Does the impending holiday hubbub have you feeling a little frenzied? Take a jaunt to the land Down Under, specifically to Noosa, the city that puts the “ahh” in Australia. The sparkling destination located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland is known as the relaxation capital of Australia. Here, locals and tourists alike take time to savor their surroundings, whether they're watching for whales or admiring wildflowers. If you're thinking of planning a trip to Australia, now's an ideal time—the weather is just warming up as summer arrives. Jet away for a spell and return feeling completely renewed.
Contemplate Your Escape
If your vacations are typically overbooked or over-programmed, you're probably eager to unplug for a bit. Noosa has your need for downtime covered—all you have to do is choose your relaxation preference. You could pamper yourself at one of the city's many day spas, discover your Zen in a beachside yoga session, hit the links at a world-class golf course, or just take in the lush tropical rainforests and crystalline beaches. Noosa's picture-perfect setting makes it easy to find your inner bliss, whether you embark on an activity or prefer to do nothing at all.
Situated on an idyllic stretch of coast, Noosa is so naturally beautiful that you won't need any filters when sharing your vacation photos. As one of only two Everglades systems on the planet (the other is in Florida), the region is home to exceptional flora and fauna. If you're a bird-watcher, you've found your paradise. Nearly half of Australia's bird species resides within the Noosa Everglades, so bring your binoculars. You might also catch a glimpse of one of the 700 native creatures that call the Sunshine Coast home, from whales and dolphins to butterflies and marsupials. If you're lucky, you may even see some koalas in their natural habitat. VisitNoosa.com.au
Get Comfortable
When you travel to Noosa, the accommodations are as varied as the landscape. You could settle in at a luxury bed and breakfast, relax in the serenity of a beachfront cottage or enjoy the pristine water views from a lake-house retreat. If the latter sounds like your cup of tea, plan your stay at Eumarella Shores, a stunning eco-conscious retreat nestled on the banks of the breathtaking Lake Weyba. Take your pick from a selection of individually themed lake houses on the water's edge, or venture into the native bush garden for a secluded garden lake house with sweeping lake views. Either way, you'll feel completely relaxed sipping a glass of wine on the veranda, taking it all in.
With summer just unfolding in Australia, it's the perfect season to dive into Lake Weyba and explore its diverse waterscapes and creeks. Hop in a complimentary kayak or canoe, or go for a leisurely swim beneath a canopy of trees. Prefer to meander on land? Take a stroll along the pristine beaches of Noosa National Park or discover some local fare at the nearby Noosa Farmers Market. Situated among the area's fragrant gum trees, the market is open every Sunday and showcases some of the region's freshest produce. Bring your discoveries back to your Australian abode to prepare a freshly made feast—all accommodations include a fully equipped kitchen. EumarellaShores.com.au, NoosaFarmersMarket.com.au
Eat Like an Aussie
Want to enjoy a slice of paradise with your meal? In Noosa, it's easy to do. Plenty of waterfront dining options abound, so you don't have to miss a moment of the view. The tables on the terrace at Rickys River Bar and Restaurant are among the best in Noosa. Pull up to the restaurant via ferry, water taxi or gondola and experience some of the city's finest Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as salt-cod croquettes or flash-fried local prawns. The menu changes seasonally and features fresh local produce, so you'll get to enjoy all the season's best flavors. For a real memory-maker, don't miss the restaurant's six-course tasting menu with matching wines. Rickys.com.au
Sails is another beachfront restaurant serving up views as good as the food. Stop in for an elegant yet unstuffy lunch of salt-and-pepper duck with kimchi and blood-plum sauce or Mooloolaba king prawns in a yellow curry sauce. The best tables are situated on the shaded terrace, but with an entirely open restaurant, it's impossible not to know you're dining beside the sea. Enjoy a glass from Sails' award-winning wine list and savor the experience. SailsNoosa.com.au