I'm looking for a good place to stay in Noosa preferably within walking to town and the beach. I hear that the Coolum-Hyatt is nice but it looks a bit out of the way. Also I read that Mooloolaba is a "cool" place to stay. I want to stay in the area about 5 nights. We were contemplating the Gold Coast but decided on the more low-key Sunshine Coast. Any good tips for my wife, 1year old son and I for the the Sunshine Coast?

We stayed at Mooloolaba rather then Noosa, not as many people. Lots of places to eat. Good swimming.<BR>We stayed at The Outrigger which was oppisite the patroled beach. I think every room has a water view &amp; balcony. Living area facing the sea, then bathroom then bedroom at rear.<BR>Ours had its own kitchen with microwave, dishwasher &amp; stove. washing machine / dryer combo in bathroom ( a must with a 1 year old.)<BR>Air cond, T.V. C.D. player. Lounge/ sofa bed.Shower was above a very deep round spa bath fab view from the shower as well.<BR>4 cafes &amp; a pub at the front of The Outrigger but no cafe's actually within the complex.<BR>The supermarket was through a walkway down stairs at rear as well as another pub &amp; shops.<BR>Most cafes shops etc. are in this main street.<BR>Draw backs... a lot of cars parading past until 1a.m. weekends.<BR>Advantages... sounds of the sea watching the water activities boats etc from your room when your 1 year old is having a sleep during the day.<BR>We went to Noosa, we found it just about impossible to find a car park... we ended up getting one along way from the main street &amp; beach... people everywhere in mid March last year.<BR>We have no regrets that we chose Mooloolaba. Have fun.

Andy<BR><BR>The Hyatt Coolum is no where near Noosa. In fact it is a 20 minute drive away from Noosa. Check out the following web sites for info on Noosa and the Sunshine Coast:- www.tourismnoosa.com.au www.noosa.com.au <BR>www.sunshinecoast.org<BR>www.maroochytourism.c om<BR><BR>Mooloolaba is a great place to stay while on the Sunshine Coast. It is more centrally located than Noosa. It is right on the beach, close to restaurants, shopping centres and tourist attractions such as Underwater World, The Big Pineapple, Australia Zoo etc. I agree with staying at the Outrigger in Mooloolaba, but there are heaps of resorts to choose from. If the above web addresses don't help, feel free to email me as I am a Sunshine Coast local. Plus you might need to think about hiring a car while you are here, as public transport is not very regular.<BR><BR>

I agree with the above poster that Mooloolaba is a great place to stay because you are in the middle of the Sunshine Coast. Noosa is right on the northern end. However if you really want to stay in Noosa then you may find that the Sheraton is the best bet as its 50 mtrs from the beach and right on the Hastings Street strip. <BR>Alexandra Headlands is nice and *beachside* Maroochydore has some great accommodation. <BR>Coolum Hyatt is in the middle of nowhere really and you most certainly would need a car just to go to the restaruants if you didn't want to eat in.

I have stayed several times in Noosa at not only the Hyatt Coolum (which I really like but it is a bit far-afield) and the Sheraton (which is not on the beach but on the other side of Hastings). Try to find a beachside hotel on Hastings if you want to be in the thick of things. Two things we really enjoyed on various trips: renting a tinny (little motor boat) and cruising the inlets - this was done near the Sheraton. Also, driving inland to a cheese-making town called Kenilworth which has some lovely waterfalls nearby. <BR>Noosa is much to be preferred over Cairns as there are no tidal beaches on the coastline. These are pretty nasty at low tide......<BR>Have a big time......

Looking at lodging on Hasting St. Looks like the tingira is nice but a bit pricey. Any feedback on some of the lower priced apartments on Hasting? Also is Fraser Island doable as a daytrip?