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Published: July 20th 2014
Ros and Arthur were going to look further along the Sunshine Coast but we decided to go to Noosa and on the way do as they suggested and see Noosa Botanical Gardens and the mountain lookout.
The Botanical Garden is actually much closer to Cooroy than Noosa and sits on one side of Lake McDonald. It is not very large but has some nice garden beds, with a few azaleas and camellias still in bloom as well as some more tropical plants like a range of different palm trees (I hadn’t realised they were different until I read the names!) and several plants that were not labelled which bore enormous pods. One Barry insisted on calling the “Testicle Tree”, you can see why in the photo. Another, which was labelled, was the Elephant Apple that had fruits all over it which looked like apples but were at least four times bigger. I wonder if they can be eaten. You could make a whole pie out of one apple!
Beside the lake was an amphitheatre where the audience could look at the stage and beyond it across the lake. It looked very new and shiny. I imagine it would be
The Amphitheatre, Noosa Botanic Gardens
The Theatre was on the side of Lake McDonald.very nice to watch a performance there.
As we walked back to the ute we saw a noisy miner being attacked by another one. It kept swooping down from above and you could hear the beak snapping as it went for the poor thing that was cowering on the ground. After several attack dives the victim, now bleeding around the head, decided that people were less scary than his attacker and ran under a picnic table, where a family were eating, and hid between their legs. Unfortunately, it’s probably only a temporary reprieve. As soon as all the people are gone it will start again. He may not survive the viciousness. Such is Nature; not always sweetness and light.
We then set off towards Noosa and kept a watch for the Lookout sign, which we soon discovered. The Lookout Tower turned out to be at the top of Mt Tinbeerwah. The path was well laid out and easy to walk, with just a few steps and some parts across the rock face itself. The only problem was how steep it was. Everyone we passed said the view was worth the climb so I kept plodding along slowly,
Trees with Balls, Noosa Botanical Gardens
Barry called them "Testicle Trees" but we don't know their real name. while Barry went on ahead. I stopped to take photos along the way as there were some lovely spots to look out at. I finally made it and climbed the steps onto the platform lookout. They were right – it was worth it. We had a 360 degree view stretching down to the Glasshouse Mountains in the far distance, across to the Hinterland and down to the Sunshine Coast. It was spectacular, as was the blustery wind which was howling across the top. I took my new hat off and attached it to my belt under my jumper. I bet there’s a collection of hats at the bottom of the mountain!
We made our way back down, at our various paces, and headed towards Noosa, passing through Tewantin, which is the area most people live, just west of the tourist area. It was a nice looking suburb and very well kept. We continued along to the coast, arriving at Noosa Spit, where we found a rather windy picnic table just back from the beach and had a very late lunch. A male Brush Turkey with a bright yellow wattle came towards us looking for a handout. We dropped a
Noosa Botanic Gardens
There were some colourful plants around the gardens. few bits of bread crust, which he ate and then Barry offered it by hand. He took it and quickly backed off. After a few more pieces he lost interest so we finished our sandwiches and I took out an Oat Slice. I broke off a very small piece and held it out. He took it and was immediately back for more. He only got a few tiny pieces but he really loved it and as we left we could see him picking up any minute crumbs under the table, ignoring the bread crumbs!
On the way back to the ute, a big gust of wind almost took my new hat off my head but I grabbed a corner as it dropped. We then moved further along the coast towards Noosa Heads and Noosa Junction. This was packed with people and lots of touristy shops and hotels. I found it all too much. The car parking was impressive, though. They’d created lots of little bays for a small number of cars, hidden amongst the trees so that there was really enough to be a reasonable sized car park but it didn’t look like one. You hardly noticed them.
A Purple Swamp Hen
There were three of these grazing along the banks of Lake Macdonald, Noosa Botanic Gardens. We went into the Tourist Information Centre and asked what there was to see and about Whale-watching. Thank goodness we did because we were told that the Hervey Bay cruises wouldn’t start until the 16
th of July (and we had expected to do it on the weekend) because the whales hadn’t got that far up the coast yet. We hadn’t planned on spending another six days in this area so that was a problem. We were given a brochure for a cruise out of Noosa and told that the whales were in the area. We’ll ring up and see.
We bought a coffee each from nearby and headed out. Back at the car, I took my hat off and noticed that the band that matches and goes around it was missing. I realised it must have come off when the big gust of wind nearly blew the hat away. Barry kindly offered to drive back and we’d have a look near the picnic ground. I got out and walked around while he enjoyed his take-away coffee in peace (I figured he deserved it). I couldn’t see it on the way up the street with my eyes glued to the
Noosa Heads, Qld
Another beautiful sandy surf beach. The wind was very gusty along here. ground but on the return to the car, I noticed something hanging from a wooden post beside the footpath. Sure enough, it was the band. Some kind person had rescued it from the road. I was very happy to get it back as the hat looks so much nicer with it on. I must find some way of fixing it so it doesn’t come off again.
The sun was beginning to get low by this time so we tried to get on the highway to go back home. I say tried because the signs kept saying a beach one way and all other destinations on the other exit from the roundabout. We didn’t see anything about Tewantin or the Cooroy-Noosa Road. We eventually did one more roundabout and realised we were back at the Information Centre, having done a scenic tour of the whole area! Barry got the tablet out and hooked it up. It finally showed us the way and just in time as it was almost dark.
The trip home was uneventful but we were both very tired and I didn’t want to cook so we went to the Cooroy RSL for dinner. I had grilled
A brazen Brush Turkey took food from our hands.
He prowled around Noosa Heads and staked his claim then ate a few pieces of bread but much preferred the Oat Slice! Trevally laid on a bed of prawn risotto, which was very nice, and Barry had Roast Pork and vegetables. They were having some raffle draws while we were eating and the man with the microphone was a real character who obviously knew everyone and enjoyed ribbing them all as they came up to claim their prizes. It was fun to watch, especially as we were sitting at a table right next to him. It kept us entertained until we’d finished our meal.
Tired but happy we went home and had a piece of the apple loaf I’d bought for desert. We also rang and organised the Whale Watching, which was not on tomorrow but, weather permitting, would be on Saturday. The only problem is that we have to be at Noosa Marina by 6.45am so we’ll be getting up really early that day!
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Snap Shot Stacey
Snap Shot Stacey
WHat a gorgeous spot!