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Take Your Next Family Holiday In Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast Australia
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 /

With something for everyone, the Twin Waters suburb of Queensland Australia is a suburb of the Sunshine Coastal area. This region is a big tourist district and has wonderful shopping, nightlife and of course, water activities. A group of friends or family vacationers could hang about an all inclusive resort which has a bit of everything right there so that no one has to go out of the area unless they want to do a bit of sightseeing or perhaps a museum visit.

Mt Coolum Golf Club For the golfers in the group there are beautiful, scenic golf courses starting with the Mount Coolum Golf Club. This golfing range sponsors a monthly metal competition, typically held on the first Saturday of each month and there are different prizes for the winner. This championship, 18 hole, par 72 course is not for the faint of heart. There are other games of golf in and around town including the Golf Qld, Golf Australia and Sunshine Coast Golf.

If lying on the beach, soaking up the sun is more your style, then the Mooloolaba beach is the perfect choice. The white sandy beaches and lots of water sports will keep people busy all day or all week. There is snorkelling, deep sea fishing, wind surfing or boogie boarding. For those who like their water activities a little calmer, there are hundreds of chairs for lounging by the shore to soak up the sun and maybe take a dip in the surf.

Australia Zoo Also along the Mooloolaba region is the famous Australia Zoo which was home to the late Croc Hunter and now his lovely daughter, Bindi. This is a great zoo in which to spend a day with the many different animals. And spend the day one will; an individual can play, pet and feed many of the different species and breeds of wildlife.

Known for its various different shopping and restaurant experiences and Mooloolaba holiday apartments, this region is also popular for the unique and unusual architectural built structures one could admire and visit while on their trip. After that, head to the Aussie World amusement park that has over 30 games and rides to choose from to thrill and entertain you. There is also the Big Kart Track that allows its guests a place to navigate chicanes, wild bends and hairpin turns in the small highway, what an adrenalin rush.

Cotton Tree is another great place to visit while vacationing in the Waters of Twin region and it’s one of the best kept secrets. This area lies between the ocean and the opening of the river. Each Sunday morning features a market of produce, different types of wares and handicrafts. Thousands of tourists and locals flock to the market every weekend and this is a great holiday destination for hundreds of travellers.

the Big Pineapple Also a symbol of Queensland it the Big Pineapple, a major iconic symbol of the area on the Sunshine Coast and for many years, it has been amusing visitors. The plantation train will help take people around the farm to see everything they have every wanted to see about the pineapple.

A drive along the Blackall Range is where a lot of the tourists take their peaceful and relaxing drives to view and visit the Flaxton with the examples of the different early ‘Queenslanders’ with their solid timber houses and lots of character in their buildings, many with the verandas of spacious build. Viewing is never a problem here for they sit atop a ridge and the Twin Waters is not far so a quick day trip would be in order for a group of travellers or a family.

Category: Sunshine Coast  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast of Australia is a Beach Front Paradise
Thursday, September 09th, 2010 /

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is dotted with numerous small towns that swell with visitors every year. Right in the centre is Maroochydore, on the Maroochy River. Visitors to the area can plan for a busy stay or relax by the soothing waters of sea or river.

Start slow with a trip to a local Sunday Market to purchase unusual souvenirs. Spend some time on the beach catching some of that famous Australian sunshine. Choices lean towards the active visitor, but you can take a quiet break here too.

Hire a bicycle and take a professionally guided or self-guided tour of the area. Walkers rejoice: Bli Bli offers both cruises and boardwalk access to the Wet Lands Sanctuary. Spend some time observing the swamps and mangroves plus wildlife protected here, if you are quiet and patient enough to watch for signs of them in the tall reeds. The Bellingham Outdoor Maze will also keep guests on their toes as they navigate their way out. Enjoy other puzzling activities here too set up for children and adults who like a challenge.

maze

Of course, being situated by the water, you may want to get out and try playing in it. Arrange for lessons in knee boarding, tubing and more. Kite surfing is a popular pass time to witness or try but if you want to start slowly there is room for all abilities. Even kids can take a class in some kind of water sport and enjoy some thrills.

Try a four wheel drive safari for comfortable transportation. Tours will take you swimming in clear lake waters, snorkelling and more. View dolphins, tour rain forests, admire the view and meet people from across the globe.

2006 Kids are bound to love Sunshine Castle. Explore the genius of a re-created castle built to Norman-style design. Ascend to the circular look-out tower, gazing down over a moat and drawbridge to the imagined enemy below. View the throne room, courtyard and stage. Observe a fairytale diorama, Lord of the Rings display and even send kids on a treasure hunt. This spot should keep everyone busy for a full day.

