FIND YOURSELF IN THE RIVER OF MIRRORS

JUST an hour north of Brisbane you can experience a tranquil cruise up the ‘river of mirrors’ – an attraction that reflects the tourism diversity that Noosa has to offer.

With feet dangling over the front of our small boat, the fresh water northern tip of the Noosa River is a charming sight to behold.

We weave slowly through narrow wetlands and past pioneering landscapes en route to the famous Noosa Everglades about a one hour trip from the Sheraton Marina off Hastings Street.

Eco cruising dotted with historical stops and a habitat virtually untouched, the pristine waters are alive with metre-long catfish and its canopy home to 44 per cent of all of Australia’s bird species. It is also home to 1365 species of plants and more than 700 native animals co-exist here.

Our informative Noosa Everglades Discovery skipper informs us that the Noosa River is the only system in Australia that has its entire upper catchment protected in National Park. He also says the river is teeming with bullsharks. It is suggested that it might be better for a dip when we get up into the freshwater catchments and when we do the black water as coloured by the Melaleuca alternifolia (tee tree), is soft and refreshing.

The decision to explore something different outside the traditional Noosa surfing and beach excursion is one that surprises and entertains as we embark further up into this unique part of the Sunshine Coast.

When we arrive at the historic Harry’s Hut, where logs were cut and Melaleuca shipped off to help build the banks of the Suez Canal, a bottle of bubbly is corked and we enjoy a selection of freshly baked scones with jam and cream, muffins and lamingtons. There are also juices and tea or coffee. A large goanna strides over to where we’re eating and introduces itself.

A broad offering of resort style or budget accommodation is available in Noosa and we continue the green theme by checking into the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa.

Occupying a prime location just off Noosa’s famed Hastings Street and bordering the spectacular Noosa National Park with views into the lush rainforest or over the turquoise waters of Laguna Bay, the apartment-style resort is only 500 metres from the beach.

Boasting stunning rainforest and resort views, the resort also features a select range of lavish three and four bedroom deluxe villas with sweeping views out to Laguna Bay and exclusive access to the private Brookes Pool.