Noosa Queensland A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET RAE LIPSKY Contact Rae: +61.421.887.520
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Rae Lipsky, owner of 2 luxury villas in the subtropical beach paradise of Noosa, Queensland.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR Queensland, Australia, has many beach towns along its eastern coast, which runs from the heavily developed resorts of the Gold Coast to the remote tip of its tropical north. Whilst Noosa sits geographically closer to the Gold Coast, spiritually it feels much more remote, with locals celebrating the natural environment and it is arguably the perfect beach destination. Noosa is blessed with a pleasant climate year round and a selection of beaches with great surf, great swimming and stretches of fine white sand for playing on, strolling on or simply lazing on. But it’s not all about the sand and surf; there’s also the stunning scenery of Noosa National Park to explore and the town itself boasts many great restaurants, boutique shopping and a busy calendar of events. Our Insider, Rae Lipsky, was lucky enough to find
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this slice of beach perfection over 40 years ago and whilst the town may have grown, as the wider world has discovered this special place, with strict planning laws and faithful locals the peaceful spirit of the town remains. In this Insider Guide, Rae shares some of her intimate local knowledge with us, so you too can share in the magical feeling of the endless summer...
MEET YOUR INSIDER
RAE LIPSKY...
Growing up in Australia our holidays were all about heading for a favourite beach and sometimes spending the entire summer holidays there with family and friends. So many beautiful beaches over the years have made special memories but one captured our hearts. We discovered Noosa in the early 70's while holidaying when our family was very young. It was so unspoiled, there was no coastal highway in those days and it felt remote and isolated, rather like being stranded on an island with kilometers of wide, fine sand beaches that for the most part were empty. We just knew this was where we wanted to holiday forever.
“It was so unspoiled... rather like being stranded on an island with
kilometers of wide, fine sand beaches that for the most part were empty. We just knew this was where we wanted to holiday forever.� Proximity to the spectacular Noosa National Park with its stunning coastline, secluded beaches and walking tracks was the focus of our search for a place to build. We bought a vacant lot close to the southern entry to the Park at North Sunshine Beach and built our first holiday house in 1979. Balinese Beach House came years later and is in this same street, enjoying sweeping ocean views and just meters from the entry to the National Park. We loved the laid back feel of the area with its focus on preserving the natural environment and its restrictions on building high rise apartments or buildings anywhere in the Noosa Shire. This protection of the beaches from building shadowing and knowing that the beach lifestyle we wanted to enjoy would be preserved has proven to be true almost 40 years later. The natural beauty that is Noosa is still the draw card for holidaymakers today. And the rich and famous have gradually moved in buying their own piece of beach paradise. For some tourists this is a draw card too, the thought of sharing the beach, boutiques and restaurants with people one would only read about in magazines. The climate is comfortably warm and its shorts and tee shirt weather for most of the year which has our southern neighbours booking a stay when the southern freeze kicks in. Casual summer weight clothing in natural fibres along with a casual jacket for cooler days and nights are pretty much the norm. We love our beach lifestyle and sharing it with holidaymakers gives so much pleasure.
RAE'S REAL NOOSA...
Once the sleepy holiday beach destination for the small inland townships close by, Noosa retains this eclectic mix of old-timers, whose families date back to the days of the early settlement, newcomers, mainly from the southern states who have moved permanently to their favourite holiday destination and those from overseas who make Noosa their home for at least part of the year. Noosa National Park and the surfing culture are draw cards to the relaxed Noosa lifestyle which has a focus on enjoying and preserving the beauty of the natural environment while promoting and supporting the arts. The Noosa calendar is peppered with cultural and sporting events that attract international as well as local tourists annually, and many make the journey several times a year to coincide with events that interest them. A holiday in Noosa is not about glitz or casinos or nightclubs. It is about beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, a delicious choice of restaurants and eateries offering quality food and catering to all tastes and budgets, water sports and, of course, surfing. A holiday in Noosa can be as busy or relaxing as one chooses - but it is always special...
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
Noosa National Park...
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Exploring the Beaches...
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Restaurants and Eateries...
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Boutique Shopping...
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Day Tripping...
A favourite with photographers, surfers and tourists for spotting koalas in the wild! With many walking tracks the most popular are those that hug the spectacular coastline and lead to private beaches. One beach. Alexandria Bay or A-Bay as it is known locally, is quite beautiful and because of its secluded location became popular decades ago with those who liked to skinny dip. This tradition continues today but rather more discreetly as this beach is a beautiful destination for all to enjoy.
Noosa Shire has a number of beaches all with their own character. Main Beach and Sunshine Beach have Surf Clubs with beach patrols. The secluded beaches in the Noosa National Park are beautiful to visit and frequented by board riders. Along the Noosa River where water sports are the go there is also a stretch of sandy beach very popular with families. You will want your camera with you to capture the breathtaking coastal views for each of the Park beaches is unique. Just beautiful.
Noosa is known for the quality and variety of its restaurants. For many visitors part of the charm of their stay in Noosa is eating out. Hastings Street, Sunshine Beach Village, along the river in Gympie Terrace in Noosaville, Quamby Place in Noosa Sound, and Tewantin Harbour have a good selection of restaurants with a range of offerings. Chefs pride themselves on sourcing fresh local produce, creating menus especially for their restaurants and often achieve national celebrity status.
