Chasing the Sun North

On arrival at Brisbane Airport we collect our hire car. The Queensland air is warm and light with a wonderful holiday feel. Our destination is the Sunshine Coast, so we head north along the Bruce Highway.

Caloundra is about an hour's drive from Brisbane. Beautiful beaches with less hustle and a friendly country feel, but we are headed for the northern limits of the Sunshine Coast. En route Maloolabah is a must see. Twenty-five years have passed since we last holidayed there, when the children were little. The beach is still as spectacular, but the esplanade, which was once a single storey row of shops is now magnificent high rise apartments and hotels with side walk cafes and shops overlooking the water. The change is dramatic but it is still a special holiday destination.

The road north took us through Maroochydore, Coolum and on to our holiday destination, Noosa. We wind down Noosa Drive to Hastings Street and the beach front. This is the holiday hub of Noosa. Beautiful shops and cafes line this street. The road at one leads to the National Park with picnic areas, coastal walks and bush tracks with wonderful views. At the other end the river mouth is and a great spot to watch the sunset. Late afternoon finds many gathering at the Surf Club. A drink on the balcony overlooking the beach is a pleasant way to relax and end the day.

Filling in time here is not difficult swimming, surfing, eating, enjoying a coffee, bush and beach walks. Cruises on the river are a pleasant day or half day trip. Trips to the hinterland also provide some surprises. The Eumundi Market is a must. Eumumdi is a quaint town about half an hour drive inland. The market is held twice a week and is huge, with a fascinating collection of hand made goods. There a many little eateries in the main street to rest and replenish.

Further afield we discovered a great day trip into the hills. We took the road to Nambour, then headed west through Mapleton, Flaxton and Montville, country towns with an abundance of arts and craft galleries and numerous cafes. The ridge road took us on to Maleny where we viewed the glasshouse mountains, a most spectacular sight. The Mary Cairncross Park has a wonderful view of the mountains. Here also you can have a picnic and stretch your legs and enjoy a rainforest walk. The award winning restaurant. The Terrace Seafood Restaurant is a special treat if you decide to stay a night of two, sumptuous food with a view to the coast.

Fraser Island is another fabulous day trip not to be missed, with a guided tour group. It is a memorable day traveling along the beaches, past the coloured sand cliffs and rusty shipwrecks. Lunch is provided beside an inland lake. Here you can take a dip and relax in the warm waters.

There are many more amazing attractions we will have to leave until next time.the big pineapple, the big shell, the ginger factory are just a few. We will be back soon!

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