FROM BARREL aged beers to boutique hotels, there’s plenty of new reasons to visit the Sunshine Coast right now.
ACCOMMODATION
As well as a heated plunge pool, private deck and fire pit, the architecturally designed Kurui Cabin (pictured above) offers sweeping Hinterland views of the Cooroy Mountains Wildlife Corridor.
Once used for cattle grazing, this piece of land will be regenerated through the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program into the sub-tropical rainforest it once was.
The Cove Noosa has reopened its doors after a six-month, $4 million renovation.
There’s a new external reception facility, a complete rebuild of the resort pool and poolside decking, replacement of the all the apartments’ balustrades with glass, replacement of the dated terracotta tiles and refreshed resort grounds.
Essence Peregian Beach is a new 32-room boutique hotel comprised of studios and two-bedroom apartments along with 20 luxury three-, four- and five-bedroom houses, three of which have private pools.
The resort also features two guest pools, one with a pool bar, a state-of-the-art conference and events facility for up to 80, a boardroom/private dining room, gym, room service and undercover carpark.
ATTRACTIONS & TOURS
Wildlife HQ is relaunching their bespoke Night Zoo experience to showcase their range of exotic animals in action’ after dark.
The special guided tour takes visitors through the zoo’s rainforest gardens to see nocturnal residents such as Tasmanian Devils, African Painted Dogs, Servals, Red Pandas, Binturong and a Maned Wolf, who are at their most active after the sun goes down.
The historic Mary Valley Rattler railway has launched the Silver Bullet High Tea Experience. Departing Gympie on the Rattler’s Silver Bullet railmotor, the experience starts with a glass of bubbles followed by locally made sweet and savoury treats, with unlimited tea and coffee flowing through the two-hour journey.
Beers, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase as you wind your way through the scenic Mary Valley.
FOOD & DRINK
Sitting on two hectares, newly opened venue The Doonan features buzzing bars, beer gardens and indoor/outdoor dining areas where you’ll find a pizzeria, ice creamery, cellar door and an outdoor playground for the kids.
Wild Barrel brewery is poised to open in the Noosa Hinterland, specialising in 100 per cent barrel aged beer. Their brew is made using locally sourced, organic ingredients, before aging in the clean oak wine and whiskey barrels.
New distillery Twelve & a Half Acres has opened in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on a former pineapple, banana and paw paw farm.
Using ingredients grown onsite like lemon myrtle and wormwood, Twelve & a Half Acres offers flavours like citrus & spice, lemon myrtle, liquorice, Montville Dry and The Commodore Navy Strength Gin.
CONNECT WITH FREE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
INTREPID TRAVEL has joined forces with Welcome to Country to deliver several free First Nations tourism experiences.
Some 200 activities will be offered across Melbourne (Narrm) and Sydney (Warrane) during October to celebrate Indigenous Business Month. There are 100 free spots available in each city.
Each experience will see guests connecting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through immersive activities delivered by First Nations business owners.
Sydneysiders can enjoy a stroll through The Rocks to learn the history and Dreaming of Eora Country. Melbournians can flex their creativity in a jewellery making workshop with Wiradjuri mixed media artist Ange Jeffrey.
Australia is home to the oldest living cultures on earth and tourism experiences designed, led or owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people offer travellers an immersive way to engage with the rich stories and experiences that are unique to this land, said Brett Mitchell, Managing Director ANZ at Intrepid Travel.
We’re excited to partner with Welcome to Country to elevate First Nations tourism businesses and celebrate their immense contribution to the Australian travel industry.
HERE’S WHERE TO FIND HEAPS OF HERITAGE
EACH OF North West Queensland’s National Heritage sites offers a deep connection to our land, culture and the life that thrives among it all.
The Great Artesian Basin Springs features the planet’s largest artesian groundwater system, a crucial habitat for birds, fish and unique animals.
Covering one-fifth of Australia’s vast expanse, the reservoir contains waters dating back more than a million years. Experience Talaroo Hot Springs, where the geological marvels of outback Queensland meld with the heritage of the Ewamian people.
Mount Cuthbert is a heritage-listed old town and copper smelter found on the Queensland Heritage Register. Situated in the scenic Six Mile Creek Valley, it offers a glimpse into North West Queensland’s early mining and settlement.
Check in at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre where the tales of Mary Kathleen and Kuridala’s abandoned mining towns come to life.
History and geology come together at the Quartz Hill Coach Change Station (pictured above) an embodiment of North Queensland’s pastoral evolution and the allure of gold, tin and copper.
Nestled in Mount Surprise, this heritage-listed coach station site and cemetery stand as witnesses to the region’s remarkable journey.
Guests can explore local history at the Kidston State Battery, a heritage-listed site in Einasleigh.
Along with the manager’s house and pump, this battery holds importance for its role in prolonging North West Queensland’s gold mining legacy after the second-to-last significant alluvial gold rush in the region’s history.
SAVE CASH ON A KIMBERLEY CRUISE
EXTENSIVE SAVINGS are available on a cruise to the ancient, untamed landscape of the Kimberley.
Cruise Traveller is offering included flights and savings of $11,790 per couple (or well under half price for solo travellers) for early bird bookings made by November 30.
The company’s new and exclusive 12-night Kimberley Kaleidoscope’ fly, cruise and stay package features a 10-night luxury expedition cruise from Darwin to Broome aboard Ponant’s 184-guest exploration ship, Le Laperouse.
The sleek and stylish ship boasts a refined and intimate, yacht-like elegance, fine dining restaurants, plush lounges, theatre, pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service. All staterooms offer a private balcony or terrace.
Guests will visit King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, crocodile habitats and the famous phenomenon of Horizontal Falls where the ocean surges at high tide through a narrow break in the cliffs.
The package includes two nights’ accommodation in Darwin before the cruise and a flight to Darwin and back from Broome ex Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth.
The immersive voyage includes guided, complimentary excursions on Zodiacs and ashore. The cruise also includes the indulgence of a daily open bar onboard.
The package is available from $13,485 per person twin share in a deluxe balcony stateroom. Five sailings are available from May to September, 2024.
