If you needed any more convincing that the Sunshine Coast will be a happening place this summer, here it is.
The region has put on a fresh new face to match the brighter outlook, welcoming events, restaurants, distilleries and accommodation to our tourism and hospitality family.
So whether you’re planning a much-needed local staycation, or playing tour guide for relatives and friends enjoying a holiday in our amazing part of the world, the summer lovin’ is about to begin.
For inspiration or to start planning your ultimate Sunshine Coast escape keep reading and for further information, go to visitsunshinecoast.com.
FOOD
Weekend Fire Pit at Kenilworth Homestead
A new weekly event is inviting food lovers to the Sunshine Coast hinterland for a feast of local produce slow-cooked over the open flame. Terra Firma Dining has launched the Weekend Fire Pit at Kenilworth Homestead, an event that draws inspiration from the traditional Argentinian Asado barbecue. Bring your own picnic blanket and tuck into a selection of three meats and seasonal produce.
Tony Kelly opens latest foodie venture
The driving force behind some of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular restaurants has launched the latest foodie venture.
Tony Kelly, who owns local institutions Rice Boi, Spero, Giddy Geisha and Market Bistro, has expanded with a new restaurant in Palmwoods called Piggyback.
In a beautiful former wedding venue surrounded by lush gardens, you’ll find delicious Asian street food and a creative cocktail menu.
Head chef cooking up a storm
The Tamarind Cooking School at Spicers Tamarind Retreat Maleny has welcomed a new head chef: Terrence Alexander.
Terrence is taking over cooking-school duties from local favourite Dan Jarrett, who remains head chef of The Tamarind Restaurant.
Terrance’s culinary career saw him work on the P&O Britannia where he was culinary lecturer for the Cookery Club: Marco Pierre White’s single culinary school at sea.
Mooloolaba Pavilion opens doors
The Mooloolaba Pavilion has opened its doors on The Esplanade offering spectacular views, delicious food and an enviable drinks menu. From brunch and coffee to sunset drinks, share plates and pizzas, the Mooloolaba Pavilion’s hotly anticipated opening includes a luxury fit-out with an arched entrance, bespoke bar and soft colour palette.
Luxury picnics in Mooloolaba
Tasty Tours has partnered with CAVU Distilling to deliver a luxury picnic experiences.
Picnics can be staged on Saturdays and Sundays at CAVU in Woombye overlooking the adjacent pocket of sub-tropical rainforest with brunch and sunset picnic options available.
The package includes a door-to-door return transfer service, personal waitstaff, grazing boards, a three-hour drinks package and marquee for up to 11 guests.
Rick’s Garage expands with sweet new venture
Iconic Palmwoods eatery – Rick’s Garage – has a sweet new venture, opening a bakery aptly named Rick’s Bakehouse next door. The Bakehouse is home to a dedicated team of pastry chefs who create fresh sourdough loaves daily, pies, sandwiches and an eye-popping selection of sweet treats, while also supplying thousands of buns to the kitchen for the famous Rick’s Garage burger menu.
New distillery on the block
A new distillery has opened its doors, bringing a taste of the bush to Caloundra. BeachTree Distilling Co infuses Australian native botanicals with organic and traditional ingredients to create unique gins and vodka.
ACCOMMODATION
New five-night Hinterland Great Walk package
Narrows Escapes Rainforest Retreat has launched a five-night package that combines luxury accommodation with the Hinterland Great Walk. The package includes five nights at Narrows Escape in a rainforest cottage, four days of guided trekking with a knowledgeable and experienced guide and all meals and beverages, including a fine-dining degustation and gourmet hampers. Each day is a journey of discovery through various parts of the Hinterland Great Walk, which in its entirety spans 58.8km.
Bounce Noosa ‘oozes beach club vibes’
Noosa’s newest boutique accommodation is giving a whole new meaning to the term “flashpackers”.
Bounce Noosa is all about crisp coastal styling – think rattan furniture, brushed gold fixtures and pops of pastel colour.
Combine that with a pool that oozes beach club vibes and you’re in for a memorable stay.
Bounce Noosa offers everything from Deluxe Queen rooms to eight-bed dorms, without skimping on the luxury inclusions of a resort.
Rangeview Cottage is all charm
A beautifully restored 1910 cottage has opened its doors in Eumundi, with antiques, vintage finds and designer soft furnishings transforming this Queenslander into a cosy escape. Eumundi Rangeview Cottage, located five minutes north of Eumundi township on an old dairy farm, is bursting with character. The property was opened in March, and was relocated to Eumundi from Esk before being fully renovated. Features include two bedrooms with king-size beds, two bathrooms, organic local skincare products and a wood-burning fire.
Scandi at Maleny
A new luxury cabin, Scandi at Maleny, is the hinterland’s latest luxury boutique accommodation, with the two-bedroom, two-bathroom modular cabin offering dramatic views across the volcanic landscape and valleys. Owners Pete Coorey and Dee Montalva said from the outset a huge focus for Scandi at Maleny was sustainability, and they have taken great care to minimise their environmental footprint. Prices for Scandi at Maleny start from $500 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.
Sunshine Coast holiday home named Australia’s best
A reimagined 1970s beach shack in Point Arkwright has been named Australia’s best holiday home by Stayz. Barra Luxe Beach House, an immaculately styled five-bedroom, four-bathroom holiday home, took out first place in Stayz 2021 Holiday Home of the Year Awards. Located a short walk away from the picturesque Yaroomba Beach, Barra Luxe merges retro beach shack nostalgia with modern luxury.
ATTRACTIONS
Moonlight Foodie Markets at Eumundi
Held on the third Friday of each month, The Eumundi Markets are opening after hours for a night of delicious food and live entertainment! The Moonlight Foodie Markets bring together some of the region’s best food stalls with live music, with the next event to be held on Friday, November 26, from 5-8.30pm with entertainment by local musician Dean Gray.
Sip ‘n’ paint opens in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba’s first high-end sip ‘n’ paint studio, Frida’s, has now opened its doors. The luxe blacked-out studio is adorned with chandeliers, glassware and lavish timber benches complete with locally sourced grazing boards and BYO beverages. Sessions are available on Thursday through to Sunday and include trend-hitting masterpieces and coastal designs.
TreeTop Challenge launches new junior ropes course
Australia’s largest zipline and high-ropes course built specifically for junior adventurers has opened at the TreeTop Challenge. The new junior course is spread over 1.2ha of rainforest at The Big Pineapple, Woombye, and includes five courses featuring rope bridges, flying foxes, swings and jumps. The junior course is for kids aged three to nine.
To learn more or start booking your ultimate Sunshine Coast adventure, head to visitsunshinecoast.com.
