Regional Updates
Sunshine Coast Airport – new runway lights up
The Sunshine Coast Airport’s new runway glistened with over 400 lights to receive its first ever plane – a Twin Comanche – on 24 April 2020. The flight was part of an important runway lighting test and is one of the final checks required to finalise the project. The new runway is longer, wider and better aligned with prevailing winds and able to accommodate larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft. The runway is due to open on 14 June 2020 subject to weather and COVID-19 not disrupting the program.
NightQuarter – new innovative night market
Due to open in 2020 in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, NightQuarter will offer a unique blend of street food, community and culture. The shipping container urban playground night market will focus on shared eating, shared experience and shared conversation for families, couples and everyone who enjoys good food and good entertainment. NightQuarter Sunshine Coast will include a vintage fairground wonderland, an enchanted garden and a focus on sustainability and inclusion. The ever-evolving festival will offer a kaleidoscope of different experiences, flavours and sounds every weekend.
The Big Pineapple Refurbishment
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic tourism attraction, The Big Pineapple – will return to its glory days following approval of a $115 million renewal project. The approved master plan will focus on a combination of eco-tourism, agribusiness, supporting local producers, as well as providing entertainment opportunities, outdoor educational facilities and accommodation. The Big Pineapple precinct is home to the newly opened TreeTop Challenge and Wildlife HQ.
Attractions and Touring Update
Snorkel or Scuba Dive Mudjimba Island
Sunreef Mooloolaba has launched snorkel and scuba dive tours to Mudjimba Island, located 1km off the Sunshine Coast. The shallow waters surrounding Mudjimba Island, ranging from 5-14m, are home to green sea turtles, corals, rays, reef fish, crayfish, wobbegong sharks, a variety of nudibranch species, cowrie shells, and more. Marine adventure experts, Sunreef Mooloolaba, offer half day snorkelling or scuba diving tours of this unique environment. Snorkelling tours includes boat charter, in-water snorkel guide, mask, snorkel fin, wetsuit hire and snacks. The scuba dive experience requires an open water dive certification and includes boat charter and snacks.
Mary Valley Rattler launches Tasting Train
The Mary Valley Rattler has been restored to its former glory, relaunching to the public in late 2018 to take passengers back in time on scenic journeys through the Mary Valley. In November 2019 the Rattler launched a new ‘Tasting Train’ experience, highlighting the Mary Valley’s renowned food produce. The weekly service runs every Tuesday and includes tastings on board the RM 76 railmotor, The Red Rocket, and local food showcased at the various stops along the way. Gympie Region Food Ambassador, chef Matt Golinski launched the Tasting Train on 12 November. Local produce features prominently on the Tasting train’s menu, including Kenilworth cheese, Lemon Myrtle macadamias and local meats.
Penguins at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is now home to a colony of little penguins, with an interactive new exhibit launched at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. The Little Blue Penguins zone has been designed to closely resemble the natural habitat. The colony will be ambassadors for their species, playing a significant role in communicating SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s conservation values. Guests can learn about the lifecycle of a Little Penguin, what they eat, and how and why we can help protect them in the wild.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of four critically endangered Sumatran elephants supporting our Wildlife Warriors project in Southeast Asia. Our beautiful elephants will be adventuring in their new home by mid-2020, complete with huge swimming pool, trees and grassland to roam.
NEW Sunshine Coast VIP Grand Tour with Croc Tours
Croc Tours has launched a three-day itinerary of the Sunshine Coast including tours and transfers. The tour, which offers the first seamless touring experience for the Sunshine Coast, includes a Signature Australia Zoo Day Tour, a visit to the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Noosa, Mooloolaba and transfers to/from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast Airport.
