COVER STORY – Stepping into spring on the Sunshine Coast.

Stepping into

The weather is beckoning us to peel back the clothing layers and head out and about for new activities to try, along with fun favourites. WORDS: Lahnee Pavlovich.

Cycling and boating fun at Golden Beach:

We simply have to start this piece by mentioning the beach. In this case, it’s Golden Beach, which hugs the shores of Pumicestone Passage and is ideal for a little fun on and off the water. Sea lovers will enjoy the calmer waters of the Passage for a kayak, stand up paddleboard, swim or some fishing. There is even a fantastic boat ramp to launch your own boat, or you can rent a barbecue pontoon boat or tinnie from Bill’s Boat and Bike Hire. If land is more your cup of tea, the business also rents out family bikes and you can take off on the pathways that wrap around the water to Caloundra, passing shady picnic areas and playgrounds.

Spring has well and truly sprung here on the Sunshine Coast. You can see it in the daisies popping up along the streets and sidewalks, bursting with colour.

You can feel it on the soles of your feet when you stride across the warm sand.

Even the ocean has lost that initial “brrrr” when you first dive in.

Yes, it is certainly spring and that means even more reason to head outside and explore all the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Take a walk down Hastings Street in Noosa and enjoy a colourful cocktail as the sun sets. Lay a towel on Mooloolaba beach or stroll the quaint hinterland villages.

There’s so much to see and even more to do than ever before. So, we thought we would put together a few suggestions to help you make the most of the seasonal sunshine across the region.

IMAGE: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND

IMAGE: PABLO PAVLOVICH Picnic and play at Mooloolaba Park and Walkway:

Mooloolaba really is the place to be in spring on the Coast and now even more so. Have you noticed the newest addition to the Northern Parkland in Mooloolaba? This is the one-of-a-kind children’s adventure playground where the young and young at heart can go wild. Next to the playground is a covered barbecue area, and large grassy space for kicking a ball, having a picnic or simply enjoying the sunshine while embracing the incredible ocean vistas. Once the kids get tired of the playground, take a walk up to the headland for a bird’s-eye view, peruse the shops on the Esplanade, build some sandcastles, search for crabs in the rocks or take a dip in the ocean.

IMAGE: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND

Birds and blooms at Maleny Botanic Gardens:

Head a little more inland to the evergreen hinterland, where the Maleny Botanic Gardens awaits. This attraction is privately owned with nearly seven hectares of gardens overlooking the glorious Glass House Mountains. Of course, with the flowers in full bloom, waterfalls, a fairy tale garden, giant chair, old fishing trawler and a tree house to explore, spring is perhaps the best time to pick up something yummy from the on-site café, sit and watch the world pass by or explore the tranquillity of the blooms and greenery, not to mention the aviaries. The four walk-through aviaries are home to more than 700 native and exotic birds that guests can view as part of an interactive guided tour.

IMAGE: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND

Walks and wonders at Wappa Falls:

The Sunshine Coast isn’t lacking when it comes to incredible spots to explore all that Mother Nature has to offer. And one such spot is Wappa Falls, located on the edge of Mapleton Conservation Park with a hidden swimming hole for cooling off in the heat and splashing about with friends and family. The best part? If you’re not up for a long hike, you can park right next to the falls. Enjoy a picnic, play or just soak up some springtime sun at Jack Harrison Park (also known as Wappa Park) before you take a dip. If you head up on a Saturday, you could check out the Yandina Country Markets beforehand and The Ginger Factory afterwards. Flora and fauna at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve:

The popular Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve has 55 glorious hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains, making it a great day out on the Sunshine Coast. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, this reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life with a little something for everyone. Start off at the Rainforest Discovery Centre where kids can let their inquisitive side go wild by pressing buttons, opening cupboards, and looking through magnifying glasses and microscopes to discover the beauty of the reserve. Then, head for the Glass House Mountains viewing platform for panorama photos. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Mountain View Café or pack a picnic, meander the many trails to witness an abundance of flora and fauna species. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rainforest wallabies or the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.

Dog-friendly day out at Noosa:

There is no denying that pets very quickly become part of the family and it’s safe to say we love their company. Thankfully, the Sunshine Coast has stepped up and is showing its dog-friendly side with an array of eateries, accommodation, parks, beaches, hikes and more – all saying a big ‘yes’ to the good boys and girls of the canine world. The Coast is an adventure playground for humans and pups alike and Noosa Dog Beach doesn’t disappoint if you’re after a day out in the sunshine with your furry companion. Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street is Noosa Woods, part of the Noosa Spit Reserve and, of course, a slice of heaven for pet owners. Think prime picnic spot meets incredible views and calm water to cool off after your walk. Dogs are welcome off leash to splash around with you, too.

IMAGE: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND Your Mates brewing. Inset: 2020 distillery Beers and other delights:

The Sunshine Coast has become somewhat of a craft beer and spirits mecca. Local beerpreneurs are shining a light on their brews of choice and boutique-style distilleries are popping up across the region. From Caloundra to Eumundi and everywhere in between, you can drop in for a drink or two, taste test at the cellar doors and take some yummy drops home with you, too. Kick off with a crisp coldie in Warana at Your Mates Brew House, where the emphasis is on having a good time with friends over a great beer. Head further north to Sunshine & Sons distillery, based right near The Big Pineapple – a beautiful space that has been making waves with its range of coastalinspired spirits. Next up, a local’s favourite is Land and Sea in Noosa, serving up a range of ale, IPA and lager, along with delicious meals and a beachy asthetic which is hard to beat. One more gin? Why not? The 20 20 Distillery, based in Cooroy, is focused on delivering high-end, uncomplicated spirits including gin, seltzers and whisky.

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Hurry... this deal must finish Thursday 6th October 2022.