Fabulous, Sun-Kissed and Stylish: Noosa Shines as Queensland’s Chic Coastal Escape.

From Surf to Sunset Cocktails: The Magic of Noosa is the Sunshine Coast’s Most Fabulous Playground with Dining, Design and Dreamy Beaches

Melissa Hoyer

Few places capture the essence of Australia’s coastal lifestyle quite like Noosa, a jewel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. With its dazzling beaches, lush national park, designer boutiques, and relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere, Noosa is more than just a holiday destination – it’s a lifestyle experience that continues to lure both international travellers and locals seeking a chic escape.

So it was pretty exciting to be venturing up to Noosa with a handful of girlfriends – one of whom has an absolutely sensational apartment ride on the nursery river. It is absolutely heavenly!!

The heart of Noosa is Hastings Street, a palm-lined strip brimming with stylish cafes, cocktail bars, and luxury boutiques. By day, it buzzes with beachgoers drifting between the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach and the shops just a few steps away. Come evening, the street transforms into a lively dining precinct, with a distinctly sophisticated yet welcoming vibe.

Dining in Noosa is an adventure in itself, offering everything from refined tasting menus to casual beachfront bites. Sails, perched right on Main Beach, has long been a favourite for its fresh seafood and uninterrupted ocean views – the kind of place where a long lunch effortlessly drifts into sunset drinks. Locale, with its dark, moody interiors and modern Italian menu, is another must, perfect for handmade pasta and a strong Negroni. For those who like their dining relaxed and coastal, Noosa Heads Surf Club offers unbeatable views and a classic Aussie beach-club vibe.

Beyond Hastings Street, the culinary scene continues to impress. Noosa Junction, just a few minutes inland, has become a hub of cool bars and eclectic eateries. Restaurants like Light Years, known for its vibrant Asian share plates, and Pucca, blending Indian flavours with European finesse, give the area an energetic, urban edge. If you’re after something more laid-back, the nearby Noosa River precinct at Gympie Terrace is lined with casual yet sophisticated spots where sunset dining is accompanied by river breezes. Not forgetting about Ricky‘s, Lucio’s and of course Sails and Miss Chu.

Of course, Noosa is not just about food. The pristine Noosa National Park, with its winding coastal tracks and chance encounters with koalas, is a highlight for nature lovers. The Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world, offers a unique wilderness experience just a short drive away. We added this a year-round calendar of cultural and sporting events – from the upcoming Noosa Triathlon to the Food & Wine Festival and the Concors de elegance – and you begin to understand why Noosa continues to hold such irresistible appeal.

Fabulous, fashionable, and effortlessly laid-back, Noosa manages to balance barefoot luxury with a genuine sense of community. It’s a destination where fine dining and surf culture blend seamlessly, making every visit a true taste of Queensland’s coastal glamour.

And let me tell you it’s not just about the food and the extraordinary surrounds. I am genuinely knocked out by the selection of beautifully stylish stores – each one has really nailed their brief and fit perfectly in on Hasting Street particularly as the lights twinkle at night as many of the stores stay open – it is like a little slice of paradise. A huge walk up and down Hastings Street is an absolute essential and yes you will come home having bought something. Mark my words.