Expert: Frank Denison - 4/13/2006

Question
Hi Frank, for the last 3 years we have stayed at Main Beach/Tedder Ave on the Gold Coast and had the most fantastic time. In 2007 we are looking to return for a month, but this time we are considering Mooloolaba/Noosa. Can you advise when the best time to visit is (we believe Nov is good but want to avoid schoolies)to avoid crowds, and rain. We were considering Feb/March but are flexible. Also we love to dine out, particularly alfresco and enloy the wonderful seafood on offer, can you recommend some good restaurants in Mooloolaba/Noosa - 4th Floor and Sails look great from the web? We can not wait to return as we have fallen in love with Queensland, no where else compares. Look forward to your reply. Thanks in advance. David and Samantha (UK)

Answer
G'day David and Samantha,
                        We have visited Tedder Avenue a  lot as well, and like, you love it.

Both Noosa and Mooloolaba are great, but I prefer Mooloolaba. Noosa is also good, but I feel you pay for the "name" a bit at Noosa.
Schoolies is in middle to late Novembber, so the first week in November would be ok. I will double check the schoolies week. Feb/March can have a lot of rain, but like all seasons, it comes down to a bit of luck. All of the months you suggested would be fine.

We have dined at 4th Floor quite a lot and it is sensational. To get full value of the beautiful view, lunch is the best option. We did lunch one day and dinner the next night at 4th floor, and is was simply superb. Earth restaurant in Mooloolaba is owned by ex rugby league player Billy Moore, and is also excellent. Earth does not have a huge menu, but what is there is good.  Also has a happy hour for cocktails most nights.

Noosa is about 40 mins drive, so you can visit there to see for your self. Sheraton at Noosa does a great seafood buffet. Parc food, at Noosa Sound, (stop 5 if going by Ferry is also great. Simple food, but not quite as expensive as Noosa itself.

The best place in Noosa is called Berardo's (Hasting's St) Rated 19 out of 20 in a restaurant guide I get, and have never found a higher rating. I have not been there myself, but others, beside the reviewer rave about it.  Seafood there is amazing.
In the hinterland, 20 mins west of Mooloolaba, is the Terraces restaurant. Specialies in seafood, and is superb. Has won a lot of awards. Also about 10 mins from Mooloolaba, is a place called Harry's on Buderim. It is another great place, but does not specialise in seafood. We quite often drive from Brisbane for a Sunday lunch to Harry's on Buderim. I hope this helps.

If you require any more advice, email me direct at - franksue@bigpond.net.au. Happy to help anytime.
My wife and I have met a lot of overseas people through this site, so if you want to catch up, drop us a line.

Regards,
Frank