Holiday in Noosa: A couple days in PARADISE!
With everything happening over the last 2 years, it was SO nice to switch off, pack up, and hit the road for a summer getaway. During the holidays we drove along the eastern coast of Australia into Queensland. Although just 10 hours north of Sydney, it felt so exotic to venture out again.
Photography by Chloe Hutchison @havana.productions
Noosa is a beautiful coastal town along what is known as the Sunshine Coast. Around 3 hours from Brisbane by car, think: pristine beaches, good surf and holiday vibes.
Exploring a new part of Australia was so exciting — having only ever visited Noosa once a few years ago on a rainy day, I knew there was more to experience and vowed to come back. Add in a tropical storm and some crazy crowds, visiting this time of year definitely made things interesting!
Surf, Friends & Waves: Noosa has it all
Whether you’re here for the day, a week or a month, Noosa seems to be that year-round fun playground that adults and kids alike can play in. Go for a morning or sunset walk around the national park, grab some lunch at one of the many main street cafes and find some waves in one of the magical bays that line the national park. Tea Tree Bay was my favourite and is popular with longboard riders, but prepare to walk as it’s a small hike from the main car park! Between being a beach lizard or an activity junky, there’s something for everyone.
We stayed on Sunshine Beach which is just outside of the main hub of town. This time of year (New Year/January) is very busy. The tropical storm brought in some major swell and with it, all the surfers in the area. Scotty had a fun few days battling crowded waves and some serious size. I wasn’t too keen on either.
Hot tip: If you’re coming in summer, rent a scooter as it’s much easier to park and get around then by car!
Recommendations
Feel like moving/exploring?
Walk: Noosa National Park
Surf: Tea Tree Bay
Definitely check out: Sunshine Beach & Peregian
Beach Day?
Set Up: Main Beach Noosa or go for a walk and find yourself a secret spot.
Read: Daisy Jones & The Six
Listen: Lord Echo & The Outerbanks Soundtrack
Eat: Whatever you feel like! A friend did recommend Belmondo’s Organic Market and I loved the cafe+wholefoods vibe. My go-to all summer was smoothies.
Special Mentions
I also got to finally meet and shoot with the wonderful Chloe from @havana productions. Chloe and I were meant to go on a surf trip together right before the world came to a stop. We vowed to meet up sometime, and I’m so glad we finally did! She is just as charming and lovely in real life, and dancing around with her and her 35mm camera was the creative play we both needed. I can’t recommend Chloe and her infectious energy enough! If you want a surf photographer while you’re up there, hit her up! We unfortunately couldn’t shoot in the water due to the sweeping tides and swell on this day, but here’s hoping next time we’ll be somewhere in the Maldives to do it!
