ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVE TREAT IN STORE AS SANTA VISITS

This festive season NOOSA CIVIC is teaming up with talented local artist Cass Deller to create special Christmas stockings for the little ones when they visit Santa. As part of Santa’s visit to the centre until December 24, these limited-edition gift s will be free with every Santa photo purchase, while stocks last. Along with regular photos, Noosa Civic will be hosting Sensitive Santa and Santa Paws pet photography sessions. While in the centre, don’t forget to post a letter to Santa. Every letter receives a special reply. noosacivic.com.au

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS THESE HOLIDAYS

Take yourself to the next level with the ultimate aerial challenge these summer holidays. Located at SUNSHINE PLAZA, Next Level High Ropes Adventure Park is Australia’s largest high ropes course on poles. Players from six years old to adults of all ages can navigate four challenging levels spread across seven circuits totalling 145 aerial activities, including 16 ziplines stretching up to 135 metres above Cornmeal Creek. Take in the sights and enjoy the expansive 360-degree views overlooking Maroochy River from the viewing deck. The course is open every day, except Christmas. sunshineplaza.com

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There are plenty of things to see, do and explore on the Sunshine Coast, so get out there and head along to our beloved attractions.

TASTE AND CELEBRATE AT THE GINGER FACTORY

Ginger, spice and everything nice! This year, the festive season is going to be bigger than ever before at THE GINGER FACTORY. With Santa’s Workshop returning, a giant gingerbread house and huge Christmas display – plus all the tastings, tours and rides everyone knows and loves – it’s the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas on the Sunshine Coast. Santa’s Workshop opens December 8 so be sure to bring your own camera for Santa photos. He’s only available on select dates when he’s not making toys in the North Pole, so check The Ginger Factory website and social pages before planning your trip. While visiting, why not take a ride on the iconic 120-year-old ginger train, Moreton, or explore the inner workings of the factory with a Taste of Ginger tour. Let the kids escape into a world of wonder on the Overboard Boat Ride or create their own forest adventure with the help of the much-loved Gruff alo Trail. Find the perfect gift s in the unique retail shops of Ginger Town and load up on all your Buderim Ginger favourites. gingerfactory.com.au

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MAGIC OF EUMUNDI

Nature and wonder embrace the township of Eumundi, built on tales of history, community, craft smanship, arts and culture. On Wednesdays and Saturdays EUMUNDI MARKETS off ers visitors the ‘best market in Australia’ with an outdoor shopping, music and food experience like no other. Local traders love to share their knowledge, laughter and community spirit while serving award-winning coff ee, craft beer, gourmet organic produce, artisan-craft ed gift s, designer clothes, jewellery and so much more. Any day of the week, relax and immerse yourself in the magic that is Eumundi. iloveeumundimarkets.com

A PERFECT MATCH OF COFFEE AND ART

Come and relax in the Gallery Cafe at SUNSHINE COAST ART AND FRAMING GALLERY and take in the beautiful range of unique wall art, homewares and gift s. Located in Minyama, the experienced baristas serve Bear Bones Coff ee, delicious food and treats. Over in the framing workshop a team of experienced consultants and framers specialise in art preservation, custom framing, canvas stretching, printing, custom mirrors and framing of sporting memorabilia. From original art, limited-edition prints, embroidery, mementos, medals, photographs, posters, and certificates – you name it, they frame it. artframes.com.au Enjoy entertainment every day of the week at the family-focused TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL. Kids eat free every Wednesday night, with face painting and Nickleby the Magician alternating as entertainment each week. If you are looking to discover new soloists or bands, discover local artists at the club’s Live and Original nights every Saturday in the Diggers Bar. Cover bands play hits from all eras on Friday and Saturday nights and laidback lounge music over Sunday lunch. If music isn’t your thing, try your luck in weekly bingo or member promotions, take some line dancing lessons, join the chess club, or sit back and relax and enjoy a drink from one of three bars. You can also order delicious food from the bistro or coff ee shop. noosarsl.com.au

THE PLACE TO MEET THIS SUMMER

Caloundra Power Boat Club is the place to meet these warmer months with its perfect position overlooking the beautiful Pumicestone Passage. With the Quarterdeck Restaurant catering for lunch and dinner daily and the Portside Cafe open from 10am until late every day for your coff ee and cake cravings, CALOUNDRA POWER BOAT CLUB has all your needs covered. The club’s dedicated team prides itself on fantastic customer service, off ering cold beverages and an array of delicious meals. caloundrapowerboat.com.au

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH A RELAXED SUNDAY MARKET

Sundays are a fanfare of colour and entertainment at NOOSA MARINA. Aft er a leisurely breakfast or before a long lunch at one of the many dining options, why not take a stroll through the popular Sunday markets. The many market stalls feature a variety of locally made art and craft items along with the freshest of local produce in an idyllic setting on the deck overlooking Noosa River, located just seven kilometres from Hastings Street. The atmosphere comes alive with music and entertainment. Noosa Marina markets run every Sunday from 8am to 1.30pm. noosamarina.com.au

