Season Starter at Noosa Boathouse
The jumpers are off, the rosé is chilling and the calendar is filling fast. Jodie Cameron uncovers what’s afloat at this iconic Noosa River favourite…
I love winter, but I miss my salads and seafood way too much to call it my favourite season and this spring, the Noosa River is where it’s at. Sunset snacks, seafood feasts, sips and celebrations are back in full swing at Noosa Boathouse. We’re talking fresh new flavours, the race that stops a nation, and the official freefall into the silly season is just around the corner.
This is your cue to start planning – the period everyone saves their holidays for has arrived. Spring in Noosa isn’t just lighter dishes and longer afternoons at the top-level Sunset Bar, it’s the kickstart to a run of events that carries from Melbourne Cup all the way to New Year’s Eve. You won’t want to miss it.
Noosa Boathouse co-owner Sarah Bradford said spring was when the venue really comes alive.
“Honestly, it’s is my favourite season in Noosa,” Sarah says. “The energy on the river changes, everyone’s out and about again, and it kicks off our busiest stretch of the year. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning ahead.”
Executive Chef Shane Bailey has used the change of season as a chance to bring some fresh dishes to the table, and they’re a proper celebration of what spring does best: fresh, bright, a little bit playful. The Boathouse Sashimi is made with fresh Mooloolaba white tuna and served with cucumber, wakame and a dressing Shane calls ‘Smiling Tiger’. It’s his own spin on the classic Crying Tiger dressing, minus most of the heat, a friendlier name that’s friendlier on the palate. Then there’s the Mooloolaba Prawn Cocktail, possibly the most Queensland thing on the menu. Juicy prawns, cos lettuce, avocado, new season mango, macadamia and a housemade aioli.
“Shane always cooks with what’s fresh and local, and spring gives him so much to work with,” Sarah says. “Both dishes are designed to be shared and enjoyed with a glass of something chilled.”
The Little Boaty Coffee Bar has had a spruce up too, giving guests the perfect place to kick back and grab a coffee or hit the Kiosk for fish and chips and watch the boats go by.
“We wanted to make the most of our absolute riverfront location, especially now the weather’s turning,” Sarah says. “It’s such a lovely spot to sit and just watch the river go by.”
If there’s one date to lock in first, it’s Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November. Tickets are on sale now, and this one sells out every year. There are two ways to celebrate. Upstairs in the River Room, the Premium Melbourne Cup Lunch ($249pp) is the full glamour treatment: a four-course feast-style lunch from Shane Bailey with three-hour free-flow beverage package including bubbles, beer and wine, Limoncello Spritzes from Dal Zotto Wines, a Fashions on the Field parade, sweeps, the race live on the big screen, and hosted by our Fashion Editor, Carlie Wacker.
Downstairs is more relaxed where the Boathouse Melbourne Cup Lunch ($179pp) offers a three course lunch or seafood experience with a two-hour free-flow beverage package, and all the same racing action and Fashions on the Field fun. The River Room is for anyone who wants the glamorous experience, and the restaurant option is great if you want a slightly more relaxed long lunch to watch the race that stops the nation.
“Melbourne Cup has become one of our biggest days of the year,” Sarah says. “People love getting dressed up and making a real day of it. It’s such a highlight.”
From here, the calendar moves quickly through Christmas parties and on to New Year’s Eve, and Noosa Boathouse is ready for it all. Spanning three levels of waterfront space, the venue can host anything from an intimate lunch for 20 to a corporate celebration for up to 350 guests, including arrival by river cruise or boat transfer straight to the private jetty. From an intimate team lunch to a full corporate Christmas party, the team tailors the menu and the space to suit.
Gather your crew, round up your colleagues and call your family. Whatever the occasion, Noosa Boathouse has a table with your name on it. The new dishes are worth the trip alone, so get in early and thank your future self later.
See you at the Boaty!
DON’T MISS!
MELBOURNE CUP, Tues 3 November
Choose from two levels of fun with Fashions on the Field with fabulous prizes, sweeps and races live on the big screen.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Fri 25 December
Two options across two levels.
DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS
Lunch, Monday-Friday
2 Courses + Glass of Wine, $45pp
3 Courses + Glass of Wine, $52pp
Dinner, Monday-Thursday
2 Courses, $45pp; 3 Courses, $52pp
For details, including menus, events and functions and to book, visit www.noosaboathouse.com.au
