Jul 23, 2018 | News
Rawnsley Park Station are currently installing six new holiday units on the property. This will bring the total number of accommodation units at Rawnsley to 38 from September 1st of this year – 29 holiday units, 8 ecovillas plus the Rawnsley Homestead. Tony and Julie Smith, Owners of Rawnsley Park Station, said that the high demand for accommodation in the Flinders Ranges convinced them to expand the accommodation offering at this time. “We have been in a period of consolidation since we added four Ecovillas in 2009, and now think that the time is right to expand to meet the expected demand in coming years”.
The first of the units were transported to Rawnsley on July 4 with the other five units to arrive by the end of the month. A raised deck area, carports and verandahs will be added in coming weeks with the units expected to be ready for guests by September 1st
Jul 23, 2018 | News
Daydream Island Resort has announced Executive Chef, Bradley Martin, will lead the Resort’s premium dining destinations ahead of it’s grand re-opening early next year.
A passionate Queenslander, Bradley will bring his extensive resort experience to the island and will lead the opening of three restaurants; Graze, Infinity and Inkstone Kitchen and Bar, as well as four bars; Lovers Cove, Barefoot Bar, Tonic and Silica.
Through simple yet creative menus, Bradley plans to hero local producers and shine the spotlight on local flavours and ingredients by meeting local farmers and producers in the Whitsundays regions. Bradley also plans to share his food at the local Lions Airlie Beach community markets and host weekly cooking sessions with local schools to share his love of food with the local community.
Jul 23, 2018 | News
Last month marked the beginning of the annual whale migration in Western Australia, which is one of the longest in the world. From now until December, humpback whales, southern right and blue whales make their way along the coast from the Southern Ocean in the South West to the warmer breeding grounds in the Kimberley, in the North West. Throughout the season, visitors can take whale watching tours from Albany, the Margaret River region (Augusta, Busselton, Dunsborough), Esperance, Perth, Broome, Kalbarri and Shark Bay, while in Exmouth and Coral Bay, visitors can swim with the humpback whales. The swim with humpbacks experience generally runs from August to October, just off the Ningaloo Reef.
Read More
Jun 21, 2018 | News
Australian Wildlife Adventures are excited to announce the expansion of their Western Australian product with the launch of two new accommodated tours departing from September 2018. With the steady growth of their 6 Day Secrets of Esperance Camping tour over the past three years they believed the time was right to develop an accommodated version of the product that can operate all year round.
The 6 Day Best of the South West Adventure features highlights such as Margaret River, Esperance & Cape Le Grand National Park, personalised indigenous culture at Koomal Dreaming, Valley of the Giants, Albany and Wave Rock. Also departing fortnightly is the shorter 3 Day Margaret River & Beyond Adventure which offers those with less time a taste of the South West visiting Dunsborough, Margaret River, Walpole, William Bay National Park and Albany.
Australian Wildlife Adventures owner Craig “Hassie” Haslam said, “we are very really excited to be expanding our West Australian product offerings as it is just such a spectacular part of the world. While our swag camping tours have been catering primarily to the 18-35 year old youth market for the past 15 years, having these new hostel accommodated options with private room upgrades available, not only enables us to expand our own markets, but also offers visitors to WA some more unique touring options with a focus on nature, wildlife, adventure, culture and local produce”.
Jun 19, 2018 | News
Tourism Noosa is an official partner supporting Plastic Free Noosa – a whole-of-community project to reduce Noosa’s plastic footprint. As from the 1st of July, Noosa is being used as a trial destination to switch from single-use plastics to better alternatives
Plastic Free Noosa is working within the food, markets and events sectors, to reduce six key items that are commonly found in the litter stream – plastic water bottles, straws, coffee/cups & lids, takeaway containers, food ware (cutlery, cups, plates) and plastic bags. All of these items have readily available reusable or compostable alternatives, and the project works with businesses to show them what the alternatives are and how they can get them. It also encourages individuals to take up a plastic-free lifestyle. The campaign will expand to incorporate other sectors throughout the year, such as schools, retailers, hotels, grocers, tour operators etc.
The project shows what can be achieved when a community works together to reduce its reliance on single-use plastic, with Noosa now leading the way for other communities to follow. This year, Plastic Free Noosa has set an aspirational goal to reduce the use of identified single-use plastic packaging in Noosa by 50% by November 2018.
Tourism Noosa supports the move for another step towards Noosa being the ultimate sustainable, clean and green destination for visitors.
https://www.plasticfreenoosa.org/
Eco friendly Noosa businesses
Below are some product updates on new Noosa tourism businesses that offer sustainable experiences;
Habitat Noosa
Launching in July, Habitat Noosa is uniquely located in the Cooloola National Park (25mins drive from Noosa) on 65 acres of land, surrounded by bushland, lake frontage and kangaroos! Everything has been thought of from glamping and cabin style accommodation to a micro-brewery, outdoor cinema screen and restaurant.
