Spring is well and truly here. You can see it in the colourful flowers blooming streetside, hear it in the chirp of the birds, smell it in the air and feel it as the sunshine warms your skin.
Yes, it is warming up and honestly, what better place to be than on the Sunshine Coast?
So naturally, we wanted to share some of our picks to kick -start your next few months of fitness, food and fun.
Work it out
Winter tends to be the time of the year to hibernate a little. But now the sun is out and it’s time to dust off the sneakers, break a sweat and step out for some fun in the sun.
Jump in the ocean – With the temperature rising, the ocean is calling. Hire a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard and get out for a bash in the waves. Maybe swimming is more your jam, in which case the calmer waters of Caloundra or Golden Beach are perfect. Pick up a snorkel and head to Noosa for crystal clear views under the sea. A little paddle will get the heart pumping too.
Go skating – If it is good enough for Barbie, it’s good enough for us. Channel your inner child, chuck on some skates or blades and hit one of the many coastal walkways for an incredible leg workout with a smile. Or perhaps a skateboard is more your thing? The Coast is brimming with skate parks suitable for beginners, through to the pros. You might even catch a few professionals training while you’re there. Bonus.
Pump it up – Mooloolaba has outdoor exercise equipment with a view to make you forget all about the muscle pain as you push up, chin up and jump your way to a fitter you this spring.
Take a stroll – Name a better combination than a beach, some rolling waves and a dog digging its nose into the soft white sand. Thankfully, the Coast is lined with stunning beaches that allow your furry friend to join you for a spring stroll. Certain beaches are even off-leash during set hours; just check the signs to be sure.
Eat & drink
Life is all about balance, so now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to eat!
Pack a picnic – You can’t go past a picnic by the beach, or some fish and chips, a local beer or wine as the sun sets. Throw down a rug or make use of the picnic areas, tables, and chairs at almost any beach or waterfall from Caloundra to Noosa.
Noosa Marina – Spring screams gelato and Noosa Amore Gelato serves up 24 flavours of authentic artisan Italian gelato made daily using traditional recipes and locally sourced products. Yum. While you’re at the Noosa Marina, check out the other restaurants and cafes, which all look out over the boats.
Donuts – Kenilworth Country Bakery has made a name for itself across the globe, bringing long lines of hungry patrons to the small township. Everyone wants to get their hands on the famous donuts. Now a World Heritage-listed landmark, the bakery serves up donuts in every size, and is home to the one-kilogram donut challenge. Don’t want to take a drive up to the hinterland? Don’t worry, they have a second store at The Wharf in Mooloolaba.
Shop til you drop
Bellies full, it’s time to shop. Make sure when you hit the Coast’s shopping haunts, you have room left for coffee and a small bite!
Sunshine Plaza – Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore is the region’s largest shopping destination after its expansion, which added more than 100 new stores. It also boasts some paddle boats, outdoor adventure course and a giant Time Zone to keep the kiddies entertained. It’s a good day out, if you ask us. Oh, and you know how we said coffee? Well, visit the crew at Archer outside Myer for a cup of coffee gold, served with a smile.
Kawana Shoppingworld – Another shopping precinct that has undergone a major renovation, here you can enjoy a Gold Class movie experience, shop at a variety of stores and grab a bite in the vibrant alfresco dining scene.
Markets – The Coast is known for its bustling markets. From Friday through to Sunday arvo the region comes alive with vibrant street fairs packed with yummy treats, art, homewares and more. We love Caloundra’s Sunday offering for a good morning out.
Explore
The Coast is a mecca for the outdoors.
Ready, set, race – Looking for something different to entertain the family on the weekend? Sunshine Coast Turf Club at Caloundra has regular race days, so dress up and head on out there. If you’re lucky, you might pick a winner.
Deer me – Borumba Deer Park is a family-owned and operated caravan and campground situated in the Mary Valley on Yabba Creek. It’s a great place to unplug and unwind and spend time with friends and family. Book a site or a cabin, settle in and then enjoy a dip or kayak in Yabba Creek. There are nature walks, mini-golf and a nature-inspired playground with rock climbing, bridge walks and more. Let’s not forget the main attraction, the deer!
Wildlife HQ – Wildlife HQ, located at the Big Pineapple, was designed to provide a unique experience that allows visitors to take part in wildlife conservation and positive animal welfare. And while it might appear small from the outside, this place is home to a vast range of Australian and exotic animal species. The zoo has one of Queensland’s largest collections of primates. The best part is you can get up close and personal with many of them. Top tip: feed the meerkats.
Garden gazing – It wouldn’t be spring without stopping to smell the flowers, literally. And you can smell a whole heap of them at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Trust us when we say it’s not just about the plant life here. In fact, you can explore the 7.2 hectares of gardens, as well as the farm shed, which is home to rescue guinea pigs and rabbits, plus other mini creatures. Bird World has four walk-through aviaries and is home to more than 600 native and exotic birds. A fantastic day out for the whole family.
Soak it up – Need a little you time? You can’t go past Tank Riviera in Mooloolaba. With six concept tank baths, including five hot tubs and one ambient temperature cold plunge pool, this unique social wellness experience is a day club, waterfront restaurant and bar, river cruise, bathhouse and day spa all wrapped into one. It’s a beautiful modern, Mediterranean-inspired space overlooking the Mooloolah River, designed to ease the body and mind.
So, there you have it! It’s time to get out and welcome spring to the Sunny Coast.