Ramblings of a retiree in France
We drove round to Noosa on the beach road passing by the delightful Coolum, Peregian and Sunrise Beaches. The name Noosa comes from the Aboriginal word meaning “shade” or “shadows”, probably a reference to the respite from the sun offered by the tall forests in the area. The Aboriginal Kabi tribe had been visiting Noosa for 40,000 years before Europeans first arrived in the 1800s.
The first visitor was an escaped convict, David Bracefell who habitually escaped his bondage at Moreton Bay to trek north to Noosa. Later, Andrew Petrie and Henry Russell came in search of timber and sheep grazing country. Afterwards in 19th century, the prospect of finding gold at nearby Gympie attracted many new settlers and Noosa started to find its feet as a holiday destination.
Arguably Noosa’s most valuable natural asset, Noosa National Park, had its beginnings in 1879 when the untouched green tract of forest on the Headland was declared the Town Reserve. In 1930 the preserved land was gazetted as a National Park, ensuring its protection into the future.
Today Noosa is a humming little cosmopolitan coastal town with innumerable places to stay, things to do and plenty of lovely shops and restaurants which we wandered around at our leisure, along with the beach and Park.
But there’s so much more to Noosa than just fabulous beaches. It’s Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. More than 35% of the region is protected, providing a safe haven for 44% of Australia’s birds and over 700 species of native animals. This includes the Noosa Everglades, one of only two Everglades systems in the world, and (allegedly) the only one you can swim in!
My beloved had drunk a craft beer from nearby Eumundi at lunchtime prompting a quick diversion there on the way back to Mooloolaba. It’s about 15km (10 miles) inland from Noosa on the Bruce Highway and is well-known for its artisan markets largely because it’s such a vibrant cultural hub.
I confess this is one area where we’d both have loved to spend more time – next time!
The water looks inviting.
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Wouldn’t know I only walk along the beaches.
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Well…That would be inviting too.
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Protected habitats are a wonderful thing!
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Absolutely
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It looks like quite a lovely place. You do wonderful photography!
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Thanks Francisco
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This is really a dreamy place😍
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We really enjoyed it.
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Yes, I imagine. It must have been a wonderful holiday!
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Lovely photos and yes Noosa has so much to offer. It is definitely a fab location. Probably too crowded and touristy for me now days. It is interesting, I often learn more about my backyard from international visitors who post stories. Thanks Sheree, great info. Lyn
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Pleasure!
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Great pictures! I like The Old Bakery. The coastline looks beautiful.
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There are so many fabulous beaches in Queensland.
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I’ve only visited Noosa once, but i absolutely loved it!
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Me too!
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There’s a great morning walk around the headland of Noosa National Park. In 1980s Granite Bay, one of several along the walk, was renowned for its nude sunbathing. Due to our high skin cancer rate, and not the Council inspectors, the practice ceased.
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We walked around the headland. Beautiful views.
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Wow so beautiful beaches
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Australia has amazing beaches!
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Beautiful!
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Isn’t it just! Australia has loads of gorgeous beaches.
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40,000 years rather puts everything in perspective
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Beautiful place
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Isn’t it!
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❣❣❣❣❣
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Hello my fellow blogger…I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award, Please know it is perfectly OK if you do not feel the to participate. Sincerely Pene’pastaforthesoul.
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Thank you! I always respond to awards.
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Wow, that just looks like such a beautiful area to live! Fabulous pictures Sheree and loved the history too!😀🌞😺
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It was a beautiful spot.
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You have got me so loving the blue waters and peaceful settings.💦
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What a lovely place and nice photos.
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Thank you Rozina
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You’re welcome
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So beautiful 😍😍 love your photos!
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Thanks Elise
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Great post! The beaches look so pristine💓
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They were stunning!
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