Paradise Found: & A Beachy Christmas

.
.
.



.
.
.
.

THE SEA
.
.
.



.
.
.
.



.
.
.
.






.
.
.
.





.
.
.
.
BEAUTIFUL NOOSA
.
.
.
Those of you who have read my previous posts will know I was anything but thrilled by Mooloolaba.. my intended destination for my mini vacation.. So with this disappointment [and the hoon cars] still ringing in my ears.. I only booked one night accommodation upon arrival in Noosa. That was until I saw the beach. I've always wanted to visit Noosa but did not expect it to capture my heart as much as it did.. These pictures above are my first sighting of Noosa Main Beach. After a short walk from my accommodation.. I wandered through the main shopping drag .. round a corner and was greeted by the sights above!!! It was like a sip of cold water for the parched!! A salve for my soul!! Any and all of the cliches you can think of.. I was thunderstruck!! Perhaps it was the disparity between the two destination that made it all the more wondrous to me.. Who can say.. but I had to sit for a while and take it all in.. The day had turned misty and wet which I think made this vista all the more ethereal.. A dreamlike view that washed over me metaphorically and physically.. The rain had finally arrived and all normal people ran for cover.. but not me.. No still sitting and staring at this new delight, my beach watch was only interrupted by a quick phone call back to my accommodation to book a longer stay!! I was hooked!
.
.
.

It rained the entire stay!! Although it didn't bother me at all!! Too much relaxation going on and rain just added to my calm!.. I imagine the beach would normally be a lot more crowded.. I was told there were more beautiful, more peaceful beaches.. but for my first visit, I was happy to enjoy this one. I spent many hours sitting on a stone wall.. watching the thunderclouds roll in... and sipping on cappuccino!! Who can complain!!! At the front of the beach is low rise accommodation.. a little out of my price range.. imagine waking up to this view each morning... but also restaurants and cafes dotted along the boardwalk... No matter your fortune... the beach and views are there for all.

.
.
.
.
.

THE TREES
.
.
.



.
.
.
.
'NOOTHERA'
.

When the sun does come out.. there are plenty of trees to provide shade and shelter. In fact.. it is believed Noosa is derived from the aboriginal words 'noothera' or 'gnuthuru' meaning shade or shadow. The coastline here is bordered by miles and miles of protected national parklands. The township of Noosa is dedicated to protecting the sanctuary and simplicity of this natural beauty, hence no high rise buildings and a cap on population. For this ... 'I thank them!' Although I secretly hope there will be room for me one day! When my ship comes in!!
.
.
.
.





.
.
.
.







.
.
.
.


.
.
.
.



.
.
.
.
Christmas Inspiration
.
.
.




So there you have my first glimpse of Noosa.. One that is firmly entrenched in my memory and heart. As there's no chance of a White Christmas in this great sunburnt country .. I'm thinking it might be more appropriate to decorate with a beachy theme.. [that's assuming I will get my act together and actually decorate]. These tidbits below I brought home from my Noosa vacation and are giving me inspiration for my Christmas decor.. And yes!! I even brought that leaf home... gathered on my first day ... sitting in the rain under the shelter of the trees, it represents the peace, the calm and the inherent natural beauty of Noosa.. Maybe I should return to Noosa for Christmas!! Just dreaming!!
.
.
.


.
.
.



.
.
.




.
.
.
.


Julie b

.
.
.

IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:
Text & Photography by [Being Ruby©]
Location: Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast, Australia
.
.
[pardon the repetitive shots at top]
[I just couldn't choose between them!!]
.
.
.
.
.

42 comments:

Coty Farquhar said...

Oh how I wish I was there now!!!
Beautiful photographs Julie,
xxx Coty

Splendid Sass said...

Julie,
These images are just gorgeous! It must be wonderful to be able to travel as much as you do. Jealous.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and keep the photographs coming.
Have a nice evening.
Teresa

Stephanie said...

These are lovely! It looks like a slice of paradise. And good for you for not letting the weather ruin your time there. Sounds like you made the best of a good thing!

Bonheur maison said...

Hi Julie,Yo quiero ir a Noosa!!!Esas playas extensas son maravillosas.
Tu inspiración de Navidad muy acorde con el tema!!
Saludos Marina

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Julie once again your photography has blown me away. Noosa is a place I have never heard of & sadly so. I can't imagine a more gorgeous place than what you've shown us. It's as though I felt immediately relaxed just from your photos. I'm so happy that you got away & we able to take so much of this remarkable place home with you, in your heart. Sending you much holiday cheer and thank you for the delight of seeing your first sights of this great beach.

Love, xx Deb

mermaid gallery said...

That's what I'm dreaming about...long stretches to walk and gather and gaze...must have been wonderful...better move there!...it is in your own country! love all the pics!..... back to the beach.....best, Susan

Gypsea Nurse said...

Julie~ I must say.. you made me feel like I was there....Gosh..I WISH I WAS THERE!! Rain or not ( I personally like the rain..) simply stunning work!
Cricket

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear Julie, wow, you were on the most beautiful place!!!!! It looks like a paradise!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Big Hugs,
Yvonne

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear....your photos are quickly becoming my favorites in Blogland Julie! I have to figure out another layout 'cause you are showing me beautiful world that I would love to attempt to create!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAREST!!! Anita

Patyclau said...

Noosa is really a paradise!!! you are very lucky because you know it and you have felt it.

Thank you for these fantastic images.

Hugs

classiq said...

it looks like paradise. a different kind of Christmas

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Julie I'm in love too...with the 3rd pic...I think I'll be coming back a few times to look at it!!! Have a wonderful beachy weekend if you can!!! Dzintra♥x

rjerdee said...

