Sunshine Coast Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Alexandra Headland, known by the locals as 'Alex', is a coastal town situated on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The township has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere that complements the soothing rolling surf and inviting beaches. Alexandra Headland is also ringed by Mooloolaba, Buderim and Maroochydore with a superb coastal sweep to the north and bush foothills to the west.

Alexandra Headland's main attraction is its magnificent coastal frontage of beach, headland and parks extending for kilometres north and south. The swimming beach is patrolled by the Alexandra Headland Surf Club. On any day, visitors can enjoy watching the surfers, or better yet join them. There are many places to sign up for surf lessons and rent boards. For the skaters and bikers, there is an outdoor skate park right alongside the beach. Also provided are picnic and barbecue facilities; so why not enjoy lunch on the barbie with family and friends.

While Alexandra Headland has maintained its small town charm, it is only minutes from major Sunshine Coast shopping centres and attractions.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 98 kilometres.

At first glance, Amamoor, just a 15 minute drive outside Gympie, seems like nothing more than a tiny village that comes alive just once a year in August for the Country Music Muster.

However, locals say that there is more to Amamoor than first meets the eye. On the Mary Valley Highway, this tiny town is adjacent to Amamoor State Forest and Forest Reserve that protect precious forests that are home to more than 120 species of birds.

What's more, riverine rainforest grows along Amamoor Creek and White Cedar, Red Cedar, Hoop Pine and Bunya are in the rainforest. The forest also contains Hoop and Bunya Pine plantations. Locals say that it is possible to find Platypus in Amamoor Creek at dawn or dusk.

Alternatively, take the road to Cooke's Knob fire tower for a fabulous view over the forests and coastal plains. However, remember this is state forestry so a permit is required to drive to the tower. For campers, Cedar Grove has grassy sites on the banks of Amamoor Creek that are popular all year round. Take your own firewood or use supplied firewood sparingly. Pay your fees on-site. The campsite has cold showers, toilets, barbecues, water and a public phone.

When travelling to the Sunshine Coast, take a short detour off the Bruce Highway to Beerburrum. The township offers visitors a chance to soak up more than 80 years of local history - thanks to the town's World War I Interpretive Signage. The signage, including old photographs, recognises Beerburrum's involvement in the soldier settlement scheme for Diggers who served in World War I. Around 500 blocks of land were allocated to returned servicemen, and 437 took up the offer and laid the foundation for the early growth of the towns along the rail corridor north from Brisbane. Don't miss Anzac Avenue and the Avenue of Trees planted in 1920. Signage information is also to be found nearby at Beerburrum State School, and the old Beerburrum Hospital.

Beerburrum marks the start of the area surrounding the Glass House Mountains National Park and the many lookouts and walking trails to enjoy.

Beerwah is a thriving small country town and home to Australia Zoo. Located just an hour drive north of Brisbane and a short drive from the Sunshine Coast, Beerwah is the perfect location to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The Glass House Mountains, 16 ancient volcanic crags that emerge from the plains, are also just a few minutes away. Mt Beerwah is the name given to one of the eroded volcanic plugs. There are several walking tracks and some lookouts in the Glass House Mountains that offer breathtaking views of the region, so be sure to take some time to explore this area. Call into the new Visitor Information Centre at the town of Glass House Mountains on the Steve Irwin Way to pick up a local map and directions.

The name Bli Bli means 'many swamp oak trees'. While in Bli Bli be sure to take a cruise through the Maroochy Wet Lands Sanctuary, or walk the boardwalks through swamps and mangroves. Wheelchair access is provided via the boardwalk for part of the way.

For those wanting to add a little bit of history to their holiday, make sure to visit Sunshine Castle and its many medieval features, including drawbridge and moat, dungeon, and torture chamber. Also located at Sunshine Castle is a doll museum featuring animated dancing dolls and dolls in national costume. For the daredevils, try the cable waterski park. Here you can learn wake boarding, knee boarding, skurfing or water skiing.

For a more relaxing experience try your luck at catching a big Barramundi. Nearby Muller Park provides a leash-free area to spend the day with your pets.

Boreen Point is a relaxed village on the shores of lovely Lake Cootharaba. The largest lake of the Noosa River system, Cootharaba is the gateway to the upper Noosa River, the Noosa Everglades and the Great Sandy National Park. The village is about 20 kilometres by sealed road from Tewantin on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

A haven for sailing and boating enthusiasts, Boreen Point has holiday cottages, a general store, caravan parks and boat hire facilities. Boreen Point is the home of a sailing club, which stages major sailing and sailboarding events.

Buddina is a thriving suburb of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A notable feature of Buddina is the Kawana Shoppingworld shopping centre, which is one of the largest shopping centres on the Sunshine Coast and features over 100 stores.

The eastern half of Buddina fronts the Pacific Ocean, with a long stretch of beach that’s perfect for many activities. The Coastal Pathway runs adjacent to the beach and is great for walking, jogging and cycling. the Kawana Surf Life Savers Club patrols the beach on weekends and public holidays from the September School holidays through to the end of the Easter school holidays. The crystal clear water, fresh ocean breezes and the beautiful long stretch of golden sand make for an unforgettable experience.

Visitor accommodation can be found in Buddina, especially self-contained apartments opposite the beach and holiday houses.

Perched high on the red, fertile soil of Buderim Mountain above the Sunshine Coast, Buderim might be small, but no town or city in the state can match it for vibrant colour. The colour flows from the bougainvillea, poinciana, frangipani and hibiscus, which adorn just about every garden in town.

Although the area’s prosperity has been built on timber, sugar, citrus, coffee and bananas, the name of modern Buderim is synonymous with ginger, which is marketed directly in every conceivable form. You can taste the fruits of the good earth at the markets or many of the local culinery establishments.

The link to the timber industry is preserved in the faithfully restored cottage built from hewn cedar and beech by pioneer John Kerle Bennett in 1876. The hinterland in which Buderim is set is sprinkled with a number of parks and reserves, which give the visitor a glimpse of the original vegetation in the area. The parkland within the area includes Mooloolah River National Park, where the wallum heathland bursts into a riot of colour in spring, Buderim Forest Park, with its signature waterfalls and boardwalk, and the beautiful Foote Sanctuary.

