The Noosa landscape may have changed in the past 50 years but not the warmth of the community.
That was on show at the annual Reed & Co Carol Cruise along the Noosa River.
Hundreds upon hundreds of Noosa locals and holidaymakers lined the banks of the waterways and set up their picnics in the park to join in the heartwarming celebration of community spirit.
Noosa came alive with the magic of Christmas during this year’s highly anticipated cruise, presented by Reed & Co. Estate Agents in collaboration with the Noosa Ferry and AV Partners.
The afternoon’s centrepiece was the Noosa Ferry’s Miss Tewantin, which gracefully navigated the river as the award-winning Oriana Choir delivered captivating performances of timeless carols.
Boating enthusiasts and picnic-goers gathered at four riverside park locations to revel in the festive ambiance, enjoying a musical journey that celebrated the season.
A dazzling flotilla of watercraft accompanied Miss Tewantin, featuring an impressive array of powerboats, pontoons, jet skis, and kayaks.
The festive decorations adorning the vessels created a stunning visual display, enhancing the overall spectacle and spreading holiday cheer. Creative, comical and sincere.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir delighted audiences with uplifting Christmas songs at each of the ferry’s stops, including Lions Park, Noosa Park West, The Sound Park, and the foreshore outside The Noosa Boathouse.
Their harmonious performances captivated attendees and added an extra layer of joy to the evening.
“The Carol Cruise has become a truly special tradition for our team and the Noosa community,” Reed & Co Estate Agents director and founder Adrian Reed said.
“This year’s attendance reached new heights – a testament to how much the event means to our community, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it continue to grow as a much-loved part of our festive celebrations.”
Oriana Choir president Melissa Innes said it was an honour for the choir ensemble and the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir to sing for those gathered around Noosa River.
“This joyous event saw our adult choristers atop one of the Noosa Ferry boats – complete with our accompanist Annabelle and ensemble director Sarah; but also our youth singers of Sunshine Coast Youth Choir spreading the joy on land throughout the various riverside locations along the cruise route.
“To sing from the top of a ferry and look out to see an entourage of families in their boats, or adventuring teenagers in their tinnies, creates memorable images in one’s mind.
“There were dogs in boats and pelicans gliding overhead. When this event comes together on the Noosa river, the joy seen on the faces of those fishing, kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the beach or in the parks reinforces that music can bring great joy to everyone’s lives – regardless of its genre.
“Just the night before our youth choir joined local superstar Marshall Hamburger on Noosa Main Beach as the backing choir for Christmas classics such as And So This Is Christmas and Bandaid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas.”
As the carols resonated along the Noosa River and the shimmering lights danced on the water, this year’s Carol Cruise left a lasting impression on all who participated.
The spirit of Christmas was truly alive and thriving, thanks to the harmonious blend of music, community, and the shared joy of celebrating along Noosa’s picturesque riverbank.
