(I’m not sure how long I can keep up this alliteration, but
I’ll try). Our next stop was the really pretty town, nay City, of Maroochydore.
We particularly liked Maloolaba, the town just down the coast from Maroochy. The
whole area faces a mega long stretch of pristine, sandy beach. There are cafes,
shops and further back, a few high-rise apartments. Not enough to make the area
feel as commercial as say Surfer’s Paradise, but enough that they twinkle
across the water at night. There are wide, beachfront bike paths that go for
miles and lots of grassy spots to check out the water view.
 |
| The girls engrave their names in nature while the sun sets. |
 |
The view across the water down to Maloolabah.
It’s location, along with the sights and drives we had, will go down in memory for me as one of the most enjoyable stops yet. We packed heaps into each day, it was huge! The first day we visited Underwater World at Maloolaba. The girls had a blast attending the different shows and posing with the animals.
 |
| Woah! |
 |
| Check out the lolly store we found outside Underwater World. The girls went nuts! They were like kids in a..... well, you get it! |
In the afternoon, we went for a trek through the rainforest at Buderim. There is a brilliant hiking track that starts as a boardwalk and goes to a meandering forest trail. This forest was like something out of Tomb Raider. I felt like Angelina Jolie waiting to see the giggling girl and the white butterflies outside the temple. There were knarly old roots across the path, ancient trees and big moss covered stones. Although the falls were usually a lot bigger than we got to see, it was worth the trek to see such a beautiful spot.
  |
God's canvas!
The next day we went for a drive up the coast to Noosa. We went via some pretty coastal towns and found some gems again. In particular, the scenic little spot of Coolum Beach was a highlight. We also went past some pretty cool landmarks.
| Australia's Largest Castle (not a real one, but still awesome) |
|
|
| The (not so) Big Pelican at Noosa (I look thrilled...woops!). |
Next was the Ginger Factory at Yandin and the Nutwork Chocolate Factory too. We bought some tasty gifts and tried some fattening snacks. The Ginger factory tour was incredible. The girls were stoked to get a tasting plate at the end and loved the cooking tips on how to use all their products.
|
| Ellysia wanted to eat this guy's arm off! |
|
Woah Mum, check out all those candied ginger tubs!!
 |
| Yum!! (Lily made this dip the very next day). |
|
Going with the theme of seeing Australia’s “big things”, we
went to check out The Big Pineapple. Nothing like climbing to the top of the most photographed piece of fruit in
Queensland! After much searching we even found The Big Cow.... yihaa! Conrad
really didn’t want me to miss out on this, so we drove around for ages. The cow
was an Ayrshire replica – my Dad would be proud!
 |
| If you squint, you can see us up the top. |
Usually better to avoid this end.
With the sun nearly setting, we decided to have 'lunch' at Ettamogah pub. This is a replica of the pub featured in the cartoon series by Ken Maynard. He started drawing the iconic Australian pub back in the 50s and went on to publish his cartoons for years in the Australasian Post.
The quirky looking pub on the Bruce Highway.
|
We fell in a heap that night and woke early to pack up and
be on the road again the next day. Before we left we had to do a quick round of
the caravan park’s activities. As with many Big 4 caravan parks, this one had
so many free activities it was crazy. There was a jumping pillow, huge
playground, gym, half basketball court, games room, 9 hole mini golf, giant
chess, tennis court and an incredible resort pool. Here’s daddy getting in
touch with his inner child and me getting miffed at him for cheating at chess!
 |
| Look at me go girls! |
 |
| Hey! You moved that when I wasn't looking! |
|
Post a Comment