With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future and domestic travel restrictions gradually easing, many of us our searching for our next Australian holiday destination for a much-needed getaway. Queenslanders are in luck – Noosa is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a stressful few months without leaving the state. We’re also thrilled to be able to welcome visitors from most other Australian states. To those residing in Victoria, and other coronavirus hotspots, we hope that you won’t be waiting too much longer to escape chilly winters in favour of Noosa’s warm, dry climate.
Whilst we were hiding away and staying safe, Noosa’s stunning natural scenery remained as breathtaking as ever. Now enticing restaurants and fascinating attractions are re-opening, ready and eager to welcome visitors from Queensland right now and from the rest of Australia as soon as the green light is given. You can rest assured that the Noosa community and local businesses are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy environment with COVID-safe plans and practices firmly in place.
We’re all in need of some rest and relaxation, and Noosa is the ideal spot to find your inner peace. Whatever helps you to unwind, Noosa delivers. The beautiful beaches are a picture of paradise, where you can forget your worries and cares whilst surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply sunbathing on the inviting white sand. Surfing lessons and stand up paddleboarding lessons are back on, with extra cleaning and safety measures in place, for those who want to learn a new skill whilst they’re here.
Alternatively, head to the idyllic Noosa River with a kayak or canoe. Venture down to the Everglades, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, to experience outstanding natural scenery. Self-guided kayak trips are currently available, with COVID-safe practices in place. The river is also an excellent spot for a picnic, and fishing for bream, coral trout, and more.
Discover an array of magnificent national parks, dotted with cycle paths and hiking trails. Choose from an array of scenic walks of various lengths and levels of difficulty. You’ll be rewarded with subtropical rainforest scenery, and picturesque views of the gorgeous coastline, enticing ocean, and majestic mountains. Spot turtles, dolphins, and koalas. You may also be lucky enough to see migrating humpback whales, which can be spotted from now through to September.
If the blissful atmosphere of Noosa isn’t quite enough to help you find your zen, you’ll be pleased to hear that Noosa’s spas have been given the green light to re-open. Indulge in some well-deserved pampering and let expert therapists massage, scrub, and polish your cares away.
Shopaholics will be glad to know that Noosa’s shops are open and ready to cater to your retail therapy needs. Noosa is heaven for shoppers with Hastings Street housing an array of high-end stores and boutiques, and the shops of Noosa Junction selling everything you could ever want. The much-loved Eumundi Markets are set to re-open in July and we can’t wait to discover the clothing, jewellery, food, and more that Noosa’s talented local creatives have been working on during lockdown.
Noosa is also home to an array of fascinating attractions, many of which have now re-opened to delight visitors once again. Soak up some art and culture at the Noosa Regional Gallery, as well as an array of galleries located around Hastings Street and further afield, showcasing the work of talented local artists. We are also pleased to inform you that Nut Works has re-opened from Monday-Saturday, allowing visitors to learn how to make delicious macadamia treats, taste some samples, and shop for produce and souvenirs.
After a brief hibernation, Noosa’s thriving dining scene is alive and well, with COVID-safe practices firmly in place. That means that you don’t need to cook at all on holiday and can enjoy dining out once again. Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Grind Cafe with a delightful view of the sparkling Noosa River. Enjoy a tasty lunch at Hastings Street icon, Cafe Le Monde, and get your afternoon coffee fix at Fine Espresso Bar, where you can even indulge in a spa treatment whilst you’re there. Finish your day with exquisite modern Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails at Miss Moneypenny’s, or tuck into delicious dishes created from fresh local produce by the beach at Bistro C. With restrictions now further eased to allow drinking without an accompaniment of food, you can even treat yourself to a few after dinner beverages – try Noosa Boathouse or Whisky Boy.
The last few months have been extremely difficult for all of us, and many of Noosa’s beloved local businesses have struggled. It’s essential that Australians support small businesses at this time, to ensure that they can continue to provide the services we love. Fortunately, this provides us with another excuse to go out for meals and drinks, indulge in some spa therapy, or treat ourselves at the local shops – not that we need one!
It is important to note that many businesses are limited on how many customers they can cater for at this time, so booking is highly recommended for all restaurants, spas, and attractions. Furthermore, some businesses are currently only open on specific days. This is changing regularly, so please do check the business’ websites and social media pages for the latest information. You may also be asked to provide contact details to businesses on entry, so please remember that this is simply to protect the health and safety of staff members and customers – you and your family included.
At this time, Queensland is open for all Australians except for those who are residing in Victoria or specific areas of New South Wales that have been identified as coronavirus hotspots. The situation is changing regularly, so we recommend always checking local travel advice before you book. Stay up to date with the latest travel restrictions and advice here. Please remember that although many of Noosa’s businesses are open and ready to welcome guests, social distancing measures must still be adhered to.