Get your gifts and supplies at Sunshine Plaza, including extra clothes if you packed the wrong things for Maroochydore weather. This is a shopping mall with a difference featuring not just cinemas and shops. Relax next to a natural waterway with your shopping bags and a snack.

The Plaza food court offers up a wide variety of menu choices. Dip into Turkish food or sushi. Order a coffee or tea. Even indulge in the delights of cocoa at the Spanish chocolate bar.

You can choose to stay at a caravan park or budget friendly, cheerful motel with colour TV and private bathroom. On the other hand, expect high quality lodgings at Cotton Tree, an up market suburb or Maroochydore. Select from self-contained Maroochydore apartments and chalets or opt for resort style rooms with luxurious amenities. Retreat into the bush, rest on the river, or gaze out over gardens from a private balcony.

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Paradise In Down Under, The Gladstone Region
Tuesday, September 07th, 2010 /

Queensland is a majestic work of art coming from Nature. Its unscathed scenic beauty has earned it as the most sought tourist spots in the world. It is world-renowned inviting various walks of life to enjoy and savor the finest preserved nature. The preservation of the Great Barrier Reef proves that its settlers are serious in their goal to achieve a more harmonious and greener world. Undoubtedly it is a part of the wonders of the modern world. There are other unexplored terrains in this state one of which is the Gladstone region.

Gladstone Admittedly this harbor city is a paradise unknown to many. Located in the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, its majestic scenery is exemplified outstanding lake shores, poignant scenery and long beaches. It is also a home to a variety of national parks for those who would want to experience the great outback. The spirit of nature can greatly reflect on the breathtaking peaks of Mt. Castle tower National Park. Amazingly this ragged beauty that provides recreational escape and rejuvenating soul for both its settlers and tourists.

The Port City to the World is also the Engine Room of Industry for Queensland. It production of alumina is the largest in the world. No wonder its economy is stable despite industrial economic crisis. Queensland has maintained a stable spot in the industry of trade, investment and commerce. There are a number of good Gladstone Accommodation options available.

Historically Captain James Cook and his crew were enticed with its sub- tropical weather setting foot on this land in 1770. It is an ideal getaway towards outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, boating and surfing. These are just a few of the activities you can do year-round in this once called ghost town. Currently tourists are encouraged to join sport fishing to appreciate its marine abundance. The most sought fishes would be the red emperor fish, Spanish mackerel and coral trout. One can fish near the reef where they are mostly located. Obviously the development of this charter boats departure point has grown dynamically in a progressive town.

Lake Awoonga Most tourists could not wait to go to Lake Awoonga. This inland waterway in between Calliope and Dawes Ranges is a home to the most renowned barramundi. The large plateau also serves as a home to 300,000 fishes and 200 species of birds. There is also recreation areas where you can go for swimming and hiking. If you are lucky you might get free barbecues.

National parks have been maintained to add to its cinematic experience. The vast region is covered with evergreens and unexplored areas. Exploring it can be rejuvenate the soul and clear our minds. Its coastal topography excites nature lovers thus they often consider four-wheel drive racing in its uneven terrain.

Australians are good caretakers of our environment. Preserving marine life has been the passion of this city. Museums and sanctuaries were established throughout Queensland to preserve endangered marine species including turtles. No wonder its white shores is filled with unscathed eggs and turtle hatch-ling.

The natural beauty of Queensland amazingly has withstood the change towards modernization. Despite the existence of technology the legacy of maintaining the best of Nature has lived throughout the ancestry. It is a complete balance of nature and technology.

Category: Capricorn Coast  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
Take Your Next Family Holiday In Coolangatta on the Gold Coast
Thursday, September 02nd, 2010 /

Coolangatta Coolangatta is the southernmost town in Australia’s Gold Coast. It is situated in the state of Queensland, just over border from its New South Wales "twin town", Tweed Heads. Originally, a convict station, and named after a schooner which had sunk in the area, the town then developed as a centre for the logging of Queensland’s red cedar timber, and as a fishing port. Nowadays tourism is important to the area, but the good fishing remains, and provides fresh catches for the local speciality sea food restaurants. Coolangatta Airport, now called Gold Coast Airport, is near the town, and anyone holidaying here will be close to the many attractive localities around the Gold Coast area.

The area has some interesting historical connections. Mount Warning and Point Danger got their names from Captain James Cook, the British explorer, who sailed up the coast here in 1770. Point Danger is an excellent place for watching marine life, dolphins and occasionally humpbacked whales can be seen from here, as well as all sorts of sea birds.

After a short career as a convict station, Coolangatta became an important focus for the logging of red cedar from the area. The Tweed River developed as a port and the twin towns of Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) developed on either side of the state boundary. With the arrival of the railway the area began to see its first tourist visitors, coming from Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, and from New South Wales.

