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The ultimate entertainment guide to Hastings Street, Noosa

Plan where to stay, splurge and dine along Hastings Street, Noosa with our tried-and-tested guide.

I always have a wonderful time exploring the Sunshine Coast, but Noosa often steals the spotlight for good reason. Like the rest of the world, I’m hypnotised by its natural beauty, best enjoyed while leaning into the good life along the entertainment mecca of Hastings Street. Unleashing holiday euphoria through its distinct blend of beachside luxury and laidback vibes, the busy jaunt buzzes with resorts, cafes, restaurants, gift shops, surf stores, day spas, galleries and more. Let me break down the best bits to get you acclimatised.

Restaurants on Hastings Street

beachfront dining at Bistro C, Hastings Street Noosa
Soak up absolute beachfront bliss at Bistro C.

Spilling over its well-trodden pavements with freshly untangled seafood, seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, many of the best restaurants in Noosa congregate on the main stretch. Hastings Street is home to eateries catering to all tastebuds plus some of Noosa’s best cafes (i.e. killer coffee), whipping up pure sunshine every morning.

For holiday long lunching and epic Asian flavours, Bistro C   and Bang Bang Noosa are legendary and I love Locale for a date night that’s heavy on the carbs (their Italian dishes are unbeatable). If you’re looking for fancy, say yes to Sails because it’s a special occasion stalwart offering Main Beach views and endless elegance. For takeaway, I try to keep things light and healthy with a visit to the Sydney cult favourite that expanded north, MissChu Upstairs – it’s the best for authentic Vietnamese favourites.

a table-top view of food at Cibaria Noosa, Hastings Street
Dine on authentic Italian classics at Cibaria Noosa.

Finally, if you’re visiting Hastings Street after December 2025, make a booking at Cibaria Noosa , opening on the street level at Elysium Noosa Resort in the now-closed Noosa Beach House. The crew hail from Cibaria Manly in Sydney and they’ve got huge shoes to fill (Noosa Beach House was beloved by locals, once run by the awesome Sunshine Coast chef Peter Kuruvita) so it’s bound to be pumping.

Top shops on Hastings Street

Bowery 475 shop on Hastings Street, Noosa
Bowery 475 features luxury brands from international and local designers. (Image: Taylah Golden)

Fuelled your engines, ready to splurge? Hastings Street flows with some of my favourite holiday homewares, coastal-inspired wardrobe heroes and mainstream brands. I wander down the footpath closest to the beach for non-stop shopping o’clock before winding back down the inland side for arcades bursting with local creations and a couple more stand-out boutiques.

inside the Alterior Motif shop in Hastings Street, Noosa
Pick up modern coastal fashion finds at Alterior Motif. (Image: Supplied)

For trend-driven garments and killer accessories, I’ve loved Alterior Motif since I was a teenager. It’s a local institution that’s basically a part of the furniture on the famous strip. Other top fashion brands include Kivari , Bowery 475 up the southern end of Hastings, DISSH , The Upside , which opened in September 2025, Aje , White Story , and Akubra , which only opened its doors at the beginning of October 2025.

a look inside the Kivari store at Hastings Street, Noosa
The sleek and minimalist Kivari boutique is just a stone’s throw from the main beach.

I also can’t leave Noosa without dropping into Lamington for a new tea towel and other homewares I never knew I needed. It’s a tight squeeze in there, right down the Noosa Woods end of Hastings, but the team source some of the cutest bits and pieces around so its treasure box feels are endlessly rewarding. Don’t miss it if you’re looking for gifts, too, and while you’re thinking of spoiling others, add Little Cove to your must-shop list – it’s a great spot for the little ones in your life, plus there’s a small edit of trendy homewares. Meanwhile, Noosa Longboards specialises in incredible surfboards, plus cult-adored streetwear, and Bay Village is an unpretentious shopping centre with its own collection of speciality stores and a food court. National chains that always steal plenty of my time, too, include MECCA, Peter Alexander, Country Road, Seed, Witchery and Cotton On.

Accommodation on Hastings Street

The swimming pool at Seahaven Noosa
For the ultimate Noosa stay, book a room at Seahaven Noosa.

You really can’t go wrong with accommodation in the heart of Noosa Heads, but some of the stays on Hastings Street, Noosa really blow me away. Luxurious resorts, hotels, multi-bedroom apartments and studios provide some of the best Noosa accommodation with endless adventure right on your doorstep. Think uninterrupted ocean views, only a couple of steps away from Main Beach and Instagram-perfect spaces to pretty your feed. I always loved Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort and it’s only going to get better when a multi-million-dollar enhancement and new ownership is unveiled at the end of 2025.

the terrace at the wellness suite of Elysium Noosa Resort
The luxe Elysium Noosa Resort offers unparalleled coastal charm. (Image: Supplied)

Elysium Noosa Resort will retain the standout accommodation star’s famed pool as the perfect spot for countless cocktails, and the rooms are promising unparalleled Hastings Street luxury, particularly the Wellness Suites which feature their own infrared sauna, terrace spa and personalised wellness practices. I also really like On The Beach Noosa Resort , Netanya Noosa (only if I’m able to splurge, mind you, because it’s deliciously ritzy), and Seahaven Noosa . Plus, there are Hamptons-inspired apartments overlooking a glistering pool, that in turn overlooks Noosa Main Beach, at Tingirana Noosa .

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

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Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .