Noosa pretty much has it all - including a bunch of escapees, some permanent, from the colder southern climes. What keeps them coming back? The most obvious answer is right in front of you - just look at that Sunshine Coast beach. This is the glistening sand and frothing waves that tourist brochures are made of.
Noosa is a surf scene, and the serious boarders come from all over to pit themselves against these famous breaks. Away from the beach, the culture is an intriguing blend of laid-back surfer style and serious well-heeled chic.
Noosa National Park is a beautiful patch of the world - try spotting koalas on Tea Tree Beach. They're there, but be warned, they're shy! The main drag, Hastings Street, is sleek and sanitized, with a preponderance of high-end label shops. If you want the surfer end of the scene (and cheaper breakfasts) head to Sunshine Beach.
The Noosa region is about two hours north of Brisbane - take the Bruce Highway and then the Sunshine Motorway. There are sometimes dirt-cheap flights from the major centers to the Sunshine Coast on carriers like Virgin Blue and Jetstar.
