Let's Go Noosa! Part 4, Final chapter.

There is no shortage of places to stay in or around Noosa.

BEST LODGINGS

From upmarket resorts to houseboats to campsites to rainforest retreats, there is a huge range of accommodation.

Check out: Tourism Noosa for choices.

Accommodation along the beachfront in Hastings Street is heavenly, but the prices can be hellish. Here is a sample:

La Mer, Hastings Street, on the beach

• The up-market ‘La Mer’ charges from AU$500 nightly, to AU$8,000 weekly.

• Noosa Village Motel, has rooms from AU$150 per night for 3 people, to AU$265 per night for 4 – 6 guests.

For a budget option, try the Noosa Tewantin Caravan Park, which offers deluxe villas for AU$103 – 137 per night, or 1 bed villas for AU$88 -116 per night, powered tent sites AU$29 per night. The bushy setting on the river makes it a wildlife sanctuary.

BEST EATS

Hastings Street is Queensland's most famous ‘eat street’ and foodie destination. There are over 170 restaurants with a vast range of cuisines. Try hinterland country pubs, casual street dining or surf clubs with fantastic views. All use fresh local produce and most are open 7 days.

On Hastings Street:

berados on the beach

• berados, owned by Noosa icon and American ex-pat Jim Berado. Excellent week night specials. Tel: +61 7 54475666.

• Noosa Heads Surf Club has the best views of Main Beach. Recently renovated and looking amazing. Dine on the deck day or night for a visual feast. Loads of fresh seafood too!

Tel: +61 7 54745688

Noosa Heads:

• Reef Hotel. Kid friendly ‘Reef Ranger Room.’ Great meals, reasonable prices, just up the hill from Hastings Street. Tel: +61 7 54474477

Check out Noosa Restaurant’s for many more choices.

BEST SHOPPING

Hastings Street is gorgeous and its shops are original and interesting. It may be Noosa’s glam fashion strip, but for that Great Outdoors holiday you’ll find locally-designed beach gear and world-renowned classic surf boards. There are many galleries in and near to Hastings Street where you can learn about contemporary tribal life. The Putipula Gallery in Noosa Junction has artwork sourced from remote community-based aboriginal artists.

Markets are a great way to soak up local culture, taste test local products, and see artists at work. Visit the local, hinterland or seaside markets. The Noosa Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday morning at the AFL grounds, Weyba Creek.

Pitipula Gallery - Tel: +61 7 5449 2511.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

There are plenty of ATMs and credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Except for Hastings Street restaurants, Australians generally do not expect tips.

ANYTHING ELSE IMPORTANT

Noosa's climate, active community and gorgeous scenery make it a perfect setting for events. There are festivals of Surfing, Food, Wine, Jazz, and the famous Noosa Triathlon, the 3rd largest in the world. Plan your trip around an event you’d enjoy.

BEST RESOURCE

Tourism Noosa’s website for comprehensive information for planning your Noosa holiday. Tourism Noosa Information Centre is located in the centre of Hastings Street.

www.visitnoosa.com.au.

Tel: within Australia: 1800 002 624 or 07 5430 5000

Tel: outside Australia: +61 7 5430 5000

So jump on that plane. The Noosa tribe is waiting. Maybe you’ll follow in the footsteps of David ‘Wandi’ Bracefell. He escaped to Noosa four times!

THE END