Noosa around my neck!
As a traveller, I’m particularly wary of proper nouns that sound like marketing catchphrases. Gold Coast” always sounded like one, and for the longest time, I believed it to be an artificial read: characterless, tourist-trap laden) destination created by marketing gurus and smart entrepreneurs. So, I kept away.
In reality, Gold Coast is the formal name of a region in eastern Australia, just south of Brisbane, and is arguably the most famous holiday destination for local Aussies and international tourists alike.
On my first visit there a few months ago, I saw the never-ending sandy beaches for myself, though I was more intrigued by lagoons inland. But the city must have sensed my reluctance towards it, and the weather Gods turned on me. My weekend in Gold Coast was washed out by the worst rains the region had in six years. To escape, I started driving north and discovered another proper noun that sounds like a common noun: the Sunshine Coast. Thankfully, I didn’t dismiss this one as quickly.
Noosa, the main town in this region, is a surprise that many nonAussies haven't even heard of. With a population of less than 5,000 people, it has the best surfing beaches in the country, maybe even the world. The laid-back vibe can be compared to Bali, but with great Australian infrastructure to match.
The oddly named Noosa has limited stay options, but unlimited cafes and good restaurants to go to.
I refreshed my limited surfing skills on a beach where teenagers take their first surf lessons. The older guys on the other side of the boulder sniggered... but hey, I had the best surfing afternoon ever. The beach was all mine, and I went back the next morning for more.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Let's tri all the angles
BFFs falling for the same girl, kidnap twists, murders, bromances. These 10 three-way love stories play with geometry and our feelings
Should you Q up for this?
Audi's luxury SUV, the Q8, has had a refresh. But a sleeker grille and headlight tech don't make up for what's still missing
How to plan a great escape
It's getting colder. It's already hard to breathe. Why not plan a winter vacation that's a world away but not too far away?
Kababs, yes, but khandvi too
Mughlai cuisine has as many vegetarian dishes as meaty ones. A new translation of a 16th century manuscript shows how we ate, and why modern labels are pointless
I can be your hero
Gurfateh Pirzada, only afewroles old, is the green flag we didn't know we needed. He's learning from women. He wants to be more thana lover and a fighter. He's hoping we all do better. No wonder everyone's crushing on him
Meet the export experts
Khadi crop-tops in Spain, faux-leather hoodies in London, fairytale wedding gowns in the UAE. See how some desi labels are killing it on foreign shores
Why we're all feeling Blue
Coco Mellors's new novel is about grief, sisterhood, and of course, addiction and unlikeable women. How does she make it work?
This week, we're...
Changing the momo game, listening to kids, starting a new business, and supporting pro waxxers
Rohit Chawla
Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_
Congratulations, it's a goal
Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of