Noosa, a coastal gem nestled at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, has long captivated the hearts of travellers seeking natural beauty and luxe travel experiences. While there are plenty of tried-and-true favourites in Noosa, the best experiences come from getting off the beaten path and living like a local! Come along with us, on our locals guide to Noosa, uncovering hidden gems and indulging in the best the region has to offer.
Noosa is filled with great day spas and wellness experiences, but locals have been heading into Day Spa Noosa for more personalised care. From the moment you enter the sanctuary, you will feel a wave of calm wash over you. As you are guided on this journey of rejuvenation, they will tailor their range of beauty and body treatments to meet your personal needs and preferences. The spa suites, relaxation areas and large outdoor deck overlooking the beautiful Noosa River all add to the complete experience. They even offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service. Friendly drivers are more than happy to pick you up from your home, accommodation or any location in Noosa and surrounding suburbs, then drop you off at any destination of your choice.
If you´re on the hunt for a true country pub experience, you´ll find it in spades just a short 30-minute drive from the heart of Noosa, in the riverside village of Boreen Point. A well-kept local secret, The Apollonian Hotel is set on an expansive 2.5-acre property, within an original weatherboard shack, transported from the nearby regional town of Gympie. They serve top-notch country-style counter meals, and hearty meats cooked on the outdoor coals as part of their Sunday Smokehouse. It´s the perfect spot to book a long lunch with an extended group, or to relax at a table under the shady trees while the kids run wild or kick the footy on the grass. You can even check into one of their ten quaint country-style rooms, set within a converted railway building in a quiet corner of the property. Check out the town of Boreen Point once you´re done, and the bordering Lake Cootharaba, which is one of Australia´s largest saltwater lakes and an ideal location to spot native wildlife.
Coffee drinking is a favourite Noosa pastime, and you will find throngs of locals lingering over their brews from the early hours at the Sunshine Beach gem, Sunshine Social. They roast their own coffee onsite and serve light offerings like oat bars, granola and raw slices to perfectly accompany your flat white or pot of sticky chai. Find a sunny spot on the sprawling outdoor deck and while away the hours reading the paper or chatting with your gang or the friendly locals, all with your furry friends in tow.
Prepare for a unique and creative experience at Frida's Sip ´n Paint Noosa. Located in the heart of Noosa Junction´s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, this vibrant sip ´n paint studio offers an unforgettable night out. Step into the lavishly adorned studio, complete with chandeliers, glassware, and elegant timber benches, and let your creativity soar. The 2.5-hour sessions, led by professionally trained artists, guide you through a creative journey as you paint your own bespoke masterpiece, to take home with you at the end of the session!
Located at Noosa Marina so you can enjoy stunning views of the river during the day or night. Catch an amazing sunset and spend the afternoon in the cocktail lounge or have a moonlit evening on the restaurant deck. Lucio’s has a fantastic modern take on the classic Italian Seafood Trattoria that embraces traditional flavours and hospitality with a contemporary setting and innovative menu.
Round out your journey through Noosa like a local, with a visit to some of the fabulous creative and famers markets that pop up throughout the Noosa region every weekend. First up, there´s the adored local Noosa Farmers Market, where locals flock every Sunday morning for locally grown, organic and spray-free produce, artisan local products, from-the-source locally caught seafood and meat, flower stalls, and food trucks, under the shade of the eucalyptus trees along Weyba Road. A little further afield, discover the village vibes and homemade gems at the Peregian Beach Village markets, every second Sunday of the month. Or travel to the hinterland for the quaint Pomona Country Markets, held every Saturday morning. The famed Original Eumundi Market take over the hinterland town of Eumundi every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
If you've fallen in love with Noosa and dream of making it your permanent home, Home Scouts Noosa is your go-to partner. This dedicated team of buyer’s agents takes the hassle out of buying and relocating, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Their expertise covers all aspects of the purchase process, providing you with the confidence to invest wisely. Home Scouts' knowledgeable professionals have called Noosa home for over a decade and bring a deep understanding of the local real estate market. With Home Scouts by your side, you'll have a dedicated ally representing your best interests throughout the entire purchase process and beyond.
Once you have secured the perfect property, you´ll need to know where to go to furnish it, and Noosa has a raft of great interior style stores to help you get that refined, breezy coastal Noosa look. Locals love the vibrant, globally influenced interiors you´ll find at Eclectic Style, close to the Noosa River. Expect solid timber furniture, locally made homewares, vibrant soft furnishings, coastal-inspired artwork, airy linens, curated tableware and sustainably made rugs in the soaring warehouse space.
