Kite surfing has become very popular particularly along the Sunshine Coast where a range of Kite surfing Schools have sprung up offering lessons on this adrenaline pumping sport. It helps to have some surfing experience as balancing on the board along with controlling the kite are the two main skills to develop. It can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, although it can also be extremely exciting and give you a great rush. There are precautions you need to take, including not surfing on crowded beaches and making sure that the wind is not too fast and that your safety gear is working properly so you can unhook yourself if you start to get carried away by your kite.

Kite Surfing equipment can be pretty expensive ($2500-$4000 is average), so lessons are a good way to test out whether or not it is the right sport for you, as well as try out a few different brands or types of equipment so that you purchase the type you like the best. Not only is trying this sport without taking at least three or four lessons dangerous, you are also likely to mess up your expensive equipment if you don’t know what you are doing.

There are a number of beaches that are well suited for kite surfing on the Sunshine Coast, including Kawana Beach, Cotton Tree, Double Island Point, Caloundra Passage, and Noose River Mouth. Before you go out you will need to research the wind conditions and make sure that they are favorable. Obviously you need at least some wind to get the kite off the water, but too much wind and you will get lifted up by the kite and be in danger of being carried away. The water conditions are also important. You will have the most fun if there is a mix of waves and calm water since this will allow you to do different types of tricks and keep things interesting.

If you are staying in Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree,Buddina and Kawana will be your best options.Cotton Tree beach has a great stretch of water to launch into, the Maroochy river end offering calmer waters and the open seas offering a livelier surf. It tends to suit easterly wind conditions though north easterlies and south easterlies also work well. Kawana beach also offers good variation and again suits easterlies, at it’s liveliest though this could be considered dangerous so beginners and even intermediates beware. Buddina beach which is just the other side of Point cartwright at the end of Mooloolaba main beach is also a great place to launch and kite surf, it tends to be less busy with sunbathers and swimmers hence more room to play. If you don’t mind a drive further down the coast the Caloundra Passage offers great clam water kite surfing again especially with easterlies, if you head past the sand bar at the end of Bulcock beach you will generally find plenty of kite surfers out.

A Day Out on Whale One

Even as technology blossoms into high definition, nothing beats a first-hand experience. You can watch a whale on your state-of-the-art television and be mesmerized; or, you can actually see the enormity of the creature in person. A whale watching tour on Steve Irwin’s Whale One will bring you right up to the majestic beast. Lunch and the memories of a lifetime are provided.

After purchasing tickets(Current prices are Adult: $135,Child $85, Under3 ‘s Free, Family of 4 $360, family of 5 $402.50), you will report to the dock before 10:00 a.m. The vessel departs from Mooloolaba at 10:00 a.m(always check with them to confirm as times change). The next four and a half hours will be filled with close encounters with whales.

One of the great things about purchasing tickets for Steve’s Whale One is that all of the proceeds go into animal conservation. So, you get to have an incredible experience, and help an extremely philanthropic cause.
Once you’re on the boat, you will be able to enjoy the features that the ship has. There are upper and lower decks, so you can view from whichever height you prefer. You can also enjoy a complete view of your surroundings with the 360 degree observation deck.
Lunch will be served as Whale One cruises through the ocean, in fact, your comfort is looked after throughout the entire experience.

Whales have the strongest muscle of any animal in the world. It’s called the peduncle. Maybe the peduncle is the reason why they can move so well. The humpback whale, which is the whale you will be seeing on the tour, is the most acrobatic out of all whales species.
You might see them breach, which is when they jump out of the water and then slam back down on top of it or maybe you’ll see them spy-hop, which is when they just peak out of the water a little. These magnificent mammals also do something called the peduncle throw. This is when they speed up and then quickly turn in a different direction. Whales are famous for their tail-slaps and if you are on receiving end of one you may get a little damp! They will lift their tail out of the water, and slap it back down.

Throughout the tour the Mooloolaba and Glasshouse Mountains will stun you with their beauty as the backdrop to your Whale viewing pleasure. You will also pass by some multi-million dollar mansions and you won’t need to wonder why they decided to build their homes here.
Years ago, marine biologists wondered if humpback whales would survive. They had been hunted down to near extinction. Thanks to conservation pioneers like the Irwin family, the humpback was able to survive. They have now flourished back into a high population. Thanks to Steve’s Whale One, you can see how far they’ve come. There are a lot of things worth seeing in this world; still, few will leave as lasting of an impression as seeing humpback whales at close quarters.

