How often do we think we’d like to live in a place when visiting for the first time?
I’m lucky enough to live in Queensland, Australia and have done for 30 years. But I have to admit that over the years I’ve looked around and thought what is the fuss about? There’s nothing special about the place. But that thought was displaced recently when I joined family for a quick 3 day visit to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
I headed to Brisbane airport in my little red Ford, hoping like hell my brother and niece hadn’t filled suitcases the size of an armchair.
Awesome! They hadn’t and it all fitted nicely into my little red Ford.
Our accommodation was the Landmark Resort and Spa – a hop, step and a jump from one of the Sunshine Coast’s amazing beaches and set on an esplanade full of cafes, gelato shops, restaurants and beachside boutiques.
The apartment was spacious, clean and very well appointed and as I had a burning desire to test out my new iPhone, I headed up to the top floor to take in the view. To say I was pleased with the result was an understatement!
Queensland summers make swimming a pleasure and the resort’s pool was very tempting. The ocean also tempted as the water was relatively calm and a clear turquoise, however, after having been severely stung by a jellyfish on Green Island many years ago I have to admit to a definite reluctance to dip anything more than the toes in the ocean!
After a quick float around and a tasty curry dinner, Melissa and I headed back up to the rooftop for some nighttime shots. I can’t recommend the iPhone 15 Pro Max enough. It was hideously expensive but the clarity, zoom and ease of use almost makes my camera obsolete.
The following morning, sunrise at the beach – my favourite time. It’s usually quiet as the few people who venture out early are intent on walking, jogging, swimming or boating. If I’m lucky I’ll get a few clouds skidding across the sky and the odd wave to add interest. There were few waves but the clouds and sky made up for the lack.
The Ginger Factory – Yandina
No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to the Ginger Factory. My companions hadn’t been there before, so it was an excellent excuse for me to make another visit – the ginger scones with ginger jam and cream are to die for!
A mere 30min drive from Mooloolaba we made it in time for morning tea and the above-mentioned scones. Then it was a wander through the lush gardens and a browse in the shops selling souvenirs and products with the most wonderful aromas, as well as hats, herbs and many other items.
If ginger is one of your requirements for life you can buy ginger jam, marmalade, gingerbread men, “naked” ginger, ginger beer, cordial, sauce and ice-cream, chocolate coated ginger, crystallized ginger, glace ginger and ginger bears. In fact, anything you can think of to do with ginger and more you can find in the Ginger Shop as soon as you walk in the door! And if that doesn’t satisfy you, you can console yourself with a ride on the Ginger Train which takes you around the premises.
A very late lunch at the cafe in the Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre was accompanied by glorious views of the Glasshouse Mountains and a leech which had escaped the nearby rainforest walk to terrorise patrons.
Trivia: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Although we didn’t do the rainforest walk on that day I have actually completed it on several occasions. Comprising of 55 hectares of magnificent subtropical rainforest, the Grade 2 walk is mainly a hard surface and boardwalk some of which is wheelchair and pram suitable.
The 2km track is lined by large Strangler Figs, Red Cedar, and Picabeen Palms as well as many other rainforest plants. Birdlife and butterflies can been seen if you sit quietly on seats along the path.
The reserve overlooks the scenic Glasshouse Mountains, a group of huge volcanic plugs poking out of the landscape which are remnants of volcanic activity which occurred many millions of years ago. If you’re in the area the Mary Cairncross Reserve is a great way to spend your day – but take some insect spray to ward off the leeches if it has recently rained!
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird Park
After another beautiful sunrise we made our way back into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Ocean and mountains are all within a few hours drive – OK, they aren’t alps like in New Zealand or Austria but it’s a very beautiful area combining thick rainforest and steep grades, waterfalls, wineries, villages and stunning views.
Entry to the Gardens is at the top of the range so again we were treated to magnificent views. I’d heard good reports of the Bird Park in the Botanic Gardens so we elected to visit even though I have a distinct aversion to seeing birds confined in cages. I always imagine how I would feel if I was a bird, locked in a cage unable to fly free.
We were directed to remove all jewellery and hats with buttons before entering the aviaries, then we entered a world of beaks and feathers. The birds were beautiful, and the interactive tour gave us a wonderful opportunity to get close to birds we’d normally only see at a distance – or not at all. Some very large Macaws were definitely over friendly, and heavy, with sharp claws which dug into the scalp, but all did have plenty of room to fly freely within their enclosures.
Because we were on the top of the range the only way to go was downhill, so we eliminated all thoughts of the subsequent walk uphill and headed to the ponds, which according to the map were about halfway down (or halfway up – whichever you prefer. It’s a bit like the glass half empty situation).
The series of ponds were surrounded by lush grasses, ferns and trees creating an idyllic atmosphere and once again we were treated to magnificent views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Whenever I see that view I would love to be fit enough to attempt the climb to the top of one of the mountains but my sense of balance – if I ever had one – is nonexistent.
We continued our downhill walk holding tightly onto the rail to stop sliding into in a tangled heap at the bottom. On the way we were passed by a very sensible family – they’d hired a golf buggy! I gazed enviously at their backs as they waved and went on. Eventually we reached the bottom and continued our search for the waterfall which was pinpointed on the map.
The burbling of water guided us, the sound of falling water becoming louder as we made our way through the rocks to the waterfall and I welcomed the cool air and mist it generated. It wasn’t huge as waterfalls go but it was a lovely respite from the hot, open path we’d just navigated. A flight of wooden stairs mounted into the rock allowed a lovely view from the top of the falls, then it was time to rejoin the path and tackle the hill back to the cafe and ultimately, our car!
After a quick lunch we headed back to the beach, stopping on the way to taste and buy the premium cheeses at Maleny Cheese. My preference, the Ash Brie with its charcoal edge, was to die for but the smoked cheddar was also delicious.
Sunset at nearby Point Cartwright would’ve been great if I hadn’t stuffed around. I hadn’t anticipated not being able to find a park so by the time we arrived the sun was already disappearing over the horizon. But again, there were great views, the painted water tower looked gorgeous, and I resolved to return some day and arrive early enough to find a park.
Time to Leave
I managed to escape to the beach at sunrise once more before packing to leave. That’s the brilliant thing about the Sunshine Coast and it’s hinterland. Sunrises and sunsets, you never get two the same and if you’re at the beach you can always find something different to point your camera at, whether it’s waves, sky, reflections or fauna.
If you’re ever lucky enough to go there, please make sure you stay a few days. You won’t regret it as there are many other interesting places to visit in the area!
More Trivia: A great place to eat is Augello’s Ristorant & Pizzeria. We were made so welcome and nothing was too much trouble when we told them one of our party was celiac. I’d give it 5* for our meal, friendly staff and great atmosphere and in case you’re wondering we paid for our meal and they know nothing about my feedback!
Dream of Travel - Live the Dream 
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