My favourite school holidays are starting today. These holidays are perfect because the weather is warmer and the sun is shining, but isn’t melting you. Noosa is normally bustling in the September school holidays with all the southerners escaping to our warm ocean waters. This year, however, is very different. You might actually still have a chance of a car park in Hastings Street, and be able to spread out at the beach.
So, if you are lucky to live here or happen to be living a state which you are allowed to leave…...here are my holiday suggestions:
Adventures to be had…...
Strawberry Picking
McMartins Farm - 105 Sports Road Bli Bli
Open 8:30am – 4:30pm everyday
Yes! Why not actually have a fun day out picking your own strawberries? (It’s already on my activity list!) This farm has two levels of playground and yes, it’s old and well used but I don’t see the kids complaining. They can play while us parents get to sit and relax. Make sure to grab a sundae (or one of the other yummy strawberry dishes) from the café before you leave.
Ginger Factory
50 Pioneer Road Yandina
9am – 5pm every day
Take a trip to the Ginger Factory as they have a new free adventure to go on; Gruffalo spotting, through the rainforest. Download the app (Gruffalo Spotters 2 Aus) for interactive hunting of all the creatures from the Gruffalo story. The covered playground is all free too. Try some of the ginger treats or ice cream at the café. Take a ride on the train or boat which will entertain the kids for sure. If you want to get to know all about ginger, go on the tour. You have to pay for the tour, but it’s worth it!
Movies
BBC Cinemas Noosa
29 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
If a tropical downpour occurs then head on to Noosa Junction and catch one of the latest movies at the newly renovated Noosa Cinemas. I know my kids are keen to see the newest Paw Patrol movie.
Local Gigs
The Sandflys are a really popular local band that regularly play at many different venues. They play all the old classics, so go on….get up and dance, or sit and enjoy while sipping your wine.
The next gig is at the Harbour Wine Bar this Friday (today) at 5:30pm onwards. If you miss them tonight, they play there every fortnight.
If The Sandflys aren’t your thing then there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs that regularly put on live gigs. A prime example is Noosa Junction, which hosts local musicians every Friday in September from 5pm. You might also spot a musician or two playing in the local streets and laneways.
Sunday Covered
Got no plans on Sunday? Then why not take a visit to a market and support the locals.
Noosa Marina Sunday Markets located at the Noosa Marina
(2 Parkyn Ct Tewantin).
Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm.
It’s an arts, craft and local produce market, all outdoors, on the deck overlooking the Noosa River. While shopping, you can enjoy live music from local musicians.
Noosa farmers market.
Located at the Noosa Football Oval (155 Weyba Rd Noosaville).
Starts 6am – pack up around midday.
If arts and craft isn’t your thing, then head on down to Noosa Farmers’ market. We love picking up our weekly goodies from there. Everything is so fresh; just picked the day before and sold by the farmers. There is always live music and plenty of other treats to buy while wandering around. Grab a last-minute deal if you want to risk it, or go early to get the best produce and widest variety before they sell out.
After your busy morning at either market, (or both if you're extra keen), visit the Pirate Park on Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. There is a free speedboat ride to Pixels in Hastings Street where you can play arcade games, sip some cocktails or sundaes and have a burger. You can then jump on the boat again for your trip back. It saves the hassle of parking and you get to have a fun boat ride for something different. Suitable for all ages young and young at heart.
Water Play
There is so much on offer when it comes to water play. The resort pools are heated, and the ones that are not, are now nearly warm enough (for adults). I mean, kids don’t seem to care what temperature the water is, do they? If you are booked into Ivory Palms Resort then you have 3 pools to pick from.
Beach time in Noosa main beach is always bliss; crystal clear water, gentle waves and well-patrolled. The ocean temperature didn’t drop below 20 degrees in winter and it’s just going to get warmer and warmer now. I love going around to Little Cove, which is a perfect sheltered (& less populated) beach.
As well as that, how can you possibly resist having a dip in Noosa River? There are so many spots to go in from. Better yet, hire a kayak or SUP it around Noosa River.
Another water option if you have exhausted all these options and want something different is to head on down to Noosa Marina. Next door is the Tewantin Splash pad, all free, fenced and usable all year round. It overlooks the Noosa River and has public toilet facilities next to it.
So, happy holidays to all the kids and everyone else who's enjoying time off. Until next time...