Some of the east coast's best beaches, beautiful hinterland and stylish restaurants make this upmarket, ocean-front town one of Australia's favourite destinations.

Pack a beach towel, grabyour sunglasses and head up to one of Australia’s best-known beachdestinations. A fishing village until the mid 20th-century, its excellentbeaches and the stunning Noosa River have seen it transformed into a popularholiday destination. Locals have made sure it hasn’t suffered too heavily fromthe development, though. More than 30 percent of the area is protected forestor parkland, and height restrictions have kept the skyline low. This is a placewhere you can park the car, walking is all the transport you will need.

Head to the beach to cooloff in the waves. Main Beach is safe and perfect for kids, while the beachesaround Noosa National Park are better for surfers. You can rent boards or booksome lessons at places all around town.

Go hiking in NoosaNational Park at the southern end of the town. The trails are easy and windthrough a cool forest, taking you past hidden beaches and coves and revealingsome lovely views along the way. The national park is home to several rare nativespecies. Keep your eyes open and look up, and you may be lucky enough to spot akoala or a black-cockatoo.

If you would like to seesome of Australia’s rarer or more dangerous species, head to Australia Zoo,which is less than an hour to the south. Another trip worth the effort is acruise along the Noosa River to admire more of the area’s stunningscenery.

Fishing enthusiasts can either organize trips along the river orout to sea, or fish right from the beach. Shopping fans will enjoy HastingsStreet, the main thoroughfare, which is lined with boutiques and upmarketstores. In the evenings, walk the streets and choose from a good range ofrestaurants, or just relax on a balcony and enjoy the view.