The ultimate winter getaway and romance recharge: Noosa, Queensland

If you’re looking for somewhere to get rid of that Aussie winter funk, come with us as we explore the romance recharge potential of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Mrs Romance and I love living right in the heart of the city. The thrill of being right in the middle of all that life and vitality is very exciting, but it can also be quite tiring.

And when the Sydney winter settles in, things can feel like they’re even more on top of you. It’s a sure-fire romance killer and a general drain on your energy.

Our answer: fly two hours north to the tropics!

Noosa, in Australia’s Sunshine Coast just south of the Tropic of Capricorn, is one of those havens of tranquillity that fits our brief of a romantic getaway so perfectly.

This sophisticated yet relaxed little beach town isn’t for thrill-seekers – that’s what the Gold Coast a bit further south is for. No, Noosa’s the kind of place you go to if you want a bit of R & R, a nice slice of beach time, shopping, good restaurants and perhaps slot in a session at a day spa.

Where to stay in Noosa

Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa

Image courtesy of Sheraton Noosa.

It might not be the cheapest option but the freshly renovated Sheraton Noosa has to be the best place in the area to stay. And if it’s quality rest and relaxation you’re after, this is your best bet.

The rooms are large, the beds are exquisitely comfortable, and the balconies are easily big enough for two. There’s even a pool with a swim-up bar!

Where to eat in Noosa

As you’d expect from somewhere like Noosa there are lots of places to eat around town. Hastings Street, which runs parallel to the beach, is the place to be:

Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita

Our pick of the bunch is Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, which is also where the Sheraton delivers its breakfast buffet. The dinner we had here was superb and we highly recommend booking for a meal here.

This is our full review of Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita.

Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club

For something a bit more down-to-earth, try the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s got amazing views over the beach and the food’s great too.

Where to drink in Noosa

As you walk down Hastings Street, you’ll find a multitude of cool little bars serving beer, wine and cocktails till the early hours. Most places have live bands or solo artists knocking out tunes while you drink too:

Noosa Beach House Bar

The cocktail choices at the Noosa Beach House Bar was delicious and their wine selection’s good too.

Miss Moneypenny’s

Our other favourite is Miss Moneypenny’s further down the street. Their Kettle One white sangria jugs, served in copper kettles, is dangerously drinkable.

And if you’re just after a caffeine zap in the middle of the day, Hastings Street also has the answer. There are plenty of cafés lining this tree-lined street perfect for a cup of Joe and to people-watch.

Noosa Beach

Typical to Queensland, Noosa Heads Beach is a pristine sandscape. It’s big enough even for the summer crowds to find a patch of sand to sit on, but in winter the beach is pretty much yours. Walk along the sand or head out along the boardwalk into the bush to really get back to nature.

Shopping in Noosa

Shopping really is pretty good here – especially for such a little town. Once again, Hastings Street has the answer to your retail needs. If you’re looking for anything beachwear related, you’ve come to the right place.

From international fashion labels to local boutiques and home wares shops, you’ll find it here.

Day Spas

AQUA Day Spa

The day spa in the Sheraton Noosa – AQUA Day Spa – is pretty bloody good! Mrs Romance had a one-hour full body massage there and reports were very positive. Our dear friend Mrs Woog from the illustrious WoogsWorld.com had the same – here’s what she’s got to say about it.

You can book an appointment at the hotel’s reception desk or through AQUA’s website.

Ikatan Balinese Day Spa

I decided to go for something a bit more exotic and headed out of Noosa a little way to Doonan and the Ikatan Balinese Day Spa. This is like a paradise within paradise. Tucked away in the tropical greenery, this place is amazing.

I opted for a 60-minute rub-down and loved every second of it – even the funny undies they make you wear! If you’re having a two-hour-plus treatment and you’re staying in the Noosa area, you can organise someone from the spa to come and get you, which is a great idea.

They also do high tea if you want something tasty to eat (we did!) and there are couples packages available if you want to keep the romance going!

Here’s my full review of Ikatan and all its comforts and luxuries!

Things to do in Noosa

Australia has an activity-based culture; we love having things to do here. Noosa’s no exception – though as I mentioned, it’s usually to a slower drum beat than somewhere like the Gold Coast:

Romantic boat cruise with Noosa Dreamboats

Zip around the Noosa waterways and check out the multimillion dollar waterfront houses in a ‘50s style mahogany speed boat a la James Bond. You can also organise a picnic to take out and munch on while you’re on the water. Apparently this is popular with wedding proposals too! 😉

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Have a crack at standing on water. Jesus made it look easy, sure, but I was surprised how stable the board was and am happy to say I didn’t even fall off! This would make a really fun adventure date activity – and more exciting than a movie… plus you get to see each other in swimmers!

National park bush walks and koala-spotting

With so much bushland around Noosa it’s the perfect spot to get out and about, and explore the area on foot. There are boardwalks through some of the nearby bush if you want to take it easy. Otherwise there are trails to follow further afield.

Whatever you get up to in Noosa – even if it’s just hitting the pool and reading or crashing out on the beach – you’ll go home feeling like you’ve had a month off. If you want a bit more info on getting to Noosa and for other things to do in and around Queensland, check out the Tourism and Event Queensland website.

Have you been to Noosa? What did you get up to? Where’s your romance recharge go-to place? Tell us in the comments.

Images by Mr & Mrs Romance.

We visited Noosa as guests of Tourism & Events Queensland.