The perfect holiday escape
#19
The SUNSHINE COAST
The Sunshine Coast is a destination spoilt by nature with over 100 km of golden beaches… But the best is that’s not only about the coast, contrary to its name lets us think! The Hinterland is just as stunning. There is for everyone’s like in this region! From North to South, follow the guide!
Don’ t miss out the sunset at Carlo Sandblow, which is a pretty popular spot!
This is part of the Great Sandy National Park.
Check the different colors of sands, watch the 4WD from above, look at the wind passing on the sand: this place is just amazing and this was only 10 minute walk from our apartment!
Speaking of my apartment for the night, I could even believe it, the view was just breath taking and the flat so stunning!
I had the impression to have moved into a house you see in decoration magazine! Very clear and spacious, in harmony with the nature surrounding it.
You know what is the hardest part of my amazing job? Leaving great places and people every day !!!
Rainbow Beach
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3 hour drive from Brisbane and you reach the northern point of the Sunshine Coat: Rainbow Beach.
I love the name and I loved the place even more! From here you can see Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island in the world. Go on a tour and visit this World Heritage listed national park while you are here.
Rainbow beach is long, very long and the sand is like gold, I loved played in the surf breaks , the ocean is pristine and wild. 4WD come and go along the coast. For me, all of the above is the perfect Australian cliché J
Just stroll on this beautiful beach and feel the freedom, get the energy from the ocean!
The "Into the wild" point
Insider Tips
Accommodation
Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort ****:
Tanya & Mark Beech’s eco certified accommodation: High standard apartments: penthouse number 12 is wonderful :-)
Eating & Drinking
Café:
Café Jilarty at rainbow : a really nice little café with fresh juices and good food. In the main streetCafé Baleana
$
Bar & Restaurant:
Rainbow Beach Hotel: comfy, beautiful Queensland’s style house: for meat lovers
$$
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NOOSA
Noosa is a great place, a perfect balance between Beach, National Park, Shopping, Relax, that’s why I chose to spend Christmas there. A special place for a special time of the year!
Find out more about what Noosa has to offer here
A paradise on Earth
MOOLOOLABA
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Driving south direction Brisbane, you arrive to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Plenty of towers, hotels, cafés and restaurants are waiting for you! This is a different style of holiday, busy and more “touristy”. This is not my kind of holiday but in family, you can enjoy Sealife with the kids and discover the marine life or even diving with sharks and rays! The beach is also right there to enjoy J
The touristy destination
Insider Tips
Accommodation
Eating & Drinking
Café:
Envy Café: in Mooloolaba: 3/26 Brisbane Road : alternative café with fresh juices and healthy food.
$
Aquarium:
Sea life (ex Underwater world):
Shark Dive Xtreme:
certified divers: AUD $195 / non certified divers : AUD $245 .
If you prefer scuba dive in the ocean as this must be, go explore the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Wreck one of Australia’s most distinguished warships. It lies at 27 meters and hosts plenty of marine life impressive!
Sunreef Dive: www.sunreef.com.au
Activities
The Croc Show
Terri facing the giant salt water croc...
Wildlife Hospital
Here at Australia Zoo, injured animals get the best treatment whatever the costs
Bengal Tiger
A beautiful but endangered creature
Since I started my job in Australia, every Aussie has been mentioning to me the Australia Zoo, the home of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. He is a very famous personality in the country. He died unfortunately from a tragic stingray accident in 2006 while filming an underwater documentary film.
His wife Terri and kids, Bindi 15 and Robert 10, keep the legend alive by managing the Zoo.
This is THE wildlife Park to visit in Australia, more than a zoo, this is a conservation park. More than 7 protection programs are lead around the world to save endangered species.
Don’t miss the famous croc show but also the ones with the tigers.
But what blew my mind was the Wildlife Hospital “Wildlife Warriors” built next door to save injured wild animals (car accident, pet domestic attacks, injured by bush fires etc).
This 5 star facility saves thousands of animals every year. The money you pay to visit the zoo and the donations make it running, so please come and say hello!
The Irwin Family is passionate about saving the wildlife and this is good to see. Thank you
The Best Zoo in Australia
AUSTRALIA ZOO
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Wombat
Rarely seen active during the day
More info:
Open every day from 9am to 5pm
Allow a full day to visit
Price: AUD $59 (adult rate)
Hospital: www.wildlifewarriors.org.au
Australia Zoo is located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, near Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains
1638 Steve Irwin Way
Beerwah
QLD 4519
AUSTRALIA
If you don't have a car, you can also go to the Zoo with Greyhound Australia (departure from Brisbane and Sunshine Coast)
Getting there...
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Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The sub tropical green beauty
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Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge
Rate: accommodations suitable for every budget
Accommodation
Step in another world! Secluded coves, rainforests, waterfalls and small isolated mountain villages...
The Glass House Mountains National Park showcases nature at its most spectacular.
Only 30 minute drive from Maroochydore and you are surrounded by 14 mountains, impressive!This is a must visit National Park while on the Sunshine Coast. This is a series of volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain, learn the Aboriginal Legend when the mountain were actually human beings...
I walked to the top of Mount Ngungun and I will never forget the panoramic view from the top. BREATH TAKING. The best would have to have a book and stay the day reading there! No need to be ultra-fit or a very sportive person to do this walk.
If you are looking for an unforgettable stay, I recommend you to book the Eco Lodge. Robyn and Rick who run the place are such lovely people. The accommodations are all different and original thanks to the taste of Keith, the owner. The little church reformed in beautiful apartment is the ultimate. But if you prefer staying in an old railway carriage, you will have the opportunity here as well!
Enjoy a delicious coffee from the in situ production and taste tropical fruits from the garden J
More info about the Glass House Mountains National Park
Animal encounter
All around the zoo, get up close with wildlife, here with a Blue and Gold Macaw from South & Central America
Koala
Adorable koala resting
Posted on January,5th 2014
