Beach Road Holiday Homes, Tewantin, review: Weekend away

LOWLIGHT

Homes are in an estate, which means they're not beachfront.

THE PLACE 

Beach Road Holiday Homes, Tewantin.

THE LOCATION 

The Great Sandy National Park north of Noosa might not be an island, but it sure feels like it from the moment the car crosses the river via a ferry. Roads on the gateway to the national park are first rate, and the pub on the left is inviting. But there are beaches to explore, and a house to check in to. Beach Road Holiday Homes are a short walk from a very long stretch of surf beach which winds for about 50 kilometres. A few horse riders might upset the lonely retreat, remarkably just 20 minutes from the centre of bustling Hastings Street at Noosa.

THE SPACE  

Homes are within a gated estate, but it doesn't have an urban feel. Kangaroos which gather at dusk lay testament to the environment and 68,000 hectares of pristine forest which is protected in its natural state. Each home within the estate is ecologically sustained. There are water tanks, solar and architecture which aims to make the most of nature's breezes and light.

For all guests, there's a common area with tropical pools, tennis court, spa and barbecues. A clubhouse has a television, kitchen area, play room and pool table.

THE ROOM 

There's glamping. Then there's Beach Road – surrounded by bush, near some of the longest untouched surf beaches in Australia, and houses with comforts not found in most luxury hotels. Upstairs, in a loft-style room with higher than normal ceilings, there's a walk-in robe, double shower, bath overlooking the bedroom and a large bed next to wooden shutters which can be opened to see the living room and kitchen on the middle level of the house. Even though the beach is a few hundred metres away, the breezes smell of salt air, and they circulate through most of the house, but there's no better place to enjoy it than the deck – closed in by bug-proof blinds.

The lounge and deck are separated by glass doors which can be opened to allow cool summer airflow, or closed to ensure warmth in cooler months. Other bedrooms are simple, yet all neatly decked out with modern homely decor.

THE FOOD 

With the beach a couple of hundred metres one way, it's only fitting that food and drink is the other. The downside is that Noosa Northshore Retreat only opens for lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Sundays. The menu is nothing fancy. The most elaborate dish is surf and turf, with a mixture of pizzas, fish and sides. There's also a bottle shop. Another option for those craving a night out would be to trip into nearby Tewantin or Noosa Heads where there are plenty of foodie treats. But be careful – the last ferry is 10.20pm through the week and 12.20am on weekends.

STEPPING OUT

If you're looking for a weekend filled with activity, this isn't your place. It's a "kick back and relax" kind of place. That doesn't mean there's not plenty to do – horse riding, fishing, bushwalking, beach activities, and back at the estate a tennis court and two swimming pools.

THE VERDICT

There are plenty of people who love the outdoors, yet they're not such great fans of doing it rough. This is their place. With such a vast national park at the doorstep, and such luxury within the estate, Beach Road Holiday Homes are a treat for families to get away from the city rat race. Houses are so large that there are plenty of hiding spots, and well enough equipped that DIY is a real option, particularly when it comes to cooking. Pack a cossie and a pair of thongs – not much else is required.

ESSENTIALS

Beach Road Holiday Homes, 90 Beach Road, Noosa North Shore, Tewantin. One-bedroom homes start at around $250, while a three-bedroom home goes for about $350 a night. Shop around as deal sites might do a little better. Phone 1300 882 093, see beachroadholidayhomes.com.au.