5 ways to enjoy the Sunshine Coast in winter
22 Jun 2017
You can still have a magical time on the Sunshine Coast when the the temperatures drop.
Take a long lunch at Tamarind Garden Expo
The Blackall Ranges form a spine through the Sunshine Coast hinterland with dramatic views on both sides making for a must-do drive. Potter around the pretty, but tourist-heavy, towns of Maleny and Montville, but for lunch make an escape to Tamarind Spicers Retreat (spicersretreats.com). It boasts beautiful subtropical-style gardens tucked into the rainforest, elegant villas to stay in, a luxurious spa, and one of the top restaurants on the Sunshine Coast. A fire glows in the lounge and the Asian-inspired dishes are warming and elegant. If possible, plan to be there on the first Sunday of the month when lunch comes with a live jazz band sending out sultry tunes.
Check out the Queensland Garden Expo
The country vibe of the Nambour garden festival sets it apart from its big city cousins, as does the amount of expertise on offer – all for free once you’ve paid for the show entry. There are eight stages, each with a full program of talks and workshops across the three days of the festival. Go early to pick up plant paraphernalia and garden inspiration, then grab a coffee and a comfortable seat and settle in for some quality garden information and entertainment.
Go art and craft shopping at Pomona
Pomona, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, was a thriving town on the sugar cane railway in the early days of the 20th century, resulting in a plethora of gorgeous Art Deco buildings – and the world’s only still-operating silent movie theatre, the wonderful Majestic (check online to see if the community-run theatre is holding a screening or show). There’s a well-marked history trail through town and don’t miss the excellent local arts and crafts in the gallery at the old railway station, and lunch at the pub or in one of the excellent local cafes.
Plan sunset drinks
The sun sets early on the Sunshine Coast in winter so plan ahead to watch its quiet glow somewhere beautiful. The Sunset Bar at the Noosa Boathouse, high up on a deck overlooking the Noosa River at Noosaville is a popular choice. It opens at 4.30pm, has a top view, and gets busy. For something quieter, grab your scarf and jacket, pick up your favourite tipple and a few nibbles and set yourself up at a table in the long waterside park that runs along the river. Listen to the water lapping at the sand, watch the fishermen coming back on their boats, the kayakers out for a late afternoon paddle and the pelicans coming in to land, as the sky glows around the silhouette of Mount Cooroy. When night falls and hunger strikes, there are myriad dinner options just across the road on Gympie Terrace.
Buy a picnic
For fresh local produce, head to Noosa Farmers Market in Noosaville on a Sunday morning. Don’t miss the strawberries, which are at their peak in winter. Hunt out the LiraH stall for vinegars made by Australian expert Ian Henderson. Add cheese, bread and locally grown tomatoes for a gourmet picnic and head to Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald. In winter the bougainvillea dazzles in brilliant warm colours, echoed by the flame-like flowers of aloes in bloom.
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