ATTRACTIONS

RISE AND SHINE WITH MORNING YOGA

Add some sunshine to your mornings and join the free weekly yoga mornings at SUNSHINE PLAZA. Guided by local yoga instructor Gemma Balicki, the classes are held every Thursday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am on Cornmeal Promenade (directly behind Shoes & Sox). Gemma is passionate about health and community so the classes are always guaranteed to be fun, dynamic, uplift ing and safe for every level of fitness. Plus, unwind and enjoy happy coff ee hour at Wine and Nine aft er each yoga session. Bookings are essential. sunshineplaza.com

CHRISTMAS MADE EASY AT NOOSA SHOPPING DESTINATION

This year NOOSA CIVIC is teaming up with local artist Cass Deller to create a beautiful custom gift wrap celebrating all things Noosa at Christmas. Santa is also back with a new set for photos and the charity gift wrap booth will take the hassle out of gift wrapping for a gold coin donation. This is a one-stop shopping destination in Noosa, so you can spend more time doing what you love. Located 10 minutes from Hastings Street with free parking, Noosa Civic has all your shopping needs covered in air-conditioned comfort. noosacivic.com.au There are plenty of things to explore, see and do on the Sunshine Coast, so get out there and enjoy the range of activities, events LOCALS loveand attractions.

NEW DINING DESTINATION IN NATIVE LOCATION

CATBIRD BAR AND RESTAURANT in the native botanic gardens at Fairhill near Yandina is the best-kept secret for brunch and lunch on the Sunshine Coast this summer. Celebrated Sunshine Coast chef Sara Dillon from Little Boat Espresso, has created a delightful modern Australian all-day menu that presents the best of the region in a native and iconic setting. The restaurant is fully licensed with a strong selection of local beers and wines to pair perfectly with the food. Vegan options are available and the venue is child and dog friendly. Bookings are advised. catbird.com.au

PHOTO: Daniel Hine

EAT AND DRINK LOCAL ON BREWERY TOUR

Enjoy all-inclusive behind-the-scenes tours to breweries, wineries and distilleries throughout the Sunshine Coast, the hinterland and Noosa. With SUNSHINE COAST CRAFT BEER TOURS guests can meet the maker, taste local produce and hear local stories on a range of full or half-day tours. As the craft brewery capital of Australia, this is the perfect way to see the best the region has to off er from an air-conditioned bus with an expert tour guide. Why not purchase a gift voucher for an extra special Christmas present. sunshinecoastcraft beertours.com.au

FIND YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE

A unique place to eat, drink and be pampered.

UNIQUE RETAIL ● ARTS & HOMEWARES BEAUTY ● SPAS ● RESTAURANTS FISHING & CRUISES ● SUNDAY MARKETS

ESTROGEN NOOSA is located within Noosa Civic Shopping Centre and has all your summer fashion needs. From beautiful prints to on-trend block colours, the team sources clothing to fit every woman. In store you will find a range of clothing, shoes and accessories plus beautiful gift s. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for this season’s fashion. estrogennoosa.com

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SUMMER FRESH FUN AND LOTS OF SHOPPING TO BE DONE AT THE MARKETS

Head to I LOVE EUMUNDI MARKETS this summer for fresh fun and good times. The markets are full of street entertainers, fun for kids and opportunities to connect with locals, friends and family for a good day out. Cool down on the terraces with an icy cold drink, and walk through aisles of market stalls nestled under large fig and poinciana trees. Fresh produce, amazing gift s and jewellery are bursting at the seams at Parkside. For uniquely designed summer clothing and stunning décor for the home, discovering every corner of the Eumundi Square is a must do. iloveeumundimarkets.com

Workshops.Demonstrations.ArtisanDisplays Talks.TimberandToolsales.TinyHouseExhibit FineFurniture.SunshineCoastWoothaPrize Children'sActivities.LiveMusicandmore