Join an eco-certified tour, cruising along the pristine Noosa Everglades on an Everglades Ecosafari, departing straight from your accommodation door. Including morning tea and a BBQ lunch, the tour takes you through ancient mirrored waterways and sub-tropical rainforest.
https://www.habitatnoosa.com.au/
Cooloola Great Walk!
Tropical Treks have launched a five-day guided trekking adventure, the Cooloola Great Walk, departing from Noosa and arriving at Rainbow Beach. On this stunning 88 kilometre, fully-guided self-sufficient hike, you will pass through 500,000-year-old Cooloola Sandmass, two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and encounter some of Australia’s most rare and endanged fauna and flora. Overnights will be in walkers’ camps offering tranquil settings with toilets and fresh-water. Meals are provided and can be enjoyed while watching the sunset over western volcanic peaks, while the Milky Way and Southern Cross constellations provide nightly spectacles and campers will wake up to the birdsong chorus as the sun rises from the Pacific Ocean. www.tropicaltreks.com.au
https://www.tropicaltreks.com.au/tours/cooloola-great-walk/?L=0
Lady Elliot Island
Already providing one of the world’s most genuine and inspiring eco-tourism experiences, Lady Elliot Island has added spacious glamping tents to their accommodation offering.
Immerse yourself in the exclusive glamping tents set amongst natural flora, whilst enjoying views of the spectacular lagoon. During season, migratory birds nest in surrounding vegetation and green loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs only meters from your doorstep.
The Glamping Tents accommodate up to two adults and are ideal for couples with a private bathroom and secluded balcony. Each tent is fan cooled with a mini fridge and tea & coffee making facilities.
Each tent has been designed for minimal impact on the Island while enriching the overall guest experience of the environment and seasonal wildlife. In keeping with the natural, eco-friendly practices there are no telephones, television, radios or Wi-Fi available in the rooms. Limited Wi-fi available in the restaurant.
https://www.ladyelliot.com.au/
Noosa Food & Wine
16-19 May 2019
Dates have been announced for the Noosa Food & Wine Festival 2019 as the 16-19 May! The 2018 event was a huge success with Noosa welcoming celebrity chefs, warm sunny days and an amazing food & wine showcase in beautiful settings. In 2018, Noosa Food & Wine worked with Plastic Free Noosa to reduce plastic waste throughout the Festival. Glassware was made from polycarbonate and all foodware was biodegradable. Waste Warrior volunteers were on hand to ensure all waste was deposited in the correct way, with bins supplied to festival goers for compost, recycling and general waste.
https://www.instagram.com/noosafoodandwine/
May 30, 2018 | News
What’s new in Noosa 2018
– Noosa was recently endorsed as the 10th World Surfing Reserve, chosen for its beautiful point breaks and visionary coastal conservation. This ensures visitors have access to crystal clear surfing waves for years to come. Learn to surf in one of the most pristine places on the planet with Go Ride A Wave
– Launching next month, Habitat Noosa is uniquely located in the Cooloola National Park (25mins drive from Noosa) on 65 acres of land, surrounded by bushland, lake frontage and kangaroos! Everything has been thought of from glamping and cabin style accommodation, boat cruises on the pristine Noosa Everglades, to a micro-brewery, outdoor cinema screen and restaurant.
– For birdwatching and bushwalking enthusiasts, Tropical Treks are the specialists in personalised guided nature walks. The Noosa hinterland is home to over 40% of Australia’s birdlife as well as rare and endangered flora and fauna.
– August will see the return of the Mary Valley Rattler – restored heritage steam trains offering tours to scenic hinterland towns. Also onsite is a brand-new museum and café that supports local food produces.
– Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours offer behind the scene tours, tastings and lunch at Noosa’s new craft brewery’s. With industrial design, soaring ceilings and great tasting beer (as well as a knowledgeable guide!), this is a tour not to be missed!
– Join Noosa Stand Up Paddle located on the beautiful Noosa River where you can learn to SUP or try yoga on a paddle board! The river provides an easy to paddle, flat water environment and is surrounded by national park and pristine waterways.
– Noosa Shores Resort boast amazing views out to the Noosa River and national park. The two and three-bedroom apartments are located just a few steps to some of Noosa’s best restaurants and capture Noosa’s famous sunsets.
– 10 minutes’ drive south of Noosa you will find the beachside village of Peregian Beach and The Retreat Beach Houses. Nestled in the sand dunes and surrounded by nature, these fully self-contained 1,2 or 3-bedroom houses offer peace and relaxation with access to a beautiful beach via a private boardwalk.
– Beach Road Holiday Homes are located on the Noosa North Shore, a short 5-minute car ferry crossing over the Noosa River. Architecturally designed and surrounded by native bushland, the houses offer luxury amongst nature.