Hastings Street is filled with boutique shops offering a variety of products including resort clothing, art pieces, beautiful gifts and high end jewellery. Window-shopping is a great pastime for many! There are shops for the serious collector too and an amazing photo studio gallery of international fame. One boutique that stands out as an iconic Hastings Street 'must visit' is the eclectic, classy Signature with everything from tiny mementos to beautiful clothes to tempt and delight.
There are just so many activities to choose from but the most popular with tourists are visits to Fraser Island, Australia Zoo, Yandina's Ginger Factory and the famous Eumundi Markets. One of the little known favourites is a Sunset Cruise leaving from Tewantin Harbour to Lake Catharaba. Along the way the Captain calls to wild birds waiting on the tree branches and they swoop in to gracefully accept food offerings.
RAE'S FESTIVAL FAVOURITES... Noosa has an extensive festival calendar with a wide variety of popular events. The best accommodation can book up quickly so if you want to stay during these busy periods then it's wise to plan ahead. Here are a selection of my favourites...
SPORTING FESTIVALS Noosa Festival of Surfing. Noosa made the international surfing map when the Noosa Classic included professional divisions in 1996. This attracted the best international surfers of the time with Hawaii’s Bonga Perkins becoming the first overseas multiple Noosa title holder. Overseas and Aussie surfing stars like Wingnut Weaver, Brian Keaulaana, Layne Beachely and Mark Richards, have wowed the crowds. And let’s not forget the Surfing Dog events - just amazing! Happening over 8 days on a selection of Noosa beaches in the second week in March each year, the Noosa Classic is a great spectator event at a great time of year to holiday at the beach - and it’s free! Read more at www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com Noosa’s Triathlon Multi Sport Festival celebrates sports participation, healthy lifestyles, fitness and fun. Held over five days every Oct/ Nov it is Australia’s largest Olympic Distance Triathlon and the world’s second largest Olympic Distance Triathlon behind London. Noosa’s beautiful and unique environment attracts interstate and international visitors to this event. No tickets required for spectators but participants must pay a registration fee. Find out more at ap.ironman.com
CULTURAL FESTIVALS Noosa Jazz Festival is a great time to be in town each year, happening over 4 days at the beginning of September. A Festival Village of tents and marquees is created in a local waterfront park. Jazz, Blues and Folk artists perform and Master Classes are held. Delicious food stalls, bars and fun shopping are all part of the festival experience. Signing up in the members area will give access to special ticket offers and updates on the latest Noosa Jazz Festival News. For more info visit www.noosajazz.com.au Held mid-May each year over a 4 day weekend, the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival attracts international and local celebrity chefs to town, along with a large following of those who appreciate fine food and wine. With a gala opening night on beautiful Noosa Main Beach prepare to enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment complete with singers and orchestra. The Beach Marquee is a perfect venue for cocktails, dinners and seafood lunches. Sunset Concerts at the Lookout and the River Marquee with its amazing picnic lunches and scrumptious High Teas are also on the festival menu! A ticketed event with the programme released early in the year. Read more at www.noosafoodandwine.com.au Noosa Long Weekend is an entertaining eclectic mix of theatre, dance, music, supper clubs, food, literature, forums, visual arts and workshops held over 10 days each July in Noosa. And there is usually a World Premiere Event on the agenda too! For this year's event and ticket prices in a nutshell visit www.noosalongweekend.com
RAE'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Noosa has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are Rae's very own luxury villas, along with another suggestion. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Rae’s Very Own...
Balinese Beach House is just meters from the southern entry to the Noosa National Park, and a 14 house walk to the beach. With exquisite Asian antiques and handmade rugs, a living pavilion that opens onto large decks and beautiful ocean views, 3 spacious bedrooms, the Balinese is all about beautiful beach living that is superbly comfortable. For more information visit www.balinesebeachhousenoosa.com
Rae's Other Place...
If you are looking for a luxury beach house in an exclusive location with spectacular ocean views at the entry to the beach, private bathrooms and TV's for each bedroom, spacious living areas and large decks with comfortable daybeds on both levels then Beach House Noosa is the property for you. So popular with everyone from couples to extended families our guests come back again and again. Read more at www.beachhousenoosa.com
Rae Suggests...
The apartment strip in Hastings Street offers a different accommodation choice for holidaymakers. Not as spacious or private as a holiday house but for those who love to shop and eat out the temptations are right on your doorstep and it is worth checking out. Bookings can be made through the complex managers and some real estate agents. To enjoy ocean views the beach front side of the street is the best choice.
RAE'S NOOSA "Practical Tips" Always Swim Between the Flags... Swimming between the flags on a beach patrolled by lifesavers is always the safest way to enjoy the beaches.
Don't Walk Alone in the Noosa National Park... It is always best to enjoy the Park with a companion.
Slip, Slop, Slap... The beach mantra to ensure skin stays sun safe and does not burn and reminds beach goers to apply their sunscreen!
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