Sunset Beach at Noosa Heads

Sunset Beach at Noosa Heads,
originally uploaded by BrisbaneBryce.

In my meanders to the North of Brisbane, I took a turn toward the beach and found this gem, Sunset Beach at Noosa Heads. Route 6 heads over to the Coral Sea from the major North/South artery, the M1. It passes through a number of small towns, among them Noosaville, Noosa, and Noosa Heads. Noosa Heads was as far as I went; I suspect there are more small towns along the coast.

I had been complaining about roundabouts every since I bought the Defender and started driving on the left. I always seem to miss the correct turn. Many roundabouts have two lanes. The entire way they work was somewhat mysterious. Oh, and by the way, folks in the States would call them traffic circles. In Australia, it seems to be the preferred way to avoid traffic lights at busy intersections. Knowing how to navigate them is an essential skill here. My chance to practice arrived between the M1 and Noosa Heads; I must have passed through several dozen, some larger, some smaller, all with unique challenges. I'm over my fear of roundabouts now, that's for sure.

The Noosas are a charming set of seaside communities, full of touristy, frothy fun, vacation homes, ultra-tans, and some amazing beaches.This is one that I found only steps from a lovely little park. The beach can be reached just downhill from the Surf Club. I took this photo from atop a bluff overlooking the beach. I estimate the sandy portion of the beach was 3km long. The sand is fine, packed, and delightful. There are a couple of lifeguard stations, and I did see a few surfers, though the waves were crumbly and smallish.

I give Sunset Beach a big thumbs up.
[reposted to correct numerous spelling errors]