Page 37 - australia

SUNSHINE COAST

SUNSHINE COAST

Just under an hour’s drive north of Brisbane and stretching over 100 kilometres, lies the aptly named Sunshine Coast, with
stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, rolling green hills and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The Sunshine
Coast includes a lush Hinterland as well as the beachside playgrounds of Alexandra Headland, Caloundra, Marcoola,
Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum, the untouched Cooloola Coast and Australia’s most famous resort town, Noosa. The
region is blessed with a network of waterways including the Noosa River, Maroochy River, Moololah River, and Laguna Bay. The
beaches and ocean invite every kind of water adventure from paddling, surfing, fishing and swimming with humpback whales.
Enjoy a bush walk, go canoeing, visit the local arts and craft galleries or go wandering the markets. Rivers, sheltered bays and surf
beaches provide a variety of swimming spots. Factor in a round of golf or two or treat yourself with a relaxing massage in the
popular day spas. The Glass House Mountains are 16 volcanic crags that rise up dramatically from the surrounding landscape of
eucalypts and pineapple plantations, their aura of mystique making them one of Australia’s most fascinating landmarks. These 20
million year-old monoliths are part of the Aboriginal ‘songlines’, navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way,
and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend. Let the awe-inspiring landscape wash over you as you take a leisurely drive
through the Glass House Mountains National Park, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way, or get the blood pumping with
some hiking, rock climbing or abseiling.

Events Must see & do

Month Event Name Location • The Eumundi Market – With over 500 market stalls under the iconic and

May Noosa International Food & Wine Noosa towering heritage listed fig trees. Wide shady walkways make strolling
July festival among the stalls and old quirky buildings a pleasant experience. An
abundance of all things locally handmade, the market sells everything from
Queensland Garden Expo Nambour delicately constructed craft to organically grown produce. Market is held
every Saturday and Wednesday
August Gympie Music Muster Gympie
• A ustralia Zoo – A team of passionate conservationists working around-the-
September Ironman Sunshine Coast Mooloolaba
clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Cuddle a koala, hand-
Noosa Jazz Festival Noosa feed kangaroos, walk with a Sumatran tiger and watch a crocodile launch
from the water’s edge. Australia Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure
October Caloundra Music Festival King Beach delivering conservation through exciting education

March Noosa Festival of Surf Noosa Heads • Play a round of golf – Tee off against breathtaking scenic backdrops and

test your skills at one of the five championship golf courses from Greg
Norman designed Pelican Waters, Twin Waters or Noosa Springs Golf
Resort

• Explore the pristine National Parks – Discover Cooloola National Park

which stretches from Rainbow Beach to Noosa River, Noosa National
Park, and Glass House Mountains National Park

• Relax and be mesmerized at the stunning beaches of Sunshine Coast, with

over 100 kilometres of sandy beaches, the only problem will be deciding
which one to choose from - Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore or
Coolum

• Indulge in some retail therapy. Choose from dazzling boutiques and

specialty stores found on Noosa’s Hastings Street and Mooloolaba
Esplanade or enjoy an all-in-one retail precinct at Sunshine Plaza in
Maroochydore

• Caloundra Street Fair – this market is held every Sunday from 8am – 1pm

on Bulcock Street. There is something for everyone from live entertainment,
delicious food, kids’ activities and street theatre

• Dicky Beach, Caloundra – to visit the wreck of the SS Dicky perhaps

followed by a snack at one of the local cafes or surf club

• The Ginger Factory – for everything ginger take a visit and you will be

surprised

• Aussie World – is a fun theme park featuring over 30 exciting rides and

attractions in a safe, family friendly environment!

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