A Complete Guide to Planning a Romantic Noosa Getaway
It’s long been a haven for summertime getaways and loved-up short breaks, but Queensland’s Noosa certainly hasn’t lost any of its allure. Cherished for its breathtaking natural beauty, renowned dining and breezy atmosphere, this coastal-chic destination (two hours north of Brisbane) seems to only get cooler and cooler.
Inspired? Put on your most stylish sunglasses, pack the sunscreen and escape to beachy Noosa for your next romantic weekend away with this guide …
Friday evening
Gourmands, you’re in the right place. With pristine water on one side of Noosa and verdant hinterland on the other, amazing fresh produce is pretty much a given here – no wonder the coastal spot is one of Australia’s most-loved foodie destinations!
Get out and sample it all for yourselves with dinner by the water – lucky for you, there’s a vast array of world-class options in the main hub of Hastings Street alone. Treasured for its beachfront location, Noosa-favourite Bistro C is hard to go past. Overlooking postcard-perfect Laguna Bay, this light-filled spot celebrates the very best flavours that the spectacular region has to offer – the drinks aren’t too bad, either.
Local icon Sails Restaurant is also a winner for modern Australian fare, sparkling water views and relaxing breezes. And the mood-lit Locale is sure to impress with its contemporary style and delicious Italian cuisine.
Related: These are the best restaurants to dine at in Noosa right now!
Or, swap the beach for the harbour and treat yourselves to sensational Japanese cuisine at Wasabi Restaurant & Bar. Time for a nightcap? Settle in at Hastings Street’s Miss Moneypenny’s for expert-made cocktails and devilish bar bites. We wouldn’t be surprised to see 007 himself and Miss Moneypenny’s namesake clinking martini glasses at this late-night haunt.
Saturday
After returning to Hastings Street for a fortifying breakfast (you’re spoiled for choice here when it comes to delightful cafes) and letting your food settle, get out and discover this magnificent region for yourselves.
A bit of a Noosa must-do, exploring Noosa National Park will leave you in a blissful state. Follow the winding boardwalk from Main Beach to spot heavenly sights like Little Cove, Boiling Pot, Tea Tree Bay and the aptly named Dolphin Point. Keep an eye out for koalas and pack your swimming togs! Just past Granite Bay you’ll come across the Fairy Pools, a collection of enchanting rock pools where you can float around and soak up the sunshine – it’s no surprise this is a bit of an Insta hotspot!
If you prefer not too stray too far, spend the day at Noosa’s Main Beach. Arguably the region’s main (pun intended) attraction, this pandanus-lined stretch of golden sand has featured on many ‘Australia’s best beaches’ lists for a reason. Watersports-lovers, hire a board and hit the surf or head to the calmer waters of Noosa Sound for SUP-ing mixed with sight-seeing.
Seeking somewhere laid-back for lunch? Keep things simple and visit the original Betty’s Burgers on Hastings Street (it’s believed to serve up some of Australia’s best patties) or wander over to the Frida Kahlo-esque Paradise Arcade in Noosa Heads for mouthwatering Cali-Mexican eats and an icy-cold beer.
Saturday evening
Believe or not, but there’s more to Noosa than just Hastings Street and Noosa Heads. Our advice? Go on a culinary adventure and catch the local Noosa Ferry to nearby Noosaville for dinner – cruising along the Noosa River is also a fabulous way to kick off a romantic night out.
Claim a table at the open-air Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar and enjoy mouthwatering Italian cuisine paired with beautiful river views. A little further down the road, Noosa Boathouse also promises a very memorable evening. A three-level bistro and bar that actually floats on the Noosa River (you won’t get much more on-the-water than that!), it’s ideal for watching the sun set while sampling morsels like baked wild-caught scallops – yes, please!
If you’re wanting to keep things a little more casual, head over to the riverfront Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club for excellent crowd-pleasing fare and a pint of something refreshing. Nearby, Whisky is a top option also worth checking out.
Getting away for a special occasion? Want to go all-out? Up the glamour with a dinner river cruise with Gondolas of Noosa. While travelling past Noosa North Shore and Noosa Sound aboard a old-world gondola, you’ll indulge on entrees and tapas from Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant. La dolce vita, indeed!
Sunday
If you’re yet to pick up a souvenir, hop from boutique to boutique on Hastings Street and fit in time for a visit to the Noosa Farmers Market. Held every Sunday on Noosaville’s Weyba Road, it’s always brimming with goodies like gourmet cheese, fashion accessories and organic chocolate.
After something a little more hedonistic? Sleep in and feel part of the trendy crowd when you sit down to one of Miss Moneypenny’s Bottomless Brunches. Expect generous brunch stations piled high with seafood, charcuterie, Mediterranean-inspired slow-cooked meats and pastries, plus cocktails and live music – #BrunchLife!
Not quite ready to go back to reality (we don’t blame you)? Venture out and see Noosa’s brilliant surrounds after checking out of your accommodation. Blessed with rolling green hills, charming boutiques, quaint cafes and even a working old-school silent movie theatre, Pomona (20 minutes west of Noosa) is a wonderful day-trip destination.
Or, head south and visit the lovely township of Eumundi (30 minutes south of Noosa). Here, you’ll come across the marvellous Imperial Hotel – also home to the Eumundi Brewery – and the acclaimed Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School. Check Spirit House’s schedule of events to get skilled-up in exotic Asian cuisine or round out your weekend away with an amazing share platter at its gorgeous Hong Sa Bar. Who could ask for more?
Helpful links:Eat: Bistro C // Sails Restaurant // Locale // Miss Moneypenny’s// Betty’s Burgers // Paradise Arcade // Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar // Noosa Boathouse// Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club // Thomas Corner Eatery // Whisky Boy // Imperial Hotel // Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School
Play: Noosa Ferry // Gondolas of Noosa // Noosa Farmers Market
Dreaming of a romantic short break? Find plenty of beautiful Queensland accommodation here…
Image credits: Tourism & Events Queensland, www.bistroc.com.au/ and www.spirithouse.com.au/