The holiday memories of a lifetime are all within reach at Caloundra - where the Sunshine Coast begins. Experience the uncrowded beaches with views of the heritage listed Glass House Mountains, the sparkling waters of the Pumicestone Passage, and a breath-taking coastal headland with interesting coves and sandy beaches.

Caloundra takes in several beaches each with their own personality and loyal devotees. There's Golden Beach, Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Shelly Beach, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach and Currimundi.

The Caloundra Coastal Path stretches along some of the most scenic shorelines you could ever wish to see. The path is a continuous coastal link from Golden Beach in the south, around Caloundra Headland then Moffat Headland, before heading north following the long, sandy beaches of Kawana to Point Cartwright. Along the way it passes some historic sites including Military Jetty used for military operations in World War II, and the heritage listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavillion constructed in 1937. There are also magnificent views to enjoy at Moffat Beach, Kings Beach, Happy Valley and Bulcock Beach. The walk traverses some remnant coastal vegetation between Currimundi and Dicky Beach.

Kings Beach is Caloundra’s premier surfing beach and just behind the beach itself is a modern playground area, barbecue facilities and an amphitheatre for major events. A giant water fountain provides hours of entertainment while in front of the Surf Club there's a unique foreshore swimming pool.

Explore the coastline on a cycling or walking tour, on a cruise, by kayak or hop on a jet ski. If you love a round of golf then tee off at the challenging Greg Norman-designed Club Pelican. Nearby Corbould Park is one of the finest regional thoroughbred racing facilities in the country.

Major attractions in the area include Australia Zoo, Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub, Big Kart Track and the Queensland Air Museum.

It only takes one look and you’re hooked on Caloundra as the place to refresh and rejuvenate.

Conondale, like many rural towns in South East Queensland, is pretty. The town might be a great spot for a chance to catch your breath during what is a very scenic drive but there is something about Conondale that is as subtle as it is magic. When travelling from Maleny, Conondale is the first opportunity to take a close-up and easy look at the river that gives its name to the valley through which it passes - the Mary River.

Just near where the Maleny-Kenilworth Road crosses the Mary River, Fritz Park offers the chance for a picnic and time to contemplate exactly why this little village is so special.

Conondale is distinctive because of its proximity to the rugged beauty of the range to its west called the Conondale Range. Within the Range a national park called Conondale National Park is an unspoilt and undeveloped park of harsh beauty. Conondale National Park protects important remnants of grassy open Eucalypt forest, tall wet sclerophyll forest and subtropical rainforest that once covered large areas of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The park is the central undisturbed core of an extensive area of forest reserves in the Conondale Range and an important refuge for many rare and threatened animals, including the Mary River Turtle, which, until recently, had not been discovered.

It is important to remember that this park is suited to very experienced walkers only. The turn off to the national park is about 15 kilometres north of Conondale at Sunday Creek Road. The turn is marked by a pretty park called Keith and Ivy Boon Memorial Park.

Catapulted on to the elite tourism trail with the opening of the nearby golf resort, Coolum Beach has become a hideaway for the rich and famous. But a surge in high rise apartment development and resort accommodation has also broadened its appeal both as a residential address and as a Sunshine Coast holiday destination.

Coolum has a fine surf and swimming beach. The township is located halfway between Maroochydore and Noosa, while the surrounding bays and rocky outcrops are favourite fishing haunts. There are plenty of cafes and fine dining options on the main thoroughfare. And, if it's exercise you need, set aside a couple of hours for the hike to the top of Mt Coolum. Stunning views from the peak reward those who make the effort.

If those views over the ocean turn your fancy to thoughts of dangling a line, charter operators offer deep-sea fishing. Coolum Beach is located just 15 minutes south of Noosa.

About three kilometres from the Bruce Highway, Cooran is one of those country towns that offers more than you might think. Close to the Sunshine Coast towns of Pomona, Nambour, Cooroy and popular surfing beaches at Noosa, Cooran is a pretty hamlet in a lush valley. However, for those touring the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, which is less than two and a half hours drive away, there is much more to discover about Cooran than just its beauty.

Overlooking Cooran are the Cooran Tablelands and Mothar Mountain State Forest areas that have walking tracks and swimming holes. Take care, as access to these often requires a four-wheel drive. From the Cooran Tablelands Lookout, the scenic view along the Sunshine Coast is magnificent.

In addition, for lovers of the bush, the Noosa Trail Network includes trails around Cooran. For example, Trail two of The Scenic Trail is 26 kilometres one way and starts at Tablelands Road, Cooran and moves along to the Cootharaba Views Lookout. This trail takes approximately five hours to complete on horseback and two days to walk one way. There are four lookouts along the trail, providing fantastic views of the hinterland and coastal areas. Be warned, the steep hill climbs along the trail require courage and a high level of fitness. Locals say it is worth camping overnight at either Middle Lookout or Cootharaba Views Lookout and leave a car at each end of the trail.

If curiosities get the blood flowing, then look at Cooran Lagoon, not far from the train bridge on James Street. When it was full, local Aboriginals used the lagoon as a source of Water-lily bulbs and mussels for food and called it Guran. In 1870, the lagoon was also the site of the Half Way Hotel, on the original Tewantin-Gympie Coach route. Sadly, only a faded plaque marks the site now.

Cooroy is an historic country town known for its quality woodwork. This busy and creative centre has won acclaim and prizes for its streetscapes and community artwork. Settled in the late 1800s as a camp for sawmill workers, the town prospered when the railway arrived and the region's timber and dairy industries boomed.

Today Cooroy is famous for Cooroy Mountain Spring Water, which flows from Cooroy Mountain and is sold all over Australia.

Visitors to this area can also explore the Noosa Botanic Gardens to see native plants and abundant bird life. Covering 20 acres, the gardens are a popular venue for concerts, weddings and other events.

The shores of nearby Lake Macdonald also abound with tranquil spots for a picnic. Created in 1965, the lake has an average depth of six metres and is a popular spot for fishing. Note that fishing enthusiasts must have a permit and may not use a conventional fuel-driven boat on the lake.

The Cooroy Butter Factory Community Arts Centre has an exhibition space that shows work by local and interstate artists. While logging is no longer a local industry, timber is still prominent in the materials chosen by local craftspeople, who exhibit at woodwork and craft shows as well as the Contemporary Furniture Exhibition each October.

