RELAXING
Music
There is plenty of music around Noosa if you know where to go. They’re mostly local
acts. Some are good and interesting. Then there are the ubiquitous solo guitarists playing
‘Hotel California’ with synthesised drum machine backing.
The best thing to do is get the Entertainer section of local rag the Noosa News. It
highlights local and touring acts at venues around Noosa.
Something to watch out for are the gigs at the Wyoming Barn, one of the coolest venues on
the East Coast. It is literally a barn, hidden out in the country 2 kilometres from
Eumundi on the Kenilworth Road. This is where some of the more hip acts come to play. The
contact number we have for the mysterious people who organise Wyoming is 0416
262319.
As for the nightclubs in Noosa, they have never rallied to anything like the
sophistication of the restaurants on Hastings Street below. Try them if you must but
don’t blame us.
Cafes
OK this is where we get really picky. There are loads of these places in Noosa. But if
you’re after good coffee, friendly locals to serve you, a cool atmosphere yet minimal
pretension, here are our recommendations.
On Hastings Street try Sierra (the northern end at number 10.) The place where hip locals
go is Canteen over in the Junction at 6 Sunshine Beach Road. The bonus here is free
internet use. Further away is Baked Poetry in the village at Peregian Beach. It’s a
15 minute drive but light years away from touristville. It’s run by a small German
Basil Fawlty. Their fruschtuck for breakfast is an unusual thing to discover in this part
of the world. (Both Canteen and Baked Poetry are only open during the day.)
Restaurants
If you want great food which isn’t going to cost the earth, most locals would agree
Thai Breakers at 185 Gympie Terrace in Noosaville is one of the best eating options in
Noosa. (On weekends it’s safer to book. Their number is 5473 0799.)
There are a plethora of restaurants to choose from on Hastings Street and Gympie Terrace -
If you’re into “elegance” and “fine dining”. Season and Saltwater
have been good in the past.
At the Noosa Life Saving Club you can eat in a prime position overlooking the beach.
It’s also a good spot for an afternoon shandy. It’s a similar set up at the
Sunshine Beach Life Savers, with more ocean to behold.
Another unusual place for lunch or dinner is Bistro Bistro. It’s unique cause
it’s in Cooroy, not Noosa. Cooroy is the real McCoy - about half an hour out into the
country.
Neither a restaurant or a cafe, Betty’s Burgers are a local icon. Betty has been
“serving Noosa since 1978” with burgers that are cheap as chips. Betty was in
Hastings Street until she fell victim to progress and was banished to the Noosa Woods
(near the first rock wall.)
Bars
The groovy place (for Noosa) to have an evening drink is Bar Rhumba. Hidden away behind
the Massimo Ice Cream shop at the southern end of Hastings Street, it has a kind of
Melbourne feel about it. They do cocktails. They also have some interesting and unusual
wines.