Sunshine Coast Queensland - Adventure Australia brought to you by tysaustralia.com

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There are four regions to the Sunshine Coast: Caloundra, Maroochy, Noosa and Cooloola. The Sunshine Coast has a population of 290,00 with an additional 50,000 visitors.

It is a part of Queensland with over 100 kilometers of fine sandy beaches bordered by blue water. Beaches vary from sheltered coves, to sandy swimming strips and water sport sections. The view is captivating and you will want to return to see more. Brochures, maps and information centers are available to help you explore the region and enjoy your perfect holiday. You and your family can relax in the convivial atmosphere. There are islands and beaches for you to visit.

It has mountain ranges and lush rainforest, covering the tranquil hinterland, Blackall Range, Glass House Mountains, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. Resort towns include Kawana, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum Beach, Maroochydore, Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Towns in the hinterland offer fresh food markets and local delicacies.

There are many interesting things to do and attractions to see. Visit restaurants and enjoy the local arts and crafts. children can be happy fishing, searching the markets, canoeing in the rivers and swimming at the beaches. Adults can enjoy rainforest walks, massages, golf, or a romantic dinner in a hideaway restaurant.

Many great places are available where one can stay, including resort hotels, motels, bed & breakfast, farmstay units, caravans, backpacker hostels, beachside units and cabins nestled in woodland. There's something for everyone. Go to sporting events, arts venues, the theater, cultural happenings, wildlife reserves, theme parks, tours. The Sunshine Coast the ideal blend of coast and country. Come and see for yourself.

At the southern end of the Sunshine Coast lies Caloundra. It is near a headland with world-class beaches. Golden Beach is sheltered, ideal for children, surfing, swimming and boating. Bulcock Beach is similar but with restaurants and boardwalks. Kings Beach is a patrolled main beach close to apartments. Shelly Beach has rough waves and is very rocky. Moffat Beach is suitable for surfing as is Dicky Beach. There is a lifesaving club at Caloundra which is very successful in annual iron-man and iron-women competitions.

Maroochydore is at the middle point of the Sunshine Coast. It seems like a seaside village while being the business center of the Sunshine Coast. Shopping centers are situated close to apartments and the airport. It is an excellent spot for fishing. Commercial fishing boats are at anchor. Boats can be chartered by visitors to enjoy the excitement of game fishing. Cruises leave regularly showing the sites to visitors. Cotton Tree is the beachfront suburb. It has holiday apartments, a caravan park and an interesting explanade. The water is calm enough for jet skiing. Cars can be rented or bus tours taken into the hinterland to experience the beautiful vews a local cuisine.

Noosa is a beautiful city close to the beach where scuba diving and other water sports can be enjoyed. It marks the northernmost point of the Sunshine Coast. The city is adjacent to a national park interland which follows the coastline. Hiking is organized by the Parks and Wildlife Department. Noosa beach is among the tenth most beautiful beaches in the world being mainained by the Queensland government. It is a resort without intrusive high rise buildings.

The main north-south road goes passed Sunshine Beach to Noosa Heads and reaches Coolum, star city of the Sunhine Coast, gateway to the world heritage listed Fraser Island. Here life is calm and relaxed with holiday accommodation, apartment style. It is a popular day trip and vacation destination. Lifesavers patrol the beach. Mount Coolum is the second largest rock in the world. Shop in the modern malls. Enjoy an evening walk along the boardwalk and esplanade.

At the Macadamia Works you can see how macadamia nuts are processed and can partake in free nut tasting. The Hardnut Cafe offers afternoon teas, lunch and coffee. Macadamia is a native Australian plant.

Kawana is near Caloundra. Its waterfront apartments make for an enjoyable lifestyle. A pleasant beach stretches from Currimundi Lake in the south to Pt Cartwright. Life savers patrol the beach in front of the surf club for safe swimming between flags. It is uncrowded, ideal for surfing, fishing or taking walks.

Mooloolabah Esplanade is situated opposite the beach and features a number of cafes and restaurants. The city has the Mooloolaba River to the south, Coral Sea - east, Alexandra Headland - north and Buderim - east. Fisherman carry on their trade there. Large vessels are piloted through Moreton Bay. Recrreational fishermen also frequent the area.

The Ettamogah Pub is the icon cartoon of Australasian Post magazine. Ken Maynard began drawing the cartoon in 1959. It stands an impressive 18 meters in height and even has a 1927 Chevy on its bright red roof. Ettamogah is Aboriginal for "place of good drink". It has been a major tourist attraction for many years. Ice cold beer can be purchased over the bar at the licenced pub. Ettamogah is the most photographed pub in the world. Enjoy Aussie cuisine at Bluey's, the bar and grill. There is seating for 60 people. Entertainment is offered every Friday at the Goose Club. If you want to enjoy some fresh air, then you can go on the many rides in the amusement park built around the pub. See the house of mirrors and drive the wonky cars. There is an old fashined carousel and ferris wheel. Ride the Mozzi Musta as it kicks and bucks. Relax in the old town hall or play a round of mini golf.

Do something different. Visit the Ginger Factory, home of the world's finest ginger. Our ginger is a superier premium Australian grown product. Get a real taste of Queensland. The Ginger Factory calendar is full of special events such as garden festivals, cooking schools and expos. Ginger blossoms into bright flowers. Kitabatake our resident Japanese chef shows how to cook with ginger. Taste ginger food at our expo. Yes you can taste, touch, smell and explore this exciting attraction. Enjoy our ginger-lime cordial refresher We also make dried fruits, marmalades, jams, toppings, sauces, beverages and confectionary. Tour the premises and purchase locally grown ginger from the shop. "Go overboard" and experience the adventures of the Gingerbread Man. Walk in the gardens and enjoy the lakeside views.

Gympie and Cooloola's railway heritage began in the 1870s. The historic Gympye railway station through which the Valley Rattler passes was built in 1913. The line itself has bridges, gradients and curves, and was constructed during the First World War. The Valley Rattler steam engine heritage tours run every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. They leave from the historic Gympie Railway station. A special Red Rocket railmotor operates every Tuesday moring. Trains pass through Gympie's southern suburbs, crosses the Mary River and continues into the scenic Mary Valley. Have a look at rural life, dairies and livestock enterprises. Stops are made at restored stations such as Dagun, Amamoor, Kandanga and Imbil. The train stops at these staions so country hospitality can be enjoyed. A railmotor makes a tour through Mary Valley to Amamoor Railway Station every Tuesday. This engine ran from Gympie to Brooloo in the 1930s and was called the "Tin Hare". Today it has been renamed the "Red Rocket". Trains are decked out in themes which are run at different times of the year. Engines used for this are the Heritage Steam Train, Silver Bullet Railmotor, Red Rocket Railmotor and the Heritage Diesel.