Guest Hook Travel Guides Australia's Noosa | Page 6

RAE'S FESTIVAL FAVOURITES... Noosa has an extensive festival calendar with a wide variety of popular events. The best accommodation can book up quickly so if you want to stay during these busy periods then it's wise to plan ahead. Here are a selection of my favourites... SPORTING FESTIVALS Noosa Festival of Surfing. Noosa made the international surfing map when the Noosa Classic included professional divisions in 1996. This attracted the best international surfers of the time with Hawaii’s Bonga Perkins becoming the first overseas multiple Noosa title holder. Overseas and Aussie surfing stars like Wingnut Weaver, Brian Keaulaana, Layne Beachely and Mark Richards, have wowed the crowds. And let’s not forget the Surfing Dog events - just amazing! Happening over 8 days on a selection of Noosa beaches in the second week in March each year, the Noosa Classic is a great spectator event at a great time of year to holiday at the beach - and it’s free! Read more at www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com Noosa’s Triathlon Multi Sport Festival celebrates sports participation, healthy lifestyles, fitness and fun. Held over five days every Oct/ Nov it is Australia’s largest Olympic Distance Triathlon and the world’s second largest Olympic Distance Triathlon behind London. Noosa’s beautiful and unique environment attracts interstate and international visitors to this event. No tickets required for spectators but participants must pay a registration fee. Find out more at ap.ironman.com CULTURAL FESTIVALS Noosa Jazz Festival is a great time to be in town each year, happening over 4 days at the beginning of September. A Festival Village of tents and marquees is created in a local waterfront park. Jazz, Blues and Folk artists perform and Master Classes are held. Delicious food stalls, bars and fun shopping are all part of the festival experience. Signing up in the members area will give access to special ticket offers and updates on the latest Noosa Jazz Festival News. For more info visit www.noosajazz.com.au Held mid-May each year over a 4 day weekend, the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival attracts international and local celebrity chefs to town, along with a large following of those who appreciate fine food and wine. With a gala opening night on beautiful Noosa Main Beach prepare to enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment complete with singers and orchestra. The Beach Marquee is a perfect venue for cocktails, dinners and seafood lunches. Sunset Concerts at the Lookout and the River Marquee with its amazing picnic lunches and scrumptious High Teas are also on the festival menu! A ticketed event with the programme released early in the year. Read more at www.noosafoodandwine.com.au Noosa Long Weekend is an entertaining eclectic mix of theatre, dance, music, supper clubs, food, literature, forums, visual arts and workshops held over 10 days each July in Noosa. And there is usually a World Premiere Event on the agenda too! For this year's event and ticket prices in a nutshell visit www.noosalongweekend.com