10 ways to put a Spring in your step these holidays
Adventurers navigate the TreeTop Challenge in Woombye.
SPRING is in the air and holidays have begun, and we’ve compiled a list of activities to embrace everything the hinterland has to offer. Take a treetop challenge, savour fine foods or listen to the sounds of the rainforest with a visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
With your newfound vigour you’ll have energy to burn so we’ve included the must-do activities for kids; from searching for the Gruffalo to animal encounters. We guarantee you’ll leave with a spring in your step!
1. Get ready to zipline through the rainforest 25m above the ground at The TreeTop Challenge. Located next to The Big Pineapple, it’s a great way to let the kids burn some energy.
2. For an up close animal encounter, visit Wildlife HQ and Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, whose aviaries are home to more than 700 native and exotic birds.
3. Head over to The Ginger Factory and take on their augmented reality rainforest trail where they have brought to life five characters from The Gruffalo. Simply download the app and follow the clues.
4. Food glorious food. The hinterland’s food scene is rich in its diversity. Go off the beaten track and check out Kenilworth Dairies for mouth-watering cheese and chocolate mousse. Or try Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School, Yandina.
5. For an immersive experience, visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny where the Rainforest Discovery Centre leads you through to 55 acres of pristine sub-tropical rainforest.
6. Discover the waterfalls and get back in touch with nature in Kondalilla National Park in Montville or Gardners Falls in Maleny.
7. Enjoy a scenic picnic with the family with a hamper of local cheese from Maleny Food Co.
8. Let the kids creativity run wild with a hands on clay workshop at Fried Mudd Clay Studio in Maleny who offer ‘Mudpies Workshop’ for children of all ages.
9. Get off the beaten track in Conondale National Park. Here, accessible by 4WD, is the blissfully remote - and extremely Insta-worthy - Booloumba Creek whose turquoise waters are perfect for cooling off on those warm sunny days and whose banks are perfect for camping.
10. Walk it off. The hinterland is home to some of Australia’s best mountain climbs. The Glass House Mountains are must-visit, but lesser known is Mount Ninderry. Located just outside of Yandina, Mount Ninderry offers spectacular views over Mount Coolum and the Maroochy River to the east and the Blackall Range to the west - you are even permitted to bring your dog along!
11. For other hidden gems, check out the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary which is home to more than 200 different species of birds, crabs and butterflies, Robinson Falls in Nambour or Baxter Falls in Flaxton.
12. Hit the road: It’s not hard to see why the Blackall Range Tourist Drive has been voted one of the best in Queensland. The journey takes you through the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton, offering views of the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains on one side and the sparkling coastline on the other. Along the way, meet local artisans in the galleries at Montville.
• For more information go to: visitsunshinecoast.com