The GirlsTrek connection
There is nothing I love more than discovering new places and meeting interesting people. When the Girls Trek team suggested I join them on their 4-day Luxe Noosa Eco Adventure - with the promise of an opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Noosa, I was curious. I have lived in the Noosa Hinterland for the better part of my life. Surely there was nothing new to see. I was wrong. Every day of this trip I encountered new trails and vistas. As the itinerary unfolded, I discovered a new and enriching connection with places and people right on my doorstep.
A GirlsTrek holiday is unique in that it has been designed by women, for women. They truly understand what makes women tick. Connection and fireside chats, freedom from schedules and mental load, delicious food - and dressing up for dinner after a rewarding day on the trails are how it rolls with this company. They are about luxury but not pretence, and you get the feeling that they care for every member of the group. I came away feeling I had spent a few days with friends. It is not the usual group travel experience.
Upon arrival at the Doonan Valley Manor, we were greeted by our delightful guide Lisa and introduced to our B & B hosts, Renate & Roberto. This friendly, outgoing couple made us feel so welcome in their cosy, art-filled home. Every room had an ensuite and all the creature comforts for us to indulge in at the end of our walking days.
A highlight of our stay at The Manor was breakfast on the terrace and dinner on our first night. All meals are made from gorgeous fresh produce, created by Roberto who is a passionate and generous cook. There was fresh local fruit in abundance, and all ingredients were delivered straight from their local farmer and maker friends each week. The gorgeous outdoor area, was a peaceful setting each afternoon for our yoga, stretch and breathwork sessions with Lisa.
The Sunshine Coast is known for its restaurant scene. We dined at the iconic Ricky's and had two fabulous breakfasts at local cafes on the river and beach. The best was saved for last, with a meal at Bask in Eumundi. Situated in an old timber bakery on the main street of this well-known market town, Bask is a new kid on the block. It is quickly becoming known for its relaxed atmosphere, impressive wine list, and a menu that changes weekly, according to the availability of local produce.
I asked Lisa how she creates an itinerary. “We choose places that you wouldn’t ordinarily find yourself. We spend time exploring areas and regions to link together trails, beautiful views, gourmet food and unique experiences. I look for interesting local businesses and suppliers and find out the story behind their journey and I get to know the owners. Often they are female-led businesses. For this trip I was looking for places off the beaten track and inspiring people because I wanted to connect our clients to a different side of Noosa and I wanted it to feel authentic,” she said.
Lisa’s local knowledge is deep and thanks to her love of walking she knows where all the best trails are and places to visit along the way. Noosa is recognized globally for its rich biodiversity and the shire is one of only two biosphere reserves in Queensland covering approximately 150,000 hectares of freshwater/tidal and land areas. It includes over 100km of walking trails to explore.
The days were crystal clear and temperatures ranging from 14-21 degrees made for very comfortable walking. Our first day in the Tewantin National Park was mostly flat and we were protected by a beautiful canopy of trees – a great way to connect with nature and warm up for the days ahead!
It was a treat to meet Sarah who welcomed us onto Lily Pily Farm on our first day. Our visit to this biodynamic, regenerative farm was a highlight for me. Sarah’s enthusiasm is infectious. She generously shared her knowledge, passion, and food with us. Our post-trek appetites were satisfied with a delicious lunch which included food from her garden and locally sourced extras from Hinterland suppliers and the Noosa Farmer’s Market. We all agreed that the sourdough from Jeremiah’s Crust was THE BEST bread we had ever eaten!
After lunch, we had a tour of the gardens and a special lesson on how to keep bees. There was much hilarity as we all scrambled into our big white bee suits! After harvesting some honey, we sunk our spoons into the fresh honeycomb and marvelled at the cleverness of the little creatures that make this magic syrup.
By the second day of trekking, we were all in a nice groove and starting to get to know the others in our group better. There’s something about putting one foot in front of the other that is very conducive to chatting. GirlsTrek are big believers in the power of human connection to solve problems and feel lighter and more empowered. We walked and talked and hashed all sorts of things out – as women like to do. It didn’t matter that I had joined this group not knowing the others. Inevitably new friendships start to form. Some of the women in our group are regular GirlTrekkers and they told me about the people they have met on their trips and the connections that have endured.
Day 3 of our eco-adventure included a little diversion from the trails and a rest for our walking legs. The opportunity to tick off a bucket list item with a paddle through the Noosa Everglades was a huge drawcard when I first saw the itinerary for this trip. We were guided by an award-winning kayak, eco-adventure company Kanu Kapers and I wasn’t disappointed as we glided through the stunning water wilderness with sea eagles and other birdlife everywhere. This ancient waterway has existed unchanged for thousands of years and is one of only two Everglades in the world. We spent almost five hours paddling, stopping for a beautiful picnic lunch. It’s safe to say that my canoe buddy and I had solved NEARLY all the problems in the world by the time we got home!
Returning home from this trip feeling rested, clear-headed, and healthy led me to reflect on what the GirlsTrek difference is. I would have to say it’s the way their holidays make you feel connected – to nature, yourself, and the other women in our group. They provide space for mindfulness and encourage you to take moments. Whether it be breathing in the clean forest air, celebrating reaching the top of a hill, engaging in meaningful conversation, or savouring a delicious meal it’s the little moments that all add up. I left feeling cared for - body and soul. Where are we going next?!