Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest, begin your day with sunrise yoga and finish with a sunset sail over the Coral Sea.
The past few years have changed the way many of us think about wellness. Travellers crave more from their experiences, seeking getaways that allow them to properly pause from the demands of daily life. This is the essence of Silky Oaks Lodge’s new Silky Sanctuary three-night wellness retreat taking place within a 180-million-year-old ancient rainforest.
Enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
This October, Silky Oaks Lodge – part of the Baillie Lodges luxury portfolio – is hosting a fresh wellness itinerary alongside holistic health coach and yoga teacher Emily Spurling of Karma Being at their Daintree Rainforest property. Guests will experience daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, rainforest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), a guided walk in Mossman Gorge and a sunset cruise with Sailaway on the Coral Sea in a program curated to restore, reconnect and rejuvenate.
Nourishing meals are included and made using fresh greens and local native ingredients that are freshly picked from the onsite kitchen garden. These are to be enjoyed in the Treehouse Restaurant, which boasts lush views of the rainforest.
Take a refreshing dip in the lodge’s onsite lagoon-style pool. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
Between sessions, guests are free to explore the Daintree at their own pace. The Daintree is the oldest continuously living rainforest in the world, filled with rich biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, swimming holes and unique Australian fauna. In other words, it’s an idyllic spot to unwind and reconnect with nature and oneself. Swim in the nearby Mossman River, embark on one of many picturesque forest walks or hop on a complimentary e-bike, marvelling at the pristine surrounds.
At the end of the day, retreat to one of 14 luxurious, treehouse-style suites with private balconies and open-air baths that look out to the landscape.
Luxury awaits in one of the treetop rooms. (Tourism & Events Queensland)
Whether you’re looking to reconnect on a couple’s getaway or for your next couple’s to, or embark on a solo journey of self-discovery, this new itinerary is sure to leave you feeling revitalised.
The retreat will take place from October 9 to Sunday, October 12. Rates from AU$ 6,090 for two guests.
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.
Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.
Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.
1. Explore the hinterland
Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.
Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.
Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.
Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.
2. Accommodation to suit all budgets
Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.
The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.
Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.
For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.
Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.
3. Reset and rejuvenate
Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.
Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.
Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.
For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.
4. New dining experiences
Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.
Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.
Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.
5. Where the locals eat
Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)
Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.
Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.
6. Spot humpback whales
Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)
There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.
To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.
7. Take a country drive
Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.
Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.
Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.
8. Explore the eastern beaches
Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)
Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.
Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.
9. Discover the Noosa River
Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.
Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.
Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.
At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.