Located right next door to trendy, bustling Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, Cotton Tree is fringed by the sandy banks of the Maroochy River to the north and the white silica beaches of the blue Pacific Ocean to the west.

Surrounded by so much clean, pristine water, it’s only natural that Cotton Tree is home to an impressive range of watersport activities. Hire a boat and head to Pincushion Island at the mouth of the river. This tall sand and rock formation is famous with the locals for its fishing and confounds visitors as it appears to move position with the changing tide.

The walk from Cotton Tree to Alexandra Headland takes in glorious, sweeping ocean views and along the way you’ll find idyllic spots to picnic and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

On the weekends, Cotton Tree comes alive with Sunday markets and a thriving al fresco cafe scene. Browse through the stalls and sample some of the fresh local produce on offer. For funky fashion boutiques or stylish homewares head to trendy Duporth Avenue and shop til you drop!

Soaking up the tranquil river views over a long lazy lunch in one of the many fine riverfront restaurants completes a perfect day at beautiful Cotton Tree.

Currimundi is located on the northern boundary of the Caloundra area of the Sunshine Coast. It was named by Sir Leslie Wilson, using the local aboriginal name for the area, Garrimundi or Girrimundi, meaning 'Place of flying foxes'.

Winner of "Queensland's Cleanest Beach" award in 2004, Currimundi is certainly a gem in the crown of glorious beach areas in the Sunshine Coast region. Doubly blessed with a natural lake connected to a long and unspoilt stretch of beautiful surf beach, it is the place to relax for a few hours or stay a little longer.

Kids and adults alike love the lake's large expanse of water for swimming and frolicking on the sandy shores. The lake and beachfront have extensive parks and walkways for the public to enjoy before or after a swim in the surf or the calm waters of the lake. The lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and just paddling about. Try fishing from the shore or in a small motorised boat.

On the northern shore of Lake Currimundi is an area protected from development that showcases the natural beauty of the area. The Currimundi Lake Conservation Park is an unspoilt area of coastline and wallum heath. Check out the native wildflowers in early Spring. Enjoy picnicking, birdwatching and studying nature, taking long bushwalks and admiring the views from the lookout. People in wheelchairs can use the first 130 metres of the walking track to the lake lookout.

Nestled in the scenic Noosa Valley, Doonan is known for its charming bed-and-breakfasts, luxury villas and country retreats. These home-away-from-homes offer privacy, well-appointed rooms, rainforest settings, tennis, day spas, superb dining and a raft of activities.

Ten minutes drive north east will find you at famous Noosa, known for its beautiful beaches, award winning restaurants and the exclusive shopping precinct on Hastings Street.

On the other hand, five minutes drive west of Doonan will bring you to the picturesque country town of Eumundi.

Tee off from a green that’s one of a kind. The local golf course at Doonan is so beautiful, it’s the first course in Australia to be accepted into the ABC's Open Garden Program.

Also in the area you’ll find wineries, horse riding tours and invigorating rainforest walks.

Doonan is 90 minutes drive north of Brisbane and just 10 minutes south west of Noosa.

Every Saturday and Wednesday, come rain, hail or shine, the population of Eumundi explodes from 500 residents to several thousand as visitors flock to the markets. The Eumundi Markets were established in 1979 and are situated in the heart of this historic town. The iconic and towering heritage-listed fig trees rise above the 500 plus stall market. Everything is on offer from fresh food to clothes and lifestyle products. Score a bargain for yourself!

There is a blend of old and new within Eumundi. The streets are lined with historical buildings, modern art galleries, boutique wineries and local history museums. The town is a must-do for anyone passing through the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Flaxton is a tiny village where you will find lovely arts and crafts and excellent devonshire teas and lunches. Surrounding the many avocado orchards is a town of restaurants, guesthouses, art and craft galleries and private dwellings. It is an ideal place to picnic and enjoy life. Flaxton is sometimes considered the prettiest of the Blackall Range settlements. It offers a wide variety of beautiful mountain accommodation.

Whilst at Forest Glen be sure to take a drive through Tanawha Tourist Drive, where you will find great attractions and wonderful scenery. Meander through Buderim Forest Park with its beautiful rainforest, barbecue picnic facilities, forest boardwalk, and unique flora and fauna. Forest Glen is also home to a large conference venue. The village lies about 12 minutes' drive west of Maroochydore.

The Glass House Mountains Visitor Information Centre in Settlers Rotary Park is a delightful gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The centre is on the way into the township of Glass House Mountains and has an interpretive centre for the region providing information about the mountains and national parks. The centre provides a free booking service for accommodation, tours and activities, and also showcases local produce. Enjoy the extensive landscaping with barbecue facilities and playground.

The Glass House Mountains are found in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast. They are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes, so that the sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only hardened plugs or rock spires.

The Aboriginal dreaming story about these formations gives each of the mountains a name and character in a family, and tells a dramatic story of human relationships.

Captain James Cook gave the area its unusual English name while sailing past, on his way up Australia's east coast, in 1770. From a distance they reminded him of the glass-making furnaces of his home town in Yorkshire.

There are both sealed and unsealed roads through the Glass House Mountains National Park, with spectacular lookouts over the surrounding plains along the way. An excellent day trip could include a lunch stop at picnic grounds, bush trails and rock-climbing.

The area around the mountains produces many tropical fruits such as avocados, pineapples and papaws as well as strawberries, vegetables, nuts and tobacco.

Visitors can stay in the area at the township of Glass House Mountain, which can be reached in about 20 minutes from Caboolture or 30 minutes from Caloundra. Nearby towns are Beerwah, Beerburrum, Landsborough and Mooloolah.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 64 Kilometres.

Golden Beach, which won the Sunshine Coast Clean Beach Challenge and Do The Right Thing litter prevention awards in 2008, highlight the community’s respect for this tranquil environment. Hugging the shores of the Pumicestone Passage, Golden beach is perfect for boating, fishing and swimming in calmer waters than Caloundra’s nearby surf beaches.

A coastal path winds its way to central Caloundra, passing shady barbecue areas close to playgrounds that will keep the children occupied for hours. Boaties will find some excellent boat ramp facilities to launch their craft.

