Temperature Check: Results of the IN Noosa Magazine Reader Survey
The results are in from the IN Noosa Magazine reader survey, Kathy Sundstrom explores who you are and what you told us…
There is something genuinely special about hearing directly from readers.
When 541 people took the time to complete the latest IN Noosa Reader Survey, you did far more than answer a list of questions. You shared how you live, where you go, what you love about this region and how the magazine fits into that picture.
For our editorial team, it was both humbling and encouraging.
Every issue of IN Noosa Magazine is created with the hope that it reflects the spirit of this place and the people who call it home. Seeing so many readers take the time to respond, offer ideas and share thoughtful comments was a reminder of just how engaged this community really is.
The results offer a fascinating snapshot of our readers and the lifestyle that connects them. But more than that, they are a reminder that this magazine exists because of you.
Who You Are: Local at heart
The survey confirmed something we have long suspected, IN Noosa readers feel strongly about the region they live in, or visit regularly. Most respondents are aged 45 and over, with the largest groups sitting in the 45 to 64 age brackets. These are readers who are established in their lives and careers and who care about the places they spend their time and money.
Geographically, the readership is overwhelmingly local.
Almost two thirds of survey participants live within Noosa or the Sunshine Coast, with many others spread across southeast Queensland and a loyal group following from interstate. Even those who live elsewhere often describe a strong connection to the region, returning regularly for holidays, family visits or simply the chance to enjoy the lifestyle the area offers.
Most of our readers (70%) are working, but there is also a large representation of retirees (22%), slightly more than the Australian Bureau of Statistics national average (20%).
One other detail quietly stood out in the results: we love our pets. Dogs are clearly popular in our IN Noosa households, with more readers reporting a dog than those without a pet. Cats and other companions also feature, suggesting pets are valued members of the family.
How You Live and Spend: An audience that values experiences
IN Noosa readers are active participants in the local lifestyle economy and they love dining out!
Almost half of our respondents indicated they dine out one to three times a month, while a significant number (32.5% of respondents) enjoy restaurants, cafés and bars even more frequently (four to six times a month!)
Shopping locally is not simply an idea. It is a value many readers actively live by with more than two thirds saying they consciously support local businesses whenever possible, while many say almost all their spending is local.
Over the past year, readers reported spending with cafés, restaurants and bars more than any other business category. Retail, fashion and homewares followed closely behind, along with beauty, wellness and tourism experiences.
Looking ahead to the coming year, travel and accommodation emerged as the most popular planned investment. Clothing, fashion, homewares and wellness experiences were also high on the list.
Many readers also indicated plans for home renovations, highlighting a strong interest in design, lifestyle and property. The message is clear: IN Noosa readers value experiences, quality and discovery.
Why You Read IN Noosa
One of the most encouraging findings was the loyalty readers feel towards the magazine. More than half of respondents say they read every issue, either cover to cover or dipping into multiple sections each edition. Others say they regularly pick up the magazine when they see it around town.
IN Noosa is most commonly discovered at our handmade magazine stands, cafés and restaurants, with many readers also finding copies in retail stores, hotels and holiday accommodation.
Print continues to lead the way.
Most readers say they read the printed edition exclusively, while others combine print with the digital version. Many copies are shared with friends, visitors and family members, extending the reach of each issue well beyond the original reader.
When asked to describe the magazine in three words, similar themes appeared again and again: Local. Informative. Inspiring. This is exactly what we set out to be. Readers also described IN Noosa as vibrant, colourful, useful and relevant to life in the region.
The Sections You Love Most
The survey revealed clear favourites among the magazine’s regular features.
At the top of the list were two categories that perfectly reflect the lifestyle of the region: food, drink and dining plus local events. Close behind were travel features, local people and profiles, and stories about home, design and interiors. Readers also enjoy fashion, wellness and arts coverage, showing the broad range of interests across the audience.
We also asked about the balance between editorial content and advertising and we were incredibly encouraged by your response.The vast majority of readers believe the balance is just right, which is particularly important as the support of local advertisers makes the magazine possible.
What You Want More Of
Across hundreds of responses and selections, several clear themes emerged about the stories readers would love to see more often. Many are keen to discover the people behind the region’s food, craft and creative industries, with strong interest in local makers and producers.
Restaurant and dining features remain high on the wish list, along with ideas for activities and experiences, from markets to events that help shape weekends and holidays.
Home and lifestyle inspiration continues to attract attention, particularly interior design, gardens and homewares, while readers are also curious about the entrepreneurs and innovators building successful local businesses. Together, the responses highlight a strong appetite for practical inspiration and authentic local storytelling.
Impact on Local Business
One of the most powerful insights from the survey is how strongly readers respond to the businesses featured in the magazine. When readers see a business featured in IN Noosa, many take the next step, visiting websites, searching online, following brands on social media or dropping in to see the business in person, and often going on to make bookings or purchases.
More than half of respondents say they have visited a business after seeing it in the magazine. A similar number say they have booked restaurants or appointments as a direct result of something they read.
Many others say that even when they do not act immediately, the magazine builds awareness and trust in the businesses it features.
This trust is reflected in another powerful statistic: most readers say they feel more positive about a business if it appears in IN Noosa.
IN Noosa Experiences
The survey also explored readers’ interest in experiences connected to the magazine.
Food and drink events emerged as the most popular option, followed by long lunches, chef collaborations and tours of local producers. Art, culture and music events were also high on the list, along with wellness retreats and workshops.
That enthusiasm opens exciting possibilities for the future.
A Final Word From You
Across hundreds of comments, one message appeared again and again. Readers appreciate having a magazine that celebrates local life and showcases the region’s businesses, experiences and people.
Many said they pick up a copy whenever they see it around town or share it with visitors and friends. Perhaps the most rewarding feedback of all was the sense of connection readers feel with the magazine.
Many of you said IN Noosa feels like part of the community. That is the greatest compliment any local publication could receive.
Your feedback helps shape every future edition of the magazine.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. IN Noosa exists because of this community and it continues to grow because of you.
Thank you!
Congratulations to Gabrielle who will be enjoying the ultimate Hastings Street experience including two nights in a beachfront apartment at Netanya Noosa with goodies galore plus a $300 voucher from Locale Ristorante & Bar and $100 voucher from It’s A Fad by Sara Leonardi
