We've been to Noosa a few times over the years, and it changes a little bit each time we go back — and, so far, always for the better. This is where we like to have a little 'holiday' at the beginning, or end, of our trips.
The Noosa River winds its way inland from the beach at the end of Hastings Street, creating great photo opportunities for Andy with its visible sandbanks!
On our initial visits, we stayed in the admittedly tourist enclave that is Hastings Street. Now, some may think Hastings Street is, well, a bit "up itself" (!), but I don't think it's too bad myself. There are plenty of nice, well-priced cafés and restaurants (not to mention an incredible ice cream shop!) in amongst the more expensive eateries and designer boutiques (which are always good for a nose in, for fun anyway, I think!).
There is a vast range of accommodation on Hastings Street — from affordable family resorts and units, to on-the-beachfront luxury apartments. And yes, there is a Sheraton here too, but even that isn't too much of a high rise, and isn't really too intrusive. No buildings are tower blocks, in fact, and when you're on the beach you can easily forget all the busy-ness behind you.
Noosa is a holiday destination — and if you mean 'Hastings Street ' when you say Noosa (which is technically known as Noosa Heads), then I will admit — perhaps it's not for everyone. Having said that, I happen to quite like having a rather excellent selection of restaurants all on a stroll-able strip alongside each other, so I am not in the anti-Hastings Street camp. But I will point out that I now no longer actually stay on Hastings Street, as it is rather busy!
And here is the Noosa River from on high — the view from a 'Lookout' apartment means you get to see the beach and the river snaking its way back into land.
This is where the Lookout Resort comes into its own. It's just a few minutes walk from Hastings Street, but is 'miles away' in terms of noise, ambience and of course views. Unless you fork out some serious money to stay beach front on Hastings Street, you will be more likely facing the street or into your own complex if you stay there. Give me a view across Laguna Bay, the Noosa River, and out to sea (for half the price) any day!
Now, of course, because of the views there is a small matter of elevation to consider with the Lookout Resort. "No pain, no gain" as they say — so yes, there are some steps to climb up from Hastings Street (although there is nothing to say you can't drive the 2 minutes down there or get a cab back up the hill!). So this is a drawback if being on the flat is your main criteria for a place to stay. There are, in fact, 217 steps, as one previous guest helpfully counted! The steps take 4 minutes to walk down, or you can go via the boardwalk which takes 10 minutes (but has no steps).
It's not just the Noosa River and beaches you can see from up here — there's most of Noosa Heads, and the Hinterland, plus the less populated North shore too. Breakfast on that balcony is a great way to start your day.
However, there are other places to eat, stroll and shop which are on the level from the Lookout Resort, headed the opposite way to Hastings Street in Noosaville. This area has taken some time to come into its own (polite way of me saying that I would now actually want to go eat there!), but as of our last visit it is positively happening.
This means you then, in fact, are perfectly positioned at the Lookout, mid-way between the shops and eating establishments of Hastings Street and Noosaville. Also (and for me very importantly!), there is a bottle shop just a minute down the road from the apartments i.e. not far enough away for your beers and wine to warm up before you can get them back into a fridge!
So why, with all the hundreds of places to stay in Noosa, have we singled out the Lookout Resort? Well, for one: it's affordable! Not the most interesting of reasons, but quite fundamental. Noosa accommodation gets very pricey near the beach, so to get a sea view and have change from £100-a-night then you need to step back (and up) a bit. The second reason we have chosen the Lookout is for its managers. Based on-site, extremely friendly and enthusiastic, Glynis and Derek have taken to their new careers/ "second mid-life crisis" really well (they had been managing the lookout for 18 months when we visited).
You can walk around the headland at the end of Hastings Street to find little 'beaches' on the edge of the Noosa River like this that are really stunning places to picnic or relax.
Planning Your Trip
I love the cinema at the arts centre — you can sit on the floor, or on the reclining cow-print benches...
Derek and Glynis are very much people people, and this is evident from the 'nothing is too much trouble' approach they have to running the Lookout. Previously living in Melbourne, they moved to the Sunshine Coast for some of its namesake (sunshine). They had been running a very successful chocolate shop empire in Melbourne (this was their first mid-life crisis!) after previous careers in Graphic Design and business.
Glynis is horse-mad, and will happily accompany you on a horse riding outing if you want to go (she is always looking for an excuse!). Derek, meanwhile, is a keen golfer and always offers use of his membership at the local golf club to anyone staying at the Lookout to get guest rates for a game. How very nice!
The Lookout Resort apartments are all individually furnished. Some in a comfy style like this, while others are much more modern (my favourite has a decadent white corner sofa and bright turquoise cushions!).
The units themselves at the Lookout are all the same size but differently decorated inside, as they are individually owned. So while some are more homely and comfortably furnished with traditional sofas and lots of cushions, others are much brighter and contemporary — striking corner couches with lots of white, and flat-screen TVs. All units meet a good standard of fixtures and fittings, however, and all have outside space, and lots of room inside.
If you can't get a sea view, then the garden views are, in fact, very pleasant — especially when you remember that the other reason for staying here is to not be paying a fortune to have a hugely spacious and comfortable apartment with great managers on site — so don't worry too much. The beach is only a 5 minute walk away after all (4 minutes down the steps and 1 minute to cross the street)! Plus there is a swimming pool to lounge by right there, if you prefer that.
And if you really must watch TV...then at least you get a nice big flat screen. But this photo can't disguise the blazing sunshine outside which is surely what you are here for?
The apartments all have 3 bedrooms, which are 'closed off' according to how many of you there are. Each apartment officially sleeps up to 7 (but I wouldn't exceed 6 if you want your sofa!). There is an en-suite and dressing area to the main bedroom, and the other 2 bedrooms share their own bathroom. The bedrooms aren't huge, but do have plenty of storage, plus the vast open-plan kitchen/dining/lounge area won't have anyone feeling claustrophobic.
So all you have to do now is pick out the apartment you like the look of and let us know, then we'll catch up with Glynis and Derek to see if we can help you have a fantastic Noosa 'holiday'.
This is the 'busy' beach in Noosa — Hastings Street runs behind the beachfront properties here. Eat at Bistro C and look at this!
But if you still aren't convinced, I suppose I should also mention the lovely beaches for swimming and surfing in Noosa Heads, trips on the Noosa river, the national park at the end of Hastings Street complete with Koalas in the trees, the nearby 'everglades', the ability to take day trips to the entirely-made-of-sand Fraser Island from here (with its crystal clear lakes), Tin Can Bay just up the coast where you can interact with wild dolphins every day, the buzzing twice-weekly (more than 500 stalls) Eumundi markets nearby, plus the rest of the Sunshine coast beaches... all less than 2 hours drive from Brisbane (see a map of the Sunshine Coast). Come on — I defy you not to find something you like!
PS. Our favourite place to eat in Noosa is 'Bistro C' — right on the beachfront. It's an inspired Australia landmark as it is the location of Andy's first ever meal in Australia. It is also the location of one of our most memorable Christmas Day lunches ever (Santa on the beach anyone?!).
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