This tiny town is a country delight, with cheese speciality shops and an Emporium to tempt the visitor. Whether you fancy fine china, delicate jewellery or ornate furniture, a wide array awaits your inspection.

Whilst in town, sample both the beautiful crafts and the tasty homemade pies! Browse through the delightful Emporium, with good quality goods that cover every possible need for life in the country. Venture a little outside town to visit the historic Booubyjan Homestead and try the tasty home-grown olives and pressed oils nearby. The annual Pumpkin Festival, held in May, is popular with locals and visitors alike for it's fun family antics, including pumpkin races down the main street! Be sure to book your accommodation at the motel well in advance as this event is growing every year!

As the heritage and cultural centre of the Cooloola Region, Gympie boasts a tradition that few areas in Queensland can offer. Gympie offers the warm hospitality of a country town with all the modern conveniences.

Known as the 'Town that Saved Queensland', Gympie’s proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. At the time, Queensland was facing bankruptcy due to drought and the fall in wool prices. However, Nash made the five day journey down the Mary River from Maryborough and, after digging up 75 ounces of gold in six days, staked his claim. The Gympie Gold Rush was on, injecting the boost to the Queensland economy that enabled the colony to survive.

Gympie is 160 kilometres, or about two and a half hours' drive north of Brisbane.

In Mary Valley country behind the Sunshine Coast, Imbil is announced by hillside pineapple plantations on the 48 kilometre drive south-west from Gympie. A steep haul to the Imbil Lookout presents incomparable, near 360-degree views to Kenilworth, the mountains, and the Sunshine Coast. A 26 kilometre round-trip through forest and cultivated creek flats takes in Lake Borumba, which is perfectly tailored to swimming, boating, water-skiing and fishing. A nearby hatchery, which was opened in the early 1980s, breeds golden perch and silver perch, which are released into the local waterways as fingerlings.

Imbil is the terminus for the weekly Sunday run from Gympie by the famous Mary Valley Rattler. The beautifully restored steam locomotive No 45 and its carriages maintain the steam tradition on a railway line originally surveyed in the 1880s. On the 80 kilometre return journey, passengers are treated to some magnificent scenery as the train snakes its way through creek-networked valleys.

Arriving in Kandanga, it is easy to imagine the roar of sawmills, the rattle of cream carriers or the chug of trucks carrying pineapples to the station. However, imagination is essential, as these noises echoed through Kandanga in the 1940s and 1950s. Now this quiet township standing on placid hills in the Mary Valley is much different.

For the record, Kandanga is about a 20 minute drive from Gympie just off the Mary Valley Highway. Kandanga is one of a string of small towns or villages running through Sunshine Coast hinterland state forests south of Gympie. Although the hustle and bustle of yesteryear might be gone, the town boasts rich pastures, fertile orchids, and spectacular views of the Mary Valley. As you come into Kandanga from the south, there is a little park that offers a tease of what is to come with an old dray, a relic of its historical past, a picnic area and a great view from the park. Picnic spots, swimming holes and scenic lookouts punctuate the forest areas all along the route south from Gympie.

For something different, The Bunya Art and Bush Tucker Centre on the Kandanga-Imbil Road lets you discover something about local Aboriginal culture and food. The breathtaking 360-degree views of the Mary Valley are a pleasant bonus when visiting the centre. For wine lovers, there is a nearby vineyard.

The Kandanga Heritage Railway is a also must see. Here's a bright and colourful station with a shady green park. This colourful spot has something for bargain hunters looking for home-made jams and chutneys or local produce, with markets on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am and noon.

Kawana Waters is home to one of the region’s premier sports and entertainment precincts that includes Stockland Park and the Lake Kawana Community Centre. Both host major events year round. The man-made waterway of Lake Kawana has become popular with a number of sports including kayaking, canoeing, outrigging, dragon boat racing and motorised boats. The foreshores of the lake have walking/bicycle tracks perfect for some light exercise or to watch a regatta.

There is a marina at the northern end of Kawana on the main canal. Pick up a cruise that will weave past waterfront homes and into the Mooloolah River past the Mooloolaba Yacht Club and to the river mouth.

Kawana Shoppingworld is one of the largest shopping malls in the region. Shop in air-conditioned comfort with over 100 retailers to satisfy all of your fashion, food and services requirements.

Kawana has excellent fishing and surfing along one of the longest stretches of ocean coastline in the area. Point Cartwright marks the northern end of the beach and is part of a great walking track along the coastline. Just near Point Cartwright is LaBalsa Park, which runs along the edge of the Mooloolah River. It’s a popular place for a barbeque or picnic with plenty of room to move and spread out. Take the walk from the park to the end of the rock wall that marks the river entrance then follow the path that winds through the Point Cartwright Lighthouse Reserve.

Kenilworth is the heart of the beautiful Mary Valley, west of the Sunshine Coast, and was surveyed off Kenilworth Station in 1921. It still has an original 1920s ambience, with its tree-lined main street that accommodates the area's main businesses.

Kenilworth is a renowned 'tidy town' and located in an idyllic country setting close to spectacular national parks and state forests. It is located about 154 km north of Brisbane.

Kilkivan is the north-eastern entrance to the South Burnett and is home to a host of experiences. Tempt your tastebuds with local olives and redclaw crayfish. Tantalise your senses with the aroma and healing properties of lavender direct from the farm. Allow yourself to glimpse life as it used to be, by wandering the town's historical museum in the main street.

Queensland's first gold discovery was at Kilkivan in 1852 and subsequent findings escalated into a gold rush in 1868. Small pockets of gold are still found to this day and visitors can have a go at gold panning. Brochures describing short walks and drives to places of interest are available. Check out Mudlo Gap Conservation Park, north of Kilkivan especially if you have an interest in bird watching.

Have a cold drink at the hotel and meet some of the locals. As well as lovely accommodation, the local B&B offers sumptuous meals and the opportunity to take some of the goodies with you in a South Burnett gift hamper.

Annually, the town hosts 'The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride', an exciting event which has been known to attract over 1000 riders to its trek along parts of the Bicentennial National Trail.

