Top must-visit Noosa hot spots that celebrities love revealed
From popular restaurants and cafes to some of the best tourist attractions, we’ve revealed the top places in Noosa that have become hot spots for the world’s biggest celebrities. SEE THE FULL LIST:
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Noosa is home to many high-profile names and continues to lure more celebrities to the region every year.
In 2003 Prince Harry was spotted in a Noosa Heads service station flicking through a Woman’s Day magazine featuring a picture of his brother, Prince William.
Other famous faces have included Matthew McConaughey, Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman (before they split), cricketers Michael Clarke and Brett Lee, Bono, Chris Brown and Summer Bay’s own Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher).
A few so called ‘locals’ also now call Noosa home, including Kevin Rudd, Michael Klim, Ben Laughlin and Dawn Fraser while tennis superstar Pat Rafter was also a long-time resident.
We’ve revealed who has been spotted living it up in Noosa over the years and ranked where you may be able to spot some of the world’s biggest names.
10. JIMMY RODS BARBERSHOP
Suits star Gabriel Macht and music sensation Flume were in 2018 spotted at the former Hastings St establishment, now located at Noosa Civic, Jimmy Rods Barbershop.
Hairdresser Chris de la Hoyde said Mr Macht and his wife Jacinda Barrett were regulars when they were visiting their Noosa beach house.
“Gabriel is nothing like he is on the show. He's such a nice family man and really loves to look after small businesses,” Mr de la Hoyde said.
“He gets a front-back-and-sides with scissors and a beard trim.
“His wife (Aussie actress Jacinda Barrett) loves the rough-and-ready look, as opposed to the clean-shaven show look.”
9. MV CATALINA
Noosa’s very own “party boat” has had crowds and stars step on board for an evening of dancing and drinking.
Along with performing act and DJ, Little Fritter, who took his place behind the decks in April, 2021, celebrities such as the The Bachelorette’s Georgia Love and model and clothes designer Nadia Bartel have also been spotted on the fully licensed vessel.
Ms Love and her husband Lee Elliott uploaded a photo to Instagram just last week after the former Channel 7 news reporter had also been spotted dancing around on the water in January, 2021.
Former AFL WAG Nadia Bartel was seen holidaying in Noosa in January after previously visiting the region for a girls weekend and enjoying her time on the MV Catalina in January, 2020.
The 36-year-old is the former wife of AFL star Jimmy Bartel.
8. CAFE LE MONDE
Just opposite the Noosa Surf Club and next door to the famous Betty’s Burgers is one of Noosa’s longest running venues, Cafe Le Monde.
The modern restaurant and bar has served many superstars, including former Australian cricketer Shane Watson and former Brisbane Broncos legend Petero Civoniceva.
Australian comedian, writer, actor, television star and radio presenter, Glenn Robbins, was also rumoured to have made an appearance at the venue in 2019.
Once the street lights come on the venue turns into its very own nightclub which has attracted plenty of public figures such as Michael Finch and Shani Grimmond in recent years.
7. TEWANTIN NOOSA/NOOSA SPRINGS GOLF COURSE
Noosa’s golfing greens have hosted many past and present stars teeing off in the hopes of improving their game.
PGA golfer Adam Scott played regularly at the Noosa Springs golf course when he stayed at his Sunshine Beach home for three months in 2020.
Scott also played a round of golf with Sunshine Coast teen Bailey Arnott.
Cyclist Robbie McEwen and AFL legends such as Nick Dal Santo, Daniel Rich, Leigh Montagna, Troy Selwood and Daniel Merrett have all been attracted to the Noosa Golf Club for the iconic Noosa Triathlon Celebrity Golf Day.
The tournament, that was widely publicised from 2006 to 2011, lured past and present athletes from around Australia.
6. AROMAS RESTAURANT & BAR
This open-seated Hastings St establishment is the best place to be for people watching but sometimes it’s the ones inside you should be paying more attention to.
Hollywood A-lister Zendaya was spotted with some friends in December, 2019 along with Bachelorette star Georgia Love and husband Lee Elliott in January 2021.
Other celebs have included Coolum-raised surfer Julian Wilson, former Wallabies rugby union star Brendan Cannon, former Today show host Steve Liebmann and Today show host Sylvia Jeffreys, celebrity chef Matt Moran and international music sensation Ronan Keating.
Aromas has cemented itself on Noosa’s glitter strip since 2013 and the staff said there were plenty of celebrity regulars that still drop by from time to time.
5. ROLLING ROCK NIGHTCLUB
Noosa’s Rolling Rock nightclub has been home to many celebs looking for a fun night out since 1987.
