Peregian Beach: Hidden gem Queensland town dubbed ‘the new Noosa’ thanks to its charming village and beautiful coastal walks
Those in the know will be leaving the bustling tourist streets of Noosa and Byron Bay this summer for a hidden coastal gem that looks straight out of a postcard.
Peregian Beach (pronounced Per-ridge-n) is just a 12 minute drive south of Noosa Heads and 20km north of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Airport.
The small town of 3,700 is bustling with locals and exudes a relaxed coastal village vibe. It boasts breathtaking white sand beaches and a rich choice of cafes, seaside restaurants, clothing boutiques and leafy parks.
Just over the sand hills at the south end of the beach is the Peregian Environmental Park, where thousands of colorful wildflowers bloom in spring and to the west is the picturesque Lake Weyba National Park.
The town is also linked to the southern extension of Noosa National Park, where visitors can experience a rich mix of coastal heath, scrub and towering rainforest.
Peregian Beach (pronounced Per-ridge-n) is just a 12 minute drive south of Noosa Heads and 20km north of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Airport
The once volcanic Emu Mountain is also nearby; Peregian means emu in the native Kabi Kabi language.
The 5 km walk back to the top is a fairly easy climb with beautiful coastal and hinterland views from the coastline to the Glass House Mountains.
The village square is filled with small shops full of vintage finds, furniture, art, crystal glassware and antique jewellery; they are surrounded by gourmet cafes and local producers selling all sorts of tasty native treats.
‘Wow. Just a beautiful beautiful place. Beach was so clean and the sand was divine. Not too busy which was great. Nice shops and restaurants nearby too. Just had a great vibe. Very cold after my visit here,’ enthused one traveler.
Just over the sand hills at the south end of the beach is the Peregian Environmental Park, where thousands of colorful wildflowers bloom in spring and to the west is the picturesque Lake Weyba National Park.
The small town of 3,700 is bustling with locals and exudes a relaxed coastal village vibe. It boasts breathtaking white sand beaches and a rich choice of cafes, seaside restaurants, clothing boutiques and leafy parks.
‘You have to experience the beach at sunrise. Just miles of beautiful deserted fine sand when the tide ebbs out. If you’re around here just go because you can, even make time to sit down for 15 minutes and enjoy the smells and scenery of the coast.’
The talk of the day is currently the very recently opened essencea boutique hotel and collection of beach houses located on the edge of Noosa National Park.
The Hamptons-esque hideaway is likely to make the posh village a vibrant must-see tourist destination, with each of the 32 rooms all centered around the UNESCO-listed biosphere that serves as the backdrop to the property.
Those who visit can expect to recline in a hanging basket chair to watch the sun set below the treetops or enjoy one of the two beautifully designed guest pools, one of which features a poolside bar featuring signature botanical tile artwork from the store.
You must experience the beach at sunrise. Just miles of beautiful deserted fine sand when the tide ebbs out. If you’re around here just go because you can, even make the time to sit down for 15 minutes and enjoy the smells and scenery of the coast
The talk of the town right now is the newly opened Essence, a boutique hotel and collection of beach houses located on the edge of Noosa National Park
Those who visit can expect to recline in a hanging basket chair to watch the sun set below the treetops, or enjoy one of the two beautifully designed guest pools, one of which features a poolside bar featuring signature botanical tile artwork from the store.
It is also just above one of the village’s main eateries – Outer square – serving some of the best and heartiest meals on the coast.
“We are so excited to bring a resort of this caliber to Peregian Bach,” said Essence General Manager, Damien Larkin.
“We are poised to make a huge mark on the Sunshine Coast tourism scene, not only by providing a unique resort in the area, but also by championing local arts and craftsmen and offering dozens of new jobs and experiences for the local population.’
READ MORE: Lacking inspiration for your next holiday? Here are seven little-known hidden gems in Australia you need to know about NOW