Welcome to Noosa, with its beautiful natural surrounds, cosmopolitan atmosphere and vibrant calendar of events! If you’re looking for something to do during your holidays, we’ve put together some ideas for you.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pure stoke: Great longboard surfing at First Point, Noosa Heads for the Noosa Festival of Surfing through to about 4pm on Sat 14 Mar, with finals in several divisions. Also see the Little Humid Costume Party on Fri from 5.20pm and Legends Exhibition on Sat at 2.40pm (times may change). The Beach Bar is open from 3pm Fri and Sat, with live music from 6pm from Band of Frequencies (Fri) and Hi Boys and West Texas Crude (Sat)
Feast of glorious music: Noosa Federation of the Arts presents a dinner performance with Guy Booth, Dominique Fegan, Bernard Wheaton and John Woods at berardo’s restaurant and bar, Hastings St, Noosa Heads, Sun 15 Mar, 6.30pm to celebrate 25 years of the Dame Joan Sutherland Award Vocal Competition. Cost $70pp for 2-course dinner, welcoming glass of wine and entertainment. Must book on 5447 5666
St Patrick’s Day: Celebrate St Patrick’s Day on Tues 17 Mar at KB’s at Nomads, Noosa Heads, with live music from noon to late from Mick Lindsay and Stealing Lincoln and a free BBQ lunch by the pool. Head toAustralia Zoo (ask at the Noosa Visitor Information Centre about the return bus and zoo ticket package) for a chance to win your wife’s weight in golden lager (or sister’s or friend’s)! Carry your partner around a 200m obstacle course – the fastest pair wins! The race starts outside the Crocoseum after the midday Wildlife Warriors Show (register by emailing info@australiazoo.com.au) and there’s fun for the kids including free face-painting until 11am, games and the chance to win a free green ice-cream by hunting for gold coins around the zoo
CUISINE
Taste of Italy: Relish Restaurant at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, Noosa Heads, has a lunch special for $25pp – choose from Veal carpaccio, smashed olives, fried capers, balsamic red onions, parsley leaves and grilled ciabatta; or Herb and parmesan breaded veal cotoletta, shaved parmesan and rocket salad; or Rolled veal stuffed with mushroom and sage with cauliflower puree and cress – and a glass of selected wine. Book on 5440 3317
Beer bugs and beef: It’s a great mix of fresh seafood, succulent steak, boutique beers and gorgeous river views at Sirocco’s Beer Bugs and Beef lunch this Fri 13 Mar (swap beer for house bubbles, white or red). Cost $55pp – must book on 5455 6688
Simply dressed: berardo’s restaurant and bar, Noosa Heads hosts the launch of Matt Wilkinson’s new book, Mr Wilkinson’s Simply Dressed Salads on Wed 18 Mar, noon. The book has stunning salad recipes that are meals in themselves or as accompaniments. $59 for 3 courses and a glass of wine. Must book on 5447 5666
ENTERTAINMENT
Metropolis: Blues rock band HoneyBird performs a new rock opera to the classic 1927 Fritz Lang film,Metropolis, featuring Adiamus string quartet, at Eumundi School of Arts, Memorial Dve on Sat 14 Mar, 7pm. Cost $29/$19 (children U12 free) – buy Metropolis tickets online
Jazz at the J: Dan’s Hot Five Plus One bring the street sounds of the New Orleans 20s and 30s Jazz Age to The J, Noosa Heads this Sat 14 Mar, 7.30pm. Table seating, dancing, parking, budget bar. Tickets $20 for Noosa Jazz Club members, $25 guests – book on 5447 2229
Silent film: The historic Majestic Theatre in Pomona, the world’s oldest authentic silent movie theatre, screens Buster Keaton classic The Cameraman on Mon 16 Mar, 10.30am. Ph 5485 2330
Live music: Check out great live music in Noosa from 13-19 March
- Sahara Beck, Essick and Jakarta Criers perform at Beach Don’t Kill My Vibe, Noosa Surf Club, Sat 14 Mar, 8pm, cost $10
- Café Le Monde has Band of Frequencies for the Noosa Festival of Surfing this Fri 13 Mar, 9pm; and Noosa Surf Stomp with Pat Capocci, Pete Cullen and Hi Boys on Sat 9pm; Isaac McGovern and DJs Wintex and Massroom, Sun, 4pm; live music at Noosa Songwriters Guild on Thurs 19 Mar, 6.30pm
