Sunshine Coast Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

The 48th Sunshine Coast Winter Lawn Bowls Carnival is a series of one and two day bowling tournaments for Male, Female and Mixed Gender. Competitors need to belong to an affiliated lawn bowls association. Competitors pay an entry fee for each event entered. Play is conducted at various bowls club on the Sunshine Coast.

The carnival commences on Tuesday 6 July and Wednesday 5 July, 2010 with a two day mixed pairs. Ladies' pairs are on Friday 9 July. A two day Men's Fours on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Monday 13 July is two bowl Mixed Triples, followed on Wednesday 14 July with Mixed Fours. Qualifying play commences on Thursday 15 July for the Open Mixed Singles Match Play followed by Knockout on Thursday 15 July. The final event is the Men's Pairs on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July. Total prize money for all events is in excess of AUD23,000.00

A Heritage Christmas in Cooroy is a fantastic community event with loads of free activities making it an affordable day out for the whole family.

The festivities start with a Poet's Breakfast at Bistro Bistro from 8.00 a.m. The Lower Mill Site will be open for self guided tours and woodworking demonstrations. Heritage clothing and photographs will be on display at the Cooroy Butter Factory.

From 4.00 p.m. there will be festivities in Apex Park with free rides, face painting, food and market stalls, licensed venue, heritage displays and entertainment.

The Great Santa Race is at 4.30 p.m. involving a short dash up Maple Street by competitors wearing full Santa suits with AUD1,400 cash up for grabs! Followed by the Bendigo Bank Street Parade at 5.00 p.m. a great entertainment line-up and an awesome fireworks display.

The pinnacle event of Under 18 surfing in Australia, the Arnette Australian Junior Surf Titles, will be held at Coolum Beach from Saturday 28 November through until Saturday 5 December.

Surfers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania must qualify through their respective states to compete in the Australian Titles.

Considered the most prestigious junior competition in Queensland, a massive field representing a greater part of the Queensland coastline will enter the three-event titles across Under 18 and Under16 divisions, with contestants vying for state crowns and a spot in the Queensland team to contest the Arnette Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Queensland.

The fun and games at Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub start from 9.00 a.m. Free-to-watch events held in front of the Ettamogah Pub are the famous Dunny Races and the inaugural Aussie World Australia Day Ute Show. Plenty of other races, games and entertainment for the kids take place inside Aussie World where a pass is purchased to gain entry. Australia Day is the biggest day out on the Coast so grab your family and friends and go where the locals go - to Aussie World for a day full of family fun!

Australia's oldest golf tournament, the Australian PGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola will be staged at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from 10 - 13 December 2009. Come and join a sensational field of world class golfing talent in what is sure to be another truly memorable championship.

Australia's greatest golfers in one of Australia's greatest settings battle it out for the prestigious Kirkwood Cup over four huge days of action.

This year's event is pleased to welcome back defending champion Geoff Ogilvy along with John Daly and triple major winner Vijay Singh, with more players to be announced in coming months.

The Gatorade Triathlon Series is Queensland's most popular triathlon series – so come along to the Caloundra Triathlon this February. There will be close to 1,200 competitors ranging in age from seven to 70 who will compete in the Triathlon in a range of categories.

Enjoy the sun and beaches of Caloundra whilst watching the triathlon. You can pack a picnic and make it the perfect day out.

The Sunshine Coast Orchid Society Caloundra is hosting the next Sub-Tropical Orchid Council Queensland Triennial Orchidfest at the Lake Kawana Community Centre.

The best of the best orchids and bromeliads will be on display and vying for prize honours. Up to 18 Orchid Societies will be displaying at this show with guest speakers, orchid plants, product sales and cultural talks to add to the visitor experience. Featured are hundreds of flowering orchids and foliage plants.

As you enjoy the exhibition, speak with orchid lovers and growers and get their secrets to success. Refreshments available for purchase at the venue.