Sunshine Coast Mountain Hikes: From the Easy to the Insane

Anyone who has ever made it to the summit of a mountain knows that the view from the top, is incomparable. Luckily, when looking for things to do on the Sunshine Coast, you will find that there are no shortage of mountains, and plenty of hikes to take to enjoy the natural beauty of Australia’s east coast. One of the nice things about taking a mountain hike on the Sunshine Coast, is the number of options you have. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy a hike, but there are options if you are extremely fit, and are seeking a challenge. The following hiking destinations, are listed by level of difficulty, from an easy walk to a steep climb.

The Glasshouse Mountains, particularly Mt. Ngungun, and Mt. Tinbeerwah, both offer an easy walk to the summit for breathtaking views of the countryside. The Glasshouse Mountains are located 20 kilometers North of Caboolture. They have many trails to offer from the easy to the advanced. The Australian Explorer recommends stopping by any of the four national parks located in the area or visiting the Glasshouse Mountains townships. Be sure to take your camera, the pictures will be amazing. Mt. Tinbeerwah is located west of Noosa in the Tewantin State Forest. It is an easy 30 minute walk to the summit. When you reach the top, you will get a 360-degree view of Noosa, its river system, the coast, the string of lakes, and the hinterland forest.

Cooroy Mountain and Mt Coolum, are both mountains recommended for the hiker with a moderate fitness level. Both hikes do have rocky areas to traverse, so be sure you are wearing a good pair of shoes when you go, and keep your eyes peeled for the trail. Cooroy Mountain is located in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland and is protected under the Department of Environment and Heritage’s National Reserve Program. Cooroy Mountain takes the average hiker about two hours to reach the top. Reaching the top of Mt Coolum, takes the average hiker about an hour. Once at the top, however, the views are magnificent. You will have a view that goes from the Noosa National Forest, to the sky scrapers of Caloundra, to the cane fields, to the Maroochy River. I hope you have a camera with a panoramic view!

Mount Cooroora, is located in the township of Pomona. This climb is for the advanced hiker because it is very steep, and has many loose stones. It takes the average hiker about two hours to reach the top of the mountain. Mt Cooroora is famous for its King of the Mountain Challenge that takes place every July. This challenge involves running to the top of the mountain and back. The record is twenty minutes, in case you were interested in trying to break it!

There is no shortage of things to do on the Sunshine Coast, and with so many scenic hikes to take you could keep yourself busy and get in really fantastic shape in a matter of weeks! Do forget to take plenty of water on your adventures, and to wear durable shoes for those trails with rough terrain. Most importantly, take your camera! You will not want to walk down these mountains without having recorded the views from the top. The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful area full of national parks and natural wonders, so go see it for yourself!

If you are in the Noosa area over the next couple of weeks you must check out the Noosa Jazz Festival. There will be over 150 different Jazz musicians including the Riverside Jazz, as well as the Lauren Lucille Duo, and not to mention the Sweet Low Downs, and let’s not forget the East Coast Frisco Band. That is all in the first night! There are many Things to do in Noosa, for one thing, you can count on enjoying the company of over 20,000 jazz music lovers.

You will either be able to buy your ticket one day at a time, or you can buy them in a package deal. The average concert ticket is about $80 per person per day. When it comes to Things to do in Noosa, well, listening to great jazz music as well as enjoying the ambience and good food are all at the top of the list. All 3 days will include Youth Jazz singers and well as established stars in the world of jazz. If you plan to be an early bird and come early Friday afternoon, you will be able to attend the Tastings on Hastings, which will be a street parade where lunch will be served as well as all of the entertainment you can handle.

If you’re looking for things to do in Noosa, and you’re going to be near Noosa Beach on Sunday, September 26, 2010, you owe it to yourself to check out the Surf City Garage Noosa Classic Car Show.

Sponsored by Surf City Garage, the Noosa Classic Car Show is the premier car show on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, and there’s good reason for that. You’ll see more cars worth seeing here than you will anywhere else. The show has had 23 years to get this right, since 1988 to be exact, and we think you’ll agree that they have done just that. Take a look at some of the things you’ll see at this year’s show.

