Five things to do in Noosa

Noosa: five things to do

1. Hike in the national park

There are plenty of trails to try, from easy to moderate. The coastal track seems to be quite popular. You might spot a koala or two and it's great for birdwatching. You could also get lucky and catch glimpses of humpback whales, dolphins or even turtles.

2. Take a stroll along Hastings Street

The famous strip is dotted with boutique stores to browse in and has a bevy of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for coffee or a meal and some people-watching. Popular eateries include Bistro C, Berardo's Bistro on the Beach, Sails and Aromas. Whatever you do, make sure you try gelato from Massimo's Gelateria. The toblerone flavour was to die for.

3. Hop on a ferry.

There's a daily service operating between Noosa Heads and Tewantin passing through Noosa Sound and Noosaville. You can buy an "all day pass" for $20, which lets you hop on and off at any of the seven stops to visit the beach, restaurants or shops.

4. Visit Eumundi Markets.

About a 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads, the markets are open every Wednesday (8am-1.30pm) and Saturday (7am-2pm). There are a large number of stalls to check out, from artwork, sculptures, homewares, fashion, toys and games to fresh produce and tasty food.

5. Try stand-up paddle surfing.

I didn't feel confident enough to give this increasingly popular watersport a shot but it certainly looked like fun - and a great workout too. You can book in for a lesson - group classes or private sessions are available. If you want to go solo then you can hire the equipment and give it a go.

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