Why this revamped Hastings Street landmark is a reason to visit Noosa
Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.
A Hastings Street landmark has unveiled a $30 million makeover. Sofitel Noosa - the first five-star resort in the Sunshine Coast town when it opened as a Sheraton in 1989 - has been transformed into the Elysium Noosa Resort. It has 175 rooms and suites, each with a balcony - and a palette of greys, blues and mustards, combined with lots of sun-bleached timber, gives the interiors a light and airy feel. Spend the day at the property's centrepiece - a zhuzhed up swimming pool (pictured) - then head to the onsite restaurant, Cibaria Noosa, where Italian fare ranges from fuss-free (Mediterranean pizzas) to fancy (spanner crab risotto). And when you want a hit of Noosa, its premier shopping strip is right out the door, and Main Beach just a few steps away. elysiumnoosa.com.au
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South Island by rail
After sell-out runs in 2024 and 2025, New Zealand's The Southerner rail journey, between Christchurch and Dunedin on the South Island, is returning for a limited run next year, from May 22-25. Travellers who want to take in the country's scenery without the hassle of driving can book one-way or return tickets between the two cities, or - if they want a deeper dive - there are three two- to three-day packages, too, with transfers, hotels and tours in Dunedin included. greatjourneysnz.com
Search high and low
A popular stopover for Europe-bound Australians, Dubai has been crowned the top trending destination for Australians this year. Google Australia's 2025 Year in Search report ranked the UAE city No. 1 in travel searches, with Bali, Phuket, Doha and Auckland rounding out the top five. Domestically, the top five were Hamilton Island, Lord Howe Island, Tasmania, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
Solo is the go
A UK-based tour operator specialising in holidays for solo travellers, Just You has extended its operations in Australia, with more than 100 itineraries in different parts of the world - from Australia and New Zealand to Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the company runs small-group tours with a maximum size of 27 solo travellers, and - in addition to expert-led excursions and select meals - offers a separate room for each guest. justyou.com/au
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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