The Sunshine Coast Orchid Society Caloundra is hosting "Caloundra's Golden Orchidfest", the Sub-Tropical Orchid Council, Queensland Triennial Orchidfest, in June 2010. Approximately 20 orchid societies will be creating beautiful displays of flowering orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums and foliage. Photography, Art, Floral Art and Container Garden competitions have been organised and will complete the displays.

Gardening enthusiasts will be able to purchase a variety of plants and associated products from approximately 20 respected nurseries and vendors, and be entertained and enlightened by a creditable group of guest speakers. Refreshments will be available.

They look forward to welcoming visitors to the Sunshine Coast, which is a beautiful place to spend some time during winter.

Celebration Golf is mainly aimed at people that are interested in learning to play golf, but do not have the financial means to play it. The organisers want to spark their interest for this sport in showing them a different and interesting way of playing it. Moreover, as a non-for-profit organisation, they try to raise money for charities and therefore help people that are in need.

Easter 2010 brings the skirl of the bagpipes and the swing of the kilt to Golden Beach Caloundra, with the "Tartan Spectacular Festival" and the "Australian Champion of Champions Highland Dancing Championship of Australia," set to take place at Caloundra Sports Stadium and nearby football grounds.

"The Tartan Spectacular Festival" on Easter Saturday will be a colourful event encompassing the Australian Pipe Band Championships and a wonderful variety of Highland Dancing events. Australia's most prestigious Highland Dancing Event "Champion of Champions" will follow on Easter Sunday.

Spectators are very welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to see Champion Pipe Bands in action and over 500 dancers (age Four to 40) from all over the world competing for honours on the eight dancing boards.

Make dreams come true these school holidays at Australia Zoo, and enjoy more action and free entertainment than you can poke a stick at! Kids can get in on the fun with free face painting, and get up close and personal with the gorgeous roving wildlife!

To ensure you have all the energy you need for a massive day, book your spot at the table for Brekkie with the Characters! Meet Australia Zoo's
Conservation Crew, BW Croc, Khan the Tiger, Ploy the Elephant and Squirt the Whale! Wooo-hoo!

You can also have a go at being a keeper in Australia Zoo's fun and educational school holiday program, Zoo Keeper for a Day!
Have a ripper of a time these school holidays at Australia Zoo, where Crocs Rule!

The Dingo Creek Wine Jazz and Blues festival is set amongst the tranquil hills of the Dingo Creek Vineyard at Traveston. The event takes place on the weekend of the 17 and 18 April and is a Fundraiser for SIDS and Kids Queensland.

Free camping, covered venue and seating is provided. Toilets and showers are available on site. Great food, wine, beer and spirits is also available to purchase.

Don't miss the annual grape tread between the Sunshine Coast Mayor and the Gympie Regional Council Mayor.

Australia's top Jazz and Blues performers will be attending. John Morrison say's the festival is one of a kind "out of the box" and he would not miss it. Come along and meet and greet your favourite musician in a setting second to none.

Weekend campers are able to arrive from 12.00 noon Friday and leave Monday morning if they wish.

Mooloolaba's Etchells Australian Winter Championship is an annual event conducted off Mooloolaba consecutively since 1997. The championship attracts a highly competitive fleet. In previous years place-getters have included America's Cup sailors, Sydney to Hobart Race skippers and Olympians.

Competitors and their supporters come from around Australia, New Zealand and more recently, Japan. After 13 years, the Etchells winter event continues to provide competitors with a brilliant location for racing with one of the easily most accessible blue-water racing venues on the coast of Australia. The variety of social activities and accommodation choices, and easy access to transport options, also makes Mooloolaba a sailing venue of choice for many.

Combined with warm winter weather and a friendly environment, is it expected that Etchells Winter Championship to be able to continue to survive, and grow, as a "must attend" major sailing regatta.