Alfa Romeo will be represented in force this year as the show’s Marques of the Year; Alfa Romeo Brisbane is bringing along not only the new sports models, but is also going to be showing a fantastic collection of classic Alfas, courtesy of the Alfa Romeo Car Club. As a matter of fact, one of the oldest Alfas in the world – a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS – will be on display.

As if that weren’t enough to get you down to Noosa Beach for the show, there will be displays of other British and European classic cars, some American muscle cars and some Asian sports cars. You’ll also see Australian muscle cars and some classic competition cars. If you’re looking to exhibit a car, you need to be aware that spaces fill up quickly, so the earlier you register, the more likely you are to actually get your car in the show.

The show is open from 9 am to 3 pm on September 26th, and is again being held at Noosa Lions Park. Spectators can expect to pay $5 to get in – children under 14 are free. If you’re interested in exhibiting a classic car, that will cost you $25 for each car, and that includes two adult admissions; judging starts at 10 am.

In a gesture that demonstrates all that’s best about motoring clubs, all profits from the day will be donated to various local charities. The Noosa Beach Classic Car Club has donated over $130,000 to various charities to date; that’s something to feel very good about.

There are a lot of activities to choose from when looking at things to do in Noosa; you won’t be disappointed if you choose this one.

Where to Surf on the Sunshine Coast
If you’re serious about catching some quality waves, then Australia’s famous Sunshine Coast is a can’t-miss. Surfers from all over the world gather here to carve up some of the best waves offered anywhere. More than 126 surf spots offer ideal conditions for any level of board rider, from first-timers to pros.
No matter what your experience level, it’s important to respect the rules of the waves, for the purposes of both etiquette and safety:
Surf Smart: For your own safety, know your ability and choose a beach or cove that matches your experience level. Not until you’ve mastered one level are you ready for the next. It is also important to be aware of the prominent dangers which may exist in a particular area, such as rocks and sharks. And, of course, employing the buddy system is always a wise idea.
Surf Considerately: Being considerate to your fellow surfers is important for both their safety and yours. Respect the rules; wait for your turn and give way to the rider on your right. Be conscientious of swimmers, as well.
Here are a few top picks for surfers of every level along the Sunshine Coast:
Beginner
Noosa Main Beach: This is a beach break with waves ranging from 2 to 6 feet from both the right and the left. As the sole north facing beach, it is sheltered from wind and absolutely perfect for beginners.
Possible hazards include riptides and swimmers.
Mooloolaba, Coolum & Noosa Corners: Choose your area wisely, as there are spots here which are quite suitable for beginners, but also some spots for more experienced surfers. These waves range, on average, between 3 and 6 feet with typically short runs. The corners are generally protected areas and, as such, are relatively calm and well suited to beginners.
Possible hazards include rocks, riptides and sharks.
Beginner/Intermediate
Little Cove: Great for beginners moving toward intermediate, this point break features larger waves coming from the right. Runs are typically short with waves ranging anywhere from 2 to 6 feet.
Possible hazards in include rocks.

Experienced
Double Island Point: Teewah Beach and Rainbow Beach make up the dual surf areas of Double Island Point, one on each side. This is a point break featuring the longest wave break on the entire Sunshine Coast, with waves ranging from 3 feet all the way to 16 feet and very long runs in excess of 500 meters on a really good day.
Possible hazards include rocks, riptides and sharks.
Old Woman Island: A reef break, which offers its best surfing when the right and left waves are in the 3 to 5 foot range, Old Woman Island is most easily and safely accessed by boat.
Possible hazards include sharks.
Expert
Old Woman Ledge: For pros, kamikazes and crazy #&*@’s only! This rocky-reef, world class ride boasts fast, powerful runs with hollow waves up to 10 feet. The rush is great but the dangers are many.
Possible hazards include rocks, coral, riptides, sharks and sea urchins.
No matter what your experience level, you will enjoy the world’s best surfing on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. So, wax your board and grab a wave: Surf’s up!

The Sunshine Coast is a fisherman’s paradise, one can enjoy fresh water and salt water fishing, as well as all manner of activities.  If you are the type of person who enjoys the outdoors and fishing is one of your hobbies then you might like to consider the Sunshine Coast.  In this article, we will explore the fresh water possibilities, salt water offerings and the related activities available.