Accommodation Updates
Spicers Clovelly to open NEW luxury suites
One of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most luxury estates, Spicers Clovelly, is expanding on its boutique offerings with the opening of ‘Montville House’. Montville House is ideally positioned to take advantage of the breathtaking views and surrounding greenery of the estate. The two-story provincial style building will house up to 12 guests with six guest rooms and a communal guest lounge. The Montville Suites will be charming and relaxed, with the same French-inspired luxury Spicers Clovelly is renowned for. Located in the charming Hinterland town of Montville, Spicers Clovelly is also home to the hatted Long Apron restaurant, which delights diners with their modernist approach to French cooking.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort’s refurbishment
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, formally known as the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, has undergone an extensive refurbishment which has breathed new life into the complex, transforming two spaces – the hotel lobby, plus a new look SOLA bar and alfresco deck overlooking the resort’s outdoor pool and lagoon. The refurbishment follows the opening of the purpose-built Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort in May 2019.
Culgoa Point Beach Resort’s ‘Oasis of Relaxation’
Culgoa Point Beach Resort’s new oasis of relaxation is now open and ready for guests to enjoy. Central to the design is a brand new solar heated 20 metre lap pool encased by granite decking and lush tropical landscaping. Alongside the pool, the sun lounges and pool furniture provide the ideal spot to while away the holidays. Separated from the main pool by giant granite steppingstones, the large wading pool is designed with family fun in mind. The fitness conscious will be drawn to the modern gym that overlooks the main pool and is conveniently located adjacent to the sauna and outdoor showers.
Habitat Noosa
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp was recently officially recognised as “Queensland’s Best New Tourism Business” at the Queensland Tourism Awards. The amazing new eco camp is approximately 20 minutes north of Noosa and offers guests an extensive range of lake front accommodation options including Glamping Tents, Wilderness Tents, powered and unpowered waterfront camp sites perfect for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. The 65-acre venue is nestled inside a National Park surrounded by amazing Australian wildlife and guests enjoy the onsite restaurant, bar, bistro and microbrewery.
Coast to Hinterland Tours
Coast to Hinterland Tours offer authentic and customer-focused tours and transfers on the Sunshine Coast with door-to-door pickup. The company recently launched a new Sunshine Coast Hinterland Scenic Food & Wine Tour, which includes local cheese tasting in Maleny, lunch in a Queenslander style building, wine tasting in the quaint hinterland village of Montville followed by a platter of handmade Belgian Chocolates.
Creative Tours and Events (Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours)
Creative Tours takes guests on behind the scenes tours to sample local produce, local beer and local stories. Guests visit local breweries, wineries, distilleries, coffee roasters, local food and produce, while taking in scenic landscape of the Sunshine Coast. Private and custom tours are available and can be tailored to suit your clients requirements.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Meet over 700 native and exotic birds, enjoy a picnic overlooking the breathtaking Glass House Mountains, stroll along over six kilometres of meandering pathways amongst lakes, waterfalls and tropical flora from around the world. A spectacular day out for the whole family, just an hour from Brisbane and in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Mystic Mountain Tours
Experience the amazing sights, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – and beyond! We present authentic Australian experiences, meeting local producers, visiting the natural beauty of Montville and Maleny for local food and wine. Connecting you to cultural experiences with people and stories that you’ll remember forever.
Sand Dunes Resort
Sand Dunes is located steps away from Marcoola Beach and minutes away from the Sunshine Coast Airport. Offering comfort and privacy, Sand Dunes boasts a choice of accommodation ranging from two bedroom apartments to four bedroom family villas and beach houses with beachfront access. Villas have access to an award-winning 75m pool, heated pool and spa, private electric BBQ, a rooftop terrace and a sine garage with remote control access.
Secrets on the Lake
Secrets on the Lake are a 25-year-old family run business on the shores of magnificent Lake Baroon near Montville, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Secrets has ten world-class luxury treehouses all nestled high in the ancient rainforest canopy, mere steps from the lakes edge and private hand-carved jetty. Each fully self-contained themed treehouse boasts magnificent lake views, beautiful hand-carved cedar furniture, delicate forged ironwork, handmade pottery, leadlight windows and many other handcrafted artistic touches. Their bespoke retreat also boasts facilities including the award winning and iconic Dining on the Deck.
