If you love food, wine, music and the outdoors, I hope you are spending this weekend in Noosa because we roll them all together in one tasty package at the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival which kicked off yesterday in grand style.

Did I mention the great weather to boot? Check out the gorgeous view (below) that greeted The Today Show for their live cross this morning from Noosa’s Main Beach, one of the festival venues. Did you see the segment from your cold lounge room and wish you were here?

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival, celebrating its 10th year from May 16-19, got under way yesterday with the Asian Food Trail, Seafood Afloat Trail, Westpac Ruby luncheon where a panel discussion about the role of women in hospitality and the media provided plenty of food for thought, and the amazing Edible Music gala opening where 10 of the world’s best chefs chopped and stirred in time to the Queensland Virtuosi Orchestra.

A sneak peek at Festival Village in Noosa Heads Lions Park yesterday got the taste buds tingling in anticipation of two great show days this Saturday and Sunday where you wander around, bumping into Adriano Zumbo, Poh, Matt Moran, Christine Manfield and David Williamson, while deciding which tastes to try, dished up at kiosks from some of Noosa's and the Sunshine Coast's best restaurants, washed down by wines and beers from almost 40 kiosks. Luckily there are free buses and ferries to get you there and home again!

It’s always fun plotting which of the dozens of celebrity chef cooking demonstrations to make it to, where you can watch a master (including chefs from the S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list) at work in the kitchen for 30 minutes, graciously sharing their knowledge as they prepare an amazing dish. Meet the chefs, critique the critics including Matt Preston in a “Dude Food” cook-off, taste yummy products, see the latest kitchen gear or hear debates on topics including “Food and wine are better than sex”.

Stay around as the sun sets tonight, Saturday and Sunday for entertainment on the main stage: Tonight’s welcome concert has Pantastic Steel Band, Soul Cutz and Martini Club. "Don’t Stop Me Now", but on Saturday it’s Queen Bohemian Rhapsody and Mahogany (4-7.30pm) and on Sunday, Timomatic will "Set It Off" on the main stage, along with Relish and The Fabulous Singlettes (3.30-7.30pm).

If you’re on the beach this weekend, drop into the Visit Noosa marquee on the sand, right next to the festival’s Beach Barefoot Marquee, and say ‘hi’ to one of our friendly Visitor Information Centre volunteers. They can help you with anything you need to know about your stay in Noosa.

By the look of this, it's going to be one of the most popular spots in Noosa this weekend. All it needs now is a well stocked Esky ...

 

Even with the best coaching, dog surfing is never going to be more than a spectator sport in my household!

Tucker, my much loved arthritic corgi, is so height challenged he makes a 2ft swell look like a 50ft monster. That just about rules out the doggie surfing basics workshop at Noosa River mouth on Sunday March 10 for us but don’t let it stop you.

With a few doggie surfing basics under his collar, your pooch might be a winner in Noosa Festival of Surfing’s Dog Surf Spectacular that afternoon (click on image below for some great dog-surfing action).

Noosa Festival of Surfing is running from March 10-16 at Noosa’s First Point - that’s the spot where the surfers congregate that you can see to the right of Main Beach.

My partner, K2, is a Noosa surfer of long standing.  He remembers the days when Noosa’s main street was lined with ordinary houses. True.

I think he would really enjoy the festival event, Like a Cup of Tea with God – the rich surfing history of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, presented in words, music, movies, photographs and art.

And a surf movie on the beach? How good is that! Expect heart-stopping big wave riding on the beach screen from 6-9pm on Monday March 11 with Nightrider featuring Mark Visser, Storm Surfers featuring Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke Jones, with Mark, Tom and Ross in conversation live on stage.

They have more than a few big names signed up this year, names that even I recognise like seven-times world champion Layne Beachley, four-times world champion Mark Richards, two-times world champion Tom Carroll, world champion Rabbit Bartholomew, two-times world longboard champion Joel Tudor, world longboard champion Josh Constable, big wave heroes Ross Clarke Jones and Mark Visser and surfboard design gurus Simon Anderson and Bob McTavish.

Well maybe I don’t know about the surfboard designers…but I bet K2 does.

The world’s biggest surfboard riding event, the Noosa Festival of Surfing, celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year with more than 20 pro, amateur, specialty and team surfing events plus free entertainment on a beach stage and the surf expo on the sand.

The festival, which raised more than $8000 for Frangipani Dreams and the Noosa Malibu Club’s youth development scheme in 2012, will again donate bar profits to charity and community benefit organisations.

On-line competitor entries in amateur divisions, with age groups from under 15 to over 65 are open, along with specialty, team and professional events.

The festival expects to attract more than 500 competitors, along with up to 5000 supporters and spectators from all over the world.

Find out more from the festival's Facebook page or website.

Our Guest Noosa Blogger is Kerry Heaney, from the Eat, Drink + be Kerry blog.

