There’s nothing like a winter escape from Canberra to the sunshine of Noosa, Queensland. After a two-day conference in Brisbane, we hit the road for a few quiet days of slow travel, walks, and relaxation.

As walking is our thing, we spent many hours exploring Noosa National Park, taking the scenic headland trail to Alexander Bay. Along the way, we spotted a koala high up in a tree — a magical moment in the wild, shared with a few fellow walkers.

For accommodation, Peppers Noosa Resort is perfectly located. While there’s a short walk down the hill to Hastings Street, with its abundance of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, the resort also provides a golf cart for those who prefer a more leisurely ascent.

Confession: we couldn’t resist a bit of playful competition with a couple waiting for the golf cart — man versus machine! A brisk walk up the hill later, and we were triumphant (with a few minutes of recovery needed, of course).

Noosa’s food scene is varied and exciting. A standout dinner was at Peter Kuruvita’s Noosa Beach House, where we discovered Sri Lankan flavours that would become a favourite a couple of years later.

Looking over Noosa from the reserve above Peppers.

Noosa has become one of our favourite quick winter escapes for relaxation, slow travel, and rejuvenation. Whether it’s wandering quiet streets, enjoying the holiday vibe, or savouring the amazing local restaurants, it’s a destination we return to regularly.

For more ideas on enjoying Noosa at a relaxed pace, check out our post on:

Noosa – when you need a holiday!

Jeff and Catherine