:Noosa Heads, Queensland

The suburb is bounded to the west by Weyba Creek and the Noosa River and to the north and east by the Coral Sea. The northeast of the locality is within the Noosa National Park. Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Tewantin form a continuous urban area at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast.{{Queensland Globe|access-date=8 February 2022}}

Noosa Hill in the national park is the highest point of the suburb ({{coord|-26.3840|153.1053|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa Hill}}) at {{convert|146|m}} above sea level.{{cite QPN|24500|Noosa Hill|mountain in Noosa Shire|access-date=25 November 2020}} There is also Laguna Lookout ({{coord|-26.3910|153.0957|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Laguna Lookout}}) on a low hill near the town.{{Cite web|date=18 November 2020|title=Tourist points - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/c0b6c26c-6bde-452c-b60a-d77b969b60d2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124222328/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/c0b6c26c-6bde-452c-b60a-d77b969b60d2|archive-date=24 November 2020|access-date=24 November 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}

There are a number of headlands, lookouts, bays, and other coastal features along the Noosa Heads coastline, many of them on the coastal walking track through the national park, including (from north to south):

• Noosa Inlet, the mouth of the Noosa River ({{coord|-26.385|153.0758|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa Inlet}}){{cite QPN|24501|Noosa Inlet|inlet in Shire of Noosa|accessdate=28 December 2020}}
• Laguna Bay ({{coord|-26.3801|153.0853|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Laguna Bay}}){{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Bays - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/7e779892-24a1-481f-ac87-7f371f7b3745|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125063709/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/7e779892-24a1-481f-ac87-7f371f7b3745|archive-date=25 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}
• Noosa Beach ({{coord|-26.3846|153.0867|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa Beach}})
• Boiling Pot Lookout ({{coord|-26.3794|153.1010|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Boiling Pot Lookout}})
• Tea Tree Bay ({{coord|-26.3788|153.1046|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Tea Tree Bay}})
• Dolphin Point, a headland ({{coord|-26.3772|153.1077|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Dolphin Point}}){{cite QPN|10282|Dolphin Point|point in Shire of Noosa|accessdate=28 December 2020}}
• Dolphin Point Lookout ({{coord|-26.3775|153.1081|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Dolphin Point Lookout}})
• Granite Bay ({{coord|-26.3777|153.1119|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Granite Bay}})
• Fairy Pools, a rockhole ({{coord|-26.3766|153.1155|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Fairy Pools}}){{cite QPN|12151|Fairy Pools|rockhole in Shire of Noosa|accessdate=28 December 2020}}
• Noosa Head (also known as Low Bluff), a headland ({{coord|-26.3777|153.1177|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa Head}}){{cite QPN|24499|Noosa Head|cape in Shire of Noosa|accessdate=28 December 2020}}
• Hell's Gates Lookout ({{coord|-26.3792|153.1194|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Hell's Gates Lookout}})
• Hells Gates ({{coord|-26.3797|153.1192|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Hells Gates}})
• Alexandria Bay ({{coord|-26.3853|153.1176|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Alexandria Bay}})
• Alexandria Beach ({{coord|-26.3856|153.1155|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Alexandria Beach}}){{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Mountain ranges beaches and sea passages - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/1db1dfe1-ab2a-4405-9164-0a54c3b31dda|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125060730/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/1db1dfe1-ab2a-4405-9164-0a54c3b31dda|archive-date=25 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}
• Roaring Cave (also known as the Blowhole) ({{coord|-26.3906|153.1176|type:mountain_region:AU-QLD|name=Roaring Cave (Blowhole)}}){{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Mountain peaks and capes - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125215033/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/geographic-features-queensland-series/resource/06ff12a9-862e-4aac-bf9d-693f0a63b4c9|archive-date=25 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}
• Harrys Lookout ({{coord|-26.3920|153.1167|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Harrys Lookout}})
• Devils Kitchen ({{coord|-26.3929|153.1175|type:waterbody_region:AU-QLD|name=Devils Kitchen}})
• Paradise Caves ({{coord|-26.3954|153.1169|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Paradise Caves}}){{cite QPN|26026|Paradise Caves|cave in Shire of Noosa|accessdate=28 December 2020}}

File:Noosa Heads Berach, QLD Nov 2013.jpg

Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi, Cabbee, Carbi, Gabi Gabi) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken on Gubbi Gubbi country. The Gubbi Gubbi language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Sunshine Coast Region and Gympie Region, particularly the towns of Caloundra, Noosa Heads, Gympie and extending north towards Maryborough and south to Caboolture.{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/13|title=Gubbi Gubbi|website=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|access-date=23 January 2020}}