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY CLUB OFFERS IT ALL

Off ering a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL’S refurbished kids’ room, school holiday program of activities and kids eat free every Wednesday night makes it the ideal family venue. All your dining needs are covered with the bistro and coff ee shop serving up delicious food, while there are three bars to choose from. The club’s jam-packed entertainment calendar off ers something to suit all tastes with bingo, raff les, darts, member promotions and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, plus special events, like The Choirboys on February 26. noosarsl.com.au

SPECIALITY ROAST MEETS INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Driven by a mission to make a great cup of coff ee even better, the team at FLYING WEST have honed their roasting skills and style to create a range so good that you’ll spend your nights dreaming of your morning coff ee. From delicate and subtle, to full-flavoured and bold, the team’s carefully craft ed range of single origins and blends will have you coming back for more. Visit Flying West’s open-plan industrial style cafe and specialty coff ee roastery in Doonan or find them on the weekends slinging shots at the Noosa Farmers Market, Yandina Markets and Eumundi Markets. flyingwest.com.au

BURSTING WITH COLOUR AT THE GINGER FACTORY

Nestled in the rainforest gardens at THE GINGER FACTORY, the Rainbrella Project is a free entry art installation that is sure to leave visitors in awe. Made up of hundreds of rainbow umbrellas floating in the garden canopy, this captivating installation provides the most Instagram-worthy photo opportunity. Created in collaboration with Sunshine Coast artist Sophy Blake, the installation aims to bring joy, happiness and peace to those who wander through the colourful path. Visit The Ginger Factory and explore all the magic of the rainbow gardens. gingerfactory.com.au

Join us these school holidays at the

& DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF HERITAGE RAIL!

Explore the Historic Gympie Station, grab a coffee & a bite to eat at the Rusty Rails Cafe, before jumping aboard for a great family adventure. Head to our website now to book. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

WWW.MARYVALLEYRATTLER.COM.AU

RELAX AND UNWIND AT NOOSA MARINA

NOOSA MARINA has been a local favourite for more than 30 years. It’s an ideal dining destination with Lucio’s Marina, Noosa Italian Restaurant, Café VinCino or fish and chips from the Noosa Harbour Fish Market. There’s always something new to see with a variety of fashion shops, hairdressers or a day spa on off er. Noosa Marina is also a departure point for many river cruises including sunset and dinner cruises. Sundays are a fanfare of colour and entertainment with the regular markets and live music. Why not arrive relaxed by ferry and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with views over the Noosa River. noosamarina.com.au

CELEBRATE A SUMMER FLING WITH LOCAL ART

STEVENS STREET GALLERY in Yandina is an independently run creative space that supports local makers. Its first exhibition of 2023 is a celebration of summer and the team is excited to be showcasing a variety of artists’ reflections and inspirations of this season. From January 4 to February 26, Summer Fling will exhibit the landscapes that relate to this time of year in Australia. Pop into the gallery to check out this hot collection featuring artists Jarrod Riggs, Jennie Rutz and Stacey Petersen. stevensstreetgallery.com.au

ALL ABOARD HISTORIC RAIL JOURNEY

THE MARY VALLEY RATTLER is a heritage rail journey through the stunning Mary Valley. The steam train journeys depart the historic Gympie Station Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and an all-access carriage provides facilities for wheelchair and other assisted-access passengers. You might like to check out the popular pets on board service. The three-hour journey captures the beauty and history of the rich agricultural and former gold mining region from the comfort of beautifully restored heritage carriages dating back to 1924. The Rusty Rails Café at Gympie Station is open seven days for breakfast, brunch or lunch. maryvalleyrattler.com.au

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LEARN TO SAIL TODAY!

Whether your 7 or 77 years old we offer a range of courses and sailing options.

Courses range from our beginners Start Yachting Course to a more experienced Yachtmaster Course in yachts, catamarans and keelboats.

Or why not try our popular Adventure Sailing which is a popular 2 hour interactive sail on the river and down the beachfront.