The Victorian tourists frequented the three north facing local beaches: Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay, and just after that era (in 1911) the first surfing and life saving club in Queensland was founded here. Guest houses began to be built in the beach areas.

Nowadays Gold Coast Airport is found just five minutes drive from town. The local beaches are still enjoyed by swimmers and surfers, and other visitors choose to explore the coastline on foot, or by hiring bicycles.

In the centre many interesting shops and boutiques can be found, as well as many good cafes and restaurants, and lively pubs and clubs. The local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh catches from the Pacific, and sea food restaurants are numerous. Pubs and clubs in the area often have live music and other entertainment. There are a number of Coolangatta holiday apartments and other accommodation options available

Coolangatta is a good place to see in the New Year (NB Northern hemisphere visitors should remember that this is summer time in Australia). Because New South Wales and Queensland are in different time zones you can see the New Year in twice, first in New South Wales, and then in Queensland. Even if you stay on the Queensland side of the border you can watch the Tweed Heads firework display at 11 pm Queensland time.

Other attractions of the Gold Coast are easily reached by car from the town. There are over forty golf courses in Gold Coast, some of Australia’s largest theme parks for families, and the Gold Coast hinterland is a World Heritage area, protected by several national parks.

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Burleigh Heads is a great spot for your next holiday on the Gold Coast
Saturday, June 05th, 2010 /

Burleigh Heads The suburb of Burleigh Heads is found on Australia’s popular Gold Coast in the state of Queensland. It has a population of around 8,000 residents. Perfectly positioned in the middle of 2 resort towns, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise, it provides the ideal holiday destination for those who want warmth, sea and sunshine.

The climate is ideal all year long. Temperatures during summer days average at 28 degrees (Celsius). Temperatures during winter days average at 22 degrees (Celsius). The temperature of the sea water during summer averages 22 degrees (Celsius), and during winter the average water temperature is 17 degrees (Celsius).

The area is a perfect alternative from other towns on the Gold Coast which swarm with tourists. Burleigh Heads provides a more peaceful setting. James Street is situated in the centre of the suburb and has a village-like atmosphere. Here you can find an assortment of delis, cafes, shops, pharmacies, hairdressers and restaurants. There a number a different accommodation option available. Choice from motels to luxury Burleigh Heads Apartments.

Gorgeous lines of pandanus trees and pine trees flank the main shopping center. Industry booms in the western part of Burleigh Heads with a variety of international manufacturing and exporting companies. This is where the Billabong brand has its headquarters.

The locals refer to the headland as ‘The Point’. During weekends it is a popular site for cricket matches, surfing and barbecues. Every Sunday afternoon, crowds gather to enjoy a ‘dance and jam’ session with music provided by local musicians. Burleigh Heads has a very religious community, and the main beliefs are Hare Krishna, Christianity, and Buddhism.

The local residents have a great sense of humour and are laid back, friendly and helpful. This makes visitors feel relaxed and welcome. The area is very child friendly which is the reason why so many families come to this part of the world for holidays. There are lots of fun activities for children.

The sea provides excellent surf breaks, making conditions ideal for swimming, body boarding and surfing. The beaches are bordered with pretty parklands that have barbecue and picnic sites, and showers. There are a number of first class restaurants close to the beach. Enjoy a meal and then browse through the wares at the arts and crafts markets.

During your stay, you could book an overnight tour to the waterfalls and rainforest. After enjoying a guided walk, tuck into a gastronomic picnic near the waterfall. In the evening you will be served a three-course candle-lit dinner in a garden. Overnight accommodation is provided by a guest lodge.

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Caloundra is a great beachside vacation spot to take the family
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 /

Bulcock beach This beautiful little seaside town is located on Australia’s Sunshine Coast in the state of East Queensland. The town is just an hour from the cosmopolitan city of Brisbane, and less than an hour from Brisbane Airport. There are many Caloundra accommodation  beachfront options around .

The residents were very proud and excited in 2008 when Caloundra was declared ‘Queensland’s Tidiest Town’. If you are coming to this part of the world to enjoy the sun and the sea, you will discover beaches that are irresistible. The majority of them are patrolled and safe.

Golden Beach provides ideal swimming conditions for children because it is protected by the Bribie Island. It is also a popular venue for fishing, boating, kite surfing and wind surfing. When the tide is low, you can almost walk to the island.

Bulcock Beach is also perfect for swimming with many piers and boardwalks. This beach also has protection from Bribie Island. A specially made walking path offers visitors an hour’s walk along the glorious coastline to Moffat Beach.

Moffat Beach is not a patrolled beach but there’s nothing to stop you enjoying a quick dip. This venue is a surfing paradise with its huge, rolling breakers. Residential homes, parks and apartments surround the beach. After you have spent some time here, you can continue your stroll to Dicky Beach.

