Why Paradise is a State of Mind or a Noosa Holiday

Nature promotes our well-being

Imagine an azure sky; the warmth of sun kissed skin; sand scrunching between the toes; and the sound of surf lapping on the shore. Just thinking about it has boosted your mood for the day.

Paradise is a state of mind.

Dolly Parton

It could be because blue is a calming colour or that listening to rolling waves soothes a harried mind. Back in the 18^th century in England and Europe doctors were prescribing sea air to improve their patients’ health. This hepled grow the popularity of sea side resorts. (Bonus marketing!) Today, researchers are studying the restorative effects of the sea. In case we don’t already know it intuitively, studies show that walking in nature improves our mood, attention, heartrate, blood pressure, and mental health.

85% of Australians live 'near-ish' to the coast

If you don’t live a stone’s throw from the beach then make a day of it, visiting one of Australia’s 10,000 plus beaches dotted around our coastline. For me, a day at the beach involves lashings of sunscreen and covering up to protect a Celtic skin that burns badly, then freckles. Even though the beach is not my natural habitat, it’s still my idea of paradise. Why, it’s almost un-Australian not to enjoy a walk along the beach.

I recently visited Noosa Heads for a few days in between State COVID lockdowns. This well-known relaxed, option-packed, holiday spot on the Sunshine Coast was fabulous. Noosa is home to the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Noosa 'back in the day'

Tourism to Noosa started after WW1 but ramped up in the late 1940’s when it became more accessible for holiday makers. It’s hard to believe that Hastings Street, Noosa’s main drag, was once an empty, sandy track. Now it’s a mecca for savvy shoppers and gastronomes. This connoisseur of food and fashion has no recommendations for either however, as we were accompanied by two small boys who only wanted to go to the beach!

Noosa Accommodation

I’m always up for a luxurious, 5 star resort (always) and there are plenty to choose from in Noosa. Noosa has a range of accommodation from high end to budget. When travelling as a family though, a holiday apartment wins hands down for space, a laundry and kitchen.

We chose an attractive apartment in Noosaville. www.metzonoosa.com.au It was wonderfully relaxing to return to after a day of fun in the sun, which was every day. Noosaville is an great alternative to staying in the heart of Noosa. Many people may prefer to be by the river. The Noosa area offers more accommodation options than you can poke a stick at! You can choose from elegant holiday home rentals to camping/glamping, from house boats to farm stays. It all depends on your style, budget and availability. Visit www.visitnoosa.com.au to plan or book accommodation and tours.

It's all in the timing - for real R&R

If you dislike holiday crowds and looking for parking spots at Noosa Heads, then choose a slightly less popular season, and out of school holidays. If you really hate looking for parking spots, book accommodation that’s walking distance to the beach or catch a bus. By the time we decided on our short break, Noosa was fully booked. So we really scored with our lovely 2-bedroom Noosaville apartment. The bus to the beach was right outside our door. Noosa River was a few minutes walk.

Fish and chips by the river, watching the sun’s final rays disolve into the water is almost mandatory. So, grab a little piece of Paradise when you can, and enjoy! www.visitnoosa.com.au

Average daily temperature
Summer: 21–29°C
Winter: 10–21°C

Non-Food ‘Score’
The Modern Furniture Store, Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa
Peregian Beach Village – cafes, boutiques; chill and upmarket at the same time.