Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia: Waking to the songs of birds

It was such a joy to arrive at my friend Leonie’s home and getting my first glimpses of Australia and Noosa Heads. Waking up to the sounds of birds, happily playing in Paradise. I think one of them may have been Leonie! She is so happy here!

Leonie and I have known each other for over 20 years and met when she and Vanni made the film “Where Strangers Become Neighbours: the story of Collingwood Neighbourhood House”. We have developed a great friendship over the years. Thankfully, we have shared many wonderful travel experiences and cherished time in Vancouver. Leonie retired last year from a very successful academic and filmmaking career. She decided to move from Vancouver to her native land of Australia and settled in Noosa Heads six months ago. I feel so blessed to be able to visit her and see her new home!

Noosa Heads has a population of around 5000 people. It is considered one of the most desirable places to live, work and visit. Its beauty, lifestyle, numerous beaches, the surf, a river, restaurants, cultural venues, and weather are what draws people here

Someone described the weather here as hot , more hot and hotter…. and very humid! I swear I have been releasing the several bottles of wine that I have enjoyed with every bead of sweat. Lately, I have had a few people say I smell nice. It definitely has to be the wine. I am sure they can smell hints of black cherries, raspberry, gentle wafts of vanilla and hints of mushroom from the Pinot Noir. Or possibly, grass and grapefruit notes with secondary flavours of gooseberry, asparagus and eucalyptus from the Sauvignon Blanc. I have learned so much from my wine tours!

Leonie has been a wonderful hostess. Feeding me amazing meals both within her home and in one of the many high quality restaurants in the village.

There is a shopping street to get food, supplies, and yes dresses just a block away. We have been spending our days getting caught up, walking along lovely coastal trails, taking some road trips, swimming in their beautiful outdoor aquatic centre, and watching the surfers ( Leonie surfs most days and I hope to get to see her in action before I leave, if I can get myself up that early). I thought this last couple of days would be a great opportunity however, there are 3 cyclones off the coast making the waves unusually high so she is wisely taking a break.

Leonie and I took a day trip to a neighbouring town, Pomona, to see an afternoon jazz performance at the Majestic Theatre. This theatre is the longest continually operating theatre in Queensland and reputedly the oldest authentic silent movie theatre in the world. They have a 1937 Compton organ that accompanies the silent films. It has 850 pipes and 138 instruments and supposedly there are only 6 in the world remaining. We were definitely the youngest people there!!

As with every place on this trip, I have met some incredible people. When Leonie made this move, she got reacquainted with friends from her past that she knew over 40 years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting them over dinner at Leonie’s place. They are such interesting, caring , knowledgeable and very funny people. They had me in stitches sharing stories of the time they lived in Denmark. I was recommending that they should read the book “ The Year of Living Danishly”, one of my favourite leisure books. Turns out David wrote the screenplay for the movie “ The Year of Living Dangerously “. Such a coincidence! Both David and his wife Kristin are very accomplished people. David as a famous Australian playwright and Kristin is a famous journalist, author and actress. Leonie knows so many interesting and very down to earth people. This is so understandable considering the caring person she is and the adventurous life she has led.

When I first arrived in Australia, I could not get my esim card working. A necessity considering my navigational skills and free flow travelling. After going to 2 stores trying to get assistance with no success, I decided to see if I could find a youth. Sure enough, as I was walking down the street, I saw 2 young boys playing something on their phones and hanging out together. I approached them saying that they looked liked they were very good with technology. One of them replied that he worked at a bowling alley and was often called upon to help customers problem solve with their phones and other devices. Sure enough, within minutes he had me all set up. I tried to give him some money for his help but he would not take it. I love young people!!

I went to get a haircut as my hair was getting a bit wild in this climate. Leonie introduced me to Sean and Tracy, an English couple who set up a beauty salon 7 years ago in Noosa. It was a very zen place! They designed it themselves and it was spacious, had lovely airflow and beautiful music. My appointment started with a lovely cup of herbal tea that was created by a naturopath. Then Sean washed my hair while giving me a 25 minute head and neck massage so I was relaxed for my cut. Sean is trained in the healing arts and had me visualizing pyramids and focusing on my third eye while I could smell aromatherapy products and feel tension release with every touch. I was so relaxed , I practically had to be carried to the chair where Tracy took over with her hair artistry. I left there feeling lighter, stylish and completely pampered. Such a treat!

We have been hearing warnings about the cyclone Alfred hitting the Coast in the next few days. Leone and I went to several beaches to watch the incredible waves. They have closed the beaches, many services and stopped all ferries. They are getting people prepared for an emergency response if needed. Sand bags have been distributed as they anticipate flooding, emergency shelters set up for people and animals, and medical teams are on call. Everyone has anchored down anything that could blow away. The latest report is that it may only impact Noosa slightly however Brisbane looks like it might feel the eye of the storm. Let’s hope it is not too serious.

I am heading to Adelaide for a week to take in the WOMAD festival ( world music and dance festival ) and to taste a bit of wine from the numerous wineries in the area. More to come after this next adventure!