Noosa, Nudity & the Nags

Jamie has a bit of a soft spot for Coolum.  A clear favourite from all the places we've camped along the way and probably spent the most time at - apart from Le Hotel Bell of course!  We found ourselves back there after another stint with Catherine & Archie keen to get back on the surfboard again, scoring front row beach views at the campsite this time with the walkway at our side door.  Perfect!  We decided that we would stay there just a few nights this time and head to Noosaville for a bit afterwards keen to check out the Noosa National Park.  Heather had come up for a quick visit from Brisbane (via Caloundra...lol) for lunch so we stayed another night, played cards, had some lovely wine & amazing Indian take away and we left the next morning.

Tea Tree Bay in Noosa National Park

Having visited Noosa a few times before we knew what sort of a place it was.  With it's surf beach on the other side of Hastings Street and then the Noosa river which winds its way around the gorgeous mansions and private boat moorings into Noosaville - the best of both worlds it seems - but what we didn't know was just how amazing and beautiful the National Park was going to be.  There are so many beaches that aren't accessible by car - untouched and secluded with sensational views and waves.  Our first park hike was a little tough going due our lack of fitness and all the stairs but it was well worth it to get to the first beach, Alexandria Bay.

The locals call this beach A-Bay and it is the "unofficial" nude section of the Noosa Headland.  There is something very liberating about swimming with your kit off.  The problem with nude beaches is that in your mind you are thinking it will be crowded with young, fit nudes running around.  The reality is a lot more like the old aged home left the gates open and the guests walked over to the beach without their clothes on.  

Looking back towards Hastings St

The Noosaville Caravan Park is right on the river and is very popular.  Triathlon fever was in town for the big Noosa event - apparently 7,000 people nominated, but only 3,500 get accepted.  This meant the town was full, caravan park included.  We decided to save our $40 a night and park up in the Yacht Club carpark.  The great thing about free camping in Noosa is the park on the river has great facilities.  The BBQ areas have power, which meant we could pull out the trusty coffee machine and while people are training for the upcoming triathlon, we were watching, sipping our long blacks..!!!

Noosa did inspire us however, so we hired a 2 seat kayak for 3 hours and paddled along the river, checking out all the mansions.  Jamie got the back seat, so I'm not sure if she was paddling all the time!
Of course, Noosa being what it is, always leads you to a bar, and so the Corner Bar on Thomas St became our 2 night regular.  Down side of free camping is you spend your spare time drinking, hence the money saved is generally spent three fold.

Spending too much money - it's alright we'll win it back on the Melbourne Cup!

The poor but happy travellers

Sonia (Cath's SIL), Archie, Cath, Jamie & Ramon

Back to the Bell's and time to dress up and get ourselves over to Mulu Char on the Maroochy River, have some lunch, a few quiet drinks and pick up some easy cash on the ponies.  Easy as, bru!!  Except the last one...not to many collects and despite having 50% of the field covered, our table still couldn't pick up the $240 sweep!! Great spot, great food and they even iced our beers when we complained they weren't cold enough>  Gotta love it.

Despite their efforts punting, the boys killed it on the dance floor!