Kin Kin is a quaint town located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 40 minutes' drive from Noosa Heads. It's an area well known for its art scene and great food and the drive there will give you a feel for the wonderful scenery surrounding the area. Kin Kin is an aboriginal word referring to a small black ant that was common in the area. So common they named it twice!

Kin Kin began its days as a timber town and was famous because of its much sought after cedars and eucalypts. In later years it became a perfect area for dairy farming.

Nowadays many artists reside in the area including an artist who makes all his pieces from recycled metals. Kin Kin is also an area that has become synonymous with health and wellbeing with a well known health retreat and a massage school calling the area home. Kin Kin tea (a herbal drop) is also produced in the region.

Kin Kin is also close to a series of tracks and trails called the Noosa Network Trail. Hikers, mountain bike riders and horse riders are all able to use the tracks.

Landsborough, gateway to the Blackall Range and to the Mary Valley, is one of the historic townships of the Sunshine Coast. From 1868, it grew behind the wheels of Cobb and Co. coaches as they followed the tree line blazed by Tom Petrie to Gympie gold, discovered by James Nash in 1867. The historic town bears the name of one of Australia's most successful explorers, William Landsborough. The social history of the Caloundra region can also be traced at the Landsborough Museum and businesses like the Landsborough Hotel offer an authentic slice of the town’s history.

Close to Landsborough is Ewen Maddock Dam with walking trails and picnic spots to enjoy. There is also a swimming spot for a dip in the dam. Families will especially love the award winning Pioneer Park in Landsborough built especially to cater for active kids and those with special needs.

The delightful Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny lies in picture-postcard dairy country, interspersed with rainforests. Located high in the Blackall Range, about 30 kilometres south-west of Caloundra, the area is renowned for its environment and numerous scenic spots.

All around Maleny arts and craft galleries abound. There is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants in Maple Street (main street) Maleny as well as at Cairncross Corner and along Mountain View Drive. Most eateries feature local and organic produce in a picturesque setting which is just a 90 kilometre drive north from Brisbane, but 1,000 kilometres from the cares and pressures of the big smoke.

There's a myriad of sightseeing opportunities in the area, including panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. Bushwalking and bird-spotting are popular pastimes in this area. You can also explore the walking trails through the lush rainforests of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a fulfilling eco-friendly journey into the beauty of nature. The 58 kilometre walk winds through the Blackall Range and traverses some of the most scenic areas of the hinterland including Maleny Forest Reserve, Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park. Experience a half-day stroll, a full day hike or an overnight quest. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the scenic drive to Mapleton from Maleny, taking in Montville and Flaxton, is one of the most scenic on the Sunshine Coast. Throughout this beautiful district, art and craft galleries abound, along with potteries, antique shops and museums.

Buy fresh local fruit and vegetables from the side of the road and make sure you stop to dine at one of the many interesting and unique restaurants and cafes which have opened in recent years.

Nature, however, is the star attraction in these parts, and her gift to Mapleton is a spectacular cascade tumbling off the western escarpment of the Blackall Range into the Mary Valley. The Mapleton Falls are best appreciated from the viewing platform.

The village flanks the Mapleton National Park which is renowned for its rainforest picnic glades. Mapleton also hosts the annual Yarn Festival when spinners of tall tales and true gather to celebrate the art of the Aussie bush balladeer.

Marcoola Beach is located just north of Maroochy River and boasts quiet uncrowded beaches, which are best suited for serious surfers and walkers.

Marcoola Beach is a great escape - unwind for a quiet barbecue or picnic with open grassy parkland, shady trees and children's park. Apartment style accommodation, as well as a range of hotels are available with eateries within easy driving distance. Marcoola Beach is close to the Sunshine Coast Airport, and about 10 minutes' drive south of Coolum.

Maroochydore is at the very centre of the Sunshine Coast, with Caloundra to the south and Noosa to the north. Cotton Tree, an ocean-side suburb on the Maroochy River, is a popular holiday spot, well-serviced by holiday flats and a caravan park. The rivermouth, which is a kite surfer's paradise, was once the site of a large timbermill from where the local lumber was shipped to Brisbane by paddle-steamer. There are river cruises, and great fishing opportunities in this aquatic paradise.

The Maroochy area is blessed with 25 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and inviting ocean. It embraces famous surf beaches like Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Coolum and Maroochydore. To balance the call of the sea, there is also 3722 hectare of municipal reserves and 2000 hectare of national parkland.

Maroochydore is about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane .

Minyama is a seaside suburb located at the northern end of Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Situated on the Mooloolah River, the suburb is almost entirely surrounded by water. The main thoroughfare, Nicklin Way, is the location of several large retail outlets and some tourist facilities. Minyama boasts one of the most popular marinas along the South East Queensland Coast. The Marina offers direct ocean access within minutes through the safe Mooloolah River passage.

Minyama has various accommodation options including apartments that overlook the marina, a motel and waterfront hotel with rooms. With a year-round perfect climate, and the magic of one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, Minyama is very central to everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Montville was first settled in 1887 and is today known by some as the creative heart of the Sunshine Coast. This charming village perched on the Blackall Range is home to a range of quality art galleries that exhibit, and sometimes produce, works of great interest to all art lovers. Shoppers also love the many craft shops, fashion boutiques and gift shops that exhibit a staggering range of affordable, locally made items.

Close to Montville is the Kondalilla National Park. Kondalilla is aboriginal for 'rushing waters' and is home to scenic walks and spectacular waterfalls. It is ideal for a picnic, a swim, or just to escape into the cool rainforest.

Visitors to Montville can also access the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. A 58 kilometre walk through the hinterland that is easily accessed from Montville. One of the most popular sections is the Lake Baroon - Kondalilla Falls section.

A range of accommodation options are available, from romantic cottages right in the rainforest to holiday apartments and luxurious hotels.

Blessed with a heady mix of ocean beaches, riverfront, a large variety of restaurants and great nightlife, Mooloolaba is a popular Sunshine Coast resort town. It also has an all-weather port which is not only home to a large trawling fleet, but the finishing point for blue-water sailing races from both Sydney and Auckland.

With its marinas and quality restaurants, Mooloolaba is a favourite anchorage for ocean cruisers and game fishers. Surfers can also have their moments on the Mooloolaba waves or at nearby beaches such as Alexandra Headland, Coolum and Maroochydore. Enjoy fish and chips on the beach, knowing it is fresh off the trawlers. The scenic gems of the Sunshine Coast hinterland are just a short drive inland.

