They say you don’t always see what is in your own back yard so when coastal NSW resident Carol Goddard sent the paper her travel story for Noosa, at first it felt a bit odd but then it seemed like a chance to get glimpse at why people like Carol have been regular visitors for decades.
By Carol Goddard
Just got back to Kiama after a week-long sojourn in Noosa, another spectacular Aussie destination, though lacking Kiama’s rolling green hills and cows and drystone walls.
Oh, the buzz of Hastings St.
The Surf Club with its perfect position overlooking Laguna Bay, where you can enjoy a bucket of prawns and a cold beer. You can walk in straight off the beach, as long as you are attired in more than a cossie and flip flops .
The high-end fashion stores, the eateries, the local and international visitors vying for street front tables to see and be seen, to sip on coffee or aperitifs, to eat all manner of foodie delights.
Continuing west along Hastings Street, the path through Noosa Woods meanders past cool, grassy groves. And ultimately leads to the Point, where Noosa River meets the ocean. A pretty spot to sit and take in the view, especially when the conditions are perfect for windsurfing. And then you get to see some amazing athleticism as well, all free of charge!
And then of course there’s Noosa beach. North facing, with fine white sand and almost always just the right surf for all to enjoy, from babies to beginner boardriders , to those well versed in the glorious art of surfing. Possibly the easiest little break in the world to learn how to surf. And there are a few surf schools to accommodate those new to this glorious sport.
Noosa National Park at the eastern end of the beach provides the walker, jogger or surfer access to more beaches such as Little Cove and Granite Bay, along with superb views , and that iconic Australian bush smell. The pathway is excellent, from the beautifully designed boardwalk leading off Noosa beach, to the end of the walk at Hells Gate. A definite must for anyone , and especially for those of us who have overindulged in food and beverages the evening before.
Having been a regular visitor for nearly 60 years, I sometimes feel like a Noosa local. And of course I have seen many changes to the place over that time.Lots of development,many more houses, apartments, shops and businesses. And many more tourists.
What hasn’t changed is the absolute natural beauty of the place. It’s an iconic beach destination for the world. And local authorities have not only recognised this fact, but embraced it, while still managing to retain that unique , laidback Aussie feel.
With a gorgeous north facing beach , a national park, and that magnificent clear blue water, no wonder Noosa is a national and international destination. I’ll definitely be back there again next year.
