Noosa Heads Off The Beaten Path

The Big Pineapple is located on Nambour Connection Road, Woombye. It's probably best to hire a car (or drive your own) to check it out, unless this is included in a tour.

There are also sugar-cane train rides. There is also a restaurant available there to enjoy a meal and/or dessert.

It's not too far from Noosa (within an hour easy by car).

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We visited the small town of Cooroy located inland approximately a 20 minute drive from Noosa Heads. It was a nice clean town but the purpose of our visit was to view the Cooroy Orchid Society's annual Spring Show. We were surprised when we went into the hall, orchids in bloom were everywhere and the quality was a good as any of the big city shows. Well worth the drive and we then continued on to the Eumundi Markets , a further 15 minute drive down the road.

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There are several ferry operators who conduct cruises on the river to suit all occassions. There are lunch and evening tours, morning and afternoon tours which include tea, coffee and biscuits. We took a very enjoyable 2 hour tour mid afternoon which took us down the river to see the Noosa National Park and mangroves, then out to the river mouth. Our tour was just 2 days after Steve Irwin,'The Crocodile Man" was killed by a stingray and along the mangroves we saw at least 6 small stingrays. The tour also took us along the canals where the rich and famous holiday in the fabulous homes. An excellent commentary was provided.

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In tropical coastal areas the mangroves are essential to the eco system, they are the breeding grounds for many types of wildlife, birds, fish, crabs etc etc. Sharks are common to mangroves and much further north you will find crocodiles. These photos were taken whilst on ferry tour from Noosa Wharf.

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The best way to see the luxury canal homes is from the water and the easiest way is to take the ferry cruise. The ferry operator will take you close up to the homes, explain the history of many of the mansions, you will learn that the beautiful beaches in front of the homes are man made and usually have to be replaced each year. Canal development in Australia is now being restricted due to enviromental issues.

Most backpackers start their Fraser Island adventures in Hervey Bay. Since I had limited time, I couldn't arrange to get to Hervey Bay and join any 3-day camping on the Island. Instead, I joined a day-tour from Noosa Heads. It's a bit rush I must admit but I could see already quite a lot under the horrible weather conditions.

For more info, please see my Fraser Island page.

In the land of all things big, here is your serving of pelican.
This species (well, not this one exactly but the smaller real version) is very common in Australia. Though you frequently see them not far from the sea they are generally an inland bird and abound in estuaries and lakes hundreds of kilometres from the seashore.
This one is on the waterside walk at Noosaville, just inland from Noosa Heads. The paved walk winds around trees, mangroves, picnic tables and car parks along the foreshore of the inlet behind Noosa.
There's all kinds of boating here from noisy jet skis to gentle sailing boats and fishing boats in all sizes; alongside kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and other assorted craft.
On the other side of the road are assorted accommodation houses, generally slightly cheaper than staying beachside in Noosa but great for families.

I loved it. There we were at Maleny in the German restaurant with the fine sweeping views over the Glasshouse Mountains late on a pleasant spring day sipping our cups of tea and, just slightly, feeling the chill.
At that moment the waitress brought out two tartan blankets for Rosemarie and Shirley to keep them warm. I just had to take a picture. I'm sure you'll all understand.
I have to say it's the first time in all my years of dining out that this has ever happened!