Mooloolaba is about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Mooloolah is located off the Steve Irwin Way (formerly Glass House Mountains Tourist Drive) via Mooloolah Connection Road with neighbouring communities of Glenview and Palmview being located just off the M1. Mooloolah is aboriginal for 'black snake'. It is a peaceful, rural town with a variety of things to do.

You can grab a pint at the Ettamogah Pub, a restaurant and bar in an oddly proportioned architectural building, which is a popular focal point for photographs. The Pub is situated on the M1 at Palmview. Behind the Pub is a theme park based on a fairground concept called Aussie World.

Still looking for something to do, go horseback riding at the Mooloolah Valley Riding Centre, an Aussie dude ranch. The ranch also has some cute accommodation options. There are also walks and picnic spots to enjoy in the surrounds of Ewen Maddock Dam, just minutes from Mooloolah.

If a laid-back beachside holiday is your idea of heaven, then beat a path to the best kept secret on the Sunshine Coast, Mudjimba.

This secluded stretch of golden beach is surrounded on two sides by the clear, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Maroochy River and flanked by the Maroochy River Conservation Park. It’s an oasis of unspoiled natural wilderness within a short drive of Sunshine Coast hot-spots such as Coolum, Noosa and Maroochydore.

Tucked away from the main roads of the Sunshine Coast, Mudjimba is the perfect retreat for a relaxed holiday with family or friends where sun, surf and sand are the order of the day.

With its wide open beach, Mudjimba attracts serious surfers in search of the perfect swell; however the patrolled areas of the beach are also safe for the kids to practice on the boogie board.

If you like your seafood fresh, head to the northern side of Maroochy River and catch yourself a fishy feast. Indulge in a round of golf at the nearby golf course or explore the conservation park, brimming with birdlife.

Accommodation at Mudjimba includes up market apartments, holiday resorts, self-contained units and camping. Mudjimba is located 20 minutes’ drive south of Noosa.

Nambour was settled in the 1860s by miners disappointed after the poor returns from the goldfields at Gympie, just north. Today it is a thriving rural community a short distance west of the Sunshine Coast, and features many government offices and public facilities such as the Nambour Hospital. Nearby is a macadamia nut factory, a winery and many other things to see.

Nambour is about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Located at the northern end of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is renowned for its sundrenched beaches, powder white sand and a water temperature that invites year-round swimming. And when combined with stylish, low-level architecture nestled against a lush, green hinterland, Noosa is the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday experience.

The rare natural beauty of Noosa and its surrounds has been recognised by UNESCO as an official Biosphere Reserve. The listing confirms Noosa’s commitment to protecting and treasuring the area’s outstanding environmental values.

Located behind the protected shores of Laguna Bay, Hastings Street is a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. Low-rise and leafy, it is a popular place with visitors who flock to the resort accommodation, cosmopolitan cafes, designer shops and alfresco dining along the length of this wide, paved street.

Visit Noosa National Park where you are almost guaranteed to spot a koala relaxing in a gum tree. Or locate a vantage point where you may very well spot whales between July and November.

Noosa’s Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia which makes it a great spot for families and those learning to surf, as the conditions are generally calm and inviting. The pristine Noosa River extends through a series of lakes up to the Noosa Everglades and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise.

Take in the stunning views from one of Noosa’s many mountain-top lookouts or discover native fish, vegetation and bird populations on the calm waters of Noosa’s lakes, parks and gardens.

Just 10 minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Hastings Street, you’ll find yourself in tranquil, peaceful Noosa Valley. With its picture-postcard countryside and abundant wildlife, this area offers a refreshing contrast to the more developed parts of the Sunshine Coast.

The breath-taking natural beauty of the area and crisp rainforest air attracts visitors from far and wide. The towns of Yandina and Eumundi are worth visiting, especially when the famous Eumundi Markets are in full swing. Pretty Yandina has good examples of early Queensland architecture and features a number of tourist attractions and superb fine dining options.

Sprawling country retreats, wineries with rolling vineyards, spas, golf courses and bed-and-breakfasts dot the Noosa Valley landscape. There are a range of accommodation options including some luxury retreats set in immaculately landscaped gardens. Local restaurants are proud of their menus which showcase the richness and diversity of farm produce from the Noosa and Sunshine Coast hinterlands.

Horse riding tours, day trips, bush walks and river cruises are great ways to explore the Valley and the surrounding National Parks. Take a drive or hike to the top of Mount Ninderry, Dunethin Rock or Point Glorious for magnificent views of the valley and surrounds.

Noosaville is a lively centre for holiday accommodation, aquatic activities, bars and restaurants and is located around the sparkling waters of the Noosa River. A popular retreat for locals and repeat visitors, Noosaville is an ideal spot for families with safe swimming and a laid back, friendly atmosphere. It is also the entrance to the picturesque canal estate of Noosa Waters.

Sample the diverse cuisine served at cafes and eateries along the riverfront. Gympie Terrace and Thomas Street are popular eat streets, with restaurants serving up tastes from around the world as well as contemporary Australian fare. Choose from relaxed, budget eateries and award winning restaurants or enjoy a seafood platter with stunning water views.

Shopping is also well catered for in Noosaville with an excellent range of boutiques retailing everything from shoes and beachwear to surfboards and clothes for any occasion.

A large range of water craft can be hired from locations along the Noosa River. The Noosa Ferry stops at numerous places in the Noosaville area on its journey between Hastings Street and Noosa Marina.

Centrally located on the Sunshine Coast, Palmview is right on the Bruce Highway and just 10 minutes drive from the golden beaches of beautiful Mooloolaba. The breath-taking Sunshine Coast Hinterland is just 15 minutes up the road and the pristine Mooloolah National Park is right next door.

A network of rehabilitated natural waterways weave through Palmview and can be enjoyed from a number of parks and walkways.

Palmview is home to family-friendly theme parks and tourist attractions. The young and the young at heart will find it hard to resist a ride on a rollercoaster, a strap around a go kart track, a drive on the dodgems, or a turn on an old fashioned carousel or ferris wheel.