Kings Beach is considered to be the main beach in Caloundra. Patrolled 365 days a year, it has lovely picnic areas and designated children’s playgrounds. There are no less than 4,000 holiday apartments available for rental at Kings Beach. There is a large swimming pool near the ocean which is fed by sea water. This is very popular with visitors of all ages.

Unless you are a competent swimmer, you should not swim unsupervised at Shelly Beach. However, it is most definitely worthy of a visit. The sights and sounds of giant wild waves pounding onto the huge rocks are quite dramatic. During low tide you will find a host of fascinating rock pools. Dogs are permitted to run freely on this beach.

Ettamogah Pub Ettamogah Pub is a great tourist attraction. This quirky shaped and amusing decorated building looks like it has jumped out a comic book. It was established in honor of Ken Maynard who was the cartoonist for the bygone Australian Post Magazine. The pub in Caloundra was such a hit that a chain of them have been established at many places in Australia.

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The Sunshine Coast in Queensland has some great holiday locations
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 /

Mooloolaba Beach The Sunshine Coast is situated an hour north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. The spot is blessed with year round sunshine and has a warm climate that allows for outdoors activities and swimming throughout the year. There is a great range of Sunshine Coast accommodation available to meet all budgets and preferences.

Both the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the south of Brisbane are two of the top vacation spots in Australia, but their vibe is totally different. The Gold Coast has a lot of razzle dazzle with casinos and clubs and the Sunshine Coast’s forte is the stunning natural beauty and a more relaxed and family centered feel.

There is a lot to do on the Sunshine Coast, and a lot of it revolves around the incredible natural beauty of the coast and hinterland. You can enjoy a lot of water sports and opportunities to discover stunning coastal rainforests. When your vacation on the coast finishes you will be relaxed and ready to take on the challenges of everyday life once again.

One of the most popular attractions on the coast is Australia Zoo. This is the crocodile hunter Steve Irwin’s zoo and it is now run by his widow Terri and his children Bindi and Bob. There is much to see at the zoo and you can easily pass the whole day feeding the kangaroos, tickling the koalas, seeing the crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and other native animals at the zoo as well as international residents like the Asian elephants. Located at Beerwah, the iconic Glasshouse Mountains are right nearby where you can undertake a number of nature walks.

Further north of the zoo is Noosa, which is also well known internationally for its exceptionally beautiful beaches, river and rainforest. Noosa Main Beach is very protected and safe place for people of any age to go swimming. Right nearby is Noosa National Park, where you can often see wild koalas in the gum trees and enjoy a relaxing bush walk through coastal rainforest and past little beaches that have very few people on them.

Mooloolaba is another very popular beach on the coast, where there are wonderful swimming spots, barbecues and parks, cafes, restaurants and shopping. This is also one of the centers of nightlife on the Sunshine Coast and you will find a number of night clubs along The Esplanade. For something a little quieter, Cotton Tree is a great place to stay being nestled between Maroochydore beach and the Maroochy River.

Close to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba is a small mountain called Buderim and there you will find a lovely waterfall park. You can stroll through lush, dense jungle to a small waterfall where you can swim and then bathe in the creek. The walk is easy and can be done by anyone, even small children.

While staying at Sunshine Coast accommodation you should also visit the hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. There are plenty of quaint shops in Montville and the area is also famous for its produce particularly cheese. The hinterland also has several waterfalls such as Gardener’s Falls, which are great for swimming in.

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Mooloolaba has great beaches and exciting nightlife
Friday, January 08th, 2010 /

Mooloolaba has all of the components of a great resort town: great beaches, exciting nightlife and wonderful restaurants. All of this is set in a locale that’s still home to hundreds of trawlers that provide unbelievably fresh catches each day. The port they embark from is also the finishing point for the races that depart from both Sydney and Auckland, making for some exciting sailing! Surfers will also enjoy the challenging waves of Mooloolaba and beaches close by, including Alexandra Headland, Coolum, and Marrochydore. There are also great opportunities just a bit inland, with the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland mere kilometers away from the town centre.

Mooloolaba - flickr.com

Mooloolaba: Degilbo-flickr.com

Most activity in Mooloolaba centers on the Esplanade, right across from the beach. This is where people come to see and be seen, with restaurants and great nightclubs dotting the strip. For shopping, the Sunshine Plaza just north of town offers great diversity, with low-range shops sprinkled amongst the usual designer names.

For some of the best photos of town, check out the infamous “Loo with a View”. These restrooms have become a particularly interesting part of the Mooloolaba’s folklore in the past few years.

When it comes time to lay your head down for the night, you won’t have any trouble finding a place. There’s a wide range of Mooloolaba accommodation, from hotels and resorts to budget hostels which can be found on our accommodation website.

Category: Sunshine Coast  Tags: , ,  One Comment