- Dodgy Rog is free at Harbour Wine Bar, Noosa Marina, Tewantin Fri 13 Mar, 5.30pm
- At Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi see David Spry Sat 14 Mar, noon-2pm; and Sue Bond on Sun, 12.30-2.30pm
- Michelle Brown is free at Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club Sun 15 Mar, 2pm
- At Noosa Beach House Bar, Hastings St this Fri 13 Mar see Tall Guy With Glasses, 8.30-11.30pm;Andrew Jolly on Sun, 2.30-5.30pm and Soul Temptation on Wed 18 Mar, 6.30-8.30pm
- Coolum Surf Club has a soloist this Fri 13 Mar from 6.30pm and McGiness & Co from 9pm
- Live music at Shades Wine Bar, Noosa Junction on Wednesday and Saturday
- Benny O is free at KB’s at Nomads Noosa, Sun 15 Mar, 7-10pm; Mick Lindsay and Stealing Lincoln on Tues 17 Mar, noon-late for St Paddy’s Day; and Stealing Lincoln Duo on Wed 18 Mar, 8-11pm
- Humidors are free at Sunshine Beach Surf Club this Sun 15 Mar, 3-6pm
- At Crawdaddy’s, upstairs Bay Village, Hastings St see Sunrise Beach, Fri 13 Mar, 9pm; Tea Society, Sat 9pm; Thump soul funk revue Mon 16 Mar, 7.30pm (free)
- Shades are at Tewantin-Noosa RSL Fri 13 Mar, 8pm, $10; Johnny Cash Story is free on Sat 8pm; Fiddle Me Please Duo are free on Thurs 19 Mar, 8pm
- At the Imperial Lionheart Hotel, Eumundi, see Dear Willow on Fri 13 Mar, 6.30pm and Shannon Carrollon Sat 14 Mar, 6.30pm
- Sunday arvo acoustic sessions at Red on Thomas Bar and Grill, Noosaville, 3-6pm
- Cool late-night grooves every Sat from 9pm at the Supper Club, Miss Moneypenny’s, Hastings St, withDJ Keiko and guests – meals available
WHY NOT…
Noosaville outdoor movies: Ghostbusters screens for Black Friday, 13 Mar at Noosaville Lions Park, Gympie Tce, 6.30pm. Entry by donation – fundraiser for the RSPCA. Dine out early along Gympie Tce or Thomas St and bring a rug for a movie under the stars
River fishing: Explore the beautiful waters and wildlife of Noosa River while fishing, crabbing and sight-seeing with Noosa Fishing and Crab Adventures. Gear and lunch provided, morning and afternoon tours available. Ph 5449 7984
Learn to surf: Feel the thrill of standing up on wave for the first time and learn to surf in Noosa’s safe waters while on holiday. Ask at the Noosa Visitor Information Centre, Hastings St, ph 1 3000 NOOSA or seevisitnoosa.com.au/play
Kayak time: Explore Noosa’s beautiful waterways by kayak from Laguna Bay to Noosa River, tranquil Weyba Creek, Noosa Sound canals, the lakes or up to the pristine Noosa Everglades. You’ll see, hear and experience wildlife and nature as never before. Hire a kayak and take yourself or join a guided tour. Call the Noosa Visitor Information Centre on 1 3000 66672, drop in or see visitnoosa.com.au/play
Saddle up: Enjoy a range of horse riding adventures with experienced guides – Discover beautiful Lake Weyba with Noosa Horse Riding. Go along Noosa North Shore beach or bush with Equathon Horse Riding. Or take a guided trail ride through rainforest and farmland in Noosa hinterland with Mary Valley Adventure Trails. Book at the Noosa Visitor Information Centre in Hastings St or phone 1 3000 66672
Eco Cruise: See and learn about Noosa’s history and amazing birds, marine life and flora on the Noosa Eco Cruise, with spectacular views of beaches, river and mountains, Tues and Thurs. Adult $45, child $20. Includes river cruise, nature walk, morning tea and same day all-day Noosa Ferry pass (valued at $20). Must book on 5449 8442
SurfShots: If you are in town for a surfing holiday, take home great photos of you in action on Noosa’s waves from SurfShots Noosa. They do one-on-one surf photo sessions for individuals, families or small groups – 1hr one-on-one from $79 includes up to 30 high-res digital images. Phone Dave on 0411 215 111 or see surfshots.com.au
