Cheers to 25 Years, Noosa Springs!
Nestled in the Noosa bushland on the banks of Lake Weyba and adjoining the Noosa National Park, Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort officially opened on 9th May 1999. Jodie Cameron goes back in time to reminisce on the past 25 tee-rific years of Noosa’s favourite fairway…
Over 40,000 years ago, members of the Kabi Kabi tribe first set foot on what we now know as Noosa Springs. The region was considered a sacred retreat and called it ‘Nusa’ – an Aboriginal word meaning ‘shadows’ or ‘shade’, no doubt a reference to the area’s tall forests offering refuge from the hot sun.
Located next to the Noosa National Park, on the shores of Lake Weyba – a large, shallow salt-water lake once famous for the stingrays that inspired its Aboriginal name – was an area of trees, swamps and some cleared land that, by the 1980s, was the home to Weyba Ranch, a quarter horse stud.
In 1992, when Weyba Ranch fell into receivership, Noosa architect and developer Alan Starkey bought the 103ha property with thoughts of creating a first-class residential development around an impressive golf course. The property became known as Noosa Springs because of the natural, fresh-water springs that existed on site.
Plans for the par-72, 6230 metre championship golf course, incorporating a network of nearly 10ha of freshwater lakes fed by natural springs, were originally prepared by Alan Starkey and handed over to golf course architect Graham Papworth for the final design.
Officially opened on Mother’s Day in 1999 with 21 team members, the facilities and Noosa Springs were far less impressive than they are today — just three temporary, transportable single room buildings (or dongas as they’re known) housed the golf, locker room and catering.
Over the next two decades Noosa Springs grew and developed and the golf course matured into one of the finest resort-style layouts in Australia.
Fast forward and this world-class golf course is still receiving a hole lotta love from thousands of locals and interstate visitors who make their way to Noosa Springs each year with many taking the opportunity to stay over and enjoy the resort’s facilities.
Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort Club Manager, Daniel Chandler says the 25 year celebration is a huge milestone for the course which is rated one of the best in Australia.
“We are extremely proud of how the course and resort have evolved over the past two decades to accommodate the growing Noosa community and we are excited to see how things expand in another 25 years,” he said.
Listed as an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Noosa is home to a range of pristine natural environments with its beautiful beaches and national parks right on our doorstep. During the planning phase, Graham Papworth gave special attention to preserving and enhancing the natural environment with its undulating fairways set amongst lush bushland and home to an abundance of wildlife — this careful curation makes golf at Noosa Springs an unforgettable experience.
“The longevity of the resort is underpinned by sustainability which is a major focus for us and we embrace these practices across every department of our resort,” Daniel says. “We are committed to protecting the environment, minimising waste and conserving resources wherever possible.”
A par above the rest, the par-72 championship golf course course is home to 18 superb holes in a spectacularly beautiful setting that is both challenging and inspiring. Enjoying a subtropical climate, the immaculately maintained course is playable year-round and in almost all weather conditions.
Today, Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort comprises a world-class day spa, restaurant, spacious self-contained one-and two-bedroom apartments, a fitness centre, tennis courts, a boutique Golf Shop and conference, event and wedding facilities.
Located (as the ‘birdie’ flies) just 3km from Hastings Street, the resort is open everyday to everyone and is popular amongst locals and visitors who come to simply relax in the day spa while combining one of the many treatments on offer including a Hydro-Massage pool, fitness centre and 25m pool, or to enjoy the views from the terrace whilst enjoying the renowned high tea.
Offering indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the golf course and beautifully manicured gardens, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, Relish, is open to the public daily for a la carte breakfast and lunch — from a quick bite before a round to a memorable dining experience.
Offering modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on the flavours of Noosa, its seasonal menu is sourced using quality local ingredients and when Noosa locals choose to dine as regularly as resort guests and members, it’s easy to see why it’s a firm favourite.
If you are looking for a unique dining experience, check out their Daily Lunch Special, First Friday of the Month themed dinners or Sunday Sounds for something different and a fun way to meet new people!
To putt a long story short, if you haven’t had the chance to visit the Sunshine Coast’s finest golf and spa resort, do yourself a favour and swing or drive by today!
WHATS ON:
SUNDAY SOUNDS – Last Sunday of the month, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
THEMED DINNER – First Friday of the month. Enjoy a 4-course meal for $75pp.
Arrival for 6pm for 6:30pm dinner
DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL – Seasonal themed dishes inspired by local and Australian fresh produce. Choice of entrée + main or main + dessert. $38pp or $45pp with a glass of wine
HIGH TEA – All year round. Includes your choice of sparkling wine or orange juice and a barista-made coffee or pot of tea. $50pp. Bookings essential.
