While the southern states shiver through the winter, the Sunshine
Coast is basking in the sun. Forget your knits and mitts, here we have
your winter break sorted.
Indulge in an aquatic menu
While the only people braving the beaches of the south during winter
are usually surfers donning thick wetsuits, the Sunshine Coast’s
coastline is frequented by swimmers year-round.
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It’s no wonder, with an average of seven hours of sunshine a day! The
Sunshine Coast has myriad beaches to choose from including many
family-friendly spots where the kids can make friends with other
sandcastle makers.
There are 17 patrolled beaches to choose from including classics such
as Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach and the coloured
sands of Rainbow Beach.
For those who want to retreat and relax, try less crowded beaches such as Ballinger, Mudjimba, Marcus and Yaroomba.
Surfers won’t be disappointed with excellent surfing beaches
including Mudjimba Beach, Bulcock Beach, Double Island Point, Little
Cove and Kawana.
And those with furry friends will find the perfect place to let them
off the leash at Moffat Beach, Coolum, Noosa Heads, Peregian Beach and
Sunshine Beach. Indeed, it’s not just about sand and surf when it comes
to splashing about.
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Take one of the many Hinterland walks to see waterfalls, such as
Booloumba Falls and Mapleton Falls; kayak down the peaceful Pumicestone
Passage; take a sunset cruise from Noosa; or go diving at the ex-HMAS
Brisbane dive site.
Swim with a giant
You’re not the only one hanging around the Sunshine Coast in the cooler months.
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With more than 22,000 whales expected to migrate north for the
winter, 2016 is shaping up to be a successful year for whale watching, a
spectacular activity at this time of year.
While whale watching is spectacular, Sunreef Mooloolaba offers
something even more special: swimming with humpbacks, Australia’s first
experience of its kind.
“Swimming with these gentle giants of the deep is an almost
indescribable privilege and something you will remember forever,” says
Sunreef Mooloolaba’s Dan Hart.
Every day is different and every encounter is unique.
Once a whale is sighted, the boat is put into neutral 100 metres away
and swimmers are allowed into the water, holding on to the floating
line attached to the boat.
Then it’s time to be patient: everything from here on in is up to the whales!
These graceful mammals are often intrigued by humans and will glide
effortlessly around the boat, but sometimes they will keep their
distance.
This is certainly a look-don’t-touch experience, but one that has also been described as life-changing.
Sunreef Mooloolaba runs these spectacular tours between July and October.
Be sure to book in advance, as there is just 20 spots per tour. sunreef.com.au
Dates for your diary
• Gympie Music Muster, 26–29 August, Gympie
If you love music, food and camping the Muster is a must, with the likes of Kasey Chambers and John Williamson performing.
• IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship 4 September, Mooloolaba
Watch athletes take on a challenging 1.9 kilometre swim, epic 90-kilometre cycle and a 21.1-kilometre run to finish.
• Caloundra Music Festival, 30 September–3 October, Caloundra
It’s all about soul at this Kings Beach festival, with a diverse line-up of entertainment for the whole family.
• Wanderlust Sunshine Coast, 13-16 October, Twin Waters
A four-day celebration of mindful living including yoga, music and art.
• Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival, 26–30 October, Noosa
Five days celebrating sports, healthy lifestyles, fitness and fun in the world’s largest triathlon.
How To Get Here
Fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland, or drive one hour north of Brisbane.
For more information go to Visit Sunshine Coast
Source: australiantraveller.com
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