|
Written by Sue Fuller - Tourism QLD
|
|
Wednesday, 08 February 2006 |
|
A taste of sunshine
If you are looking for an indulgent holiday, Queensland's Sunshine Coast has some surprising options, writes Sue Fuller.
After an early morning swim and coffee at one of the chic Hastings
Streets cafes, now you can join Triple Olympian Alex Watson on a bush
and beach ride along Noosa's pristine North Shore.
Alex heads the resort's equestrian centre, Equathon which offers tours
ranging from a one hour bush ride to a six night riding adventure.
Guests can bring their own horses or ride one of the resort's
even-tempered Australian stock horses. (http://www.noosanorthshore.com.au)
For a true adrenalin rush board the Oceanrider which departs from the
Sheraton Noosa jetty. The 7.5 metre rigid inflatable is based on a
military design (prototypes were bought by the NSW Government during
the Sydney Olympics for anti-terrorist personnel). Get ready for a
white knuckle ride as it turns corners at two Gs, pulls figure eights
and high speed 360 degree turns off Noosa's Main Beach and skirting the
spectacular edges of Noosa National Park. (http://www.oceanrider.biz)
Back on land, we rode with Freedom Wheels Harley Tours from Eumundi
Markets through the Blackall Range to Tamarind Retreat near Maleny. You
can sit back in a sidecar, at the rear of a Harley Trike or climb
behind one of the riders. Either way, it's an exhilarating ride along
mountain ridges, cool rainforest tunnels and charming villages. (http://www.freedomwheels.com.au)
An early morning call at Eumundi Markets in the historic hinterland
town is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. With a policy of
"make it, bake it, grow it or sew it", the market's stalls under shady
giant fig trees are laden with just-picked local produce, home-made
preserves, funky clothes, jewellery and artworks. (http://www.eumundimarkets.com.au)
No doubt some of the fresh produce has made its way to the kitchen at
the Tamarind Retreat near Gardeners Falls. Owner Chef Paul Blain,
formerly of restaurants such as Sydney's renowned Darley Street Thai
and Noosa's Chill Jam, takes his cooking classes through efficient
preparation and use of Thai staples such as galangal, kaffir lime
leaves, yellow bean and coconut cream.
We learn how to bruise a lemongrass stalk and use it to stir tom yum
soup for extra flavour and neatly de vein green prawns by wringing
their necks 180 degrees and coaxing out the cord by slowly pulling the
head away.
Appetites stirred by the aromatic aromas, the Royal Thai banquet that
followed was unanimously voted the best Thai meal we'd ever eaten.
This retreat caters for up to 10 guests at a time in sophisticated
bungalows that Blain's wife Cath helped design. Cooking classes are
restricted to six. http://www.thetamarind.com.au
Equally delicious is a dinner at the 120 year old homestead restaurant,
Harry's on Buderim. Nestled in rainforest, the magical setting enhances
the modern Australian cuisine. Make sure you leave room for decadent
desserts like Belgian chocolate soufflé and chocolate pudding with
peppermint and marshmallow sauce. (http://www.harrysonbuderim.com.au)
A Gondolas of Noosa restaurant transfer is a relaxing way to reach
Quamby Place's waterfront restaurants, a glass of bubbles in hand as
you glide past the multi-million dollar canal front homes. (http://www.gondolasnoosa.com)
Seafood is the star at Riva at Quamby Place. Its absolute riverfront
location and sophisticated menu is a sublime Noosa dining experience. (http://www.riva-noosa.com)
For a relaxing treat try a traditional Indonesian body treatment at
Ikatan Balinese Spa and Gardens. Indulge in an aromatic spice-scented
boreh wrap, green tea scrub or tropical sugar glow in treatment rooms
including a pavilion set in rainforest gardens. (http://www.ikatanspa.com)
GETTING THERE: Jetstar and Virgin Blue fly from most capitals to the Sunshine Coast.
WHERE TO STAY: Noosa Blue Resort, a short stroll from Hastings Street,
offers 65 luxury one bedroom contemporary suites with spas and 24
penthouse suites, complete with private terraces, spa and barbecue. (http://www.noosablue.com.au). Private yoga classes can be arranged beside the pandanus-lined swimming pool. Sunshine Wellbeing Ph (07) 5449 2858
More info: http://www.sunshinecoast.org
 |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 February 2007 )
|
Friday, 16 May 2008
Home | Travellers Good Buys | News | Stories | Competitions | Get Brochures | Travel Links | Contact Us | Old Site | 
