CUISINE

The Quamby quadruple

What do you get when you find a delectable assortment of renowned Noosa restaurants and bars in the one location? A ‘quamby quaff’ of course! With some fresh recent additions, Quamby Place, located on the Noosa River at Noosa Sound, is Noosa’s newest, re-invented dining destination.

Wasabi, formerly in Sunshine Beach, has recently re-opened at this riverside village, featuring all the delectable dishes that have won it many accolades, including being the only Japanese restaurant ranked in Gourmet Traveller’s 2009 Regional Australia Top 10 List.

Stunning views over the river and an impressive Tatami room are making this new-look restaurant a regular for all. For those very familiar with Wasabi, rest assured that award-winning chef Shinichi Maeda has combined long-time favourites with new inspirations.

Ricky’s river bar + restaurant translates the relaxed Noosa lifestyle into some of the most divine dishes around. Ricky’s aficionados find it hard to bypass the tapas favourite of crispy pork belly, chilli caramel with pineapple herb salad, followed by hand picked Noosa spanner crab and fennel risotto, pernod, dill, lemon zest for mains.

Rock Salt has been voted Queensland’s Best BYO restaurant and, after a dining experience here, you will see why! Grab a bottle of pinot, devour their signature crispy skinned roast duck dish and enjoy the experience.

Rounding out the Quamby Place quadruple is Parque Mexico. This is a reincarnation of the parkside favourite Parc Food, now featuring Mexican inspired food, drink and decor. Parque boasts traditional soft-shell tacos, tasty empanadas, burritos, fajitas and a more general menu for those not that keen on Mexican flavours. And to wash it down there are margaritas, over 30 different types of 100% agave tequilas and refreshing Coronas for just $5 each. Find Parque on Facebook!

Click here for more of Noosa’s delectable dining destinations.

MasterChef’s Matt rates Noosa

Matt Preston, the gastronomic guru from MasterChef, recently sampled Noosa’s spoils for an upcoming delicious magazine story.

His presence around town created a buzz wherever he ventured, from eclectic eateries at Sunshine Beach to well-known establishments on Hastings Street. Matt also dropped in on some favourites in Noosaville, sampled new spots in Quamby Place, Noosa Sound and popped into some delis in the Noosa Junction.

The visit made for great headlines in the local press, where Matt’s fetish for cravats was just as compelling as his palate for food. Browsing a local op shop in the Junction, Matt unearthed hidden treasure, in the form of a bright green scarf with dark blue detail.

“Look at this – $2.50,” the renowned food critic was said to have commented, “it would usually cost you $120 for a cravat like this.”

Matt, a food critic by trade who has rocketed to fame with the recent success of MasterChef, visits Noosa frequently, particularly when the Noosa Food & Wine Festival kicks off each May.

Jazz up your life (or weekend!)

The Noosa Jazz Festival swings into action from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September. This year’s event line-up will be headlined by the sweetest melodies from Katie Noonan and piano maestro masterpieces from Paul Grabowsky, who will team with up and coming vocalist Megan Washington.

The festival coincides with the start of spring – a simply magical time in Noosa. So why not plan your Noosa sojourn now? Visit the Noosa Jazz Festival site for a list of accommodation providers and book your festival tickets while you’re at it.

Swing into spring with the Noosa Jazz Festival. See you soon!

Making beautiful music

Every first and third Sunday at Peregian Beach sees music lovers descend on Peregian Beach Park, for a melodic afternoon of soulful tunes under the sun.

The Peregian Originals concert showcases the local musical talent and is watched by an audience reclining on picnic rugs while enjoying a glass of wine or two.

Before the concert is over, duck across the road to Annie’s Bookstore to pick up local singing sensation Ange Takats’ newest album, ‘Aniseed Tea’. Ange has previously played at Peregian Originals, but now supports acts such as Renee Geyer and James Reyne. Even the Courier Mail’s Noel Mengel is singing Ange’s praises, saying “Takats sings the you-know-what out of it: not too hot, not to cold, just right”.

ACTION

Celebrate Pomona’s King

It’s Australia’s most grueling mountain race and it’s coming to Pomona this Sunday 26 July. It’s the annual King of the Mountain event of course, which celebrates 30 years of crowning super-fit, winning kings (and queens) this year.

The SPORTF1RST International Mountain Challenge sees competitors from all over the world ascend some incredibly steep mountain terrain; in some places the track is almost vertical! Then it’s a race back to the finish line, which the race record holder completed in just less than 23 minutes!

The race is the highlight of the King of the Mountain Festival, which also features a host of fun, country-lovin’ events such as the Bush Poets’ Breakfast and a guided exploration of Mount Cooroora’s flora and fauna.

More information can be found on the Pomona King of the Mountain website.

Climb every mountain (or wall!)

If you’re not quite ready to tackle the terrain of Mount Cooroora, but would like to experience the exhilaration and buzz of climbing, why not give indoor rock climbing a go?

Rising out of Noosa Leisure Centre is a 15 metre high indoor rock climbing wall, suitable for children aged over five and adults. It is staffed by qualified Adventure Solutions staff and can be tackled in all types of weather!

Noosa’s Indoor Climbing Wall is open on Monday from 6pm to 9pm and during school holidays. See you at the top!

NATURE

Watch a whale

It’s that time of year when the majestic humpback whales travel north to warmer waters, the perfect time to hop on a whale watching charter trip. Get close and personal on a specialised charter from July to September.

Brisbane Whale Watching runs day trips from Redcliffe, about an hour’s drive south of Noosa, and even operate a shuttle bus from the Sunshine Coast to save you the drive.

Enjoy an Australia Zoo Whale Encounter aboard Steve’s Whale One, a luxurious vessel that departs from Mooloolaba. It features onboard marine educators to ensure you leave inspired and informed.

If you’re heading to Hervey Bay, here are some businesses ready to take you out.

The owners of eco-accredited Hervey Bay Whale Watch have been running whale tours for 23 years and their vessel, Quick Cat II, was designed specifically for whale-watching. Morning through to full day tours with the Spirit of Hervey Bay run aboard a purpose-built catamaran for first class comfort, offering underwater viewing rooms.

Underwater viewing is also available with Tasman Venture, along with hydrophones designed to enable visitors to listen to the sounds of the whales’ song. Whalesong Cruises invite guests on board year round, wit tours that get close to whales in season but also dolphins, turtles, fish and bird life, the shy Dugong and Sea Cows.

Four-paws frolicking spots

If you’re travelling with your four-legged friend in tow, be sure to explore Noosa’s ten off-leash areas!

From the breathtaking beauty of Sunshine Beach to the lovely lakeside park behind Noosa’s AFL Grounds, these are just some of the areas that welcome dogs, sans-leash.

So get your walking shoes on, slip Fido’s lead off and visit Noosa’s dog-friendly areas.

INDULGENCE

Natural do

Now you can indulge more than just body and mind at The Spa at Noosa Springs, with its new hair salon now open.

The salon uses the O&M range of hair colours – the world’s first non-ammonia, non-peroxide hair colour. In other words, it’s an indulgence you can feel (and smell!) good about, with no fumes and less chemicals!

The hair salon is open Thursday to Saturday. Cut to the chase by phoning 07 5440 3355 or visiting noosasprings.com.au.