Keeping things cool in Noosa

Thanks to its close proximity to Brisbane, you can find me there around about 20 out of 52 weekends a year, for all the same reasons listed above. Even during the cooler months, when it’s time to log off on a Friday afternoon I hit the escape button and run out the door, en route to the shores.

It’s all about Hastings

If you’re headed to Noosa, my biggest tip would be to base yourself as close as possible to the ever-so-trendy Hastings Street. Shops, restaurants, the beach, the national park walk, you name it – it’s all here.

This trip, I’m staying at the Mantra French Quarter Noosa. With its prime real estate location on the doorstep of Hastings Street, this little beaut offers direct access to the heart of the action. Suitable for families, groups, and couples alike, it’s hard to draw a fault card. Our one bedroom deluxe apartment has everything we need and more. From a bathroom with spa bath and laundry, to a kitchenette with complimentary cheese and popcorn pack, not to forget the balcony overlooking the lagoon pool, it’s really tempting to just unpack and never leave.

If you think the drawcards stop there, think again. Guests of Mantra French Quarter get free secure parking included with their stay, which has to be one of my favourite bonuses of spending the night. It may not be a big city but believe me when I say a visit to Noosa almost always includes copious car park circling, so the thought of not running into this problem is very, very welcome.

Noosa National Park hike

Embracing the cooler months with a trip to the Sunshine Coast doesn’t mean I’m brave enough to jump feet first into the surf…I’d still much rather stay dry and watch from afar. A walk through the Noosa National Park is a perfect Saturday morning alternative, so with Mr LML in tow, we make a break away from the waves, and up to the highest lookout point.

The scenery along the way is enough to get me out of bed in the mornings.

Food, glorious food!

Walk-ins beware! Having to make dinner reservations even in winter is enough to prove that Noosa doesn’t lose its popularity when the temperatures start to drop. Craving some egg battered calamari from Bistro C on Hastings Street, I was pretty disappointed to find that we couldn’t get a table without booking earlier that day. Note for next time – book, book, book!

Our disappointment doesn’t last long as this gives us the chance to try somewhere new. We jump in the car and head down the road to Gympie Terrace and pull up a seat at iS Tapas Bar, overlooking the Noosa River. Each plate of Mediterranean and Spanish-infused tapas leaves us wanting more but I’ve got to give special mention to their super tasty jugs of sangria and their white wine and garlic muscles – delicious!

Full and totally satisfied, we make our way back to Mantra French Quarter to unwind a little more with a movie and some popcorn. It’s the little things that count, so massive kudos to Mantra for reading my mind for a perfect night on the Sunshine Coast.