WHERE TO STAY
Backpackers beware; book online in peak season if hoping to catch a bargain in the reputed luxury resort of the Sunshine Coast. Noosa Flashpackers lives up to its name, offering privates as well as female-only dorms. This place is clean, family-operated and comes with complimentary continental breakfast daily along with the standard offering of free surf and boogie board hire. More relaxed than party, the accommodation in Sunshine Beach is a little further out than other Noosa stays and may be a little quiet for the solo traveller.
Prices skyrocket around Hastings St in Noosa Heads. It is possible to find affordable accommodation here, such as The Noosa Parade Holiday Inn with rooms starting at $120, but be prepared to splash out. Try The Emerald’s sleek apartments, which are modern, sun-filled, come with heated pool, spa and a nice view of their Balinese gardens.

WHAT TO DO
This is the perfect town to put those beach bum mantras into motion, and it’s possible to spend a day (or more) beach-hopping around Noosa, starting with a dip at Noosa Main Beach in Noosa Heads. If you’re an Aussie that can’t surf, and thereby in risk of offending the lore of Australian culture as expounded by Puberty Blues, learn to ride a wave at any of the schools based at the Spit. For more experienced surfers, the bays on the northern side of Noosa National Park are popular local hotspots. However, walking the park’s 2km length may be better for catching some scenic coastal views, and maybe even a glimpse of the native wildlife. To the east of the park, the clothes optional Alexandra Bay is less crowded than Main Beach in peak season, and to the park’s south lies the perpetual surfie challenge that is Sunshine Beach.
Aside from the beaches, the other way to get into the water is to take part of the various activities along the Noosa River. Although it is possible to canoe through these waterways, for real exploration consider cruises and daytrips up the River. Popular tours head to Laguna Bay for snorkelling and the promise of spotting dolphins and turtles, or venture further north to the Everglades and see the tranquil scenery reflected in the River’s liquid mirrors.
If you’re keen to get back on dry land, take some time to explore Hastings Street’s boutiques, take a self-guided coffee tour of its cafes or find a bargain near Sunshine Beach. If you have a couple of hours in the morning on a Wednesday or Saturday, then make the half hour drive to Eumundi Market and hear some local bands while admiring some craftsmanship on display at some of the 600 stalls. Head back into town to chow down at Noosaville’s Gibson St, where you’re spoilt for choice, or go upmarket at the sophisticated eateries in Noosa Heads.
If a little bored with the local scene, Noosa is a perfect base to explore the Sunshine Coast. Some favourite daytrips include 4WD tours of Fraser Island to its north, or the more decadent tours of the wine, chocolate and cheese tastings toward Montville and Maleny in the south. Better yet, make the latter an overnighter and work it off the following day by hiking one of the trails of the awe-inspiring and picturesque Glass House Mountains.

WHEN TO TRAVEL
Noosa becomes a tourist magnet in the summer months, and budget accommodation is hard to find as hostels reach maximum capacity, and hotel rates can double. With so many of Noosa’s activities being water-based, it would seem plausible to avoid it during the cooler months. However, the food gala that is Noosa May Fiesta might be just the compensation, seeing restaurants temporarily hijacked by guest chefs and Australian wine and produce promoted to the hilt. In winter, Noosa Heads also becomes host to Noosa Long Weekend, a ten-day cultural extravaganza that makes this one of Australia’s top destinations in June. If you want both beach weather and festivities, head to Noosa in March for the internationally-renowned Noosa Festival of Surfing and seven days of surfing, memorabilia and beach parties.

TRANSPORT
The best way to get to Noosa is to go via Maroochydore Airport, which is serviced daily by Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways. Around 30 kilometres north, take a shuttle transfer to the Noosa region ($25, 07 5474 0199) or go by cab ($58 - $70, 07 5441 8899), or a luxury limousine ($75/$150 one-way 07 5442 4065). If planning to capitalise on Noosa’s central location on the Sunshine Coast, then consider hiring a car, preferably a 4WD, which can be done at the airport or in town.