Right next door to all the thrills and spills is the Ettamogah Pub, the most photographed pub in Australia. This wonky watering hole with a Chevy on the roof is a cultural icon. Kick back and relax with a cold drink and a huge feed of good Aussie tucker.

Accommodation at Palmview is limited but many options can be found at nearby Mooloolaba on the beach. Choose from high-rise apartments, hotels, motels, backpackers, resorts, self-contained apartments, holiday rentals and cabins.

Set in the heart of an arts and craft hub which typifies Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, the small rural town of Palmwoods is at the crossroads of the region’s tourist network. Set in a mosaic of avocado, custard apples and pawpaw orchards, orange groves, and banana plantations, Palmwoods is only a few kilometres south of Nambour. It's within comfortable driving distance of Buderim and the charming Blackall Range villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton.

Complete with village green, art gallery, stained-glass studio and museum, Montville is just 10 kilometres from Palmwoods and is the south-eastern gateway to the Kondalilla National Park. The mountain park is graced with a cliff-top picnic area, swimming pool and matchless views over the Kondalilla Falls which tumble into rugged terrain dressed in ancient forests of cedar, mahogany, bunya and hoop pine. Five kilometres to the south of Palmwoods, the village of Eudlo is distinguished by a Buddhist monastic retreat.

About 13 kilometres south of Noosa Heads, Peregian Beach is one of a string of lovely beaches between Noosa and Coolum. Just over the sand hills at the southern end of the beach you’ll find Peregian Environmental Park, an area of wallum heath which bursts into a colourful profusion of wildflowers in spring. On the western side of Peregian Beach is Lake Weyba National Park, and Lake Weyba itself, which feeds into the estuary at Noosa Heads. Nearby, too, is the southern extension of the Noosa National Park with a rich mix of coastal heath and scrub and stately rainforest which provides sanctuary and support for a wealth of native flora and fauna.

In the centre of Peregian you’ll find a friendly beachside village where you can enjoy the ambience and shade of the village square and experience the diverse range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Pick up local produce and crafts at the regular Peregian community market, held on the second and fourth Sunday morning of each month. Following the markets, soak up the sounds of a Sunday outdoor Peregian Originals concert where participating musicians are required to perform their own, original material (no covers allowed).

Peregian Beach is a popular place for a relaxed holiday, with plentiful self-contained accommodation and a safe main beach that is patrolled year-round.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Cooroora, Pomona is a relaxed country town with some pleasant easy walking tracks around delightful parks. Pomona was first settled in the late 1880s and the railway that arrived in 1891 started the expansion of the agricultural industries. Originally known as Pinbarren Siding, the name was changed in 1906 to Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit and orchards. From 1909 until 1980 Pomona was the administrative centre for the former Noosa Shire Council.

Pomona is also the home of the Majestic Cinema, the oldest continuously running silent movie cinema in the world. Built as the Majestic Hall in 1921, it was originally used for social and sporting events and silent movies. 'Talkies' were introduced briefly in 1931, but the cinema reverted back to silent movies and today shows The Son of the Sheik, starring Rudolf Valentino, every Thursday, as well as a host of other events throughout the year.

Discover stories and artefacts that reveal the area’s local history at the Noosa Shire Museum. Located in the old Shire Chambers, the displays include photographs of important moments in Pomona’s history; a Post Office Exhibit, and a room dedicated to the original inhabitants of the area, the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Pomona is located about 25 minutes from Noosa, just beyond Cooroy and can be experienced as part of an beautiful drive which may include the towns of Cooran, Kin Kin and Boreen Point.

This is heavenly sub-tropical, coastal country - about 107 kilometres north of Noosa - where the fishing, boating, surfing, prawning and crabbing are all sublime. Rainbow Beach, is a major entry point to the 41,000 hectare Cooloola National Park, which offers one of the great four-wheel drive excursions in Queensland. The park itself is wild and beautiful... you can even sometimes see brumbies galloping along the vast sandy expanses of Cooloola Beach.

A short drive north from Rainbow is Inskip Point where there’s a ferry to take you and your car across to Fraser Island. Rainbow was originally recorded as Black Beach by the miners who extracted valuable mineral sands from the beach. According to the Kaby Dreaming, Yiningie, the spirit of the gods, often took the form of a rainbow. Yiningie was killed in a fight when he crashed into the cliffs and his spirit coloured the sands.

Bordered on one side by the beautiful Mooloolah River National Park, and on the other by the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast is best known for the system of picture-postcard lakes that pepper the area.

These beautiful, tranquil lakes can be enjoyed from various waterfront parks and picnic areas and can be accessed by numerous walk and bike paths.

The National Park on the eastern side of Sippy Downs preserves one of the last remnants of unspoilt coastal lowlands in southern Queensland. The park protects valuable pockets of wallum heath, open eucalypt woodlands and tea-tree swamps.

The calm, still waters of the Mooloolah River are perfect for paddling a canoe and in the spring, Mother Nature puts on a show with a spectacular wildflower display.

The Botanic Gardens on the western side of Sippy Downs features rock pool, wetlands, fern glades, sculpture gardens and a wonderful array of flora and fauna including the whipbird and fairy wren.

Just 10 minutes’ drive west of Sippy Downs is the bustling seaside hot-spot of Mooloolaba.

Sippy Downs is three minutes off the Bruce Highway. A range of accommodation options can be found at Mooloolaba including holiday resorts, self-contained units, holiday rentals, and backpacker hostels.

Just five minutes from one of the most famous streets in Australia, Noosa’s trendy Hastings Street, lies the holiday-makers haven of Sunrise Beach. Sunrise Beach is the perfect destination for a family holiday, getaway with friends or a romantic weekend.

While nearby Noosa is buzzing with trendy cafes, designer boutiques and the chit chat of cocktail bars, Sunrise Beach enjoys a calm, laid-back ambience.

The expansive stretch of golden sand at Sunrise Beach is lapped by pristine surf rolling in from the ocean. The area is almost entirely surrounded by Noosa National Park, a wild section of coastline jutting into the ocean and fringing Lake Weyba. On a walk through the park you’ll encounter pockets of rainforest, rocky shorelines, groves of piccabeen palms, wide deserted beaches and glorious coastal views. If you’re lucky you might just spy a koala or rare glossy black cockatoo.

