The decision was a spontaneous one. Eating and drinking, laughing and enjoying what we had left of the short Christmas and New Year holiday break, we started talking local runaway spots, and Noosa North Shore came up in our chat as a reasonably close single day (or more if you wish) destination. So, without much thought, we decided to take a trip to Noosa North Shore.
We figured out the tides and set a time to arrive at our one-day getaway destination. We calculated that if we reach the beach two hours after the high tide that will give us almost a full day to enjoy the beach and its' surroundings. The destination is about two hours drive from Brisbane and approximately one hour from Sunshine Coast. The roads are straight, but there are plenty of roundabouts on the way from Sunshine Coast to Noosa, and this keeps you awake on the trip to Noosa North Shore. Small traffic jam before the ferry didn't surprise us as the ferry only takes about ten vehicles at a time, but the turnaround is quick.
Check out this Map to Moorindil Street Warf
Once we crossed the river, there was no traffic, and the road to the beach entry was a decent asphalt track with a bit of a different scenery on the sides comparing to the long leg of the journey. Ten minutes down the path we found a spot to stop and deflate the tires before emerging in the little paradise for the day.
Follow the sealed road to the Third Cutting
I hit the beach and felt the freedom! The air is crisp and fresh, and the smell is terrific. It drowned my feelings; there's nothing but the ocean until the horizon and nothing but the sand in front of me! Jump on the hard sand and drive, drive and enjoy the scenery, enjoy the freedom, enjoy the ocean!
Didn't stop until I reach the end of the beach! Open up my feelings and let every single drop of this beauty inside myself. I was not disappointed! The drive to the end of the beach is a lengthy one and takes about 40-50 minutes, but every minute is worth it! Inhale the ocean!
Once we were on this road, I realised that's its a highway! The cars are going back and forth, but for some reason, they do not disturb the scenery. I understood that everyone is enjoying this the same way I do! It's a pilgrimage! It's a highway to paradise!
The beauty is that there's no need for a hard-core four-wheel drive to get there; even a city four-wheel drive such as Outlander, Forester or RAV4 will do the job if you time your arrival and departure correctly. And there are plenty of help around in case one gets in trouble.
If you live locally and you haven't been to this spot before I urge you to take a trip there. If you are holidaying in Gold Coast, Brisbane or Sunshine Coast consider this place for a day-long getaway trip to escape expensive tourist industry. It will cost you petrol and some snacks and water, the rest is nothing comparing to the experience. The ferry is only seven dollars one way and the permit to enter the beach is about twelve (make sure you get one online before taking your trip at the Department of National Parks, Sports and Racing.
The experience is amazing!
At the end of the drive, we have arrived at the Double Island Point, and this gem is worth the journey. An old lighthouse with a small hut alongside at the top of the rocks brings me back in times a little. I let my imagination go, and I can see how the ships navigate toward the shimmering light in the darkness of the stormy nights. The 180 degrees view of the ocean is breathtaking! Looking down I spot some sea turtles feeding around what appears to be an underwater rock taken over by seaweed; this makes my day! Short descend back to the beach. And lots of fun with the family in the turquoise waves of this beautiful ocean is worth every minute of my life! Every single family member is happy with the trip, smiles on their faces, happiness in their eyes - worthless!
Driving back is excellent too - ocean breeze in the face, stunning colours, fantastic views! Make a stop or two if you wish to take another dip! The civilisation is just around the corner. Back on asphalt, pump the tires and shower my car to wash the salt and the sand off! All the little things that made the trip comfortable and enjoyable. To the ferry. Across the river. Drive around Noosa; it's a great town! Pop into a cafe on the Hastings Street to grab a coffee and a bite.
Life is worth living!