Vacation - Sunshine Coast Qld.

The Sunshine Coast an area of Queensland about 60 miles (100 km) north of Brisbane takes in districts such as Budrim ,Glass House, Kawana . On the coast you have beautiful towns such as Maroochydore and Noosa.

The population of the Sunshine coast is just over 300,000 permanent residents but during the seasonal summer times the population swells to an estimated 400,000.
The Sunshine Coast runs along the Pacific Ocean and stretches from near Gympie in the North to Caboolture in the South.

There are many attractions for the visitor to the Sunshine Coast:

The late conservationist and crocodile hunter Steve Irwin's "Australia Zoo" is a major attraction.

Located at Beewah on the south side of the Sunshine Coast and near the Glasshouse Mountains the "Zoo" is currently run by Steve's wife Terri.

Steve's father Bob originally started the zoo but passed it on the Steve some time before his death. I believe that Bob does not have anything further to do with the Zoo's administration.

The Zoo has over 2000 animals with 600 staff to keep it running. It is well worth putting on your places to visit list. It is expensive compared to most Zoos, but most Zoos do not have the facilities this zoo has!

Other places to visit are "Under Water World marine Park" located in the coastal town of Mooloolabah

There are various sections in the Park one which includes a walkway through a glass tunnel with the fish swimming beside you and directly above your head.

Mooloolabah is a very pretty coastal resort built right on the coast.

Another great place to see is at the Aussie World, with the unique "Ettamogah Pub"

The original Ettamogah Pub started out as a cartoon pub in a magazine called "the Australasian Post" or just the "Post" as I used to call it as a kid.

It is a unique experience to have a beer in this pub because nothing appears to be built straight or level.

The Buderim Ginger Factory , located at Yandina on the Bruce Highway it is a favorite stopping spot for a tour of the factory and pick up a supply of Ginger products.

The Big Pineapple. Located at Woombye near Nambour , as well as being a tourist attraction the plantation is also a working Pineapple plantation and farm.

Provided for visitors are rides , restaurants and places to purchase produce grown and processed on the farm.

The produce here is first class and you must try the macadamia nuts! Fresh fully sun ripened Queensland pineapples have to be tasted to be believed. These babies are so sweet you will not find this taste in gas ripened pineapples.

The "Big P" is 16 metres high. and is a local landmark.
As well as Pineapples the farm produces Macadamia Nuts and visitors are offered free samples to taste.

The Majestic Theatre is located at Pomona at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast

The theatre was built in 1921. In the early days the traveling picture show man put on his 'silent movies'. and even today you can visit this classified Theatre and enjoy the good old days of the pipe organ music.

There are many surf beaches along the coast line offering swimming . fishing and boating of any description.

Noosa at the northern end of the Sunshine coast is a vacationers mecca. Something for everyone.

Noosa has a little something for everyone. Join a tour, try a Noosa adventure sport, or sample the best of local food and wine at farm gates, cellar doors, and eateries along the Noosa Food Trail.

Spend the day at one of the many attractions close to Noosa, including wildlife or theme parks, factories specializing in the production of sweet treats and sports centres.

Stylish boutiques, along local strips or convenient all-in-one centres are available for the shoppers.

Try the local markets where shoppers can meet the producer, stock up on fresh food or buy handmade creations from the local artists.

If you like the outdoors head into the beauty of the Noosa region. Discover reefs and beaches, islands, lakes and rivers, and the mountains of the hinterland.

Enjoy the odd game of golf try out the manicured beauty of a Noosa golf course.

The Noosa region has one of the best coastal areas for surfing , swimming and fishing in Australia.