^ WILD GOOD FUN AT WILDLIFE HQ

WILDLIFE HQ is home to native and exotic animals from around the world, located next to the iconic Big Pineapple in Woombye. A Wildlife HQ favourite is the up-close animal encounter. Visitors can also enjoy an immersive dining experience with critically endangered cotton-top tamarins. The new cafe and undercover eating facilities serve fresh sandwiches, burgers, vegetarian options, fruit salads, barista-made coff ee and slushies, plus daily specials across a breakfast and lunch menu. Wildlife HQ is open every day, except Christmas. whqzoo.com

CELEBRATE ETERNAL LOVE WITH A DIY RING WORKSHOP >

Forge your love in the most symbolic way as you craft your own wedding or commitment rings at Sunshine Coast jewellery school THE JEWELLERY COLLECTIVE. At the popular Forged in Love Wedding Ring Workshop, couples will create a unique wedding ring design using a range of traditional jewellery techniques. Under the expert guidance of a professional jeweller, you will learn to measure, cut, shape and finish the wedding rings to perfection using new gold, or recycling the gold sitting in the bottom of your jewellery box. All workshops include a gourmet lunch platter and a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. jewellerycollective.com.au

< SPECIALITY ROAST MEETS INDUSTRIAL STYLE

FLYING WEST COFFEE ROASTERS is an open-plan, industrial-style cafe and specialty coff ee roastery in Doonan in the Noosa hinterland. Flying West off ers a range of wholesome food, from cooked breakfasts and lunches to delicious cakes and slices. Enjoy the variety of coff ee off erings, including single-origin and coff ee blends, as well as organic teas and yummy smoothies. You can also find Flying West’s delicious coff ee at Noosa Farmers Market, Yandina Country Markets and Eumundi Markets. flyingwest.com.au

A FESTIVAL EVERY WEEKEND >

An electric night-time destination filled with delicious street food and live music, NIGHTQUARTER is a festival every weekend. Around every corner you will find entertainment to enjoy while you sit back and taste food from around the globe. NightQuarter hosts ticketed concerts and special events with major touring artists and signature shows, or you’ll find fun with dodgem cars and carnival games for the whole family. With a huge line-up of themed festivals, bars and concerts over summer and all year round, it’s the perfect evening out. nightquarter.com.au

^ FIND YOUR INNER ZEN

NOOK YOGA is a boutique yoga studio in the heart of Mooloolaba. The space is specifically designed to be intimate and personal, and smaller class sizes mean experienced teachers can guide you safely through the practice. Nook Yoga off ers a variety of yoga styles including dynamic vinyasa, slow flow and yin yoga and each class is accessible for all experience levels. This space is more than just a yoga studio, it’s a community. Locals and visitors to the area are welcome to join in a class and experience the joy of yoga. nookyoga.com.au

^ IMMERSE IN CULTURE, LIVE MUSIC AND MARITIME HISTORY

Join SALTWATER ECO TOURS on board a beautifully restored 113-year-old timber sailing vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast, cruising through the peaceful waters of Mooloolaba. Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience led by a traditional custodian. Taste delicious bush tucker foods, fresh seafood and try a native-infused cocktail. Soak up the last few hours of sunset while you sip on local beer and listen to live music or book the vessel out for your special event. saltwaterecotours.com.au

^ BREW YOUR OWN MOMENT OF PURE TEA INDULGENCE

If you are a tea lover, you can’t go past TIELKA, Australia’s most awarded organic tea brand. One sip of Tielka and you will be whisked away to your own moment of pure indulgence. Tielka is a champion of all things sustainable and ethical, with fine ingredients sourced from Australia and around the world. In the blends, you’ll see Queenslandgrown lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepperberries and lavender grown in Victoria. Delightfully packaged, even the tea bags are craft ed from luxurious, plant-based fabric. tielka.com

MALENY CHEESE produces award-winning, lovingly handcraft ed cheese and yoghurt, and off ers visitors an authentic Sunshine Coast paddock-to-plate experience from its licensed cafe and shop. Enjoy quality food, a range of regional treats and condiments and other local delights as part of the seasonally inspired menu or pick up something delicious to take home. The cafe overlooks the working dairy factory that uses pure, locally sourced whole milk from the Maleny Cheese farm and several other dairy farms, in turn supporting the region’s many local farmers. Maleny Cheese Cafe is open daily from 10am to 3pm with the cafe menu operating Wednesday to Sunday. malenycheese.com.au

< CHOOSE TO REUSE WITH BEAUTIFUL CERAMICS

Did you know that 1.2 billion disposable coff ee cups go into Australian landfill each year? The team at POTTERY FOR THE PLANET strives to eradicate the single-use culture and plastic waste through beautifully handmade and unique high-quality ceramics. Now it’s easier than ever to up your coff ee and sustainability game by sipping out of a Pottery for the Planet ceramic travel cup. The Noosaville showroom is stocked full of beautiful ceramics including reusable coff ee cups, lunch bowls, tableware and more. Sustainability never looked this good! potteryfortheplanet.com

< GIVE YOURSELF A REASON TO SMILE

BITESOFT CO is a Sunshine Coast-based business redefining orthodontics for all Australians. Agreeing a trip to the dentist is never enjoyable, the company knew a more convenient, practical and aff ordable solution to access high-quality orthodontic treatment was needed. With this vision, Bitesoft Clear Aligners was born and so far the team has transformed thousands of Australian smiles and lives. Bitesoft off ers a convenient and personalised service all from the comfort of your home. Everyone deserves to have a confident smile and straighter teeth with less hassle. bitesoft co.com