SECRETS ONLY A LOCAL WOULD KNOW

Have you visited the new beachfront parkland precinct at Mooloolaba? The breathtaking spot, nestled between the Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba Esplanade, extends 350 metres along the coastline off ering hours of healthy and active fun. The one-hectare MOOLOOLABA NORTHERN PARKLAND features a 200-metre accessible boardwalk, open grass spaces to picnic, play ball, or host weddings and entertainment events; sheltered barbecues, dining tables and public toilets. Children can have hours of fun in the state-of-the-art adventure playground featuring a multidimensional climbing net, large swing set and nature-inspired pandanus play towers and slides. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day. Find the Mooloolaba Northern Parkland along Mooloolaba Esplanade.

If you go for a drive to Beerwah on the second Saturday of the month you will find a wonderful hinterland shopping experience. Beerwah’s iconic Simpson Street turns into a fanfare of fun with its community markets. The BEERWAH TOWER GREEN MARKET is packed with stalls selling bespoke gift s, local art, homewares, freshly picked local produce and more. It’s a wonderful way to shop local and support artisans. There is also amazing live music from local musos and delicious food and coff ee available. The markets are organised by the QCWA Beerwah branch, a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting the Beerwah community for over 70 years. Find event details at the Beerwah Tower Green Market Facebook page.

ONLY A LOCAL WOULD KNOW

Tucked in the Noosa hinterland town of Pomona, the POMONA RAILWAY STATION GALLERY is a must-visit. It is surrounded by lush gardens with a backdrop of Mount Cooroora. When the original railway station was scheduled to be demolished by Queensland Rail, community spirit rallied and the locals worked together to acquire the buildings, moving them from the railway line to its place now. Since opening in March 2001, the volunteer-run gallery has grown from two buildings to now five, creating unique spaces for creative art and craft s. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy a range of exhibitions as well as the popular Art Market in the Paddock. The next event is happening on September 24 and is a great opportunity to meet the artists, buy original art and discover local handmade products from artisans located around the Noosa hinterland and coast. Find Pomona Railway Station Gallery at 10 Station Street, Pomona. 5485 2950 or pomonartgallery.com

Just Pausedby Mela Cooke With one of the highest concentrations of artists anywhere in the world, it’s no wonder the region’s annual sculpture festival has grown. SCULPTURE ON THE EDGE has moved to the beautiful Flaxton Gardens and now has the capacity to display indoor and outdoor sculptures across a variety of media. This is the annual event for Arts Connect and is on for 15 days from November 20 through to December 4. Last year the event attracted about 7000 visitors and it is hoped this number will grow to 10,000 in 2022. The new venue is accessible-friendly and includes ample parking, ramps, flat outdoor areas and an airconditioned indoor space. Arts Connect is a Sunshine Coast- based, volunteer-run, art organisation with about 200 members working in all diff erent areas of visual art. Sculpture on the Edge is at Flaxton Gardens, 313-327 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton. sculptureontheedge.com.au

Did you know the region has nine community PARKRUN events every week? They are free and inclusive events that run world-wide. Here on the Coast, the events are set amongst our beautiful parks and open spaces. While it is a five-kilometre run, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. There is a real community feel to it, with all the family welcome, from kids through to grandparents. The salt off ice may have to rally up a few team members to give it a go! Find events at Baringa, Brightwater, Glass House Mountains, Golden Beach, Kawana, Maleny, Mudjimba, Nambour and Noosaville. Registration is free and available at parkrun.com.au/register

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PHOTO: Sunshine Coast Astronomy – QLD There is something special about spending a night under the stars and gazing through a telescope. It’s a chance to escape our busy routines, switch off and learn a bit about the incredible universe, or simply just be mesmerised by it. MALENY OBSERVATORY holds regular public telescope nights and they are a magical experience for people of all ages. These evenings provide an opportunity for the public to learn a little about astronomy and to observe amazing astronomical objects through some impressive telescopes. The night also includes a presentation, followed by laser guided tour. As a dedicated observatory of the Brisbane Astronomical Society, the organisation has been running dark sky telescope nights at the Maleny Golf Club site for the past five years. The public nights run on dates that suit moon cycles, with upcoming events on October 1, 29 and November 26, subject to weather. Head up before sunset with chairs or a picnic rug as astronomy enthusiasts set up their telescopes before the sky turns into a magical starry night. Status updates on specific events are posted on the Sunshine Coast Astronomy – QLD Facebook pages closer to the event. bas.asn.au/about-maleny-observatory

From stunning coastal walks and lush hinterland trails, to challenging summit hikes for adrenaline junkies, the Sunshine Coast is bursting with opportunities to put on your WALKING BOOTS and explore. The region has 39,835 hectares of national parks, state forests and reserves, so there is bound to be a walk for everyone – no matter your age or fitness level. With stunning waterfalls, secret swimming holes and jaw-dropping views, plus family and dog-friendly trails, there is so much to discover. Check out the Glass House Mountains, Kondalilla, Conondale or Mapleton national parks or the relatively unknown Dularcha National Park tunnel track between Landsborough and Mooloolah. For dog lovers, take the family friendly fig tree walk in the Imbil State Forest near Kenilworth. Check out parks.des.qld.gov.au for the latest safety information on walking tracks and national parks in the region.

PHOTOS: Visit Sunshine Coast

It might not be much of a secret, but a trip to Gympie to board the region’s historic train is a not-to-be-missed experience. THE MARY VALLEY RATTLER is a heritage rail journey through the stunning Mary Valley. The steam train departs the historic Gympie Station on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and an all-access carriage provides special facilities for wheelchair and other assisted-access passengers. 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 popular Pets on Board service allows passengers to share the experience with their favourite four-legged friend. The Rusty Rails Café and Gympie Station is open seven days, with great breakfast, brunch or lunch options created from locally sourced produce. Find the station at 10 Tozer Street, Gympie. 5482 2750 or maryvalleyrattler.com.au

Whether you are a history buff or not, a visit to the EUMUNDI MUSEUM is an essential part the town’s experience. Sitting in the main street across from the famous markets, the museum recently underwent significant renovations and a complete overhaul of the exhibitions. Its permanent displays introduce Eumundi’s past, including Indigenous history, early settlers, the timber industry, natural history plus more. Temporary displays cover varying topics and fine art displays are frequently featured in the next door Wan’din’in Gallery. The museum includes significant objects, old photos, touch screens with videos, maps and a birdsong game, plus bugs in resin for children to hold and draw. The Eumundi Museum is open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday at 73 Memorial Drive and entry is free. eumundimuseum.org

Have you visited the newest link of the coastal pathway? Head down to Dicky Beach and take a walk or scenic cycle along a new 500-metre section of pathway from Cooroora Street through to Dicky Beach Skatepark. It is part of the 73-kilometre COASTAL PATHWAY NETWORK – the Sunshine Coast’s longest and most popular shared pathway, extending from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north. The pathway is split into nine segments that runs beside beaches, parks and leisure areas. Whether you’re looking for a half day cycling adventure or just a beachside stroll, there is something for everyone.

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