I'm swept away by your pictures and words...I have no words to express the joy I feel for you and your experience...I can imagine myself there on the boardwalk (literally a boardwalk) sipping under the shelter of the trees....love your beachy ornaments :) so elegant and eloquent, you are, dear Julie.

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hello Julie,
Having never even heard of this beautiful place, it is with delight that I look at these gorgeous pictures of your newly discovered dreamy Noosa.
I think that a beachy theme for your Christmas decorations will be just perfect and will help you to continue feeling the peace and calm that Noosa evokes. Take care my friend, Laura :)

Design Elements said...

WONDERFUL! you're right: Paradise found...

Have a great weekend

desde my ventana said...

A real paradise Julie, your photos as always are fabulous,
Have a nice weeknd,
Hugs,
Cecilia

Beach House Living said...

I've never heard of Noosa before and after seeing it would have stayed another day as well. May your beach decorations help the enjoyment of the trip linger as long as possible.

Giulia said...

Julie.I love these, of course. I was wondering what type of tree is that? It looks willow-y. But the leaf is one I've never seen before. Anyway, I think you should definitely use this theme as a Christmas/winter decoration inspiration. Very beautiful. Where on the Australian map is this? I'll look but probably will forget. It's that type of week here. (Month, year, decade...)

xo

peggy braswell said...

Just found your blog..beautiful photos will become a follower! xx peggybraswelldesign.com

oldgreymare said...

These lovely shots of warm sand and sea are almost enough to warm my very chilly bones this eve.

Must have been so hard to leave this behind.

xxx

z

Sahildeki Ev said...

Wonderful photos and I like the goodies on your shopping bag. A beachy Christmas.. Cant wait to see your photos...Love from the freezing Ä°stanbul :))

count it all joy said...

Ahhhh. I can almost smell the salty air and feel the sand between my toes. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous images. How wonderful is this amazing country of ours?? Meredy xo.

Shellbelle said...

What is there not to love about Noosa and the fact that you enjoy the beach even on a rainy day? A perfect day at the beach is any day I can there — rain or shine.

Watching raindrops on the waves does bring such a feeling of peace, so I can understand why you were not disappointed and why you picked up a leave to remember the feeling.

I'm looking forward to seeing your beachy decor for Christmas.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Julie! That sounds like the perfect getaway and looks like paradise! You're so lucky to live where you do! Hope all is well. I'm happy...my daughter just came home from college yesterday and I have three wonderful weeks with her! Jennifer:)

Renée Finberg said...

hey julie!
the shot with the wooden pathway really does it for me .
beautiful work.
xx

Ann said...

Whoa!! Wonderful shots!!

Wish I was there- we are about to get pounded with more snow!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Warm, faraway places, long empty beaches and sparkling sea. It sounds another world away.....hold on, it is on the other side of the world for me !!!!
After the snow and freezing temperatures we are having, it sure sounds like paradise to me.
It's wonderful that you found such beauty on your holiday and thaat you bought some back to decoraate your home for Christmas with. XXXX

Angie Muresan said...

Normal people ran for cover, hmm? I'm so happy you're not normal! I love the beach on a wet, stormy day. Love it above all other days.
Hugs and love. :)

June said...

Oh yes Julia, this must have put all the disappointment of Mooloolaba behind you for sure. I can almost imagine you here sipping and dreaming in the rain.
What a spot of Heaven you have found here. And what a spot of Heaven I find whenever I visit here.
Amazing images of beauty.
hugs

simon said...

yes it looks very calming for the soul! I find coming back to the bustle of Sydney difficult after a relaxing trip

Jennifer said...

This is where I see myself every day... when I'm at work, when I'm at home - except when I'm with friends and loved ones - this is my place - my santuary, my haven. Your work is just lovely. Jennifer jennsthreegraces

Design Elements said...

fantastic images! hugs

Kerry said...

I think Noosa is close to perfection. Must visit again...it's been too long.

Drawn to The Sea said...

I completely understand the awe of a misty, rainy beach... some of my best memories involve just such a setting. Those are the moments that take your breath away.

Sweet day,
Julia~

Splendid Willow said...

Julie, you just took me to paradise. Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts and your travel memories with us.

Gorgeous images as always.

I am so pleased you brought the pretty leaf with you. Don't lose it! I bet it comes with very good karma.

ox, Mon

mermaid gallery said...

Your photos always sparkle Julie! It's the joy of you coming through....I could play frisbee on that beach all day....how about the swimming....any of those great white sharks that Australia is famous for! love it! best, Susan

Elaine said...

Sitting on a wall, sipping cappucino, sounds so dreamy. Real vacation perfection. Good for you Julie.
It seems like you work all the time so I am glad you took some time for a little R&R.

Fantastic photos. No wonder you love the place.

I love the idea of a beachy themed Christmas.

Ella said...

Hi Julie,
YOU found magic there; I can see why! The way you described it,the lull of calm,the refreshing rain and a cappuccino, sounds heavenly to me! So happy you made time for a get-a-way and found relaxation! xXx

Shellbelle said...

Hi Julie, I wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas, it's getting closer and I know the next week will just fly by.

Oh, and I'm so excited about the total lunar eclipse in just a couple of days! We're supposed to have an excellent view from here and I read that Australia will be able to see parts of it. Hope that's true!

Holiday Hugs!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

That sand is begging for a bare footed walk. Enjoy.
Mary Ann

Lise said...

Oh WOW what beautiful shots!! I agree Noosa is divine...sounds like you are well and truly enjoying your time there. Lise x

marina said...

Hi Julie Pronto tenemos Alice moon? lo espero ansiosa Que tengas lindo día!!! Marina