LOCALsecrets

If you haven’t been to the MAROOCHY REGIONAL BUSHLAND BOTANIC GARDEN then now is the perfect time. Located in Tanawha, the magnificent 82-hectare garden is a haven for local plants and animals. It features a mix of natural forest, manicured native gardens, nature play spaces and art installations. It’s the perfect place for a bushland walk. For the children, Agents of Discovery is an educational mobile gaming platform that uses augmented reality to get youth active amongst nature. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy the relaxed outdoor space or enjoy food from the onsite cafe. Head to 51 Palm Creek Road at Tanawha. 5458 7601 or botanic-garden.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Grab your family, friends or significant other and head along to this gorgeous coastal location for a laid-back evening full of good food and small Sunshine Coast businesses. The CURRIMUNDI LAKE

TWILIGHT MARKET is a popular local hangout running on the third Friday (excluding in June and July) of each month from 4pm to 8pm. Explore a range of delicious street food, foodie trucks, pop-up bars and live music all as the sun sets. Pack the picnic rug and relax in the park – it’s sure to be a great evening out. Dogs on leads are welcome too. Find the markets at 1 Watson Street, Currimundi or visit their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for a park perfect for the children then make sure to pay a visit to this hidden gem. Much loved by young families, KEVIN ASMUS PARK is connected to the Kawana Library, the community centre and thriving community garden. The park is interwoven with a large educational bike track where children can park their bikes and scooters at the many different play elements. The park’s main feature is the pirate ship with a tunnel, climbing ropes, interactive panels and slides. There’s also plenty of fun to be had at the swings and half basketball court. With picnic tables and plenty of shade it’s also perfect for an autumn barbecue. Find the park at 20 Nanyima Street, Buddina.

Stage One Now Selling

Over-50s Prestige Living on the Sunshine Coast

With stage one now released, our most coveted over-50s lifestyle resort yet has commenced construction. Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters has placed special emphasis on creating the most opulent and considered community facilities ever seen in an over-50s lifestyle community. Nestled right alongside the award-winning Greg Norman-designed Pelican Waters Golf Course on a swathe of stunning waterways behind the Sunshine Coast’s finest beaches, this is your time.

If you head up to Maleny make sure you keep an eye out for a bustling lane full of fabulous street food and live music. MALENY LANE is a vibrant and rustic space where you can enjoy flavours from around the world – think Korean, Indian and Japanese – plus local coffee, while sitting back and listening to some cool beats. It’s open every day except Tuesdays, plus every Friday night for the weekly twilight gigs. For those wanting to take part in an open mic event, check out the FrontUp Chalkboard every Monday night from 5.30pm to 9pm. Find Maleny Lane at 38 Maple Street, Maleny.

While the long summer days might be behind us, autumn is still a perfect time to enjoy the crystal clear water that the Coast has on offer. With many warm days still ahead, why not get out and enjoy STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING or KAYAKING? It’s fun for all ages and the Coast has some perfect locations where you can hire a board or other watercraft and explore. You can hire a board from Golden Beach and head out to the Pumicestone Passage where the Glass House Mountains form a stunning backdrop. Or if you are in Noosa, Gympie Terrace has a plethora of hire locations to make the most of the picturesque Noosa River. Otherwise enjoy the protected jewel that is Cotton Tree beach or the calm, flat waters of Currimundi Lake.

Take a step back in time and learn of the region’s cultural heritage this autumn. Be sure to pay a visit to BANKFOOT HOUSE at the Glass House Mountains. Visitors can take tours of the heritage-listed house, experience The Shed restoration project, strap on a headset for an award-winning virtual reality experience, view seasonal exhibitions in the Mary Grigor interpretive centre, enjoy a picnic in the scenic grounds, or try their hand at the big games available from the centre. Be sure to head along for the First Nations Family Fun Day on April 15 too. Happening from 10am, join Kabi Kabi and Jinibara First Nations people for a fun-filled day of cultural learning, games, dancing and craft activities for all ages. Find Bankfoot House at 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains. 5420 8600 or heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ Bankfoot-House

Why not marvel in spectacular coastal views and keep fit at the same time with one of the region’s lesser-known walks. Located just south of Peregian Beach, EMU MOUNTAIN is the perfect choice. Nestled in the southern section of Noosa National Park you can enjoy a short hill climb through vivid wildflowers along the 1.1-kilometre return trip to the top. The mountain is also known as Mount Peregian – the Aboriginal word for emu. From the top, soak in magnificent panoramic views of the coastline from Noosa to Maroochydore. Keen eyes will spot the Glass House Mountains to the south-west and Mount Cooroora to the north-west. You can access Emu Mountain from Havana Road East, Coolum Beach. For park updates search ‘Emu Mountain Summit Walk’ at parks.des.qld.gov.au