Noosa on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia is the ultimate holiday destination for the luxury travellers to the budget backpackers.
Often referred to as "Australia's French Riviera," Noosa offers world-class cuisine, incredible surf, heavenly spas and much more. Whatever the reason for your trip Down Under, highlight Noosa on your map to ensure you don't miss out on one Australia's greatest secrets...
· A food-lovers paradise
With dozens of restaurants, cafes, markets and farmsteads spread along the stunning coast and into the hinterland, Noosa really is the perfect holiday destination for food-lovers. Follow the food trail to visit local producers including the Australian Nougat Company, the Ginger Factory and the Kenilworth Cheese Factory . Experience too the region's fabulous food markets - the Eumundi Markets & Noosa Farmers Markets. And if you're looking for the best in dining the choice is endless. Why not try the award winning Sails Restaurant (www.sailsrestaurantnoosa.com), Berardo's Restaurant (www.berardos.com.au), or new restaurants, the Boathouse Floating Restaurant (www.boathousefloatingrestaurant.com.au) and Kukai ?
· Spa heaven
A holiday in Noosa gives you the perfect opportunity to indulge in some relaxation time to escape the stresses of everyday life. A wide range of health and well-being services ensures that visitors can enjoy every second of their blissful time in Noosa. The Ikatan Balinese Spa and Gardens (www.ikatanspa.com.au) provides a unique environment of Balinese inspired gardens, with nurturing treatments and caring professionals to assist achievement of total relaxation. The Noosa Spa (www.noosaspa.com.au) is an oasis of serenity administering treatments such as therapeutic massage, a rose petal bath, facials and pedicures. The Noosa Springs Day Spa and Health & Fitness Club is due to open mid 2006 and promises to offer an unparalleled range of pampering and therapeutic treatments and programs under one roof.
· Luxurious accommodation
Noosa has a number of top-end hotels including The Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa (www.sheraton.com/noosa), a five-star experience located in the heart of stylish Hastings Street. With luxurious rooms, suites and villas to choose from, a renowned Aqua Day Spa and the choice of poolside or beachside relaxation, this subtly sophisticated resort is the perfect luxury base for a stay in Noosa. The newly opened Viridian Noosa Residences (www.viridiannoosaresidences.com.au) nestled within the Noosa Hills offer premier accommodation for the discerning holidaymaker and the unique combination of being close to the bustling Hastings Street and the tranquility of Noosa National Park.
Montpellier Boutique Resort (www.montpelliernoosa.com.au), Macquarie Lodge (www.macquarielodge.com.au) and Horizons at Peregian (www.horizons-pereguin.com) also offer premium accommodation.
· The Surf
From rolling white water to world class point breaks, there is a wave to suit all levels of surfer in Noosa. With surfing festivals taking place in Noosa throughout the year, (including the Noosa Festival of Surfing which takes place in March annually) and a number of schools teaching this traditional Aussie pursuit, some time in water is a must. Beginners can master the waves with Merrick's, Learn to Surf (www.learntosurf.com.au), a company operated by a former champion surfer who guarantees that you will be able to stand upright on the board on your first lesson. For old-fashioned board surfing, try Noosa Longboards. (www.noosalongboards.com).
Once you've conquered the surf, try kayaking, kite-boarding, diving, fishing, horse riding, camel safaris and abseiling within the magnificent environment and back-drop of Noosa.
· Back to Nature
Noosa offers a breath-taking look at nature, a stroll along Hastings Street or through Sunshine Beach takes you to the Headlands of Noosa National Park. Noosa National Park is made up of rainforest, eucalypt forest, heath, beaches, rocky outcrops and shorelines making it home to diverse birdlife as well as goannas and koalas. In addition, the Noosa River, the 'heartbeat' of the region, is often used for swimming and riverside strolls and picnics. The Noosa lakes and Everglades are also not to be missed for kayaking and cruises.
· Culture
With Booker prize winning authors, internationally renowned playwrights, musicians, comedians and film directors all performing in Noosa, this beachside resort is rich with culture. Events such as the Noosa Longweekend (www.noosalongweekend.com.au) which celebrates drama, film, dance, world music and much more over ten days in June, the Noosa Jazz Festival (www.noosajazz.com.au), and classical musical performances in the Botanical Gardens highlight Noosa's diverse and cosmopolitan way of life. With art galleries, museums, antique stores, fashion boutiques and markets Noosa offers a unique experience.
Other must-do's:
. Australia Zoo
· Horse treks in Australia bush setting
· Camel trek at Noosa North Shore
· Navigate Noosa river
· Bushwalking and mountain bike trails
· Get close to Australian wildlife
· Take a tour of historic country towns
· Discover the Glasshouse Mountains
Major Events:
· Noosa Festival of Surfing - March
· Australian Celebration of Food and Wine - May
· Noosa Longweekend - June
· Noosa Jazz Festival - Sept
· Noosa Triathlon - 30th Oct- 6th Nov

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