Fresh water fishing abounds in places such as Baroon Pocket, Lake Macdonald, Borumba, and Cooloolabin Dam.  Lake Macdonald, the town water supply for the Noosa district, is stocked with a variety of fish.  A Stocked Impound Permit (SIP) is required to fish Lake Macdonald for such varieties as Mary River cod, although its taking is prohibited, Bass, Yellowbelly, Saratoga, Snub nosed gar, Tandens Eels, and Spangled Perch.  The fly-fisherman may find himself lucky in Borumba Dam, one of Queensland’s most established lakes, when fishing for Saratoga and Bass.  Lures also draw the attention of Baroon Pocket Dam fish, if they are well presented at shallow to medium depth.  One will most likely find these fish to be fairly aggressive.  Although it has not been officially stocked since the 1980’s, Cooloolabin Dam has unconfirmed reports of Bass and Yellowbelly.  Ewen Maddock Dam provides for some good fishing, but it should be noted that while bank angling is allowed, propeller driven vessels should not be used here due to the noxious weed, Cabomba.  In addition to the typical Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Mary River Cod and Saratoga, there are reports of illegally introduced barramundi in the Ewen Maddock Dam.

If saltwater fishing is your interest, then the Sunshine Coast has plenty to offer you as well.  The Noosa River, known for its populations of Trevally, Mangrove Jack and Bass also offers Tarpon and Mackerel.  The Noosa River provides great estuary fishing.  The Maroochy River may be shallow, but it does offer quite a few deep holes that are condusive to excellent fishing.  One such deep hole is south of the Maroochy River Bridge.  For Bream and Whiting fishing, The Mooloolah River is exceptional.  These fish are most prominent in the middle of the river; however, lures work well around the pontoons and pylons.  The reef system of the Sunshine Coast, which runs from Caloundra to north of Noosa, provides a wide variety of fish.

In addition to the abundant fishing opportunities, the Sunshine Coast offers many other recreational opportunities.  It is possible to camp, swim or boat in most places; however, one should check on the boating restrictions in advance.  The Sunshine Coast provides a wide variety of activities to suit just about any outdoor enthusiast, and the variety of fishing will likely keep any angler busy and satisfied.

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is the ideal place to be during the June and July school holidays. During these winter months, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland boasts many attractions that are bound to keep you busy. If you are looking forward to sitting in the cockpit of an airplane, enjoying a garden tour, or if you would like to explore the medieval era, then you’ll be sure to find some excitement on the Sunshine Coast.

First, on the weekend of July 3rd and 4th, Open Cockpit Weekend will take place at the Queensland Air Museum. This annual fundraising event will include attractions sure to please. In celebration of a century of powered flight in Australia, a scale model Duigan Flyer, the first Australian-built aircraft, will be unveiled for those in attendance to enjoy. Furthermore, on Saturday, the Royal Australian Navy Band will wow crowds with a musical performance. Moreover, this event is for the entire family to enjoy. There will be amusement rides and contests for the children, along with various aircraft models open for inspection. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to actually sit in the cockpit of the Spitfire fighter, an aircraft used in World War II. There will be something for everyone at the Queensland Air Museum during the Open Cockpit Weekend. The exhibits will be open from 9am-4pm on both days, and tickets are $11 for adults, $8 for concession card holders, $7 for children, and $25 for families.

Next, from July 9-11, visitors can enjoy the Queensland Home Garden Expo held at the Nambour Showgrounds. The expo is a dream for anyone interested in gardening. Approximately 27,000 garden enthusiasts attend the expo annually. Those in attendance include professionals in the industry, gardeners with a green thumb, and those gardeners who are still considered novice. There is something for everyone at this popular event. Gardeners can learn everything from creating tropical resort gardens to making sustainable fruit-producing gardens, along with everything in between. There are 360 exhibitors who provide all of the information regarding gardens, gardening tools, pots, books, and garden art. Moreover, there will be more than 40,000 plants for sale each day. The Queensland Home Garden Expo is worth exploring. The hours for the events are 8am-5pm on July 9th and 10th. On July 11th, the expo will operate from 8am-4pm.

Another festival worth exploring on July 10th and 11th is the Abbey Medieval Tournament, Australia’s largest medieval event. The colors, costumes, and chivalrous combat make the event a must-see attraction for the whole family. Music and entertainment are found all over the tournament grounds. If you are looking for an escape to days of past, come check out the medieval markets. Approximately 15,000 people attended the event last year, and this year, you can be a part of the fun. If you hope to gain access to the jousting event, you’ll need to purchase tokens. A $2 token will win you a seat with other noble guests. For a $1 token, you’ll be standing with the peasants. In any regard, the Abbey Medieval Tournament will be open on July 10th from 9am-7pm, and it will be open from 9am-4:30pm on July 11th.

