March 16, 2024


Day 25: The Costal Walk and the Eumundi Markets



It was an early morning , and I rolled out of the bed around 5:30 AM. As we forgot to get coffee yesterday at the supermarket, I took a chance that there might be a coffee shop in town open, even at this early hour. It is only a short five minute walk down a hill to get to the centre of Noosa. And I lucked out, there was a small coffee kiosk open, where I got a long black with a dash of milk. It turns out I was not the only early bird. There were more than a few people out and about and some in the water. 

I enjoyed my coffee by the water and took a short trek up the coastal walk. The walk leads to Noosa National Park and offers spectacular view of the Noosa coastline. I joined the other walkers and enjoyed the early morning sun. The coast is rugged and I got to the spot they call the "Boiling Pot." This rocky part of the shore kicks up the surf and the spray is very impressive. It is also incredible to see some people who feel confident enough to surf here. 





Later in the morning, and after breakfast, we went to the Eumundi Markets. Eumundi is a small town about 25 minutes from Noosa. It is an artisan and food market. It is the largest such market in Australia. I am not sure how many vendors there are but it stretches for what seems forever and there was quite the crowd. We spent about three hours eating and shopping our way through the markets. Here are a few of the highlights...

Saw the flag, had to try a bagel and ask the owner if he was Canadian. He said, "I am from Kapuskasing, doesn't get much more Canadian than that." Even got an "Eh"!




We found these Portuguese custards. Pastel de nada in Australia. I won't say they were as good as the ones In Lisbon but they were yummy.


Inukshuks, Aussie style


Finally, saw this poster, it struck home, for many reasons, and made me laugh..we've all been here..haven't we?



We had a great time at the market, enjoyed good food, did a bit of shopping and wandered and enjoyed the afternoon.





After we got back, we all decided to cool down. Some went to the beach, one surfed, and I enjoyed the chlorinated pool! After my swim,  I returned to the coastal walk. I walked a bit through the national park to Tea Tree Bay. My goal was to find some koalas as they are known to inhabit this area. Sadly, the koalas were either on vacation or were too shy to make themselves known. Tea Tree Bay is wonderful and was well worth the walk, even in the short afternoon downpour. I did see a kookaburra, however it flew off before I could snap its picture. On my walk back I had that song stuck  in my head the whole way back
 ( "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree..." my new ear worm).






Dinner will be at an Italian restaurant, but I managed to catch the end of the sunrise at Little Cove, with the moon high above the beach.






















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