Jack and I headed up to Noosa at the end of August for a week-long, mini vacation. I’d been to Noosa once before and was looking forward to a relaxing holiday and attempting to keep Jack amused and occupied. We were lucky and had amazing weather most days. Jack’s grandparents were staying up there a week before we got there, and they had days of 30 plus degree days – perfect days for sitting next to the pool.
We hired a car, mostly because I wanted to head to Australia Zoo and also to Eumundi Markets. We had plans to visit the aquarium, but didn’t manage to find time to get there. We mostly stayed by the river and didn’t even get to have a play at the beach near Hastings St. It was the perfect place to get away for a short visit, enjoy better weather than what Melbourne was offering and it has plenty for the little kids.
Playgrounds:
Noosa River Pirate Playground
This was a great playground to walk to as it was only a short distance from the accommodation. It had a large shade cloth over the top to provide a bit extra sun protection during the day. There’s BBQ’s around and seating for the adults. The playground has a large climbing net and a large play structure comprising ladders and slides.
Tewantin Splash Park
I looked up areas to take Jack to while in Noosa and this came up, but I couldn’t find many pictures of what it was exactly. This splash park is close to the boat ramp and next to the skate park. There are toilets right next door as well. The area is fully fenced and covered with shade sails. The water play operates for a limited time before needing to push the button again. Jack loved coming here! It was a real highlight, running through and splashing in the fountains. There was seating and a small grass area as well.
Munna Park
Jack and I headed out for a walk along the Noosa River one morning, stopping to look at the pelicans and to wave to the ferry driver. We found this playground, located at the back of the caravan park. Another playground with the added protection of shade, this area had a swing set, a slide, some balance equipment and some spring rockers. The morning heated up fairly fast, and we headed home after a quick play.
Activities:
Eumundi Market – You can’t go to Noosa without a visit at the Eumundi Market. We headed here on a Wednesday morning (also open on Saturdays) and it was packed! This was the hottest day of our holiday, and we were exhausted by the time we walked the entire way around. I liked looking at the local artists and smelling all the delicious food!
Ginger Factory – This was recommended to me by a friend. Leanne and I enjoyed some ginger scones and coffee while Poppy looked after Jack in the playground. The playground is sectioned into smaller babies/toddlers and those that are adventurous enough and tall enough to climb. It is also fully fenced. We all bought tickets for the train ride around the grounds, and let Poppy have an extra special treat by allowing him to take Jack on the ‘Overboard’ ride. Poppy was such a great customer, that they let him go on it again, straight away! The gardens are lovely, and we browsed the shops as well.
Noosa River Ferry – Leanne, Jack and I, took the ferry from the stop outside our accommodation to Hastings St. The captain gives great commentary on the ride up the river, and also let Jack (and all the kids) have a blast of the horn. It was a short meander along the river to Hastings St. It was nice to walk along and browse the shops and even venture out onto the beach. There are various ticket options available letting you go one way, return or all day.
Noosa River walks
Australia Zoo – So glad I drove up and squeezed a visit here. Upon walking through, we were given the opportunity to look at and touch snakes, we saw a wombat being walked later in the afternoon and got to share a tunnel with a shrieking Macaw. Jack was happy that we got to see lots of crocodiles too. The zoo felt huge and the grounds are gorgeous.
Accommodation:
We stayed at the Islander Resort in Noosaville. Hubby and I last stayed here way back in 2009 and we liked that it was fully self contained, a great selection of pools that never felt like it was too busy, and a great location. The resort is across from the river, a block away from a shopping centre that includes Woolworths and has a large variety of shops all around the outskirts (that you can get discounts at too). There is a bus stop right outside and the ferry stop is across the road and an easy walk. The added bonus was that the Pirate Park was just up the road too!
