Some places just seem to have it all. Surrounded by river, rainforest, sea and bush, Noosa has all the elements for a relaxing stay, an action-packed adventure - or both.

Noosa is on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and it's one and a half hours' drive from Brisbane. Famed for its beautiful beaches surrounded by lush green hinterland, the area offers a host of activities: surfing, jet-skiing, fishing, paddling your own canoe and even scuba diving at Noosa Reef. For a totally different experience though, climb on a camel for a ride along Noosa's north shore. It's quite relaxing - once you get used to the lurching sensation.

As well as enjoying the beaches, it's worthwhile exploring Noosa's natural environment. Wake up at sunrise and climb to the top of Mt Tinbeerwah. It's about 500 metres to the top and the climb takes around 20 minutes. From the top, there are 360-degree panoramic views of Noosa and the surrounding hinterland. If you've still got some energy in reserve, mountain bike back down to Woori Park through untouched rainforest, native bushland and Tewantin State Forest.

You might feel like you’ve wandered onto a European movie set when you visit the town of Montville in the hinterland region, with its mix of Tudor, Irish and English cottages, Swiss and Bavarian chalets, and old Queenslanders.

Noosa Banks is a good spot for morning tea and go on to the Cooroibah Estuary for a swim and a BBQ lunch. Kayaking and canoeing in the Noosa River are also popular activities as the water is sheltered. Once you go past Lake Cootharaba, you'll arrive in the Noosa Everglades. The tannin-stained water of the upper Noosa River is often called the 'river of mirrors’ because of its reflections. You can also fish at Noosa River - the worms from nearby World Heritage-listed Fraser Island make the best bait.

After all that exercise, you'll be hankering for some great food and Noosa is one of Australia's gourmet capitals. The main hub is the internationally famous Hastings Street, parallel to the north-facing Main Beach and Laguna Bay. For dessert, try some homemade macadamia nut ice cream - a local specialty. Why not expand your kitchen prowess by attending one of several cooking schools in Noosa and learn from the experts?

There's also plenty of local culture here. Take a walk around the arts and crafts stalls at Eumundi Markets (open every Wednesday and Saturday) - there's good music and a chilled out, hippy vibe. If you're in Noosa in September, check out the annual Jazz Festival - there are a number of free outdoor concerts and many restaurants in the Noosa Shire support the festival with free and ticketed performances. You couldn't wish for a better soundtrack in such peaceful surrounds.

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• Nearest City:Brisbane
• Distance to Brisbane:145km
• Nearest Airport:Maroochydore
• Distance to Maroochydore Airport:30km

Local Attractions in the Area

• Sunshine Coast - Things to See & Do
• Sunshine Coast Tours
• Eumundi Markets
• Montville
• Australia Zoo

Helpful Links for the Area

• Tourism Sunshine Coast
• Tourism Queensland Corporate Site

Seasonal Events

• Noosa Events
• Cadbury Schweppes PGA Golf Championships