Noosa is a diverse region located on Australia’s Sunshine Coast and is made up of a variety of coastal villages and country towns. With a variety of beaches, including Main Beach, the area is an excellent place to enjoy ocean swims and lazy days soaking up the sun. There are also some great places to learn to surf, as well as some more experienced surfing locations such as First Point, Granite Bay, and Sunshine Beach. Additionally, the area is known for its excellent fishing with a reef system located only three kilometers offshore.
Noosa National Park’s Headlands section is one of Australia’s most visited national parks, and here you’ll find an abundance of ecosystems in a small area. Home to many types of wildlife, visitors often see koala and goannas, and there are also excellent walking tracks with incredible views. The park is home to a vast network of trails, so horse-back riding and mountain biking are also popular. The peace and quiet of the river system north of Tewantin is a haven for those needing to get away from the hubbub of the city, and is best enjoyed by canoe or kayak. The Kinaba Information Centre is a unique spot that can only be reached by boat.
Fraser Island is also nearby, and is a great destination for ecotourism activities. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is 123 kilometers long and covers 184,000 hectares. The island is home to very large numbers of birds, and also has what are considered the most genetically pure dingoes in Australia. The island is also home to a small population of brumbies, Australia’s wild horses, which can be seen on the north end. Barges ferry cars over to the island, so you can either book a guided tour or take your own vehicle. There is limited accommodation available on the island as well.
As the gateway to Australia’s Sunshine Coast and only an hour’s drive from Brisbane, this town is an excellent getaway for travelers. Families will love the close proximity to the Australian Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter, as well as the Big Kart Track, Australia’s largest go-kart track. Also a family favorite is Aussie World, a diverse theme park where you can ride the second largest ferris wheel in the Southern Hemisphere. The park is also home to the Ettamogah Pub, a recreation of the pub from the Ken Maynard cartoon series. Visitors are drawn to the pub’s caricature architectural style. Aussie World also boasts the Sunshine Coast’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts. Another excellent stop is the Queensland Air Museum, where guests can explore the history of aircraft back to World War II.
Caloundra is also an wonderful place to enjoy Australia’s beautiful great outdoors. Pumicestone Passage Marine Park is full of mangroves and sea grasses, and is home to more than 350 species of birds. Local tour guides offer boat cruises in the area, or you can kayak or even walk along the coastal beach trail. The Glass House Mountains are also nearby, and can be enjoyed by taking a scenic tourist drive. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a forty hectare area of protected land that is home to many different species of wildlife. Guided tours are available and it is also a popular picnic and barbecue spot.
Dining is an experience in Caloundra and there is cuisine to suit everyone’s taste. The Velvet Waters restaurant is similar to a Hard Rock Café, and also is home to the Walk of Stars, a tribute to Australian musicians. The walk extends to the top of the hill and includes commemorative plaques.
As the shopping mecca of Australia, Melbourne is a must see city for any serious shoppers traveling through the area. With countless pedestrian malls and lanes each with its own personality and distinctive shops, Melbourne is a true joy to explore.
If you enjoy outdoor markets, be sure to visit the Sunday Market at the Arts Center on Southgate Road. Many talented artists and craftsmen gather here to sell their wares, but the market is diverse enough that you can also find inexpensive souvenirs. The Queen Victoria Markets are the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere, and with over one thousand merchants selling their products there truly is something for everyone. Melbourne is home to many shopping arcades, some with true historical significance. The Royal Arcade is the oldest of them all, having been built in 1869, and contains the famous Gaunt clock and its statues of Gog and Magog. The Block Arcade is even more elegant, with murals on the ceilings and mosaics on the floor. Built in 1891, this continues to be Melbourne’s premier shopping arcade and a popular place for tourists.
Bourke Street is another popular shopping destination since it is home to both the Bourke Street Mall as well as Melbourne’s Chinatown district. Melbourne’s major department stores are located on Burke Street, and if that wasn’t enough to draw in visitors, the area abounds in street entertainment and buskers. Finally, the Southgate area is another prime shopping and leisure area. The neighborhood underwent a revitalization project and reopened in 1992, and has been popular ever since. Southgate has a fantastic food court located right on the river, and is home to many unique stores, restaurants and bars. As a popular walking place, visitors can also enjoy the many street performers that liven up the area.
