Facts and Figures
Noosa is a region in Queensland about 160 km north of Brisbane on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast. It is a Shire covering around 875 square kilometres with a population of a little over 50,000 people. Noosa is known as one of Australia's most beautiful areas, and over one third of the area consists of National Parks, Conservation Parks, State Forests and other protected land. Noosa is the Aboriginal word for "shadows" or "shade", and this probably relates to the many tall forests of the region.
Andrew Petrie and Henry Russell were among the first white explorers of the region as they searched for suitable timber and sheep grazing country in 1842. Towards the close of the century and with the discovery of gold at Gympie, pioneers, prospectors and settlers began establishing their lives in nearby Noosa.
1879 saw the Noosa Headland declared a Town Reserve. This untouched forest is one of Noosa's most prized natural assets, and is now known as the Noosa National Park. During the 1940s the town began to evolve, and grew in popularity as both a beautiful holiday destination and a tranquil place to call home. The shire is known for its generally green and sustainable approach to development. Buildings over four storeys, which is around the height of the tree line, are prohibited.
Tourism drives the local economy with more than 250,000 visitors each year attracted by its great surf, beautiful beaches and relaxed, laid-back style. The main tourist area is Noosa Heads where Hastings Street offers great shopping options for clothing and souvenirs and a huge range of eateries where you can grab a bite to eat.
With fantastic sparkling ocean views, perfect waves, wide sandy north facing beaches, national parks, an array of wildlife, fine restaurants and plenty of action it's not hard to see why Noosa is high on the list for those seeking a break from it all.
Climate
Noosa has a sub-tropical climate moderated by the ocean, so it's never boiling hot and seldom chilly or cold. During summer the region has a temperature that ranges from 17-28°C and is often prone to violent lightning storms with an average rainfall of about 1709mm. The temperature during winter ranges from 13-22°C, which makes it a perfect place for swimming and outdoors fun right throughout the year. The coldest month in Noosa is July, with the warmest month being January. January to March has the most rainfall, and humidity can be high. Water temperature ranges from 19°C during winter to a very comfortable 25°C during the summer months.
Top 10 things to see or do
With its stylish boutiques, shopping precincts and local markets, there is something for everyone in Noosa. Take part in any of the tours, try adventure sports or enjoy the local produce fresh from the farms, or visit any of the local vineyards. Trek through sub-tropical forest trails, observe the wildlife or pay a visit to a theme park. Be sure to check out the local markets, browse the art and crafts and purchase directly from the artist as they design and create. Here are just a few of the most popular attractions you can enjoy while visiting beautiful Noosa.
1. Take a cruise on the Noosa River.
2. Take a whale watching tour.
3. Stroll around Noosa Harbour and enjoy a drink or meal on the wooden decks.
4. Visit the hinterland villages of Cooroy, Eumundi, Boreen Point , Pomona and Kin Kin.
5. Tee-off on a manicured golf course
6. Wander through the farmers markets
7. Use the free BBQ facilities by the river
8. Relax with a massage or spa treatment
9. Walk through sub-tropical rainforests in the National Park
10. Relax, swim or surf on pristine beaches
Noosa Events not to be missed
Due to its consistently mild climate throughout the entire year, Noosa always has something going on. With its picturesque location and friendly community, it makes for a fantastic location to host a wide range of special events all year round.
- In late October the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is Australia's premiere multi sport event and incorporates one of the biggest Triathlons in the world.
- The Riverfest Regatta in May is fun for all the family.
- During March the Noosa Festival of Surfing presents eight days and nights of the world's most enjoyable surf events
- The Noosa Jazz Festival's is four day celebration of hot food and cool jazz in September.
- The Noosa Longweekend in June is a 10 day festival of theatre, literature, music, dance, film, visual arts, cuisine and more
- Dingo Creek Jazz and Blues Festival in April is Australia's only personal music festival.
- Settler's Cove Noosa Food and Wine Festival in May
- Woodford Folk Festival
- Half Marathon Running Festival
- Pomona King of the mountain Challenge
- New Year's Eve Fireworks spectacular at the Esplanade in Mooloolaba.
Noosa Hotels and Accommodation
Noosa accommodation offers visitors many options including budget-conscious backpacker hostels, B&B accommodation, luxury resorts, family-oriented units, self-contained and luxury apartments, affordable and recognizable hotel chains, inexpensive motels, or a YHA on a friendly homestead. Cheap Noosa hotels and accommodation can be found in the hinterland towns in rainforest settings, camping sites, caravan parks and romantic country cottages. Budget Noosa holidays are some of the most popular Queensland holidays. Those seeking unique-style lodgings may even choose to stay on a houseboat and listen to the gentle sounds of the Noosa River as it laps at the hull, sending you into a blissful and relaxed sleep. An online search for Noosa holiday discounts should reveal some bargains.
Transport
Coach services travel frequently through Cooroy along the Bruce Highway, which is only 20km from Noosa, with connecting busses which travel on to Noosa. Several coaches also provide service to the bus stop in Noosa Heads, while others operate between Cooroy, Tewantin and Maroochydore. A coach trip from Brisbane takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Cooroy is the closest train station to Noosa and is only about 15 minutes drive west of Noosa. A half-hour drive to Nambour provides more frequent train services. Regular bus services operate between both train stations and Noosa.
The Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore is the nearest jet airport and is about a half-hour drive south with direct flights from Brisbane (30 minutes), Sydney (1.25 hrs) and Melbourne (2.25 hrs). Noosa is about 1.5 hours drive from Brisbane.
Once you arrive, Noosa can be seen and explored by boat, bus, hire car, motorbike, or if you want to just sit back and enjoy the ride why not grab a taxi. You can get a ferry from Hastings Street to Tewantin, which was originally a timber town, and is where the Council Chambers are now located. For those with heavy wallets you can hire a private aircraft or even book a helicopter. Then there is also the option of bicycle hire for visitors who want to explore Noosa at a leisurely, laid back pace.