Summer Sojourns with Go Noosa
Over the decades, Noosa has managed a rare intermingling of two identities – holiday hotspot and small-town sanctuary.
The rainforests rich with native flora and fauna; the undulating hills, winding rivers and woodlands reminiscent of Southern Europe; the local cafés, diners and distilleries sourcing ingredients from their own backyards; and the ground-breaking art in galleries and theatre stages – we try not to take it for granted.
The whirlwind of life makes it difficult to find leisure time in our calendars. But these summer holidays are full of opportunities to appreciate Noosa’s nooks, nosh-ups and hidden havens.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or been here for generations, Go Noosa is your gateway to the region’s culturally-rich communities. The free bus services offer a localised road trip without the burdens of traffic, fuel and designated drivers.
From 10 December until 22 January 2023, a selection of bus routes will transport you from coastline to countryside for free.
Translink Routes 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632 will help you travel to destinations around the Shire including Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Junction, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin, Cooroy, Pomona and Cooran plus temporary 064 Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads service.
Staying central, the free 065 Go Noosa Loop Bus travels clockwise between Hastings Street, Noosa Drive, Weyba Road and Noosa Parade.
But what is a bus route without a reason to disembark? Before you jump aboard, explore our destination guide to getting the most out of your day trips, staycations and week-long wanderings.
At the start of your journey, park your car in the Noosa Junction Transit Centre, beside The J Noosa or along Bottlebrush Avenue. Before you board a free bus from Noosa Junction, why not indulge in an organic, seasonal breakfast from Vanilla Food or a sweet or savoury breakfast crêpe from Flo’s Crêperie? Experience the superb plant-based fare and clever cocktails at Herbert or find something for everyone at Lovely Things. On your return, stop for a drink at Nudge Nudge Wink Wink or Muse Noosa or grab a free-range charcoal chicken, salads, baguettes or finger sandwiches at Bird!
Aboard the 065 Go Noosa Loop Bus, navigate the heart of Noosa Heads from The J Noosa at the top of Noosa Junction to Weyba Road where you’ll find Sum Yung Guys, Little Cove Coffee, Noosa Farmer’s Market and Noosa Arts Theatre; and along Noosa Parade into the Hastings St shopping strip, where the likes of Okanui, Freya Fine Jewellery and Feet First are just some of the shopping options on offer. Refresh with delectable delights or creative cocktails at Sofitel Noosa’s Noosa Beach House.
On Translink Routes 626 and 627, drift along Gympie Terrace in search of riverside dining. Gusto and Noosa Boathouse all gaze out onto Noosa River, accessible from stops at Gympie Tce at Massoud Park or Quota Park.
Don’t just pass through Tewantin, take the time to explore Noosa Regional Gallery; indulge in cocktails, antipasti or an authentic Italian feast at Lucio’s Marina; or enjoy top-to-toe pampering at NuYou Natural Beauty Day Spa.
Route 632 meanders up into the hinterland, where quaint cafés and boutiques open onto quiet streets and trails disappear into sprawling national parks and countryside views but there are only limited services a day so be sure to download the MyTransLink App, visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
In Cooroy disembark at Emerald St near Maple Lane or Elm St at Cooroy station. A short walk leads you right into the heart of Cooroy, the historic timber town turned artisanal escape.
You can’t visit without immersing yourself in the Butter Factory Arts Centre, which is abundant with eclectic and dynamic art exhibitions from homegrown artists. The gallery also hosts a variety of art workshops, but if you want to try your hand, make sure you pre-book a few weeks early!
If you’ve brought the kids along, they’ll make a beeline for the new nature-based Hinterland Adventure Playground.
The park welcomes all kinds of adventurers with low-activity sensory spaces, lively climbing structures, inclusive flying foxes and swings and picnic shelters and BBQs for the parents.
In search of a little more serenity, turn into the local favourite Fika Café on Emerald Street or A Little Shop of Soul, the two-in-one bookstore and café in a laneway just off Maple Street.
Catch the next bus along Route 632, continue to Pomona and disembark at Factory St near Reserve St. The past is alive in this country village, home to Australia’s longest-running picture theatre and the world’s oldest silent film theatre. Silent film screenings accompanied by live organ take place at The Majestic Theatre every Saturday at 12pm.
Over on Station Street, local art exhibitions occupy the historical railway carriage, signal room, station master’s room and more at Pomona Railway Station Gallery.
The more adventurous travellers might seek out the Noosa Trail Network, which allows walkers and runners to pass through picturesque forests and rolling hills. For the ultimate challenge, climb Mt Cooroora and become King of the Mountain!
Toast your trip at a range of distilleries, breweries and bars. Try hand-crafted cocktails, spirits and beer from Pomona Distilling Co., 2020 Distillery in Cooroy or Heads of Noosa Brewing Co.
Arriving at Noosa Junction Station once again, you’ll disembark knowing the authentic and hassle-free kind of Noosa – and there’s so much more to see.
