Noosa: how this holiday hotspot became one of the most popular sea-change destinations

Rebecca Colefax was just six years old when she decided she wanted to live in Noosa.

Originally from Cairns, Colefax discovered the jewel in the Sunshine Coast’s crown on family holidays and was clearly smitten, making a note in her diary that finally came to fruition in her late 20s.

Colefax – a photographer, former women’s world champion kitesurfer and passionate environmentalist – says Noosa constantly reminds her how beautiful the world we live in really is.

Natural delights

“Noosa provides a great balance between work and play,” she says.

“It has the beauty, the world surfing reserve, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It just has so much to offer in terms of sport and recreational activities and it also lends itself to wellbeing.

“You’ve got mountain biking, you’ve got forest, you’ve got the beaches. When you’re outdoors and doing activities like kitesurfing, biking, walking, kayaking, the more people do those things, the more people feel connected to their environment and the more likely they’ll want to protect it.”

Armed with a degree in environmental science and a strong desire to forge connections between people and nature, Colefax is proud of how the community and council have created a township that is aware and willing to transition into a better future.

“One of the reasons I love this area so much is because of the community and the people who have made it what it is today,” she says.

“So many people here are focused on doing good.”

Colefax lists Plastic Free Noosa and Zero Emissions Noosa as two examples, along with EarthTech, a Peregian Beach-based company that matches impact investors to impact investments, where Colefax is general manager.

Agent Mal Cox, from Tom Offermann Real Estate, describes Noosa as safe and clean, with the perfect climate and a diverse tapestry of waterways and national parks.

Main street

There’s no shortage of man-made charms on offer, especially along bustling Hastings Street.

You’ll find hip eateries – many serving up great water views alongside local seasonal food – boutique shopping and a selection of day spas.

Further afield there are galleries and fresh food markets. Annual festivals include NOOSA Alive, the Noosa Open Studios Art Trail and the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival.

The Sunshine Coast has attracted hordes of sea changers over the past 18 months, with the Offermann office reporting “windfall property prices” in Noosa over the 2021 financial year, with total sales up by 40 per cent on the preceding year.

“Tight planning restrictions and no more land underpin the value of real estate,” says Cox.

“It promises a bright future for those who are privileged to live and invest here.”

One to watch

With 38 metres of water frontage plus a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon and private sandy beach, this two-storey house comes with a family-friendly floor plan containing three separate living zones, a home office and plenty of outdoor entertaining space.

Tom Offermann Real Estate’s Mal Cox takes the home to auction on August 28.

SOLD - $17,400,000

33 Mossman Court, Noosa Heads QLD 4567

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