Demonstrate all aspects of Steam driven transport and industry - The Valley Rattler Steam train trip departs daily for half day tours. The 1873 vertical steam engine, The Mary Anne, will be taking passengers on local trips. There will be a Gympie Gold Mine Massive 1890 Steam driven mine winding engine, steam powered generator for mine lights and steam powered air compressor for mine jackhammers. The Steam Powered winding engine was used to lower miners up to one kilometre into the mine and to haul out the gold ore.

And there will be a Woodworking Museum steam powered timber mill plus there will be working steam engines and tractors on display.

A fully restored 1930 vintage bus will transport patrons to the three events, all inclusive for all venues in the ticket price - three fabulous days of entertainment and discovery.

Harry Potter and the Obnoxious Voice is a spoof by Jeanette Jaquish. Harry is once again locked in his room where Dobby and an inebriated Winky come to him with a warning to save not his life but at least his career. At Hogwarts things are weirder than ever, Snape is furious at Ron's spilled potion, Hagrid doesn't think Harry's "hearing voices" thing is funny, Dumbledore has lost his meal ticket, Malfoy has a fancy-schmancy new "mission", time is twisting, the house elves battle Peeves and whisper about "The Master".

Harry Potter and the Obnoxious Voice is a spoof by Jeanette Jaquish. Harry is once again locked in his room where Dobby and an inebriated Winky come to him with a warning to save not his life but at least his career. At Hogwarts things are weirder than ever, Snape is furious at Ron's spilled potion, Hagrid doesn't think Harry's "hearing voices" thing is funny, Dumbledore has lost his meal ticket, Malfoy has a fancy-schmancy new "mission", time is twisting, the house elves battle Peeves and whisper about "The Master".

On Australia Day 2010, thousands of Aussies will hit the beach to flog their neighbouring States in the fifth Annual Havaianas Thong Challenge World Record attempt.

On Tuesday, 26 January 2010, bring your friends, family and your spirit of competition along to the Havaianas Thong Challenge. Be a part of a sandsational day of flip-flopping around in the water, lapping up the beautiful Australian sunshine.

As part of your registration you will receive a Giant Inflatable Havaianas Thong (valued at AUD49.95) and Havaianas will donate AUD10.00 to the local nippers.

Not only will you be part of the greatest Australia Day event, you will also be showing the rest of Australia that your State really is the best.

Heart of Gold International Film Festival is a four day gala event held in the famous gold mining city of Gympie. The Festival celebrates everything that is good about life: inspiration, fun, hope and humour.

Highlights include the Opening Night Party, Awards Night. You can attend a wide range of film sessions a day, eat delicious cafe food, enjoy a glass of wine and browse the merchandise and very special Art with Heart gallery.

Short films from around the world are entered into a popular competition of around 12 categories. Films are classified G, PG to M with the M rating on some sessions for 'mature themes'. The Festival includes feature-length films, documentaries and music videos in addition to the ever-intriguing short films which can range from 30 seconds to 30 minutes in length.

For more information and details about actual sessions and films, visit the operator's website in February!

The Holden Scramble Championship Final is the culminating event of a national tournament played across Australia and is a pinnacle event on the PGA calendar. The Championship Final consists of the top 30 teams from across Australia and New Zealand, a remarkable achievement considering more than 15,000 teams compete at local level events across the two countries and almost 800 teams played at the Regional Finals competing for a much sought after place in the Championship Final. Over 200 players, players, partners, sponsors, VIP guests enjoy four fantastic days of golfing gun and excitement in a jam packed itinerary. Come along for some great golf action!

Rally Queensland is the Australian round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, the Queensland round of the Australian Rally Championship, and a round of the Queensland Rally Championship. Crews and spectators from around Australia and Asia Pacific countries will attend and the event will be part of the "Sideways in the Sun" Festival.

The event includes a procession of rally cars, the Pedders "No Bull", top 10 Shootout at the Nambour Showgrounds, a Ceremonial Start with autograph signing, and two days of top rally action in the Imbil Forest in the Mary Valley

Visitors can watch the rally stars in action at the event Service Park and Spectator Park just a few minutes drive from Imbil. The rally will conclude with a Podium Finish adjacent to the Service Park and everyone is invited to attend.

