This week we travel to the world famous Noosa Heads where we take you from the stunning main beach of Noosa to the most beautiful headland walk in the world. Where else can you see dolphins swimming in crystal clear water on one side of a hiking track and at the same time look up and see koalas in the trees?

After that we take you wandering down the famous main street - Hastings Street - and give you an overview of the glamorous shops, restaurants and bars along the way.

We were excited to take a day trip to Habitat Noosa which is a nature lovers delight.  You start at Lake Cootharaba and take a leisurely boat ride through one of only two everglades in the world. The Noosa Everglades is so beautiful, relaxing and quiet and you can definitely capture some amazing photos in the reflective waters.  After the cruise you can try one of their special artesian craft beers in the restaurant and outdoor dining area.

Stay listening to the end to hear all about Lyle’s participation in the world renown Noosa Triathlon and also the main reason we love Noosa so much  and I'm positive you won't guess what that is.

SHOW NOTES AND PICTURES BELOW

Noosa, a stunning coastal town located in the Noosa Shire area of Queensland, Australia, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of approximately 57,000 people and a rich history dating back to the early 1800s, Noosa has a lot to offer visitors of all ages.

Noosa Main Beach, located in the heart of the town, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Australia. Its wide, golden sands and clear blue waters make it a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. One of the unique things about Noosa Main Beach is the fact that it faces north. This means that it is protected from the strong winds which makes the beach usually calm and inviting to swim in. 

Noosa National Park, located just a short walk from Main Beach, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park's headland walk offers breathtaking views of the coastline and a chance to see some of the area's unique wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. There is also a chance to see koalas in the wild. There is an easy to follow track along the edge of the headland to Dolphin Point.  Along the way there are so many places to stop and take in the stunning views.  You can walk all the way to Sunshine Beach.

Hastings Street, located right next to Main Beach, is the epitome of Noosa's glamour. This stylish street is lined with many boutiques for men and women, surf shops, local craft shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining. Some of the best cafes and restaurants in Noosa main street area include Rococos Italian Restaurnt, Bistro C, Seasons, Boardwalk Bistro, and Aromas, all of which offer delicious food, great coffee, and great people watching opportunities.

The Noosa Surf Club, located on the beachfront, is another must-visit destination in Noosa. With its fabulous location and stunning views, the club is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal. It’s one of our favourite places to have a glass of wine in Noosa because they stock my favourite wine – Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc.

For those looking for accommodation options in Noosa, there are a range of options available, including Peppers Noosa Resort and Seahaven Beachfront Resort. Peppers Noosa Resort is a luxurious resort just short walk from the main beach area. It offers a range of rooms from, suites, and to luxurious villas. Peppers has some fabulous pool areas and a in house restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Seahaven Beachfront Resort is right on the ocean on the main beach of Noosa.  There are studio rooms without views up to large family rooms with patios overlooking the pools and beach. We loved the location of this resort.  They have three pools which all look over the beach.  A perfect spot for a romantic getaway and and easy walk to all of the shops and restaurants in Noosa main beach area.

Noosaville, located just a short drive or walk from Noosa, is another great place to explore. With its beautiful parks, gardens, and water activities. Noosaville is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can hire kayaks, paddleboards, or boats to explore the Noosa River, or simply relax by the water's edge and soak up the sun.

Habitat Noosa and the Everglades tour is a must-visit for those interested in nature and wildlife. The tour takes visitors deep into the heart of the Everglades, where they can see a range of unique plants and animals, as well as learn about the area's rich history and culture. One of the special things about the everglades is that it is one of only two everglade systems in the world.  The water in the everglades is almost pitch black and shiny to look at.  That is because of the tannins from the tea trees.  The shiny still water provides for some great reflective photo opportunities.  You can do the serenity tour which is a relaxing three hour boat ride through the everglades or do a morning tour which includes a 5km canoe ride.  You can finish the tour with a delicious cold craft beer made on the premises at the CootharaBAR restaurant.

In the podcast we tell you a little bit about the Noosa Triathlon - however the bonus audio below shares the story of Lyle’s participation which is definitely worth a listen.

Noosa is also home to a range of exciting events throughout the year, including the Noosa Food & Wine Festival, the Noosa Triathlon, and the Noosa Jazz Festival. To learn more about Noosa and the surrounding area, visit https://www.visitnoosa.com.au/.

If you want to find out more and hear some great stories about our time in Noosa, then click one of the players above. If you would like to see the other podcasts in our Aussie Summer Series then click the button below.