Head west to the hinterland and you’ll discover more beautiful National Parks along with boutique wineries, country markets and the charming mountain villages of Montville and Maleny.

Accommodation at Sunrise Beach ranges from self contained units to motel-style accommodation. Sunrise Beach can be found five minutes drive south of Noosa Heads or approximately one and a half hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

Head to the style, ease and laid-back atmosphere that makes Sunshine Beach such a popular choice for visitors to Noosa. Once known as Golden Beach, Sunshine Beach is renowned for its sand, surf and the ambience of stylish boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Join the local cafe society – find a spot on a wide deck for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time in between. Call in at a bakery, deli or general store for fresh local produce or a snack.

Order a cool beer or a tall drink and settle into a comfy couch or perch on a stool at a beach bar where locals drop in on their way to the waves. Or if coffee is something you can't do without, experience a superlative espresso – the organic coffee beans are roasted on site – and spend an idle hour with a favourite magazine under a broad umbrella.

Head to the beach and pack a picnic to enjoy at the foreshore. The wide, open coastline hosts a variety of banks for an endless, uncrowded surfing session and the section in front of the Surf Club is patrolled year round.

After a cool dip in the ocean, try the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for spectacular ocean views as well as great eating and drinking at the award-winning restaurant.

Just north of Brisbane, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers a relaxed, yet sophisticated lifestyle. Encompassing the coastline from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach and the lush countryside of the hinterland, the beauty of this region will captivate you.

The beaches of the Sunshine Coast are varied with gentle waves to serious surf, while idyllic coastal towns are perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays. If you prefer a cosy holiday nestled amongst the hills and beautiful Glass House Mountains, then wander through the hinterland where you can browse among local delicacies at markets and fresh food stalls.

Be prepared to tempt your tastebuds in Noosa, untie your purse-strings at Eumundi Markets and bring out your inner child at Australia Zoo. You’ll soon realise that one visit to the Sunshine Coast is simply not enough, it is the perfect place to 'Find Your Space'.

Take a step back to yesteryear and imagine yourself in the court of King Louis the XIV with a visit to the Sunshine Coast’s very own giant living hedge maze! Located at Tanawha just 10 minutes’ drive inland from Maroochydore, this impressive outdoor maze has been painstakingly sculptured from over 1000 trees and is the only maze of its kind in Australia.

Designed as an eight-pointed star, this botanical marvel can be viewed in its entirety from a platform adjacent to the tea house.

After you’ve completed your mission, challenge yourself further with a tyre maze, rope maze, tile maze or baffle your noggin’ with a brain-teasing puzzle in the café.

The kids will adore finding the seven dwarfs in Snow White’s cottage and bird-fanciers can get to know some new feathered friends with a walk through the huge bird aviary.
Just minutes down the road are more theme park attractions the Sunshine Coast is famous for, so make a day of it and treat the whole family to some outdoor fun!

A wide range of accommodation options can be found nearby at Maroochydore including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained units, holiday rentals and backpacker hostels.

Tewantin is a small, friendly village located on the Noosa River and is the launching point for the vehicular ferry to the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and Fraser Island.

Historic Tewantin was originally a timber town and the river port for the Noosa area. In the late 1800s Tewantin was a small town prospering on the local gold, fishing and timber industries.

For some great views of the Noosa River, relax and enjoy a picnic at Memorial Park or head to Noosa Marina, a bustling complex on the river, for coffee, a drink, an alfresco lunch or evening meal, all with river views. The 40-berth marina is also home to the Noosa Marina Visitor Information Centre, specialty shops and a private gallery. Each Sunday the Noosa Marina Markets display craft and produce stalls on the boardwalk.

Discover Tewantin's history by visiting the friendly volunteers at Parkyn's Hut on Poinciana Avenue. The hut is also an accredited Visitor Information Centre.

Don’t miss the Noosa Regional Gallery, home to beautiful, locally crafted gifts available for sale, and a host of changing exhibitions from local exhibits to national and international artworks.

Fresh air, peace and tranquillity. That's what is on offer in the small hamlet of Witta. Witta, once known as Teutoburgh in the 1880s, was first settled by German immigrants. The name Teutoburgh came from a nearby German mission. Witta offers the chance to stroll the few streets that make up the little village and take in some fresh air or perhaps drop into the general store. By the way, the general store is also the only store in town. Nonetheless it is a fine place to start to explore a town that has more on offer than it might first seem.

Although the general store is a modern building, the owner, George Soady, says there was once an older store on that site. Further down the road from the store is the original Witta School. The Witta School is now a community facility with toilets, shady areas and picnic tables. Across the way from the school, the Witta Recreational Club has a children's playground and a large playing field.

But Witta's best-kept secrets are twofold. Just across the road from the store is what the locals boast is the best view of the head of the Mary Valley that gives rise to the Mary River. The second secret is historical - the old Witta Cemetery.

A walk around Witta Cemetery proffers a snapshot of the early settlers. Scattered across the cemetery are the names of the first German families who settled at Witta. Curiously, pictures or symbols accompany many of the inscriptions on the gravestones. The symbols indicate the interests of the deceased like musical notes, piano, horserider, fisherman and sailing ships. Then there are epitaphs like 'It's not the first game that counts, it's the last one.'

Woombye used to be called Cobb’s Camp due to the fact that it was a staging post for the Cobb & Co coaches. The local pub celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2000, and is certainly worth a visit.

Woombye is home to luscious sub-tropical fruits, and the popular Macadamia nut. The macadamia, of course, used to be known as the Queensland Nut - until some generous soul introduced Hawaiians to its taste and growth potential.

The township is located off the Bruce Highway, west of Maroochydore. It is also the location of the Big Pineapple - so big you can't miss it!

This is the famous 'Ginger Town' of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, which boasts some of the most beautiful country in Queensland.

Yandina lies just to the north of Nambour, the centrally-located retail and service town for the central Sunshine Coast hinterland. This area is extremely rich in natural rainforest parks and reserves. Native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and wombats, which can often be elusive in the wild, are on constant show here. Yandina is home to the Ginger Factory, where you can sample all things ginger, and taste the delights of the award-winning Spirit House restaurant.

Yandina is 107 kilometres north of Brisbane.