Many other events are happening around Queensland during the winter months. The Open Cockpit Weekend, Queensland Home Garden Expo, and the Abbey Medieval Tournament are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed by visitors. Once you get a taste of the action, you’ll be proclaiming the fact that there is nowhere better to be in winter than the Sunshine Coast of Queensland!

Just a short drive north of Brisbane lies the Sunshine Coast. This area includes: Kawana, Coolum Beach, the Noosa Hinterland, Mooloolaba, and more. The lifestyle here is laid back and relaxed. Full of beautiful scenery, lots of sunshine, and great beaches, the Sunshine Coast offers many different activities for every interest and age. No matter what you are looking to do, you will surely be able to find exactly what you are looking for on the Sunshine Coast.

There are many different kinds of adventures that you can participate in while on the Sunshine Coast. These things range from skydiving to camel rides on the beach. Also, available are horseback rides and jet ski tours. If surfing is your kind of adventure, then the Sunshine Coast will have plenty of surfing opportunities to offer you. Point Cartwright and the Alexandra Headlands are known for their great surfing spots. Be sure to be on the lookout for sharks, rocks, rip currents, and jellyfish, though. If you are unfamiliar with the area it is a good idea to ask the locals for some advice before surfing.

One of the best things to do in Mooloolaba while on the Sunshine Coast is to visit Underwater World. Underwater World is the largest oceanarium and aquarium in Queensland. There you will find thousands of different sea animals in the giant aquariums. Some of these seas animals include sharks, otters, and seals. There are many conveniently located Mooloolaba hotels near Underwater World that make visiting this exciting aquarium easy.

All along the Sunshine Coast are great opportunities for fishing. The lower reaches of the Maroochy River offers some of the most exceptional fishing in the area. Just south of the Maroochy River Bridge is the famed cod hole. Other fish in the area include mulloway, dusky flathead, sand whiting, and giant trevally. Fishing here is definitely an exhilarating experience for every fisherman.

One famous spot you should be sure to hit while in the area is the Australian Zoo. The Australian Zoo offers fun and excitement for the whole entire family. Located on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive, the Australian Zoo is home to Australia’s most unique and incredible wildlife, as well as amazing animals from all over the world. This zoo was home to the famous Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. A trip to the Australian Zoo is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

If you prefer more of an indoor adventure, the Sunshine Coast boasts many exceptional shopping locations. One great shopping location is the Sunshine Plaza located in Maroochydore. This shopping plaza is sure to have something for everyone. There are also many unique and interesting markets located in Eumundi. Local entertainers provide entertainment for shoppers while you browse through more than 500 stalls.

The Sunshine Coast offers a little bit of something for everyone. No matter what kind of adventure you are looking for, you will be able to find something to suite your tastes in this beautiful locale.

What’s on in Mooloolaba? That’s definitely the fish and
there are plenty of them! A simple walk along the Esplanade
will show you that the place hosts a number of great
restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines and in most,
if not all of them, seafood is on the menu. This is of course
not a surprise since Mooloolaba is a coastal area where
seafood is a staple ingredient.Mooloolaba restaurants offer
not only Australian cuisine but also a host of other
international cuisines such as Indian, Italian, European,
Chinese and American.

Eating out in Mooloolaba is truly a great gastronomic
experience. Aside from the restaurants on land, you get to
enjoy great seafood dishes on board a fine boat while you
cruise along the coastline at night. Some of these cruise
trips even have all you can eat seafood buffets! Now who wouldn’t
want to enjoy that? And since the best way to enjoy a different
culture is to indulge in their cuisine, make sure you include
this seafood extravaganza experience in your itinerary the
next time you are in town for a Mooloolaba holiday.

If you are in Mooloolaba for a family vacation and you are
looking for things to do, what better place to start than
going on a fishing charter trip and cook your fresh catch of
the day at your Mooloolaba hotel or resort, just the way you
like it! If you’re lucky, you might even bring home a succullent
fresh crab or even an 25kg Mahi Mahi to feed the family for a
week. Whatever happens the adventure will have a tale or two
to be told.