Come and be a part of Queensland's only FIA sanctioned rally, The International Rally of Queensland.

Kings of the Coast - Caloundra Ocean Swim is the ultimate ocean swimming challenge.

The 3.8 kilometre ironman distance swim is not for the faint hearted and provides the ultimate test in a challenging part of Queensland's coastline.

With a two Person Team option, Kings of the Coast is a great end goal for every swimmer in the 2010 Queensland Ocean Swim Series and is set to become the pinnacle of ocean swimming in Queensland.

The course heads north from Kings Beach where you will battle the elements, and your competitors, around an exposed headland. Your final destination awaits you at the picturesque Moffat Beach.

This event also features a short course option which is perfect for nippers or less experienced ocean swimmers. The courses include Long Course (3.8 kilometres, open water), Short Course (500 metres, open water), and variable courses for individual and two person teams.

The Maleny SWAP Historical Motorcycle Club Queensland is a well known venue for enthusiasts to view and obtain parts for their historic motorcycle. The event attracts buyers and sellers from all over Australia and even overseas. This is a motorcycle, parts and tools only event, with bric-a-brac not allowed.

Dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. To make a booking, please contact the operator. Included in the entry fee is a free raffle ticket, the raffle will be drawn at midday Sunday.

The 2010 Maroochy Swan Holiday Prelude Lawn Bowls Carnival is a series of half day, one day and two day tournaments for affiliated bowls club members. Fifteen different events are played providing competition for male, female and mixed gender. Teams and players from New Zealand and all Australian states compete for prize money totalling over AUD21,000. Maroochy Swan Bowls Club is centrally located to the Central Business District and plentiful resort accommodation along the beautiful Maroochy River.

Approaching its 18th year, the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is an annual three day celebration of multi-sport events, hospitality, entertainment and lifestyle products, all supporting Australia’s second largest triathlon event.

The Olympic distance (1.5 kilometre swim, 40 kilometre cycle, 10 kilometre run) Mooloolaba Triathlon for individual and team competitors is the centrepiece of the three-day multisport festival that celebrates the best of the Australian summer lifestyle, at one of the world’s premier beachside resort locations.

The numerous swimming, running and cycling activities encourage local participation, providing competition options for people of all skill and ability levels. Furthermore, the festival attracts interstate competitors, bringing the nation’s best athletes together in a fun and vibrant atmosphere, to "Swim, Bike, Run and Party".

The National Touch League is the peak domestic competition for the sport of Touch Football in Australia. The annual four day competition allows between 20-25 regional & State permits from across Australia, and International teams, to compete in 13 Divisions including Opens, Mixed and Senior categories. The competition is split into a Seniors competition (over-age divisions from over 27s to over 50s) and an Opens competition (not restricted by age, other than for the under 20s divisions).

The competition is not only the pinnacle of Australian domestic competition, but is also the primary selection event for national representative teams.

Touch Football is one of Australia's most popular organised sports, with more than 275,000 participants competing in 300 affiliated competitions, spread throughout all states and territories.

Australia's finest players, referees and coaches represent their region in a range of age groups and categories over the four days at the National Youth Touch Football Championship.

Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club is proud to host the Outrigger Canoe National Marathon Titles, an annual event bringing together the best outrigger paddlers in the country. Competing for national supremacy in various six-person canoe marathon events, participants from age 10 to 70 take part in a weekend of races, seminars and social events. Visitors can watch the excitement as the races take off from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast - Mooloolaba. Come along to watch all the action from Mooloolaba's cafes, family parks and an endless stretch of white sand. Browse the paddling merchandise or grab a coffee from one of the refreshment stands and chat to some of the competitors. Let the Outrigger Canoe National Titles create a colourful backdrop to your Sunshine Coast holiday.