Fun, fitness and beach are three wonderful things that go together beautifully, and here in Noosa we have them in abundance. They come together at Main Beach in Noosa this Sunday for a ripping finale to the Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IronMan series for 2013 when the iron giants face off to see who will be crowned IronMan and IronWoman champions.

It’s been a summer of amazing feats and it all comes down to the wire this Sunday. Recognised as one of the greatest IronMen of all time, six-times winner Shannon Eckstein is one victory away from breaking the event record and the odds are in his favour – he only needs to place in the top eight to take out his seventh championship.Ready to rain on his parade are Sunshine Coasters Kendrick Louis, in second place, and Ali Day not far behind. I saw Ali at a media conference in Noosa this week and he’s pumped to take out his maiden win of the series.

Also at the conference were Noosa’s Jordan ‘Magic’ Mercer and Alyssa Bull from Alexandra Headland, on the Sunshine Coast. All three athletes were eyeing off the swell that has come to Noosa’s shores this week. Naomi Flood leads the women’s series, with Courtney Hancock a paddle length behind.

Jordan (pictured right - photo courtesy of Paul Smith Images) will be in contention for another podium place this Sunday – and the Noosa spectators will be cheering her on. Jordan told us why she loves Noosa:

“Noosa Heads is a little place of paradise which I am so blessed to be able to enjoy every day of my life. Its natural beauty inspires me to live an exciting fit and healthy lifestyle. I love how Noosa has a perfect balance between relaxation and an amazing hype when it hosts world-renowned festivals all year round.

"For a professional athlete like myself, Noosa is an ideal destination for just about any training. It has amazing facilities as well as natural wonders like the National Park where I can run for hours and enjoy breathtaking views while exploring its many wonderful trails.

"It really isn't so painful training 20 hours a week and cooling off in the crystal clear ocean! I love paddling my board and ski around the famous points of Noosa. It is my favourite place in the whole world.”

And what’s great about Noosa?

"Absolutely everything! I am so lucky to live and train here. I can not imagine living anywhere else. You may think I sound a little biased but I invite you all to visit Noosa and experience it for yourself!”

The Telstra IronWoman race starts at 11.30am. The Junior series is from 12.30pm and the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan race is from 1.30pm.

If you’re not in Noosa this weekend, see all the action on Network Ten from 1pm (AEST), with replays on One HD (check your local guide)

Blog written by Guest Noosa Blogger - Phil Jarratt, Festival Director - Noosa Cricks Jeep Festival of Surfing:
The biggest surfing event in the world returns to Main Beach with hot surfing all day and a free party on the sand every evening. The biggest pro surfing division seen in Noosa in several years will attract the world’s best longboarders to the Noosa Crick’s Jeep Festival of Surfing March 10-16. Headline event the Vans Duct Tape Invitational will be one of the biggest crowd pleasers, with the style-masters of longboarding from around the world performing on old-style single-fin loggers. The popular logger format really highlights the difference between longboarding and shortboarding, and defending event champion Noosa’s Harrison Roach can be expected to give the internationals a run for the money.

PJ Burns Festival Village will be Party Central on the sand at First Point, with the XXXX Summer licensed beach bar overlooking the waves, big Zinc entertainment stage and screen next to it and a lively surf expo. The free entertainment program will kick off every afternoon as the surfing winds down, with sunset live music, surf movies, fashion parades, book launches and tribute nights.
In a nut shell - who will be there?
Multiple world champions Layne Beachley, Mark Richards, Tom Carroll and Rabbit Bartholomew, plus big wave legends Ross Clarke Jones and Mark Visser, California style gurus Joel Tudor, Alex Knost and Tyler Warren, and local heroes Harrison Roach, Josh Constable.
Opening day spectacular
See the best stand up paddlers in Australia race over a close-to-the-beach 5k course, the hilarious VetshopAustralia.com.au Dog Surf Spectacular, the legends of surfing in action, the traditional Hawaiian opening ceremony and paddle-out, and the sunset sounds of Band of Frequencies.
Big waves, big hearts
Not to be missed – big wave legends Tom Carroll, Ross Clarke Jones and Mark Visser present their spectacular movies (Storm Surfers and Nightrider) and talk about what it feels like to fall out of the sky on the biggest waves ever ridden. Free on the Zinc Stage and Screen, Monday from 6.30pm.
Deus Surf Swap Meet
Friday 1-6pm in the PJ Burns Festival Village, bargains galore, and meet the legends of surfboard shaping from the 1950s to the present.

The 30th Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival kicked off on Wednesday, with 5 days of running, swimming and cycling for all the brave competitors – for those of us who aren’t so fit and dedicated, there’s music, entertainment, fireworks tonight, great spectator action, celebs galore and Queensland’s largest sport and lifestyle expo.

