and enjoy the carefree Queensland lifestyle.

While away the days on the white sands of Noosa beach, splash around in the rolling surf, learn to paddle-board — standing up, discover a koala in the local National park or take a romantic sunset cruise down the Noosa River. If lazing on a beach doesn’t appeal then hire a Jeep and drive along kilometres of the scenic sands (over 70 different colours) to beautiful Rainbow Beach where barges leave for the World Heritage Fraser Island. Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo is nearby, the Eumundi Markets, with over 600 art and craft and fresh produce stalls opens 2 days each week (3 in summer) and some of the country’s best golf courses are in the area. 

Eumundi Markets

Dining at Berados in Noosa

Needless to say holiday apartments of all standards and prices are in abundance here. However, for top of the line accommodation in a great location, overlooking the Noosa beach, the Hastings Park holiday apartment complex is undoubtedly one of the area’s finest. Superbly located across from the main surfing beach, with sublime 180° views over the village, the Noosa River and all the activity on the water, this luxurious complex consists of 9 x 3 bedroom apartments, each indulgently furnished and with spacious living areas. Each apartment contains three bedrooms sleeping 6 guests. Bedding arrangements can be configured to suit. These resort-style apartments are accessed via an inclinator and a private swimming pool is located on-site.

Apartments contain either two or three bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, large and comfortable living and dining areas, outdoor sitting areas, spa bath, flat screen TVs, DVD, library and laundry. Secure car parking is provided. Each apartment has raised decks and a bar-b-que area where guests can dine al-fresco while taking in the view. Alternatively, it is a short stroll to the main shopping and dining area of Noosa’s Hastings Street. This colourful, buzzy avenue is lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques, many located directly on the beach front. Eating well is easy in Noosa and the local seafood market specialises in trawler fresh seafood, especially plump Queensland prawns, barramundi and local mud crab.

Noosa is only 2 hours drive north from the Queensland capital city of Brisbane and a leisurely 45 minute drive north from the Sunshine Coast Airport, near Maroochydore to the south.

From $450.00AUD per apartment per night.
www.hastingsparknoosa.com.au

A boardwalk runs the length of the Noosa beach, commencing at the mouth of the Noosa River where fishing and jet skiing are popular activities. The boardwalk follows the coastline around to the local National Park, a haven of natural wildlife, including goannas, lizards, birds and koala bears.  Walking paths crisscross the park and a picturesque 6km coastal walk leads to Hell’s Gate, the most easterly point of Noosa headland. Dolphins and whales can often be seen from the path, in season.The walk continues on to the pristine sands of Alexandria Bay.

Noosa Beach from Hastings Park Apartments

Viridian Noosa Residences – an irreplaceable holiday destination.
Where blue meets green on the colour spectrum, is by definition ‘viridian’.
Viridian Noosa is now available for exclusive holiday letting where visitors can enjoy the luxury of being 200 metres away from the inviting blue waters of Noosa’s Main Beach and the verdant vegetation of Noosa’s National Park.
Located at the ‘Paris End’ of Noosa’s well-known Hastings Street, Viridian is set amongst 19.5 hectares of land atop Noosa Hill and features 23 newly completed, fully self contained two and three bedroom luxury residences. The residences form stage two of a three-stage $190m design project and are a triumph in ecologically sensitive construction.

Viridian Residences,  Patrick Obram Photographs

A collage of lightweight materials has been utilised in order to maximise natural sunlight, make the most of the sensational views and snare prevailing sea breezes.

Metallic shutters, louvres, vertical windows and timber bifold doors characterise the elegant but casual, open plan nature of the design to create luxurious, liveable spaces that embrace the concept of holidaying ‘Noosa style’.

All residences feature walk in wardrobes, state of the art televisions, a DVD/CD player, Austar television, fully equipped kitchen with European (Smeg) appliances, fully equipped laundry, air conditioning and a selection of deck nooks and balconies from which to enjoy the views.

There are two accommodation options available:
* The two bedroom residences sleep up to six people via a combination of King, Queen and Single bedding and boast two luxuriously appointed bathrooms (master with ensuite)

* The three bedroom residences sleep up to eight people via a combination of King, Queen and Single bedding and feature three bathrooms (two bedroom ensuites and one stand alone bathroom).

Managed by Outrigger Resorts and boasting Spa facilities, 24-hour reception and resort services, Noosa’s largest conference facility and an a la carte restaurant, the Viridian Noosa Resort will be Noosa’s finest.

A holiday at Viridian captures all that is good about Noosa - ecologically sensitive architecture, being in close proximity to Noosa’s main beach and the shopping and dining of Hastings Street, and all set against the beauty of Noosa’s National Park.

www.viridiannoosaresidences.com.au
From $340.00AUD per apartment per night

Past Alexandria Bay the two glorious beaches of Sunshine and Sunrise lie side by side on an endless stretch of pristine, white sand. Sunshine is home to many  Australian celebrities including former tennis players Pat Rafter and Eyonne Cawley (Goologong) and former Rugby international Michael O’Connor. The rumour is that the Australian Prime Minister is looking for a beach house in the area.

Seamist apartments

Total peace and tranquillity can be found at Sunrise Beach which is only a 10 minute drive from the bustle of Hastings Street. Overlooking the beach, the  Seamist Apartments are separated from the sand and surf by a quiet street. Fanned by the gentle sea-breeze, the spacious ground floor apartment is available for rent all year round and represents excellent value for a property in this location. The apartment will sleep five adults in three bedrooms, two of which are furnished with a queen bed and the third bedroom with a king- single. The main bedroom is ensuite and a full bathroom with bath and shower is separate. The apartment features a full kitchen, an eating area, a comfortable lounge room with TV and DVD, laundry and air-conditioning.  Secure undercover parking with internal access to the unit is provided. A common-use swimming pool is in the grounds.

From $130.00 per night (min stay 5 nights).
http://www.stayz.com.au/65517#rateslist
email the owner direct: nktm[at]tig.com.au

Trish Clark is author of Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe, Vols I and II,
both published by Hidden Spring, an imprint of Paulist Press NJ. She
writes a monthly column for wanderingeducators.com as the European
Accommodation Editor. You can find her at http://goodnightandgodbless.com/

All photos courtesy and copyright www.tourismnoosa.com.au unless otherwise noted.