Ahoy there me hearties! Captain Rattlebones is calling for all his pirates to assemble for Pirates of the Valley at Old Gympie Station to board the "Blueskellies Diesel Express" for a treasure hunt through the Mary Valley.

Captain Rattlebones has stolen a map which indicates hidden treasures are there to be found. Ticket price includes a sausage sizzle and drink at the end of the treasure hunt.

The train departs Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie at 10.00a.m. and returns at 2.30p.m. Bookings are Essential.

Queensland Home Garden Expo is a three day celebration of gardening. The event attracts over 27,000 green thumbs and novice gardeners from across Queensland and interstate. Held at Nambour Showgrounds on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, it is ideally situated to showcase all the best of subtropical gardening.

An extensive Lecture and Demo Program, Landscape Feature Gardens, over 350 exhibitors including 50 nurseries and the Giant Kitchen Garden Feature are just a few of the things visitors can enjoy at the Expo.

Great food, entertainment and a range of children’s activities all combine to make Queensland Home Garden Expo a great day out.

The ever popular Romancing the Rails Valentines Train is back to journey through the moonlight and stars along the beautiful Mary Valley. Enjoy Champagne on arrival at Old Gympie Station and end with Coffee and Dessert on this romantic journey.

Arrive at the Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie at 5:30pm for a 6.00 p.m. departure. The Silver Bullet Railmotor returns at 10:30 p.m. The price is AUD60.00 per person. *Not suitable for children*

Bookings are Essential.

Sun-Dusk is a dance musical festival on the Sunshine Coast to be held at Stockland Park. The primary age group this festival will aim to attract are those aged from 18 to 28. The events main attractions will be both local, domestic and international artists. The event will look to developing the economy of the Sunshine Coast by only using local contractors to set up and organise the event while also preserving the environment by incorporating eco friendly initiatives such as recycling. The event will also give local artists the opportunity to emerge on the dance music scene.

This event is hosted by the Caloundra Lapidary Club. You will see gems, jewellery, fossils, crystals, minerals, beading, silverwork, stone and bone carving, rough and cut stones, faceting, opals, sapphires, lapidary equipment, displays and workshops all held in an air conditioned venue, There is something for all members of the family including free kids face painting, lucky brochure draws - grab yours and win.

The Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival (30th Anniversary) is a free community festival celebrating World Environment Day in the region of the Sunshine Coast; running into its 30th anniversary celebration, the Festival provides a multiplicity of environment related activities. These include short film, speakers forums, Green Biz (corporate) Expo, Low CO2 displays, Farmer's Market, Transition Town, Main stage entertainment of world music, youth and Indigenous performances, Children's area, interactive and Ecology workshops, Youth Chill out zone and much, much more!

Focussing on the United Nations gazetted designated themes of World Environment Day, the Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival aim to educate and entertain towards greater understanding, motivation and passion in making the Sunshine Coast a more sustainable region.

Come along to the Valley Rattler Santa Shuttles! Move over Rudolf... Santa's got a new sleigh. So make tracks to The Valley Rattler this Christmas and ride the Silver Bullet Railmotor to the North Pole aboard the Santa Shuttles. Enjoy a 20 minute train journey and all children have a chance to meet Santa and receive a small present.

Enter the Mullet Throwing and Prawn Eating Competitions when you attend the Tin Can Bay Seafood Festival - a full day of family entertainment, free activities, music, food, cold and hot seafood and other assorted delicious things to keep you going. Various activities and competitions are held throughout the day. Fashion Parades, belly dancing and music will keep your toes tapping while wandering along looking at the fishing information and market stalls dotted amongst the parklands.

One of the most popular attractions is the helicopter joy flights over the extensive waterways. Camel and pony rides, Laser Tag and much more for the children while the cooking demonstrations and the Beer Tent, motor bike and veteran car displays appeal to the parents.

Don't miss the boat, outboard and trailer raffle drawn at 4.30 p.m.