Corporate sailing events & relaxing Skippered Yacht Charters Recognised as one of Australia’s leading power plus sail training and experience providers.

All completed courses receive a RYA certifi cate, recognised nationally and internationally.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

WORLDLY vibes

BILL RICHARDSON HAS always harboured an artistic fl air. All you have to do is take one look at his beautiful home to see he has a unique talent. The eclectic mix of various timber tones with wicker, ceramics and interesting tactile textures, creates a boho worldly vibe.

“I just based it on things that I liked,” Bill says.

Put simply, he has an eye for style. And, while Bill enjoys managing his own commercial painting business, it just doesn’t fi ll that creative portion of his bucket.

It was through his world travels that Bill discovered his real passion, and so, many years later his side hustle was born –importing and selling unique furniture from abroad.

Five years ago he opened his fi rst store, Bungalow Life.

It was here that he honed his skills and expertise for carefully curating homewares, fi lling the Cairns store (and his home) with unique Indonesian and Indian pieces, blending culture, texture and colour to create an experience for the senses.

Then three years ago Bill’s world collided with Sunshine Coast woman Sharon Hoskins. Bill’s artistic side and Sharon’s eye for style and fashion were a match made in heaven.

Their recently opened business is a testament to this.

Bungalow Life Gympie off ers a warehouse-style shopping experience. Overfl owing with homewares, furniture, clothes, shoes and handbags, the store is already proving popular with southeast designers and homeowners alike.

“Previously I had a retail fashion store in Maroochydore,” Sharon tells salt. “I predominantly specialise in Italian fashion. It’s a niche market.

Unique Artisan

crafted furniture & homewares with a splash of Italian fashion

We ship Australia wide!

“About 80 per cent of the pieces presented to me are rejected, and only 20 per cent make it over here to the shop”

“Bill and I combined our interests – art, furniture and fashion and created a separate entity in Bangalow Life Gympie.

The pair pride themselves on presenting a business with a diff erence, and say people would be hard-pressed to fi nd another place that stocks such a comprehensive range of authentic Asian vintage and antique pieces.

Through the years, Bill has built up a network of suppliers. And as the world locked down during the pandemic, he was able to place his trust in these people to continue sourcing quality products. “We do buying trips but we haven’t been able to do that through COVID,” Bill explains.

“Sharon and I are off to Bali at Christmas and then I’m going to do an Indian trip earlier in the year. We have about 20 suppliers over there. All of our products are personally sourced and brought over in 20- to 40-foot containers.

“I have a process and choose [based] on my preferences.

“About 80 per cent of the pieces presented to me are rejected, and only 20 per cent make it over here to the shop.”

The majority of Bungalow Life’s furniture and homewares are authentic, but the couple is now also dabbling in reproduction pieces to ensure various price points are met.

Bill and Sharon say the key to fi nding the right piece for your home is to have confi dence in your selection. From supersized Indonesian statement mirrors that date back 80 years, to intricately carved decades-old sideboards, there is something for every home – whether it be a modern Hamptons design, or more like Bill’s boho style.

For Bill and Sharon, it comes down to appreciating the workmanship and unique patterns in a piece of furniture.

“You don’t have to have a complete theme,” Sharon says.

“You can pick up a feature piece and fi t it in with your preferred style of décor. It comes down to the quality of the artisans.”

ANTIQUE VS VINTAGE

Too oft en these descriptions are used interchangeably when in fact antique and vintage style periods standalone in their own right. So, what exactly is the diff erence? Technically, a piece of furniture must date back 100 years to be called an antique, while a vintage piece ranges back in time between 20 and 80 years ago. As long as it feels like it belongs in a diff erent era, then a pre-loved item can be called vintage.

34 Duke Street, Gympie. bungalowlife.com.au (Australia wide shipping)

HOMEWARES VINTAGE BISTRO

A curated collection of beautiful Vintage and new homewares, jewellery & gift lines. Enjoy our retail store & Chew Chew - licensed bistro, a relaxed dining experience right on the tracks.