Noosa & other happy discoveries

Five surprising cities to put on your to-travel-to list today

- JAMAL SHAIKH

Noosa around my neck!

As a traveller, I’m particularly wary of proper nouns that sound like marketing catchphrases. Gold Coast” always sounded like one, and for the longest time, I believed it to be an artificial read: characterless, tourist-trap laden) destination created by marketing gurus and smart entrepreneurs. So, I kept away.

In reality, Gold Coast is the formal name of a region in eastern Australia, just south of Brisbane, and is arguably the most famous holiday destination for local Aussies and international tourists alike.

On my first visit there a few months ago, I saw the never-ending sandy beaches for myself, though I was more intrigued by lagoons inland. But the city must have sensed my reluctance towards it, and the weather Gods turned on me. My weekend in Gold Coast was washed out by the worst rains the region had in six years. To escape, I started driving north and discovered another proper noun that sounds like a common noun: the Sunshine Coast. Thankfully, I didn’t dismiss this one as quickly.

Noosa, the main town in this region, is a surprise that many nonAussies haven't even heard of. With a population of less than 5,000 people, it has the best surfing beaches in the country, maybe even the world. The laid-back vibe can be compared to Bali, but with great Australian infrastructure to match.

The oddly named Noosa has limited stay options, but unlimited cafes and good restaurants to go to.

I refreshed my limited surfing skills on a beach where teenagers take their first surf lessons. The older guys on the other side of the boulder sniggered... but hey, I had the best surfing afternoon ever. The beach was all mine, and I went back the next morning for more.