It is widely stated that name Noosa is a corruption of the Kabi word nuthuru, meaning a ghost or a shadow. However, that is unlikely because a 1870 map of Noosa shows the Noosa River written as Nusa River,{{cite web |last=Fesl |first=Eve |author-link=Eve Fesl |title=Place Names of South-East Queensland (archive.org archived page) |url=http://www.gubbigubbi.com/discography.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111322/http://www.gubbigubbi.com/discography.html |access-date=21 January 2023|archive-date=6 March 2019 }} and a notice to mariners published in 3 September 1873 refers to Nusa Head and the Nusa River in Laguna Bay.{{cite news |title=Notice to Mariners |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51804984# |work=Rockhampton Bulletin |date=1873-09-09|access-date=21 January 2023 |via=Trove}} Nusa is the Indonesian word for island, and the Noosa River contains Makepeace Island, Sheep Island and Goat Island. "Nusa Bay, or as it is better known, Lagoona Bay" is mentioned in a 1866 newspaper article{{cite news |title=Shipping - Cape Moreton |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1271415 |work=The Brisbane Courier |date=1866-07-20 |access-date=21 January 2023 |via=Trove}} and the locality of Nusa is also mentioned in a 1869 article.{{cite news |title=Metropolitan District Court |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1295377 |work=The Brisbane Courier |date=1869-02-11 |access-date=21 January 2023 |via=Trove}}

The beach at Noosa Heads has remained a popular tourist attraction since the 1890s. The Shire's tourism exponentially grew shortly after the Second World War.{{Cite book |title=Heritage Trails of the Great South East |last=Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland) |author-link=Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland) |year=2000 |publisher=State of Queensland |isbn=0-7345-1008-X |pages=141 }}

In the 19th century, Noosa's early wealth came from the timber and milling industries, with tourism developing in the late 1920s. In that decade, cafes and tourist accommodation was built along the beachfront. The town has been the site of many tussles between developers and those seeking to preserve its atmosphere.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club was founded in 1927.

A fatal shark attack of a 22-year-old surfer was recorded at Noosa in 1961.Sydney Morning Herald 20 December 1961

In January 1976, Cyclone David reached its peak intensity at Noosa, bringing heavy rainfall and strong damaging winds. The category 3 severe tropical cyclone thrashed parts of Noosa, including the Main Beach and Hastings Street.

Since the seventies, people have continued to migrate from southern states.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

BCC Cinemas Noosa was opened in December 1985 with two projection screens. Since 1996, it has appended a total of five screens.

In 1988, Noosa was renamed Noosa Heads.

In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, Noosa was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a "location".{{Cite web|last=Bligh|first=Anna|author-link=Anna Bligh|date=10 June 2009|title=PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524033717/http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|archive-date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017|publisher=Queensland Government}}

Between 2008 and 2013, Noosa Heads (and the rest of the Shire of Noosa) was within Sunshine Coast Region.{{Cite web |title=Backward Glance: History of Local Government on the Sunshine Coast |url=https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/news/Backward-Glance-history-of-local-government-160316 |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Sunshine Coast Regional Council|date=16 January 2023 }}{{Cite web |date=2 January 2014 |title=The Noosa De-amalgamation: Building a New Organisation |url=https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/6/2014-01-13-deamalgamation-report-attachment-pdf |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=Noosa Shire Council |pages=8–9}}

The local print newspaper was the Noosa News. Along with many other regional Australian newspapers owned by NewsCorp, the newspaper ceased print editions in June 2020 and became an online-only publication from 26 June 2020.{{Cite news|date=28 May 2020|title=Future is digital: News announces major changes|url=https://www.gattonstar.com.au/news/future-digital-news-announces-major-changes/4025188/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222032551/https://www.gattonstar.com.au/news/future-digital-news-announces-major-changes/4025188/|archive-date=2020-12-22|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Gatton Star|language=en}}

In May 2021, Noosa was named as the top tourism town in Queensland.

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the suburb of Noosa Heads had a population of 4,484 people.{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC32178|name=Noosa Heads (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the suburb of Noosa Heads had a population of 5,120 people.{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL32160|name=Noosa Heads (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}

Noosa Heads has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

• 17 Noosa Drive: Halse Lodge{{cite QHR|16156|Halse Lodge|601393|access-date=14 July 2013}}

There are no schools in Noosa Heads. The nearest government primary and secondary schools are Sunshine Beach State School and Sunshine Beach State High School in neighbouring Sunshine Beach to the east.

