Go car free this festive season

Christmas has come early for locals and visitors with the arrival of free buses from December 11 to January 23 as council’s Go Noosa Holidays transport program shifts into gear.

Once again it will be free to travel on five existing TransLink buses that service Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Peregian Beach, Noosa Parklands, Tewantin, Noosa Civic, Cooroy, Cooran and Pomona. An additional free temporary route will service Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads hourly.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the free buses are just one of a suite of measures to make getting around easier these holidays.

“Council’s popular Go Noosa Loop Bus that connects Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction and riverside locations along Weyba Drive will again service a park-and-ride facility at the Weyba Road AFL ground and The J, every 15 minutes until 7pm and half hourly until 10pm,” the Mayor said.

“This year the loop bus will run to its normal timetable over the public holidays and will be extended on New Year’s Eve until 1am New Year’s Day. Both sites have ample parking.”

Council also encourages residents and visitors to leave the car at home and consider exploring fun alternative transport options including the Noosa Ferry, or hiring an e-scooter, e-bike or bicycle.

“Riding a bike or scooter is a great alternative to the car and may even be quicker and more convenient.

“Council will again increase bike and scooter parking along Hastings Street by converting four parking bays to scooter parking in response to last year’s amazing 42% increase in these vehicles entering the precinct.

“Last Christmas the Free Holiday buses clocked up more than 196,000 passenger trips, which takes pressure off the road network and parking,” Cr Stewart said.

“More and more people are realising hopping on a bus is the best way to travel and experience Noosa during the busy holiday season.”

For those who do need to drive in, council will again offer paid parking in the Lions Park at Noosa Heads, managed by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club.

“As in previous years, there will be more than 250 additional paid car parking spaces on offer at Noosa Heads Lions Park on weekends throughout the holidays and every day during the peak holiday period from Boxing Day to January 16.

“Half of the proceeds from the paid parking will go to Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club to fund its good work in the community.”

All-day paid parking is also available at Bay Village on Noosa Parade and Noosa Marina in Tewantin.

The Go Noosa initiatives offer locals and visitors a relaxed and fun alternative to travelling around Noosa by private car. The ultimate goal is to focus on moving people rather than vehicles.