Noosa – the place to be!

The impression one often gets of Noosa is that of the rich and famous walking down Hastings Street. This is rather far from the truth as the place is stunningly beautiful - the Noosa river and its ferry over to the North Shore, the parks along its banks, bike tracks all over the town, the ability to drive for miles and miles in the Great Sandy National Park in a 4wd one meter from the ocean (our poor navlady was stressing thinking we were driving in the sea!!), the stunning views over the ocean from accessible walkways, the forests, small coves along the beaches for safe, year round swimming and amazing hinterland views – and of course, the family, who have all been so kind to us! (This is what we have seen. We would need a few more weeks to enjoy what we haven't.)

Hastings Street is there with its funky coffee shops and upmarket shops, restaurants and boutiques, often very original and inviting…if you are one of the rich and famous. Picnics on the beach for lunch, at the end of a 4 wheel drive or after a long forest walk along the edge of the azure ocean does us fine!

It appears to be the perfect place to settle though property is exceptionally expensive. Many people we spoke to and observed appear to be retired (though lots of young ones too), environmentally conscious, keen on exercise, willing to help us when we kept getting lost using the marvelous maze of bike tracks, beach and 4 wd lovers - all fiercely protective of their “place” in Noosa – perfectly justified. I even spotted the university of the third age. My current university is Radio National!!

I think if one has “made it” this is the place to come though I believe the summer is very hot and humid. The one good thing about Noosa is that the ocean is swimmable all year round – no life-threatening jellyfish!

We are loving every minute in Noosa and are so glad we chose to stay for 8 days before heading down to Brisbane.

(I will post all the family photos on the blo.g after the weekend as Denize has arranged a picnic on the river for all the family on Saturday evening. It should be fun. The only thing missing will be the family in Perth!)

P.S. Chris couldn't resist the "Mad Max" look on the beach with the 4wds all in a row! and the last picture is of Coolum beach about 20 mins from Noosa.