Noosa
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Noosa is an area in Queensland about 150 km north of Brisbane on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast. It is a Shire with an area of around 875 square kilometers and a population of a little over 50,000 people. Noosa is known internationally as one of Australia's most beautiful areas, and over one third of the area consists of National Parks, Conservation Parks, State Forests and other protected land.
The Noosa River system is very much part of Noosa life and its Everglade regions attracts visitors. Visitors also come for the sparkling ocean, perfect waves, wide sandy north facing beaches, national parks, fine restaurants and plenty of action.
Fifty years ago Noosa was an isolated fishing village, and although a lot of development has occurred since then, the shire is known for its generally green and sustainable approach. Current legislation prohibits buildings over four storeys, which is around the height of the tree line, and there are only two sets of traffic lights – both at school crossings. This approach gives the area a stress-free feel which is one of the reasons it is a great place to holiday.
The main tourist area is Noosa Heads, where the main beach fronts onto Hastings Street. Behind Hastings Street is Noosa Junction which is the main shopping area, and at the eastern end of Hastings Street is the Noosa National Park.
You can get a ferry from Hastings Street to Tewantin, which was originally a timber town, and is where the Council Chambers are now located. South of Noosa Heads there is the popular surf beach of Sunshine Beach, and north across the river is a forty mile long beach, Noosa North Shore, that you can explore by four wheel drive.
There are plenty of things to do in Noosa. These include cruising on the Noosa River, visiting the shops on Hastings Street, strolling around Noosa Harbour and enjoying a drink or meal on the wooden decks, walking in the National Park, visiting the Everglades by boat, dining at one of the excellent restaurants, using the free BBQ facilities by the river, playing golf at one of several courses, swimming or surfing, relaxing with a massage or spa at one of the many spas, or enjoying the hinterland villages of Cooroy, Eumundi, Boreen Point , Pomona and Kin Kin.