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Noosa Heads, a mecca for beautiful beaches, restaurant and boutique is ideally located just a 90 minute drive 160km from Brisbane International Airport and just 20 minutes by road from the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore.
For the geographically inclined its co-ordinates are 26°39 S and 153°5 E, and it is 10 hours ahead of GMT (+10-GMT/UTC).
Noosa became popular in the 60’s as a mecca for surfers from the southern states and it has continued to grow as a favoured destination for people world-wide.
Noosa’s laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle is enhanced by its sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 17 to 28°C (there are a few sticky days in Summer) and 7 to 22°C in winter.
While we don’t have a dramatic change in seasons, temperatures do vary slightly. Spring (September 1 through November 30) and Autumn (March 1 through May 31) are glorious times of the year. Summer is from December 1 through February 28 or 29 and Winter – a favourite time for visitors from cooler climates – is between: June 1 and August 31. With an annual rainfall of approximately 1710mm, water restrictions are generally uncommon in Noosa.
Bordered by sea, national park and a river system, it is a popular destination for holidaymakers from the southern states as it is only a 90minute flight from Sydney. The population of the Noosa Shire is approximately 35,000. The popular beach resort town of Noosa Heads, which includes Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach, has 10,000 or approximately 1/3 of the total population.
Clothing
Visiting Noosa and not sure what to wear? With temperatures moderated by its proximity to the sea, even on the coolest of our winter days, all that is required is a light coat or pullover over normal summer clothing. In the summer months its casual.-T-shirts, shorts, light dresses or a sarong and swimming costume. In the evenings smart casual is all that is required.
Shopping
Noosa is famous for its boutique shopping. Shops throughout the shire are open from 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and most are open all day Sunday. Markets can be found at Eumundi on Saturdays and Wednesdays, Tewantin Boat Harbour on Sundays and the Farmers’ Market every Sunday morning (early) in Noosaville.
Postal Service
The Noosa Heads Post Office is located at 91 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads 4567, it is open between 9.00am and 5pm Monday to Friday. It is a very busy (and popular spot) offering many services apart from general postal including a gift shop, electronic banking and a passport service. Postage for a standard size letter is 45c for delivery throughout Australia. Overseas mail takes around 4 to 5 days to get to most international destinations by air. Cost to send a postcard to the United Kingdom or the United States of America is around AUD$1. Contact during business hours: is (07) 5447 3280 Fax: (07) 5447 5160. The area code for Noosa is (07), the international code is (61).
Banking
Most major banks and building societies are represented in Noosa with Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard and other major credit and debit (EFTPOS) cards accepted.
Banks in Noosa
ANZ - 23 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
Bank of Queensland - Shopping Plaza, Noosa Junction
Colonial State Bank - 70 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
Commonwealth Bank - 24 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
National Australia - 11-13 Sunshine Beach Road Noosa Heads
Suncorp Metway - Shop 6B, Arcadia Centre, Noosa Junction
Westpac - 40 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Currency
Australian currency is used with bank notes for five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred dollars. The cost of the Australian dollar (AUD) fluctuates, so it is difficult to be specific. To get an accurate conversion rate try this currency converter .
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at the Sydney & Brisbane International Airport, most banks and at Bureau de Change outlets.
Telecommunications
Why use traditional (and expensive) ways to touch base with family and friends when you can talk to them directly for almost nothing! Better still take them with you when you visit the our beatiful Sunshine Coast with Helloworld you can forget about still shots and large-file emails, store your images securely on the web for your family and friends to see immediately, keep them safe and never worry about using up card or hard drive space. To know more about using the web to host your images simply call or email me at info@denicastle.com
If you do choose to use a more traditional approach, Telstra provides the “local-loop” telephone service (POTS, PSTN). Most telephone connections are the standard RJ11 ("modular") plugs.
A converter can be purchased at most local electronic stores.
Electricity
As throughout Australia the standard is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles (50Hz) with a three-pin plug. A two-pin plug can also be used..
Surfing
With a choice of open ocean surf beaches, bays and point surf around Noosa you are sure to find an excellent surfing spot. First Point, Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, “A Bay” or Alexandria Bay are popular with surfers. Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach and Castaways Beach are fantastic open surf beaches more suited to experienced surfers and sailboarders. Check out what Main Beach is doing on the web cam.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but it is appreciated. If someone has gone that little bit extra for you then a tip is a nice way of showing your appreciation.
Getting Around
Transport is readily available throughout Noosa.
Taxis: There is a cab rank on the corner of Hastings Street and Noosa Drive and one in Noosa Junction at the local shopping centre. You can hail a taxi or telephone for one.
Buses: The bus service throughout Noosa is excellent. The terminal for interstate and intrastate buses is on Noosa Parade near Hastings Street. Generally Backpacker Accommodation Centres will arrange to have transport to meet their guests on arrival at the bus terminal.
Independent carriers will also provide direct transport from your resort to the airports.
The speed limit on the open highways is generally 100kph. In built-up areas it is generally 60kph while many local streets have a 50kph speed limit. Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at the beach, restaurants, licensed premises or in public buildings. Nor is it allowed in buses, taxis or aeroplanes.
Emergency Services
Ambulance, Police & Fire Brigade Emergency services dial 000.
Addresses of Emergency Services
Noosa police station: Langura Street Noosa Heads (off Cooyar Street) and
48 Hastings St, Noosa Heads ph 5447 5888
Noosa Fire Brigade: Langura Street, Noosa Heads ph 5474 9911
Noosa Private Hospital & Specialist Centre: 111 Goodchap Street, Noosaville
ph 5455 9200
Noosa Ambulance Service: Langura Street, Noosa Heads ph 13 12 33
After hours medical centre: 197 Weyba Road Noosaville ph 5442 4444
