Noosa from the air. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland
Noosa from the air. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland
With an appetite for the tasty side of travel, Eveline Harvey samples some of the gourmet highlights on offer in Noosa.
Noosa, on Australia's Sunshine Coast, is a great spot for a foodie holiday. Timing your visit to coincide with the international food and wine festival held each May will give you the opportunity to meet loads of local producers and take part in some fabulous events, but you can enjoy the region's fresh seafood and tropical flavours any time of the year. Try some of these favourite local spots when you're in town.
The Clandestino coffee roastery at Belmondos Organic Market in Noosaville. Photo / Eveline Harvey
Belmondos' small store on Hastings St in Noosa is a great place to grab breakfast essentials if you're self-catering, but for the company's full range, head to its organic market in Noosaville.
If you think the GPS is leading you astray, don't panic. This treasure trove of gourmet offerings is in an industrialised area away from Noosaville's main dining precinct. It's worth the trip though, with a range of organic breakfast options on offer and a coffee roastery on site - not to mention the shelves heaving with delicious Australian culinary products.
Named Best Regional Bar in the country at last year's Australian Bar Awards, Miss Moneypenny's is the perfect place for a light lunch or a cheeky mid-afternoon cocktail.
Try the rum-based mango and passionfruit zombie for a zingy infusion of tropical Sunshine Coast flavour or order something from the Italian and Mediterranean menu, before sitting back and watching the world go by.
Miss Moneypenny's cocktail bar and restaurant. Photo / Supplied
This lovely over-the-water locale offers fabulous food in a beautiful setting, while still managing to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Chef Shane Bailey is a stalwart of the Noosa food scene and his menus make the most of delicious locally sourced products, particularly seafood.
The Mooloolaba prawn salad with green mango, papaya, coconut, peanuts and chilli I had there was my favourite treatment to date of the tasty crustaceans Queensland is so famous for. My dessert of ricotta doughnut balls with raspberry, strawberry and chocolate dipping sauce was something else too.
Nab a table by the huge windows that open onto the Noosa River and watch the pelicans cruise by hoping for tidbits as the sun goes down. Magical.
Stalls are set up beneath the gum trees at Noosa Farmers' Market in Noosaville. Photo / Eveline Harvey
Visiting a local market is always a good way to find the choicest local fare and the Noosa Farmers' Market - held each Sunday morning at the Noosa Australian Football Club - is no exception.
Wander beneath the canopy of huge gum trees, chat with the locals and sample everything from fresh baked goods to lime cordial, cheese, coffee and the famed local Noosa Reds tomatoes.
Look no further than this gorgeously appointed riverside restaurant for a special-occasion meal.
I'm a sucker for fairy lights, so their presence on a tree flanking the outdoor area had me smiling before we'd even been seated. Inside, crisp linen tablecloths, warm wooden floors and plenty of candles further set the scene.
The food we selected from the seasonal menu couldn't be faulted. A multi-textured tuna tartare was an exceptional dish to kick off proceedings. My main of chicken with speck and baby leeks was tender and juicy and a side salad of grated, raw brussels sprouts with pecorino and pancetta proved an unexpected revelation.
Make sure you stay for a dessert or cheese course to round off your evening in style and don't forget to check out the extensive list of local and imported wines.
Rickys River Bar + Restaurant in Noosa Heads. Photo / Supplied
This local haunt will appeal to all manner of holidaymakers: begin or end your night with a few drinks here or settle in for the evening and select from the tempting options on its bistro-style menu. Gaston opens at 7am and the kitchen is open all day, making it a good meeting place for travellers.
Despite its edgy-chic vibe, the friendly staff members are more than happy to chat and chances are you'll feel like a member of the family long before your second beer.
Even if you're not planning on dining in, order the duck spring rolls with sticky plum soy sauce as you prop up the bar. You won't regret it.