Treasure trove: Take home a memento or two of your Noosa holiday and explore the gorgeous stores that line Hastings St, Noosa Junction, Peregian Village, Sunshine Beach, Noosaville, Noosa Marina, Tewantin and the hinterland villages of Cooroy, Pomona and Eumundi. From fashion, homewares, surfboards and jewellery to art, furniture and handmade designs, you’ll find something unique to be treasured at home
Markets: Find something yummy or unique with locally made products, art, craft and food at markets around Noosa: Original Eumundi Markets, Wednesday and Saturday morning; Noosa Farmers Market, every Sunday, 6am-noon, AFL grounds, Weyba Rd, Noosaville; Noosa Marina Markets, every Sunday, 8am-2pm, Parkyn Court, Tewantin; Pomona Country Markets, 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month, 6.30am-noon, Stan Topper Park, Pomona; Cooroy Community Markets, every Thursday, 8am-1pm, RSL Hall, Maple St; Peregian Markets, 1st and 3rd Sundays every month, 7am-12.30pm, Kingfisher Park, Peregian Beach Foreshore; Cooroy Grass Roots Markets, 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday, 7am-noon, Memorial Hall, Maple St; Kin Kin Creations Market, 1st Sunday every month, 9am-1pm, Kin Kin Oval; Eumundi Square Markets, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 7.30am-2pm; Noosa Kids and Baby Market, last Sunday every month (except July and December), 8-11am, Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive, Noosaville
Noosa by ferry: The Noosa Ferry is a beautiful way to see Noosa, with stops between Noosa Marina at Tewantin, Noosaville and the Sheraton Jetty in Noosa Heads, 7 days a week from 9.15am-6.40pm – the perfect way to get to and from your favourite Noosa restaurant. There are also special Sunset Cruises with a free ticket on the evening service. Ph 5449 8442 or see noosaferry.com
Explore: Get out and about and explore with tours from Noosa to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, kayak the pristine Noosa Everglades, go cruising or fishing on Noosa River, kayak or take a jet boat tour into Laguna Bay, join a bike tour through Tewantin National Park, abseil down Mt Tinbeerwah or hire a car and head to the beautiful hinterland. Phone the Noosa Visitor Information Centre on 1 3000 66672, call in at Hastings St or Noosa Marina or see visitnoosa.com.au/play
Theme park transfers: Australia Zoo and Aussie World theme parks are just a short trip from Noosa and Con-x-ion now does transfers to and from these attractions. Book on 5450 5933 or 1 3000 66672
See Noosa from the water on a stand-up paddle board (it’s easy), surfboard (lessons are fun), kayak (take a tour or hire and take yourself), hire a party pontoon and enjoy a river picnic, jump on a hire jet-ski, join afishing tour, book the gondola or classic wooden power boat, the Noosa Ferry or action-packed jet boat. Ask at Visitor Information Centres in Hastings St or Noosa Marina, ph 1 3000 66672 or CLICK HERE
Messing about on boats: Explore the beautiful Noosa River and its bird and marine life – drive yourself on a party pontoon or hire boat, get on-board the Noosa Eco Cruise, take a fishing and crabbing tour, a Noosa Ferry between Noosa Marina and Hastings St, Noosa Queen sunset tour, Noosa River and Canal Cruise, dine on the Noosa Cruising Restaurant, indulge on the Noosa Gondola or Noosa Dreamboats’ 1940s power boat, take a boat trip or guided and self guided kayaking tour to the ancient Noosa Everglades, or hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board – phone 1 3000 NOOSA, see Visitor Information Centres in Hastings Street or Noosa Marina, or see visitnoosa.com.au
River of mirrors: Discover the Noosa Everglades, the river of mirrors, and its magnificent wildlife and pristine wilderness with guided and self-guided kayak tours, or by boat from Noosaville. Find out more at the Visitor Information Centre, Hastings St, Noosa Heads or phone 1 3000 66672
Noosa park run: Test your time or just enjoy a friendly run at the free, weekly Noosa Park Run, a 5km timed run or walk every Saturday, 7am, leaving from Noosaville State School, Beckmans Rd, Noosaville. Open for old and young, serious runners or those trying it for the first time. Register atparkrun.com.au/noosa