With plenty of reality TV stars such as Bachelor contestants Timm Hanley, Alex McKay and Ciarran Scott and Love Island heart-throb Adam Farrugia, making their appearances known to the venue, fans flocked to the front door and VIP sections in March, 2020.
The dance floor has also served as a base for sporting stars looking for a fun night in Noosa as former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players Braith Anasta and Willie Mason were snapped in 2002 and former New South Wales forward Robbie Kearns in 1999.
Party-goers have reportedly spotted other sporting players such as Brisbane Lions defender Jack Payne, recently retired NRL halfback Corey Norman and New-Zealand Warriors recruit Ash Taylor in recent years.
4. NOOSA NORTH SHORE
Just north of the region is the lovely Noosa North Shore which has been an enjoyable resting spot for some big name Hollywood stars looking to relax on the stretch of beachfront.
Actors Matt Damon and Liam Hemsworth were seen enjoying some cocktails at up-market restaurant Sails on Hastings St in March, 2021, before travelling north from Noosa to their usual camping spot at Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach.
The pair of Hollywood actors surfed alongside some delighted locals before Rainbow Beach ice delivery driver Rob Gough, aka The Ice Man, snapped a happy pic with Damon and described him as a “top bloke”.
“What a privilege it was to meet and share waves with these guys,” he said.
It’s not the first time Mr Gough has served up some cold summer treats to some A-list celebrities as he spotted Aussie megastar Chris Hemsworth enjoying a relaxed day at Rainbow Beach in July 2020.
The Hollywood actor, best known for his role as Thor, was spotted checking out the range of ice-creams.
3. NOOSA SURF CLUB
The iconic Noosa Surf Club that overlooks the amazing main beach has been the perfect spot for celebrities to enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage.
In January, 2022 the likes of Brisbane Lions players Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage, Thomas Berry and Rhys Mathieson were spotted enjoying a well-earned rest as well as recently retired Australian cricketer James Pattinson just a few tables down.
Bondi Rescue lifeguard Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll was spotted in May 2021 as well as comedian Jimeoin in September 2016.
Rugby league superstar Cameron Munster has also been spotted at the Noosa Surf Club in recent years when holidaying in Noosa, where his manager Shaun Pyne lives.
In December, 2016 Munster thanked the staff after his stay at The Hastings resort and drew a large crowd of fans in November, 2020 when he took to the field for the Tewantin-Noosa Cricket Club in a legends trial match against the Sunshine Coast Scorchers.
2. MAKEPEACE ISLAND
Who could forget when 23-year-old pop sensation Justin Bieber appeared on Makepeace Island just a few days out from his Sydney concert in March, 2017.
The Canadian-born artist reportedly forked out up to $5500 a night to stay at the luxurious and exclusive Makepeace Island, co-owned by British billionaire Richard Branson.
Bieber sent fans and media into a frenzy and was spotted going shirtless in board shorts as he walked around the tropical oasis.
Bieber then took to social media were he posted a video of himself recreating some classic lines from Australian comedian Chris Lilley’s show, Jonah from Tonga.
The property, which features a main long house with a giant bar, a four-bedroom guesthouse, several two-bedroom villas, a boat house and a lagoon pool with a lap lane, dive spots and a 15-person spa, was also visited by American artist Will-I-Am, of the band Black Eyed Peas, after Mr Branson bought the island in the early 2000s for $2.86m.
1. NOOSA MAIN BEACH
What is arguably the region’s best tourist destination, stars from all over Australia and from all walks of life have descended to the water’s edge in recent years.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was swarmed by crowds back in 2015 when he went for a stroll along the boardwalk before being snapped once again in 2016 when surfing at Tea Tree Bay.
TV host Karl Stefanovic has also been spotted numerous times when holidaying at his $3.6m Sunshine Beach home.
Celebrity chefs such as Matt Preston, Trudi Jenkins, Matt Sinclair, Peter Kuruvita, Matt Golinski and Manu Feildel have helped promote the Noosa Food and Wine Festival in front of the red and yellow flags.
Actor Anthony Callea and Co-founder and CEO of Keep it Cleaner, Laura Henshaw were also spotted by eagle eyed fans in recent weeks as well as love island couple Tina Provis and Mitch Hibberd who spent their vacation in Noosa in early January 2022.
To add to the list, countless sporting teams such as the more recent Melbourne Storm, St Kilda and GWS players have been sent into the water to recover during the Covid-19 relocation on the Sunshine Coast.
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