The Noosa Shire Council operates a mobile library service which visits Lanyana Way at Noosa Junction.{{Cite web|url=https://www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au/mobile-libraries|title=Mobile Library|website=Noosa Shire Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130140146/https://www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au/mobile-libraries|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=30 January 2018}}

There are two jetties, managed by the Noosa Shire Council:

• Woods Bay jetty at Claude Batten Drive ({{coord|-26.3869|153.0856|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa, Woods Bay jetty}}){{Cite web |date=12 November 2020 |title=Recreational Boating Facilities Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/recreational-boating-facilities-queensland/resource/60ce6cc3-af0c-4806-bc8c-ab0ee981819c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122210008/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/recreational-boating-facilities-queensland/resource/60ce6cc3-af0c-4806-bc8c-ab0ee981819c |archive-date=22 November 2020 |access-date=22 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=Queensland Government}}
• Ravenwood Drive jetty at Ravenwood Park ({{coord|-26.3892|153.0833|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Noosa, Ravenwood Drive jetty}})

File:Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD Nov 2013.JPG shopping]]

File:Noosa head-raffi kojian-CIMG6549.JPG

Noosa Heads hosts a population of koalas, which are often seen in and around Noosa National Park. The koala population in Noosa is in decline.(17 November 2010) [http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/where-the-bloody-hell-are-noosas-koalas/story-e6freoof-1225954631950 Where the bloody hell are Noosa's koalas?]. Brian Williams. The Courier Mail. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414150052/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/where-the-bloody-hell-are-noosas-koalas/story-e6freoof-1225954631950|date=14 April 2012}} Native black and grey-headed flying foxes (tree pollinators and seed dispersal agents) can be heard in local trees if they are flowering or fruiting. Micro-bat species are also common and aid in insect control.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

Noosa Lions Park is an open, grassed area which used as a staging area for several large community events including the Noosa Triathlon, Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Noosa Winter Festival and Noosa Classic Car Show.{{cite web|date=11 April 2012|title=Lions Park Noosa Parade Noosa Heads|url=http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=noosa-lions|access-date=17 September 2012|publisher=Sunshine Coast Regional Council|archive-date=22 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822164328/http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=noosa-lions|url-status=live}}

To overcome severe beach erosion at Noosa's main beach a sand pumping system has been built. It operates when necessary during off peak hours, supplying sand via a pipeline built underneath the boardwalk.{{cite web|date=20 March 2012|title=Noosa Beach Erosion and Sand Recycling|url=http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=noosa-beach-sand-recycling|access-date=17 September 2012|publisher=Sunshine Coast Regional Council|archive-date=22 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822142946/http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=noosa-beach-sand-recycling|url-status=live}}

File:Noosa Heads Trail Walk.jpg

Noosa Heads' main attraction is its beaches. Its main beach and its small bays around the headland are common surfing locations which are known on world surfing circuits. One of its major surfing contests involves the Noosa Festival of Surfing. This festival attracts large numbers of longboarders.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

The local newspaper is the Noosa News, an online-only publication of NewsCorp.

Noosa Heads is the tourist heart of Noosa district, with many restaurants and hotels. The main street is Hastings Street, which lies directly behind the seashore. Buses to elsewhere in the Sunshine Coast depart from Noosa Heads bus station.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}. Free Tourist shuttle buses operate during the Easter & Christmas peak periods, between the towns in Noosa Shire.{{Cite web |title=Go Noosa Holidays |url=https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/go-noosa |website=Noosa Council}}

There are dedicated bike lanes throughout the shire. Push bikes are an easy way to get around. Bike racks are provided in all shopping and beach precincts.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

Motor scooter is another option. There are scooter parking bays on Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, and on many shopping strips.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

There is a taxi rank in Hastings Street and at Noosa Fair shopping centre.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

• Bob Ansett - entrepreneur, actor and writer

{{Portal|Queensland}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Noosa Heads, Queensland}}

• {{cite web|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/noosa-heads-and-noosaville|publisher=University of Queensland|website=Queensland Places|title=Noosa Heads and Noosaville}}
• [https://www.visitnoosa.com.au/ Official Tourism Noosa Website]

{{Noosa Shire}}

{{Australiansurf}}

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Category:Suburbs of Noosa Shire, Queensland

Category:Coastal towns in Queensland

Category:Headlands of Queensland

Category:Surfing locations in Queensland

Category:Beaches of Queensland

Category:Q150 Icons