A Kiwi recommends ... Noosa

Best place to swim Tea Tree Bay.

Each week a New Zealand expat based in Queensland gives the inside word on their region. Today we hear from Lorraine Creighton, a fly in/fly out administrator at a South Australian mining company.

Best beach: Tea Tree Bay, about 2km into the 5km walk to Hells Gate in the Noosa National Park. It's a protected bay with shade from pandanus trees.

Best walk: Noosa National Park's Coastal route to Hells Gate - about 5km of picturesque ocean-view track.

Best adventure: A 4WD day trip to Fraser Island.

Best view: From the top of Mt Coolum you can see the whole Sunshine Coast. It's best to climb in the morning, and you'll need a medium-to-high fitness level.

Best-kept secret: Kondalilla Falls, Montville. This is a 2km rainforest walk with a pristine swimming hole, falls and a crystal-clear swimming pool at the end.

Famous places: Eumundi Markets on Wednesday and Saturday. Also, try Australia Zoo.

Best water activity: Stand-up paddle boards on Noosa River.

Best place to swim: Hard to choose between Tea Tree Bay, Little Cove at Noosa, and First Bay at Coolum Beach.

Taste

Best coffee spot: Grind on Noosa River.

Best icecreamery: Massimo's Gelateria in Noosa.

Best picnic spot: Gympie Terrace, Noosaville - a riverfront esplanade with shelters, barbecues and playgrounds.

Best local produce: Mooloolaba prawns, which can be bought at most seafood outlets, or visit Noosa Farmers' Markets on Sunday mornings for delicious tropical fruits.

Casual dining: My Place at Coolum Beach for Mediterranean dining with amazing ocean views.

Cafe dining: Raw Energy at Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree, Peregian Beach and Noosaville for fresh food and juices.

Something special for dinner: Spirit House at Yandina offers amazing Asian food in a lush and tranquil setting.

Play

Where to hang out when the sun goes down: My personal favourite is the deck of the Noosa Surf Club.

Where to play: Aussie World Theme Park on the Bruce Highway or water sports on Noosa River.

Best shop: Goddess in Noosaville is great for ladies who want casual summer fashion.

Don't miss: Peregian Originals has live music in the park at Peregian Beach every second Sunday afternoon.

Worth paying for: Hire a barbecue boat along the Noosa River.

Best sporting event: Noosa Festival of Surfing in early March. This is a five-day event, which includes a very entertaining dog-surfing competition.

Best cultural activity: Noosa Food and Wine Festival which is a four-day festival in mid-May.

Stay

Highly recommended accommodation: Skippers Cove at Munna Point. I love this riverfront complex. There are units to suit all budgets, with three-bedroom waterfront units at the top end, and a more budget-friendly option of family poolside units.

Relax

Best sunset view: From the Spit at the end of Hastings St looking back towards the North Shore.

Best place to be pampered: Aqua Day Spa, Noosa Heads.

Favourite spa: Noosa Springs - the hydrotherapy pool is as therapeutic as any massage and the flotation tank is incredibly relaxing. Finish with a delicious lunch at Relish, overlooking the Noosa Springs Golf Course.