Backpacking Australia: Noosa and Moloolaba

If you want to experience real Aussie life on the East Coast, then Noosa and Moloolaba are right up your street. Not only will you get a real insight into the local culture, the pristine beaches are not worth missing out on. These towns are typically less frequented by tourists and backpackers which is an added bonus.

Noosa

 

Viewpoint from National Park 

After Rainbow Beach and the Whitsundays I thought the views could not get any better. For a panoramic view take a walk up to the National Park. The hill is steep so I recommend not doing it when the sun is at it's hottest. The Park extends right down to the coastal area and in this area you can spot a lot of different wildlife including koalas in their natural habitat.

Noosa has many different beaches for strolling along, watching surfers or simply relaxing. The Main Beach is the closest one to the town but is pretty busy during the summer period. The other beaches are less crowded so worth visiting. Pay careful attention to the information about where it is safe to swim or surf. The good thing about the Main Beach is it is patrolled by lifeguards.

 

 

Noosa main beach

 

 

The one thing I wanted to do at Noosa was to visit the Everglades but we never got the chance; my time in Australia was quickly running out and there was so much more I wanted to see. The Everglades are situated on the Cooloola coast and are waterways that allow for lots of aquatic adventures such as canoeing, kayaking or doing a boat tour. For those interested in nature, it is the perfect opportunity for seeing local wildlife.

 

Although there a few suitable hostels for backpackers, we ended up staying in an apartment on Noosa hill as it was just as cheap for a group. Our apartment had a pool, sauna and steam room and allowed for even more relaxation. However if you are on your own or in a small group, a hostel is definitely better and will allow you to meet new people.

 

Mooloolaba

It wasn't my choice to get off the Oz Experience bus at Mooloolaba but my friends had heard great things from their Aussie relatives. At first, it just looked like a little town to me and I wondered what was so great about it. Mooloolaba has a calm and relaxing atmosphere where people are happy strolling around, checking out the many shops along the Esplanade or sipping a drink at one of the many cafés and restaurants. If you are looking for a wild nightlife, this is not the place for you.

 

The beach is a hub of activity and is full of young Aussie teenagers and families making the most of the warm summer months. Typically, there are more people in the sea wave jumping than relaxing on the beach. This is where I noticed that the locals head to the beach not purely to sunbathe but to swim in the ocean. The beach here is very safe and is also patrolled all year long.

 

The Surf Club is great for eating out at a reasonable price and has many typical Australian dishes such as chicken parmi, roasts and many different types of seafood.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.mooloolabatourism.com.au/aboutus

 

I recommend visiting the nearby Australia Zoo, you can get a Greyhound bus from Mooloolaba. This is not a typical zoo; the enclosures are big, the animals look well cared for and the majority of animals are native to Australia so are as close to their natural habitat as can be. The crocodile show at the Crocoseum is fun and at least you are at a distance from them! Watch out for the birds flying all around you during the bird show.

 

 

 

 

If the Northern Beaches are for adventure and excitement, the Sunshine Coast is perfect for some relaxation and getting in tune with the local life. Even if you can only spend limited time there, be sure not to miss out!