> > by Cheryl Menagh
Queensland has had more than its fair share of rain lately, but there is a reason why the Sunshine Coast has such a bright and happy name. Averaging seven hours of sunlight a day, this region has one of the highest sunshine readings in the world – which enables you to take advantage of its fabulous offerings almost all year round.
The Sunshine Coast itself extends from Caloundra through to the gateway of Fraser Island, Cooloola and is only an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. For the discerning coast connoisseur, there is a beach for everyone with over 100 kilometres of sandy beaches within this area.It starts at the southern end with Caloundra, where the strong currents of Bulcock Beach edge the city centre, providing a popular site for flying kites from the boardwalk. It’s also home to the calm waters and varied wildlife of the Pumicestone Passage, where you can fish, canoe, windsurf and water ski. Or explore the coastline by boat, kayak or jet ski. The Caloundra Coastal Path walking trail stretches from Golden Beach to Point Cartwright along the scenic shoreline. Try the lesser-known beaches to get away from the crowds, like Moffat, Shelly, Dicky, Currimundi and Kawana Waters. Really keen surfers will love the eastern beaches of Peregian Beach and Sunshine Beach.
Further north, is Mooloolaba, which has been transformed over the last few years into a stylish beachside resort town, with elegant resorts, alfresco dining, delis, coffee shops and designer shopping lining the esplanade. Maroochydore is the commercial hub of the coast and home to its largest shopping centre, Sunshine Plaza with more than 200 specialty stores, a food court and cinema complex. The beaches and Maroochy River are a paradise for water fun and some of the coast’s top fishing spots are found up the river along Bradman Avenue. Further north Coolum has a great village atmosphere, safe swimming and spectacular views.
One of Australia’s iconic seaside destinations, Noosa is a stylish beach resort with an international vibe. Hastings Street is a cosmopolitan hub of beachfront resorts, cafes, designer shops and alfresco restaurants. But Noosaville’s riverfront restaurants are fast catching up, with talented chefs serving up a cornucopia of delicious international flavours. The gourmet scene is world class; ingredients are fresh from the farms and ocean. Boasting a marriage of the forest and the sea, Noosa National Park’s verdant forest runs right up to the coastline, and is abundant with Australian native wildlife such as koalas, goannas and bush turkeys. Noosa’s Main Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches in Australia and its calm conditions make it a great spot for swimming, while the pristine Noosa River meanders through a series of lakes to the scenic Noosa Everglades and can be experienced by kayak or on a river cruise.
A vibrant place for the young and young-at-heart is Rainbow Beach. Named after the 74 shades of coloured sand found on its shore, it’s a place rich in Aboriginal history and a current favourite of adventurers of all ages. You could take a thrilling beach drive from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach in a four-wheel-drive stopping to watch the migrating whales at Double Island Point Lighthouse and the hang gliders at Carlo Sandblow.
Rainbow Beach is also the gateway to the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island. A short drive to Inskip Point is where you’ll catch a car ferry to take you and your 4WD across to the island - a place of exceptional beauty with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is full of contrasts and contradictions – from the ancient rainforests that grow in sand to the crystal clear fresh water creeks that flow under enormous sand blows – and all equally spectacular whatever the season. The cooler months are ideal for exploring walking tracks on the world’s largest sand island whilst in summer the beaches draw keen anglers, the fresh water lakes attract swimmers and on the wallum heaths the wildflowers are in bloom attracting the honeyeaters.
Things to Do:
• Staying around Caloundra? Then tee off at the magnificent Greg Norman-designed Pelican Waters Golf Club for a leisurely game of golf, beginner or pro it doesn’t matter or put on your glad rags and head to the Corbould Park Racecourse to cheer on the thoroughbreds.
• Twirl your hair into your best Grace Kelly chignon, put on your Wayfarers and crack open the Champagne, your Dreamboat has arrived. No, not your new husband, but a stunning classic mahogany runabout called Noosa Dream. She has been handcrafted in the USA in the style of the timeless 1940s and 50s American powerboats and goes like a dream too. Skipper Michael knows the Noosa River and its lakes intimately. All sorts of packages available. www.noosadreamboats.com.au
• Providing a wilderness experience with all the creature comforts is Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser’s western side. Stay at this fully-integrated, large-scale ecotourism resort which has set benchmarks in ecotourism with minimal impact on the environment. The resort’s own landscaping mirrors native vegetation and protects the island’s gene pool, walkways protect dunal systems. Self guided walking trails with interpretive signage and field guides help guests explore. Resort guests can join a Ranger-guided 4WD tour or make their own tracks across the island. There’s even fishing clinics, canoe and water sports or tennis. And at the end of the day, relax with a cocktail poolside, indulge in a massage or enjoy superb food and wine. www.kingfisherbay.com
Wine & Dine:
• A 60-minute sunset cruise on the waterways of Mooloolaba is one of the most relaxing things you can do on the Sunshine Coast. Your cares melt away while you sip on a drink from the bar, dine on the freshest seafood in town and watch the sunset behind the horizon and finally realise, yes, you are on holiday! www.cruisemooloolaba.com.au
• Located in the stylish Duke Street Promenade in Sunshine Beach is an impressive brand new two level complex offering two quality dining restaurants. Embassy XO, situated on the top floor is a fully licensed modern Asian and Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar while XO Bistro Wine Bar, on the ground floor offers a more casual style alfresco dining environment. www.xosunshinebeach.com.au
• You feel right at home from the moment you walk into Humid Restaurant and Bar Noosaville, which is right on the river. It’s a local favourite with great food best described as contemporary Australian with a heavy Italian influence. www.humid.com.au
• Having lunch on Noosa’s Main Beach is one of life’s simple pleasures and it doesn’t get much better than at Sails Restaurant, at the Surf Club end of Hastings Street. Attentive service, an inspired menu and extensive wine list … who could ask for more? www.sailsnoosa.com.au
www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au