We all need that time to “getaway” and to “chill out” but without too many hassles. So for me, a two hour flight was perfect, (especially with the kids & my Mum in tow), when I decided to have a short break to re charge my batteries before the busy season begins. There was no hesitation in heading to the Sunshine Coast, which has been my favourite haunt for the past 15 years.
We chose to fly with Jetstar, due to the convenient times, direct into Maroochydore, which is the main airport servicing the Sunshine Coast. The flight was very smooth and quite comfortable. As our flight was the only one arriving at that hour, in no time we had our bags and on our way. It is only a short cab ride up to the coast to Coolum, a small town which is yet to see the development like other areas of this region. A few hours after leaving a cold and windy Melbourne, there we were sitting on our balcony enjoying a well deserved drink!!
Accommodation in Coolum varies in standards but is limited, so advance bookings are essential especially in school holidays. This visit we decided to stay right in the thick of things as walking isn’t one of mine (or Mum’s) favourite past times. This was my first stay at Coolum Caprice, which overlooks the magnificent Pacific Ocean and our lovely, spacious two bedroom self contained apartment was an ideal base for the week away. This is a very family orientated property with the heated kids’ pool, adjacent to the main pool and the ever popular spa.
The choice of dining is great for such a small place. Plenty of Dine- in restaurants or takeaways are in easy walking distance around the main township area. The beautiful gardens at Coolum Caprice, boasted some lovely bbq areas, which gave an extra option for cooking.
As this was a total relaxing trip, we opted not to hire a car and found that this was not an inconvenience as the local bus network is fantastic and found that I could actually walk to places!
In keeping with our relaxing holiday, our days were mainly spent sitting on the balcony with our stunning views, chilling around the pool, over at the beautiful patrolled beach or walking along the boardwalk above the beach.
Our only exception - each time we visit the Sunshine Coast, we always take the trip down to Beerwah to our much loved Australia Zoo. This time we took the courtesy coach, which not only saved us money but gave us a 45 minute sightseeing trip along the way. I am always amazed with the changes at the zoo and this time we weren’t disappointed. The new Elephant enclosure and Tiger Temple were fantastic!! This is a full day out which everyone loves.
We were lucky to avoid the storms, although coming from a drought affected area, we would have appreciated seeing a downpour, not to mention a good lightening storm. One day we woke to steady rain & unsure on how the day would progress we opted for a trip into Maroochydore (25 minutes away) & to Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre for a bit of retail therapy. By the time we were shopped out, the rain had stopped & on our return to Coolum we were back on the beach. That night we enjoyed browsing the night market of Coolum with lots of arts & crafts of the locals…
For newcomers to the area, there are a number of other attractions to keep you busy, if the need arises, such as the Colored Sands or Noosa to the north, the Glass House Mountains to the west or UnderWater World in Mooloolaba in the south.
Overall we all had a great break, coming home relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on the “silly season” & a New Year that will be big for all of us.
Keep in mind the Sunshine Coast, especially Coolum, when you next think of a break, that family holiday or even a Romantic Getaway…
Cheers
Rosemary