The Multiple “Personalities” of Noosa

24 Aug The Multiple “Personalities” of Noosa

Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Noosa Junction, Noosa North Shore, Noosa River
Plus Tewantin, the beaches, the lakes and the everglades –

They all have different character. They all offer something unique, yet are parts of the one: Noosa Shire

European explorer Matthew Flinders “discovered” the Noosa area in 1799, while people from the Aboriginal Kabi Kabi tribe have been visiting the area for 40,000 years (according to website noosa-heads.net). This was my first visit to the Noosa area, so I am somewhat of a “late comer”.

Could I and the caravanning tribe make up for so much lost time, to discover the real “personality” of this shire.

We based ourselves at Tewantin caravan park to explore the area, by ferry, bicycle, car and “shanks’s pony”.

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The Sunset River Cruise boards at the Tewantin Marina and travels up river to Lake Cooroibah and back. Our whole tribe took this cruise.

Included is a front row seat to an aerial contest, with a routine that goes something like this:

A resident Sea Eagle sees the Noosa Queen stop and takes to the air.
The boat’s captain moves outside and when the eagle is within range, he throws meat into the air.
The eagle swoops and catches the food, mid-flight.
The eagles swoops in again and again and each time more food is thrown.

However, over time the butcher birds have learnt the routine and bravely attempt to steal the eagles food. It’s fascinating to watch, especially when a butcher bird achieves its goal.

Further on, we learnt that Sir Richard Branson (of Virgin fame) owns a Noosa River island, which can be hired for $$$$$$ per night. Included is luxury accommodation, an “entertainment barge” and on this occasion, a chef.

As we drifted past, one of our mob (Norm) shouted his dinner order. It was received with a friendly acknowledgement from the chef and raised glasses from the guests.

Towards the end of the trip it was cold and windy on the open deck, so I moved indoors to be “greeted” by this photo opportunity

It immediately struck me; this is why we are having trouble with the lights in our caravan and the remote locking on our car – Interference from Woodsy’s Aura.

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Even if you are not a fan of market days, the Eumundi Markets are worth a look. We visited on a Wednesday during school holidays. It was packed with goodies, buskers and visitors.

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The next day four of us rode our bikes onto the car ferry at Tewantin and crossed over to the Noosa North Shore. A good ride, the beaches (actually one long beach with various access roads) and camping spots were the main attractions.

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“You must see the Noosa Everglades”, insisted one of our friends. On her recommendation four of us took the Everglades Discovery tour and I’m very pleased we did. The other four were already on their way to Cape York.

As we approached the Kinaba Information Centre our cruise director/boat driver, Dave, stopped the engine and alerted us to the presence of a Jabiru (Black Necked Stork) – rarely seen within these everglades, apparently.

It was dancing and prancing with wings outstretched in an effort to “rustle up” a meal

It was such a dramatic performance that kept us all attentive.

After our tasty BBQ lunch ashore (near Harry’s Hut), we came across this slightly more static creature.

The cruise package included an option to paddle the river in a canoe for part of the way. Those paddling left the lunch table early to reach the pick up point in time. Two inexperienced canoeists were off the pace and when they saw the boat approach, attempted to increase speed. Instead, they hit a protruding branch and capsized the canoe.

The girls were rescued, but an iPad they unwisely took with them wasn’t.

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The Noosa Shire offers so many wonderful experiences. But it’s time to explore Hervey Bay.

So, it’s “au revoir, alvederzane, arrivederci”, to the beautiful Noosa Shire.