Your ultimate guide to Sunshine Coast

So, you’ve joined the southern migration north – chasing light, warmth and a lifestyle that doesn’t involve layering. You’ve heard all the clichés: the friendly locals, the good weather and the laid-back attitude. But, more recently, Queensland has shed its caricature. This isn’t the state of sunburnt tourists and souvenir towels anymore; it’s where Australia’s most interesting transformation is playing out – from Brisbane’s restaurant boom to the hinterland’s design-led lodges and reef islands doubling down on barefoot luxury. Here, the distances are big, the light is blinding and the personality is as sprawling as the map itself. UNESCO World Heritage rainforests share postcodes with world-class surf breaks, road trips can easily stretch into epics and the hospitality is disarmingly genuine. To steer you in the right direction, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley has handpicked the best places to visit in Queensland right now. We’ll save you a seat in the sun.  🌳 All the best things to do in Brisbane🚘 The best day trip from Brisbane

Ah, Noosa. The Sunshine Coast destination is a mix of everything that is authentically (and wonderfully) Australian. It’s all sun, sand and surf along Noosa Heads, trendy eateries and boutiques down Hastings Street, hectares of gorgeous greenery at Noosa National Park, and that Aussie outback hospitality across the hinterland. When it comes to staying the week, we reckon your best bet is setting up camp right in Noosa Heads where all the action is. We’ve chosen the area’s best hotels for their welcoming nature, light-filled coastal rooms and proximity to the beach – some even beachfront; everything your sunny holiday should be. Here are the best hotels to book in Noosa right now.  ☀️ The best things to do in Noosa🍹 All the coolest restaurants in Noosa🌴 The 5 best beaches in Noosa Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Noosa has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the resort town’s trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach.  Waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, while Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to wood-fired pizzas. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Noosa for your eating pleasure. 🌊 Your ultimate guide to Noosa☀️ Here are the 5 best beaches in Noosa🍽️ More great restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa easily ranks as one of Australia’s most beloved beachside towns, and for good reason. Surrounded by the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park and boasting one of only two everglade systems in the entire world, this place is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You can swim with humpback whales, surf world-renowned waves, scale majestic cliff faces and zoom along the coastline on a thrilling jet boat ride.  Translating to “shadows” or “shade” in the language of the native Kabi Kabi people, Noosa also offers plenty of places to escape the sun. The resort town’s main strip, Hastings Street, buzzes with local boutiques, all-day cafés ideal for people-watching, bougie spas and gorgeous galleries. Whether you’re after a sandy-toed getaway or a soothing spa retreat, our list of the best things to do in Noosa has you covered. ☀️ The best hotels in Noosa🍹 All the coolest restaurants in Noosa🌴 The 5 best beaches in Noosa