Tourism Noosa has a beautiful healthy holiday-themed booth at the expo in Festival Village, Noosa Woods and we’re giving away some fantastic prizes to people who visit us today and over the weekend.One lucky person will win our major prize draw* on Sunday:

• 5 nights’ accommodation for 2 at Metzo Noosa Resort, Noosaville
• Airport transfers with Sun-Air Bus Service
• Return flights for 2 people
• A 60-minute massage for 2 from Massage Professionals
• A round of golf and cart hire for 2 people at Peregian Springs Golf Club
• Noosa Ferry all-day pass for 2 people
• Dining voucher at The Boathouse Restaurant, Noosaville

We’ll also have random giveaways over the 3 days, with a Golden Days Festival double pass, stand-up paddle lesson from Noosa Stand-up Paddle, Noosa Ferry passes, $50 dining vouchers from the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club Restaurant, a round of golf and cart hire for 2 at Peregian Springs Golf Club, Ikatan Spa $50 vouchers, 1-month passes to Frank’s Gym, 75-minute massages from Sensaura and Aussie World family passes.

Just look for the Visit Noosa booth at the expo with the sand, deck chairs and surfboard, come and fill out a Noosa Recovery postcard and pop it into the barrel.

While you’re there, like us on Facebook for a chance to win more great prizes.

The expo is open Friday till 7pm, Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday from noon till 5pm with athlete appearances, fashion parade, demonstrations and Q&A with elite athletes and celebrities, experts’ tips, stunt bike displays and giveaways.

To wrap it up on Sunday, Festival Village has a Sunday Session from noon to 6pm with the Noosa Triathlon presentation ceremony at 4pm, then stay on for the Noosa Tri after party with 80s’ tribute band Bay Street Bandits. After that, make your way to Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club from 6pm for the ‘Splash of the 80s’ Tri After Party. See you there!

Terms and conditions apply.

There is something nostalgic about traditional wooden boats and steam boats with memories of a bygone era – so I am really looking forward to heading down to the Noosa River on Saturday 27th October for a picnic with family and friends to watch the Noosa Classic Boat Regatta.

The Regatta features traditional wood motor or steam powered boats, putt putts and classic pre-70s motor boats with pre-70s power and traditional wood sail boats and really is a beautiful sight to see.

If you want to get up close, why not head to the Noosa Marina in the morning to admire the gorgeous boats before they head out for the Regatta and if you are one of the lucky owners of a classic pre-70s boat, why not register and enjoy the fun!

New South Wales school children marked the start of their holidays last Friday, and Queensland still has a week to go, so the Noosa region has put on a plethora of activities  to keep them entertained.

What beautiful weather to enjoy some quality time with the kids! 

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services rangers will take walkers on tracks in the Imbil State Forest, Kondalila National Park and Conondale National Park. An adult must accompany the children. Phone 5494 3983 for more information.

Noosa 5 Cinemas is showing two great children’s movies - I took my son to see Ice Age 4 over the weekend, and I’ve heard good reports on Brave.

Sunshine Coast Council is half way through their massive program of school holiday activities, which includes drumming workshops, Olympic themed craft, unicycle riding and more. Hop on to Council’s website for a list of activities.

Ceramic artist Wendy Britton is hosting pottery workshops, phone her on 5474 0104 to find out more.

The Ginger Factory at 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina has Super Saver Deals running daily, including buy one, get one free offers and the Queensland Garden Expo, which is on this weekend, has ample fun for the whole family, including workshops and a children’s playground.

We knew it would be hard to find a park when we went into town for the Ironman event the other day, so we parked at the Noosa Marina and caught the Noosa Ferry up to Hastings Street.  It was a great way to travel, sitting up there on the top deck and watching all the boats go by.

The ferry is not exactly cheap if you think of it in terms of public transport, but it's really more of a cruise, and definitely worth doing if you're a visitor. You can do a single trip or get an all-day pass and get on and off as much as you like.

I think the Noosa River is one of the most underrated parts of Noosa. So many people go straight to Hastings Street and never make it down to the river for a boat ride or a walk along the foreshore. There's a really good walking and cycling path, a grassy esplanade and loads of cafes, restaurants and shops along Gympie Terrace. 

You can catch the ferry, hire a boat (no boat licence required) to go cruising around the Noosa waterways, go on a fishing trip or take an organised cruise all the way up to the Noosa Everglades. You can also do a sunset cruise on the ferry where you can bring your own drinks and they provide glasses and ice.

Noosa Qld

I thought I'd just post a couple of pics from the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which has been running this week and finishes on Saturday. Don't worry if you missed it - it's an annual event and I'll keep you posted on the dates for next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images by Geoff Fanning, Noosa Festival of Surfing

Congratulations to Equathon, which picked up a bronze award in the Adventure Tourism category at the Australian Tourism Awards on the weekend. The awards are really tough to win, so even being in the running is a massive achievement.

Equathon is a horse riding tour business run by former Olympian Alex Watson, taking people riding on the beach on the Noosa North Shore and on the Noosa Trail Network. They cater for all levels of ability and have options ranging from part-day tours to seven-day bush and beach rides.

I don’t do horses, so I can’t offer you any personal insight into this one, but I can’t imagine it gets much better than riding on the beach and through the beautiful Noosa hinterland.

Noosa Queensland