Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
barbecues, and a rainforest information center; a 1.7km (1 mile) walking trail
loops through the rainforest past some giant strangler figs.
You can return to Noosa the way you came or, if you’re in a hurry, you can
drive down to Landsborough and rejoin the Bruce Highway.
WHERE TO STAY
Halse Lodge Finds It’s a backpackers’ hostel, but don’t let that put you off
staying here. The gracious National Trust–listed Queenslander house is set in two
acres of rainforest on a hill overlooking the town and the sea, and just 100m (329
ft.) from Noosa’s Main Beach. The lodge will give you free use of surfboards and
boogie boards. It’s almost as cozy and welcoming as a B&B, and it’s kept extraclean
by on-the-ball managers. There’s a kitchen, but smart guests order breakfasts,
priced from A$3 to A$6.50 (US$1.95–US$4.20). Dinner in the bistro is an
equally good deal, with main courses from A$7.50–A$9 (US$4.90–US$5.85).
Smoking is not permitted in rooms, but there are areas on the veranda where you
can indulge. There’s Internet access, and if you’re heading for Noosa’s nightlife,
the lodge will also give you free passes to local nightclubs.
2 Halse Lane, off Noosa Dr. at Noosa Parade, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567. & 1800/242 567 in Australia, or
07/5447 3377. www.halselodge.com.au. 26 units, all with shared bathroom. 5 double rooms, 3 twin rooms,
1 twin bunk room, 1 twin/triple room, 6 share dorms (sleep 6), and 10 share dorms (sleep 4). A$55 (US$36)
double for YHA/Hostelling International members or A$65 (US$42) non-members twin/double; A$23–A$25
(US$15–US$16) dorms. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; coin-op laundry.
Jacaranda Apartments These units are not as fancy as the swank apartment
blocks up on the hill, but if you don’t mind views of the river instead of the ocean,
this neat block set back off the road in the thick of the Hastings Street action will
do fine. Most of the one-bedroom apartments face the Noosa River; a few look
onto the parking lot and the small pool. The decor is fine—stone-look tile floors,
painted brick walls, and lime-washed furniture—although the kitchens are a little
old. The studios are small, dark, and lack views, and have only a fridge and
kettle, not a kitchen. Bring your own hair dryer. The beach is just down the alleyway
across the road.
12 Hastings St. & 07/5447 4011 (Holiday Noosa booking centre). Fax 07/5447 3410. www.holidaynoosa.
com.au. 28 units (with shower only). High season A$130–A$145 (US$85–US$94) studio, A$195–A$220
(US$127–US$143) suite; low season A$85–A$95 (US$55–US$62) studio, A$120–A$135 (US$78–US$88)
suite. MC, V. Amenities: Outdoor pool; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C, TV, kitchen (1-bedroom apts only).
Noosa Village Motel All the letters from satisfied guests pinned up on the
wall here are a testament to owners John and Mary Skelton’s hard work in continually
sprucing up this clean, bright little motel in the heart of Hastings Street.
The pleasant rooms are spacious and freshly painted, with a cheerful atmosphere.
There’s no air-conditioning, but the rooms all have ceiling fans. And at
these rates, it must be one of Hastings Street’s best values.
10 Hastings St., Noosa Heads, QLD 4567. & 07/5447 5800. Fax 07/5474 9282. www.noosavillage.com.au.
11 units (9 with shower only). High season (Dec 24–Jan 14) A$175 (US$114) double, A$230 (US$150) family
room; low season A$100–A$110 (US$65–US$72) double, A$155 (US$101) family room. Extra person
A$11–A$15 (US$7.15–US$9.75). Discounts for longer stays. Ask about May–June specials. MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: Bike rental; tour desk; car-rental desk; room-service (breakfast); babysitting; guest laundry;
nonsmoking rooms available. In room: TV, kitchenette, fridge, hair dryer.
IN THE HINTERLAND
Avocado Grove Bed & Breakfast Joy and Brian Baxter’s modern red cedar
Queenslander home is in a peaceful rural setting in the middle of an avocado
grove just off the ridge-top road. The cozy, comfortable rooms have country-style