Jewellery designer and sculptor Holly Ryan returned to her hometown of Noosa at the start of 2022 after a decade living in Sydney. And it didn’t take long to re-familiarise herself with her coastal surroundings, which have provided a huge source of inspiration over the years for her eponymous and staunchly sustainable label.

“I learned to surf at the points and fell in love with nature and everything it provides,” says Ryan. “As a teenager, I dreamt of opening a store in Noosa, imagining a place that would house products made or designed locally, championing local artists, friends’ work and handmade pieces designed by my talented team of jewellery artisans and myself.”

Now she’s done just that, opening her first Noosa store in October. It stocks her locally handmade range of jewellery and accessories, as well as exclusive collaborations that Ryan co-designed with friends – including recycled merino wool accessories from Rutt, ceramics by Tended, handmade shoes from Woven Palm, and sculptural wooden lamps created by Lana Launay and Sam Creecy.

When she’s not in her studio, Ryan is exploring the best of her surroundings. So we asked for her recommendations on where to eat, drink, stay and play in the Sunshine Coast town. Her top picks include one of Noosa’s best-kept secrets, and a surprising setting for the best sourdough bread in town (plus a standout prawn and snapper pie).

EAT

Rick’s Artisan Pies and Sourdough
With a glass cabinet full of fresh pastries and hot pies, and often a line to get in, Rick’s Bakery serves the best sourdough bread in town – albeit next door to a service station. Get the prawn and snapper pie – you won’t regret it.
140–142 Eumundi Noosa Rd, Noosaville
(07) 5447 1743

Blue Plum
One of Noosa’s best-kept secrets, Blue Plum is a hidden gem serving authentic Japanese in the industrial area – and it’s worth the drive in if you’re staying near the beach. The handrolls are amazing, and it still feels like a real local spot.
Unit 7, 50 Rene Street, Noosaville
(07) 5449 7773

Bandita
Bandita is a newcomer located on Noosa River, with incredible woodfired Mexican food and fresh cocktails. Offering outdoor dining with expansive river views, it’s a great spot to watch the sun go down and unwind after a day on the water.
3/271 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
(07) 5408 4363

Theo’s Social Club
A local favourite with an ever-changing natural wine list and Italian-inspired eats. It’s situated in Noosa Junction among the trees, so it feels really tropical and relaxed. Perfect for an afternoon wine or date night.
Shop 2A/14 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads
0447 304 926

Mapleton Public House
This iconic Sunshine Coast pub has been transformed by award-winning farmers serving up paddock-to-plate dining that delivers an organic and seasonal spin on pub classics. It’s worth the drive for the views and atmosphere alone, but the neighbourhood vibe, local organic produce and pool table will keep you coming back.
2 Flaxton Dr, Mapleton
(07) 5445 7499

DO

Surfing at Tea Tree Bay
Not exactly a hidden gem, but still a real local haunt that’s just a stone's throw from Main Beach. Accessible via the coastal track in Noosa National Park, from sun-up to sundown this picturesque beach produces some of the best waves on the Sunshine Coast. Not a bad spot for a few sundowners either.

Noosa Farmers Market
Every Sunday locals flood to Noosa Farmers Market to shop organic local produce, browse artisan stalls selling local delicacies like chicken liver parfait and terrines, chickpea miso and other Japanese ferments, and calzone-like panzerotto, plus fresh pastries including Portuguese custard tarts, and pick up the best smoothie in town from The Sunflower Hotel. A local's tip: order two smoothies with a friend and ask for half-and-half.
Rococo Oval, 155 Weyba Road, Noosaville
0418 769 374

Hiking Mount Cooroora
A classic Sunshine Coast hike that’s not for the faint-hearted. The Mount Cooroora trail is a steep climb that takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Pack a water bottle and some fresh fruit and nuts from the farmers markets, and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/mount-cooroora-summit-and-loop

SHOP

Holly Ryan
Located in Noosa’s industrial area, our flagship store offers curated, locally handmade jewellery, accessories and lifestyle products. My team and I are passionate about sustainability and aim to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible, and the space reflects that – taking a hands-on approach, and upcycling workbenches and scrapwood to create new pieces for the store.
4/2 Project Ave, Noosaville

Clo Studios
Visiting this design studio and boutique curated expertly by creative director Chloe Tozer is like walking into a Slim Aarons still-life photograph. The showroom-meets-living-room of your dreams, it’s filled with unique furnishings, art and homewares sourced from local studios and international artisans. The perfect pit stop for any interior lover after brunch at Vanilla Food Cafe next door.
3/10 Lanyana Way, Noosa Heads

El Badi
A treasure trove of cosy nooks and antique furnishings sourced from France and Morocco, El Badi is a truly unique shopping experience. We love the racks upon racks of second-hand and vintage clothing. For top-end label lovers, you’ll see classics such as Gucci and Yves Saint Lauren, plus an incredible collection of perfectly worn-in leather jackets you could only dream of.
1/17 Rene St, Noosaville

Alterior Motif
 
Known for its curated selection of local, sustainable brands like Nagnata and Ayu, the boutique is a Sunshine Coast institution that’s been operating since 2003. We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Alterior Motif on a Hibiscus jewellery collection.
1/12 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
(07) 5474 9580

Hashima Surf House
This barbershop meets showroom for surfboards, surf couture and good times in Pomona is a new favourite. An easy drive from Noosa if you’re beached out and up for an adventure.

Shop 8/9a Factory Street, Pomona

STAY

Peppers Resort
A super central stay, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach. Peppers offers a modern resort vibe while providing serviced apartments which are perfect for families or couples who enjoy a little more room on holidays. Perfect for first-time visitors to really feel a part of the Hastings Street energy.
33A Viewland Dr, Noosa Heads
(07) 5455 2200

Houseboat stays on Noosa River
If you fancy yourself a water baby, and love being rocked to sleep by the lapping sound of waves, spend a weekend getting acquainted with a houseboat on the Noosa River. It’s a very special way of exploring Noosa River and its surrounds, plus you have front-row seats to the best sunset in town!
noosariverhouseboats.com.au

Camping on Double Island Point
If you’re at home behind the wheels of a 4WD, head over to Double Island Point for a camping trip you won’t forget. A single-day trip from Noosa, DI (as the locals call it) is positioned along the Cooloola coastline in Great Sandy National Park. You’ll come for the pristine turquoise waters, endless white sandy beaches and wildlife in abundance, but you’ll stay for the sundowners with your mates after an afternoon surf.
parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/camping 

hrjewellery.com.au