Lookout!: See a magical Noosa sunrise or sunset with a bird’s eye view from one of Noosa’s easily accessible lookouts. Drive along Viewland Dve, Noosa Heads to Noosa Lookout or walk up the steps along Morwong Dve at the end of Hastings St – it’s worth it! Mt Tinbeerwah (wheelchair access) is only a 10-min drive from Noosa Heads, along Noosa-Cooroy Rd and turn right into Tinbeerwah Rd. And for the more adventurous, head to Mt Cooroora in Pomona and Mt Coolum for spectacular views
See Noosa by bike: Hire a bike and take yourself along the beautiful beach and riverfront bikeways or hinterland trails – try a new tandem electric bike! Or join a guided tour down Mt Tinbeerwah or through the Noosa Trail Network. Call the Noosa Visitor Information Centre on 1 3000 NOOSA for more information
Beach yoga: Join Santushti Yoga for beach and park sessions in Peregian Beach and Noosa Heads – suitable for beginner and intermediate of all ages, Fri-Tues, $10 each + $1.50 mat hire, or bring your own. Ph 0415 813 584 for times and locations
Tee-off: From championship courses to greens for families and beginners on holiday, the Noosa region has a range of beautiful golf courses. See visitnoosa.com.au/play-golf or phone us on 1 3000 NOOSA
Relax and unwind: At a glorious day spa, at Yoga or Pilates sessions or with an in-room massage – a perfect supplement to your Noosa winter holiday. Indulge with rejuvenating pick-me-up treatments from facials to full body massages, hydromassage pools and body scrubs. See visitnoosa.com.au/relax
Hire a car and take a country drive through the Noosa hinterland with spectacular views, lakes, forests and volcanic formations. Visit country towns, walk the Noosa trails, climb a mountain and call in to a country pub in Eumundi, Cooroy, Pomona, Boreen Point or Kin Kin. Pick up a Noosa map from Visitor Information Centres in Hastings St or Noosa Marina, ph 1 3000 66672 or see visitnoosa.com.au
River sunset: See amazing sunsets from Noosa River with Noosa Cruising Restaurant’s luxury sunset dinner cruise from Noosa Marina. Noosa Ferry has a BYO $20 sunset cruise with departures from Tewantin, Noosaville, Noosa Sound and Noosa Heads. Noosa Queen’s $10 sunset cruise takes in Lake Cooroibah and river life – fully licensed bar onboard. Noosa River and Canal Cruises has BYO $20 sunset cruises Wednesdays to Saturdays. Phone 1 3000 66672 or ask at Noosa Visitor Information Centres in Hastings St or Noosa Marina
Stand up paddling: Learn to stand up paddle – it’s easy and fun for everyone and you see Noosa from the beautiful waterways. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre in Hastings St or phone 1 3000 NOOSA
Gift from Noosa: Give friends and relatives a Noosa experience with a Noosa Gift Certificate from the Visitor Information Centre in Hastings St – available for a tour or activity, or buy a Noosa Experience credit so they book an experience of their choice. Ph 1 3000 66672 or drop in to the centre
Out and about: It’s a beautiful time of year to explore Noosa’s nature – take a walk along a beach anywhere between Coolum, Peregian or Noosa Heads; hire a boat on the river; walk around the bays through Noosa National Park; take a tour to Fraser Island; head for the hinterland; learn to surf, skydive or abseil; hire a canoe and explore the waterways at your own pace; take the ferry between Noosa Marina and Hastings Street; enjoy fish and chips by the river; take an action-packed adventure boat ride – there’s plenty of fun to be had. Ask at the Visitor Information Centres in Hastings Street and Noosa Marina or seevisitnoosa.com.au. Pick up a copy of the Noosa Holiday Guide which is also available as an e-book
For more about what to do in Noosa, call into the Noosa Visitor Information Centres at Hastings Street, Parkyn’s Hut or Noosa Marina in Tewantin. Phone +61 7 5430 5000 or 1 3000 NOOSA (1 3000 66672)
