A few weeks ago we arrived home from a lovely couple of weeks up North. We spent one week in Noosa, and one down at our second home in Currumbin. When Melbourne gets cold, it’s often said that most of Melbourne migrates north to Noosa. We were there for the week leading up the AFL Grand Final, and I have to say that it did indeed feel like were were amongst ‘our own’, but just in much better weather.
People rave about Noosa. Those that go, go regularly. If you have been, you will either be a Noosa Heads (aka Hastings Street), or a NoosaVille (aka the river) family. We’ve been twice in recent years, once when Ella was almost two and I was pregnant with Huddy, and then just recently.
To be honest you can’t really go passed Noosa for a few reasons:
- It’s so family friendly. Literally families everywhere. This can be a little overwhelming in most cases, but in Noosa, it means that all of the restaurants cater for families. It also means that everyone just ‘gets it’.
- The weather. Its lovely, just lovely. Even when it rains, its nice. The humidity is lower than FNQ, and…there are no mosquitos.
- The shopping. Lots of nice places to shop. Not just your regular kind of crappy ‘resort wear’ places. Seed, Witchery and many little boutiques that stock lots of lovely clothing, accessories and childrenswear.
- Things to do. Whether it’s the beach, or the river…there is so much to do.
After being asked by dozens of people to share my tips, here are my recommendations for a family friendly trip to Noosa!
Where to stay
There is a general rule when staying in Noosa. The closer you are to Hastings street, the more expensive it gets. The smaller the accommodation is also (unless you pay top dollar). Unless you are willing to forgo space, or spend more…my advice is stay further up the hill, still in Noosa Heads, but about five minutes back from Hastings Street. Get a two / three bedroom apartment if you can.
You can also stay in Noosaville which is much more budget friendly. The river has a lovely outlook and a beach frontage that the kids can play on.
Better still, if you can head up there with a couple of families, rent a house on the canals. Most have a pool, and a jetty onto the river.
We stayed at Noosa Crest and it was fantastic. The best part is they have beach toys and everything you need, so no need to take it with you!
Where to eat
If you are in Noosa for school holidays you really need to book your dinner. Some places use the Open Table App, otherwise you can ring direct. If you are there during the school term, you can most often walk up and be fine.
Being family friendly, most people are out eating with small children from 5.30pm. Everywhere has great options for children, even at the nice restaurants. Where ever you go, always take a bag of tricks with you to keep the kids occupied (ie. Magformers!).
Our favourites are:
- The Noosa Surf Club – largest most successful Surf Club in Australia. Loads of room with a lovely view of the beach.
- Bistro C – the quintessential Noosa eatery on the beach. Breakfast is a must.
- Bistro Boardwalk – Across from Bistro C, it is another gem!
- El Capitano – Rustic Italian Pizzas. Definitely need to book as it gets buusssyyyy.
- Cafe Le Monde – Most known for it’s amazing seafood (think huge range of Oysters) and beautiful fresh, healthy salads. Best eggs in town for breakfast!
- Miss Money Penny – Really cool place with amazing cocktails. They have a beautiful modern selection of food, and with a fantastic kids menu that they read via a good old fashioned view finder! So much fun!
- Seasons – a beautiful restaurant outside but under cover. At the end of the beach strip.
What to do
- Spend the day on the beach. Park yourself in front of the surf club (where there are easy access to toilets) and get a snow cone!
- Hire a boat down along the river and spend the day cruising through the canals. You can also go all the way up to the lake at the other end. The boats come with life jackets for the kids, and you can hire fishing rods too.
- If it’s a rainy day, head down to Mooloolaba and go to the Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium. If you are like us, and have Merlin Annual Passes, then you get in for free. It has a fantastic, very long tunnel that takes the kids through their amazing underwater world. They have a seal show twice a day, and whilst we were there there was even slime making! It’s situated right on the marina warf, with beautiful new places to eat and shop. Such a great thing to do whether its wet or not!
- Take a walk through the national park trail. We always take our scooters with us on holidays (flat pack them) and this trail is fantastic.
- Watch the sand castle man in front of Bistro C. You can set up camp on the beach and watch him make his beautiful creations.
We simply love Noosa. It’s one of those places that you fall in love with, and whether you love the beach or the river, the things to do and the places to eat are endless. We’ll be back there for many years to come!
