The Noosa Everglades + Habitat Noosa = the perfect weekend
On a mission to finally experience the Noosa Everglades, we spent a kid-free night at Habitat Noosa. Here’s how it went down (Can’t be bothered reading? Scroll down the bottom for a YouTube clip on how to do it in two days).
Crackers, cheese and salami spread out before us on a small table, we were enjoying the afternoon sun on the front deck of our glamping tent at Habitat Noosa. The tent faced a large open paddock, with trees as far as the eyes could see on the other side. I was fixated on the paddock though, which is home to a large mob of eastern greys. Given that it was mid-afternoon, most of the kangaroos were content nibbling the grass or just lazing around. However, one particular roo, too old to be a joey and too young to be a full-sized adult, was doing what most teenagers do – he was being annoying.
Walking over to another kangaroo of similar size, he started whacking him on the back with his front paws. It was ignored for a while, but he was relentless. Eventually, the other kangaroo stood up, faced him, and they started boxing in the hilarious way that kangaroos do. Kind of holding their heads back as they each threw a punch. It was a bit half-hearted in the heat, and the instigator soon got jack of being punched in the face and bounded back over to the neighbouring paddock out the back of Habitat Noosa. I don’t think it quite went the way he envisioned.
Habitat Noosa is incredibly family-friendly and we’ll definitely be bringing the kids back here
It was certainly entertaining, though. I turned around to tell the kids to “come watch this”, and remembered that they weren’t actually with me. You see, this is only the second night away my husband and I have ever had without the kids.
My eldest is ten years old, so in a decade, we’ve only ever gone away overnight alone without them twice. Despite the fact that the kids didn’t come along on this occasion, Habitat Noosa is such a family-friendly spot that I really can’t wait to bring them back for a few days to stay as a family.
So to cut a long story short, if you haven’t added Habitat Noosa and the Noosa Everglades to your weekend bucket list, you should totally dig that little keno pencil out of your bag and do it now. And if it is already on your list, you’re going to want to move it up a few notches. Why? Because this is one of those places you should visit sooner rather than later.
Let’s start with Habitat Noosa
Located right on the banks of Lake Cootharaba, the gateway to the Noosa Everglades, Habitat Noosa is an award-winning eco-camp just 25 minutes from Noosa and set amongst 65 acres of National Park. When it comes to accommodation, choose between campsites (powered and unpowered) and glamping tents for both couples and families.
CootharaBAR is the in-house restaurant and bar at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. The meals are top-notch, and the venue boasts an artisan microbrewery in Eco Brewing Co. The beer is brewed with water sourced from the great sandy mass aquifer. Water filters through sand gravel for over 75 years before reaching this brewery, where it is then blended with a high-gravity wort and combined with the best yeast and hops around the world to bring you a 100% natural beer that’s free of additives, flavours and preservatives. Does this mean you won’t get a hangover? I can’t make any guarantees!
When you’re not relaxing on the deck of your glamping tent at Habitat Noosa or waking up in your caravan on the shores of Lake Cootharaba, you’ll get to enjoy a range of activities from frisbee golf, hiking and fun in the water, such as splashing around, SUPboarding and canoeing.
However, the highlight is heading out on a tour to visit the Noosa Everglades.
The Noosa Everglades
There’s a reason the Noosa Everglades is also known as the river of mirrors and the title gives it away. Yep, the water is so reflective it looks like a mirror. Although the mirror is beautifully broken in spots by masses of floating lily pads and the occasional ripple when a water bird touches down.
Speaking of birds, no less than 40% of Australia’s total bird species can be found here and some people say the water itself has healing properties due to the tannin that leeches into the water from the tea tree forests that fringe the waterways.
I don’t know much about the science behind that last statement, but when you take a dip in it, your skin and hair feel quite clean and lovely afterwards. It doesn’t dry your skin or hair out at all! What I do know for sure, is that the best way to experience it is on a kayak.
Cue Kanu Kapers
Established nearly 15 years ago by World Champion gold medal kayaker Vivienne Golding, experiencing the Noosa Everglades on a kayak tour with Kanu Kapers is the most enjoyable way to do it.
Their kayaks have been custom designed with a long water line and rudders, ensuring you glide through the Noosa Everglades with ease. Full instruction is provided and there are a number of guided and self-guided tours available ranging from half a day to a four-day kayaking and camping adventure. Kids can join in as well!
Sustainability is at the heart of Kanu Kapers, so it’s a great choice for those who strive to make sustainable choices when travelling. A kayak tour leaves no trace of fuel and doesn’t disturb the wildlife as you paddle quietly by. To date, their carbon offset scheme has raised over $5,000 to help restore local koala habitat.
For those who strive to make sustainable choices when travelling, a kayak tour leaves no trace of fuel and does not disturb the wildlife as you paddle gently by. Sustainability is at the heart of Kanu Kapers who strive to be carbon neutral, and through their carbon offset scheme, have raised $5,000 to date to help restore local koala habitat.
You can also experience the Noosa Everglades on a river cruise
Those short on time or those who prefer to take it easy can enjoy the Noosa Everglades with Everglades Eco Safaris. Take in the Noosa Everglades on the Serenity Cruise from a purpose-built vessel designed with open viewing windows so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful scenery. A guide provides commentary throughout the journey and the tour includes a glass of beer, bubbles or juice.
Both options leave from either Noosa Habitat Eco Camp or within walking distance from the campground.
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