24 hours in Noosa with
Kate, @TheNoosaInsider
Part II
“Four years ago, we moved our young family from Melbourne up to Noosa. It was something we had dreamed of doing so long, so it was so exciting to finally make it a reality.
Since becoming a local, I have been inundated with friends, family and friends-of-friends asking for recommendations and tips as they plan their Noosa holidays. And so, I created @TheNoosaInsider, a destination where I share the best that Noosa has to offer.”
There are so many incredible things to do in Noosa, it's hard just to hand-pick a few, so after Part 1 of my 24 Hours in Noosa Guide (see here), I felt I needed to share Part 2, showcasing another way to spend a day and night in my favourite Australian beach town, that I'm now lucky enough to call home.
A SUNNY START TO THE DAY
Mixing it up from Noosa Main Beach, head to Sunshine Beach (just a short 5 min drive from Noosa), and grab your very early morning coffee from Sunshine Social, arguably Noosa’s best coffee (owners are ex-Melbourne, which should say it all, they really know their coffee!). With coffee-in-hand, walk down the hill to Sunshine Beach to soak up the sunrise.
BREAKFAST TIME
Head into Noosa Junction and you’ll find Vanilla Food, a light and airy cafe featuring dramatic large rattan pendants hanging from the ceiling, with a menu that focuses on healthy and organic produce. The breakfast here is hard to beat and with an ever-changing seasonal menu, the food never disappoints. After you’ve finished brekkie, take a stroll through Noosa Junction. Check out boutiques like Matteau, and discover beautiful treasures at The Orangerie home to unique jewellery designers and lifestyle brands such as The Upside.
BREATHE, FREEZE AND WARM UP
Fairly new on the health retreat scene is The Grove, a gorgeous little health space, located on a private property in Castaways Beach, a short 8 min drive from Noosa. Founded by Tory Giles, Tory is a Dr of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Master Breathwork instructor and holistic health specialist. A morning spent at The Grove is the perfect way to truly relax, reset and up your health game. Tory will guide you through a powerful and grounding breath work flow, followed by a sweat session in the Sunlighten infrared sauna, followed by a refreshing ice plunge in the Odin ice bath.
A LITTLE COVE
You can’t spend 24 hours in Noosa and not visit Noosa Main Beach, it truly is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. If you want to beat the crowds, take a short walk up the hill and set up for the day at the stunning Little Cove Beach. Secluded and protected from the wind, Little Cove is, as its name would suggest, a little cove that is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
ARRIVE TO LUNCH BY WATER
Before you arrive to Noosa, be sure to make a few reservations at some restaurants to ensure you don’t miss out! Ricky’s, situated right on Noosa River, is one of the restaurants you want to book in advance for. For a special occasion (or even just “because”), head to the Sofitel Jetty and hop aboard the Noosa Water Taxi to make your way to Ricky’s via private boat. With your favourite bottle of champagne in hand (you can BYO on the boat), set off for a magical cruise along the Noosa River and be dropped off to Ricky’s private jetty. Request a table right on the water’s edge, where you’ll be treated to the most stunning views as you dine. Highly recommend either a lunch booking or a very early dinner (5pm is perfect so you don’t miss the epic sunsets).
FISH & CHIPS WITH A SIDE OF SUNSET
To end the day, grab a picnic rug (or a couple of beach towels) and head down to the Noosa Boathouse on the Noosa River (via Gympie Terrace). Every Friday and Saturday at dusk (and into the early evening), they have live music playing on the deck, while people can enjoy their full eskys of drinks and picnic dinners on the sand. For an easy and relaxed dinner option (perfect after a fancy lunch at Ricky’s), order some Fish & Chips from Noosa Boathouse, bring a bottle of your favourite wine and watch what will be one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen over the stunning Noosa River. It really is a pinch-me moment and I promise you’ll want to come back to do it again and again.
