Noosa with kids

I have to be honest, I was a little anxious about travelling up north with my little brood. You see, eighteen months ago we embarked on our usual family holiday to Noosa with a nearly three year old and ten month old. We were excited. Really excited.

We love Noosa. Love! There is nothing not to love.

Except it wasn’t this time round!. Long nights, sleepless nights, early mornings, teething baby, crawling baby in a non-babyproof house and trying to keep an active toddler at bay… it was not pretty. Saying it was awful was an understatement.  We literally had to call on support and ask the in-laws, “feel like some sunshine”, as we were just not coping. At all!

So I did not expect much from this trip. Not much at all. We delayed another plane ride for as long as possible and spent the past twelve months doing little weekend adventures.

But, it was after reading an article about travelling with young children and advising all parents to “have no expectations” that gave us the encouragement to try again… with no expectations.

And so, I can now write an article that hopefully gives a little bit of value when and if you travel to Noosa with kids ::

:: Lollipops are the bomb :: I previously learnt (the hard way), that takeoff and landing for the little people is hard. This time I thought ahead. A special treat while tackling the ear pressure. Bonus.

:: Don’t expect to relax:: Don’t expect to sit around and drink that cocktail by the pool, or bath in the sunshine with a great romantic novel. No! Those days are over! Instead, expect to be rating dives out of ten, worrying about sunscreen, hats and appropriate sun protection and saving the adventurous young souls from total suicide dives.

:: Apartment or house living :: We have the fortunate advantage of having a family holiday house {which is available to rent as well} just off Hastings Street. It is a short walk away from the hassle and bustle of the main drag and just enough tranquillity to soak up the Noosa air. Having an all-inclusive kitchen is great. We often like to cook lunches at home and have BBQ’s at night. Going out every night can get rather pricey.

Where to eat:

:: The Surf Life Saving Club is THE BEST! It is the best dinner view in Noosa {without spending big bucks}. Although the food is not amazing, they have simple and cheap kids meals and other yummy things for adults.

:: Pizza? If you want pizza, and I mean AAA-MAAAZ-ING pizza, you must go to Zachery’’s. I am not the biggest pizza fan, and will seriously only eat pizza if it is good. This place is amazing! I have never had pizza this good before.

Where to shop:

:: I just discovered one of the most incredible little places. Imagination has   everything from homewares, to art, gifts and vintage stock. It is seriously so so cute.

:: Stock up on Summer Hats at Hasting Street Chemist – I’m telling you, this chemist has the most amazing hat selection at a third of the price to what you would pay in Melbourne. AND, the range and quality is just as comparable, if not better. They are seriously cheap and seriously good.  Buy one for now and one for next season.

Where to go ::

There is a little part of Noosa that often gets forgotten; Noosaville. It is a little place that is nestled on the river – a peaceful and quiet little river. But this little place is where the pelicans frolic, and if you are lucky (like we were), you will get to see a whole bunch of pelicans in the later afternoon as they wait for the fishermen to return with their eskies of fish and scraps.

For something a little more different, hire a boat or set up a picnic along one the river at one of the picnic tables and BBQ spots.

If you have time and want something a little different, hop on a bus to Noosaville.

::

Remember, no expectations.

Holidays are not just about you. They are about the kids.

Holidays are a change of scenary and a break away from normality.

Good bye poolside cocktails (that is waiting for me on my kidless holiday  soon)

Goodbye loungy beachside holiday reading.

Hello constant vigil around water.

Hello dive rating competition

Hello adventure.

Hello holiday.

What are your holiday tips with kids? Any ‘lifesaver’ ideas to share?

Linking up with Essentially Jess