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Seven Things to See and Do on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is one hour's scenic drive north of Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast is an amazing place to visit with a mix of sea, sunshine, sand and lush hinterland, which includes the Noosa Hinterland, the Glass House Mountains, Mary Valley, and the Blackall Range. Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach sit along the stretch of 100 kilometres of beaches and these places offer many types of holiday accommodation. You will enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, alfresco restaurants, fashion boutiques and clean sandy beaches.

1.SURFING If you love surfing, then the swell off Point Cartwright and Alexandra Headlands will be just for you. Alexandra Headlands has a nice right hander point break...but watch out for the board eating rocks. Also try the northern stretches of beaches like A-Bay, Sunshine to Peregian, Yaroomba, Kawana Pocket and Kings Beach. Always be aware of rips, sharks, rocks and jelly fish. Ask a local for advice first.

2.ADVENTURE If it's adventure that you want, try the camel rides on the beach, jetski tours or skydiving. Try Noosa which is the furthest point north. You will also find horse riding tours at Noosa.

3.FISHING One river that offers exceptional fishing is the Maroochy River, especially the lower reaches. The deep holes that dot the river usually have great fishing, and the better known spot is the cod hole, south of the Maroochy River Bridge. The varieties of fish to be caught in this area are mulloway, sand whiting and dusky flathead. If you fish from the northern and southern shores of the river mouth, you may catch silver, golden and giant trevally and tailor. Or you can check up on the daily fishing charters that leave from Noosa.

4.SHOPPING Maybe you love shopping! The Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore has something for everyone and gives you an exciting shopping adventure. My sister and I just did not want to leave.

5.FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT You can take your family to the famous Australian Zoo, Aussie World and Underwater World. Driving through the hinterland can take you from the Australian Zoo up to the iconic Ettamogah Pub which has a quaint little shopping village and is right next to Aussie World which has over 30 rides and games that everyone of all ages will enjoy. It will be an all day experience just at the Australian Zoo, so you may want to divide the entertainment up over a few days. I enjoyed some time with my young nephews and sister and we got around this circuit in 3 days, and I can not wait to go back again.

THE AUSTRALIA ZOO is located just 45 minutes north of Brisbane on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive, and is the home to some of Australia's most amazing and unique wildlife, and a variety of interesting animals from overseas. Your visit to the home of "THE CROCODILE HUNTER", the late Steve Irwin, will definitely amaze you and make your visit memorable. There are daily feeding shows from 10am through to 3:30pm every day. You can enjoy a tasty meal yourself from the food court.

AUSSIE WORLD is located one kilometre north of the Caloundra exit on the Bruce Highway and the best way to get there is drive, but you can take a train to Landsborough and bus from there to the Rustic Cabin picnic grounds or Chancellor Park where a taxi can take you to Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub which is situated near it. Aussie World is open daily from 9am to 5pm and rides start at 10am, but closes Christmas Day. Aussie World is planning the best Australia Day event you've ever seen on the 26th January 2009.

THE ETTAMOGAH PUB is a quirky icon that has a 1927 Chevy truck on top of its bright red roof. It is open every day from 9am until late but closes on Christmas Day. Bluey's Bar and Grill, located upstairs in the Ettamogah Pub, is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am to 8pm but is closed on Christmas Day.

UNDERWATER WORLD, Queenland's largest Oceanarium and aquarium is situated at Mooloolaba. Be entertained by thousands of sea creatures such as seals, sharks, sting rays, and otters. My nephews thoroughly enjoyed being photographed with a friendly seal after watching his playful antics.

6.HINTERLAND On your drive through the hinterland, discover the pretty town of Montville, which is home to pottery studios, art galleries, antique stores, and fashion houses. Another 20klms north through Nambour is Yandina. You will find the Ginger Factory there where you can have an interesting tour and buy gingerbread men and ginger candies made from quality Buderim ginger.

7.MARKETS Just 10klms north of Yandina is Eumundi which has the most fascinating and very popular markets operating every Wednesday and Saturday. These are not to be missed, but try to arrive early as the parking lots fill up very quickly. It becomes a very interesting experience with local entertainers keeping the kids and adults amused, and more than 500 great produce stalls selling beautifully constructed crafts, organically grown produce, and a large variety of other amazing products. Wide pathways shaded by towering heritage listed fig trees make walking amongst the stalls and old quaint buildings a very pleasant experience. My sister and I and her children had a great time. My nephews really enjoyed the kids entertainment.

The Sunshine Coast is really the perfect mix of coast and country and the ideal place to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. I always want to go back for more. You may love it so much that you could be tempted to check out the local real estate.

About the Author

Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the industry for over 30 years. Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia is the business that she has developed using her extensive experience and knowledge of the travel and holiday accommodation industry. Patricia offers interesting information on her web site and ensures safe and secure accommodation bookings online. You can choose from many different and interesting places throughout Australia for your next holiday on this site=> http://www.australia-accommodation.info

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