City Guide: Jewellery designer Holly Ryan’s favourite spots on the Sunshine Coast
IMAGE VIA @hollyryanstudio/INSTAGRAM
WORDS By CAIT EMMA BURKE
“The community’s commitment to protecting our beautiful natural environment makes where I live incredibly special.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week we’re exploring the Sunshine Coast with jeweller and sculpture artist Holly Ryan. Holly grew up on the Sunshine Coast before moving to Brisbane to study fashion. After 10 years there and five years in Sydney, Holly recently returned home where she says life is slow and easy.
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our city guide to find the best spots.
“The abundance of thriving natural ecosystems and the community’s commitment to protecting our beautiful natural environment makes where I live incredibly special,” she shares. And as for her ideal day? It consists of “Coffee at home, followed by a quick hike up Mount Ninderry with my golden retriever Hugo, a swim or surf at Little Cove followed by a seafood lunch at Rails and then sunset by the fire back home at the cottage”. Read on for her recommendations.
Eat
Alba by Kuruvita, 3 Alba Close, Noosa Heads
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One of Holly’s top dining out recommendations is Alba by Kuruvita, a beautifully designed venue by renowned local chef, Peter Kuravita. A combination of a cafe, pizzeria, providore, cocktail bar and linen-set restaurant, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Izakaya Ate, Shop 3, 14 Arcadia Street, Noosa Heads
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Another of Holly’s favourites is Izakaya Ate. A casual Japanese eatery, the venue is known for its delicious array of food which you can pair with its impressive selection of international drinks.
Noosa Farmer’s Market, 155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville
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If you’re after something a little more homemade, Holly suggests heading to the Noosa Farmer’s Markets for some freshly caught fish which is best “cooked over the fire at the beach”.
Drink
Light Years, 1 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
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Holly likes getting the night started with a cocktail at Light Years, which is known for its modern Asian dining experience and unique cocktail menu.
Apollonian Hotel, 19 Laguna St, Boreen Point
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Another of Holly’s favourite spots for a drink is the Apollonian Hotel. Built in the 1866 during the gold rush era, the venue has wide wrap-around verandahs, a large beer garden and live music.
Noosa National Park
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Holly also recommends making room on your trip for “beers at Noosa National Park at sunset”, which sounds pretty divine really.
Shop
Alterior Motif, Shop 1/12 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
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If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, Alterior Motif is one of Holly’s go-to’s. Known for its curated selection of local, sustainable brands, the boutique is a Sunshine Coast institution and has been operating since 2003.
Thomas Surfboards, 4 Project Ave, Noosaville
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Holly tells us that Thomas Surfboards is “next door to my new shop, which opens at the end of July”, and as a keen surfer, it’s a favourite of hers.
Collective Haus, 19 Farrell St, Yandina
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If you’re looking to do a spot of homewares shopping, then Holly suggests checking out Collective Haus. With an array of vintage, mid-century and modern furniture, rugs and clothing – and coffee on offer – it’s the ideal spot to head to on a slow Saturday morning.
Indulge
Ikatan Spa, 46 Grays Road, Doonan
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If you’re looking to treat yourself, Holly says to check out Ikatan Spa, a lush, destination day spa with tropical gardens, followed by “Massimo’s Gelato or margaritas at Paradise Arcade”.
R&R
Home is where the heart is
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For a spot of rest and relaxation, Holly will always opt for a day at her cottage. “I live on the side of a mountain. I have six acres of rainforest, a waterfall, a dam, a big veggie patch, a chicken named Lady, a clawfoot bath, [an] indoor fire and a big shed which houses my home workshop. Sometimes I never want to leave!” she tells us. If you’re looking for a similarly wholesome getaway, peruse Stayz and Airbnb for a place of your own.
Celebrate
Bistro C, 49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
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Celebration-wise, Holly recommends Bistro C “for something more elevated and indoors”. The award-winning beachfront venue lets you take in breathtaking views of Noosa’s Laguna Bay while sampling its impressive menu that’s packed full of fresh local produce.
Check out Holly’s designs here.
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