Maroochydore Magic
With Air New Zealand flying direct from Auckland to Maroochydore airport on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, there’s never been a better time to pack your swimmers and hit the beach…or not. While this beautiful destination may be well known for its one hundred kilometres of pristine white sand, there are plenty of other things to see and do, from climbing the second highest rock in the world and spotting whistling kites to flying on the high trapeze, catching black marlin or riding a world famous vintage roller coaster.
Aussie World adventures
Rollercoaster aficionados come from around the world to ride Aussie World’s Wild Mouse, an original wooden coaster from the 1930’s. Don’t be fooled by the lack of scary looking loop-the-loops or the cute red carriages that look more than a little like rollerskates. This type of coaster is renowned for its small cars, capable of handling hair-raising sharp curves and generating serious screams. After a clickety-clackety ride to the top of the first incline the entire ride relies on gravity, sending the cart ricocheting around a series of s-bends that are known to make macho-looking dads squeal more loudly than their kids. It’s a rollicking ride with rolling loops near the end producing negative vertical G forces making it feel like the car is about to fly off the track (everyone screams during this bit). Riders emerge from their shiny red car grinning from ear to ear, and most run back to the end of the queue to ride again. The Wild Mouse is just one of the many rides at Aussie World, a family-friendly fun park that is easy on the wallet compared to the big Gold Coast theme parks. If you’re travelling with under 15s and feel like some fun, you’ll definitely find it here.
Climb the (second) largest rock in the world
It may not be quite as big as Uluru, but at over 200m high Mt. Coolum covers an area of approximately 1km and is officially the world’s second largest rock. Climbing the isolated volcanic dome takes an hour return although rumour has it that super fit people have run up the mountain in eight minutes. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches and surrounding hinterland.
Run away and join the circus
Novotel Twin Waters Resort is the only Queensland hotel where the whole family can run away and join the circus. Instructors from the on-site Cirque Espace Circus School are on hand to provide tuition on everything from juggling and tightrope walking to the high trapeze for those who are brave enough. Even if you don’t feel like joining in, the classes are fun to watch.
Rooms at this family friendly resort are arranged around a large central lake and have balconies that are perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine. Keep an eye out for kangaroos grazing on the lawns at sunset. There’s a golf course for those who fancy a game and the on-site spa is a must do. Kids can go sailing on a catamaran, join a game of soccer, kayak around the lake or play on the resort’s water trampoline at no additional charge thanks to a team of friendly activities staff.
Exploring Underwater World
Grey nurse sharks glide silently past, huge manta rays create shadows overhead, schools of red emperor shimmer in the distance and two sawfish named Black and Decker earn gasps from the crowd. With over 50 species of fish in 2.5 million litres of water, there’s a lot to see at UnderWater World where a new ocean tunnel gives visitors a magical look at the undersea world. Adventurous visitors can even go swimming with the sharks. Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is within walking distance and located right on the beach with impressive ocean views. Ask for key card access to the ‘secret rooftop level’ that has a private six-person spa.
Get out on the water
Maroochy River is a favourite locals’ recreational area and the ideal spot to get out on the water. If you feel like relaxing, take a trip with Cruise Maroochy Eco Tours past the river’s many islands and through the rainforest where bright blue kingfishers flit through the trees and kookaburras’ laughter fills the air. Over 44 percent of Australia’s bird life can be found here, along with plenty of wallabies and kangaroos. Keep your eyes on the sky
to spot whistling kites, which have a wingspan of over one metre and a distinctive whistling call. When the weather is good the cruise stops for a guided walk along the boardwalk and the chance to explore the surrounding wetlands.
If you prefer to be captain of your own vessel, it’s hard to beat a BBQ Boat. These motorised pontoons are easy to drive and something of an institution on the Sunshine Coast. Grab some homemade burgers or fish and chips from the takeaway shop next door to Swan Boat Hire or cook your own lunch on the boat’s BBQ. There’s picnic table seating for up to 12 people, water on tap and an on-board toilet. It’s worth checking the Swan website for deals and special offers before you book. Hiring on a weekday is always cheaper and easy to do when you’re on holiday. Other hire options include snazzy little runabouts for more serious boaties and canoes, kayaks and aqua bikes for the kids. Even better, you don’t need a boat license for any of them.
Ginger factory fun
The Ginger Factory at Yandina is the world’s largest ginger factory and has been a popular stop-off for tourists for over 40 years. It’s rather quaint but that’s part of this attraction’s charm. Factory tours are a must do and the coffee and baked goodies at the laidback on-site cafe are excellent. Not surprisingly, there’s a focus on ginger-flavoured treats but the gift shop also offers honey tastings and a bee keeping show to entertain visitors plus there’s a cute little cane train that tootles around the nine-hectare property. The Ginger Factory is a particularly good option for a rainy day as most activities are undercover.
Gone fishin’
The waters around Mooloolaba are renowned for their excellent fishing and offer everything from ocean catches like black marlin to bream and flathead in the Maroochy River. Surrounding reefs have mackerel and yellowfin along with plenty of reef fish like snapper and coral trout, plus you can usually pick up small pink squid north of the Mooloolaba river entrance. Most of the best fishing spots are either in the river itself or a few kilometres out to sea. Swan Boat Hire has loads of fishing gear for rent or you can bring your own. If you’re planning on casting a line in the river, fishing kayaks offer a relaxing alternative to hiring a boat.
Sit back and relax
Accommodation is plentiful on the Sunshine Coast. Waves Maroochydore is the perfect spot to sit back and watch the world go by. Boats putter up and down the Maroochy River, pelicans come in for a landing in front of the hotel, and the distant ocean sooths the soul. Waves has a private jetty with fish cleaning facilities, but the hotel is so close to the river you could almost throw in a line from the balcony. One of the Sunshine Coast’s largest shopping centres is a short walk away and there’s also a supermarket nearby.
Maroochydore has the friendly, laid back ambience of a sleepy holiday village along with all the mod cons.
Just down the road you’ll find Mooloolaba with its thriving restaurant strip, ocean views and a dazzling array of dining options. It’s got more of a buzz than Maroochydore but can get a little busy, especially on the weekend. Novotel Twin Waters offers a fun-packed resort stay where there’s really no need to leave the hotel unless you want to get out and explore. With plenty of relaxation and excitement on offer, the Sunshine Coast offers something for everyone.