Looking to try something new this Easter?
Hop to Terella Brewing on the Sunshine Coast, whose seasonal beer – The Hot Cross Bun Golden Ale – uses a dozen real hot cross buns to give the brew a delicious note of spicy cinnamon. Or if chocolate is more you’re thing, jump in the car and take a road trip with a twist creating your own Sunshine Coast chocolate trail.
There’s plenty of reasons to visit the Sunshine Coast this Easter, and here we’ve listed six of the best.
1. We have Hot Cross Buns – with a twist
For many, there is nothing more delicious than a warm Hot Cross Bun slathered with a generous amount of butter. But have you ever tried buns, with beer? This Easter, take your love for Hot Cross Buns to the next level at Terella Brewing with a glass of their Hot Cross Bun Golden Ale. The brew uses a dozen real caramel hot cross buns to make this Australian-style bitter, giving the beer notes of spicy cinnamon and glazed bread which pair perfectly with its toasted malt bill. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, they also have a White Choc Stout whose coffee aroma is complemented by hints of vanilla and chocolate – yum.
2. Create your own chocolate trail
Recreate the magic of Easter morning by following your own chocolate trail on the Sunshine Coast. Start your day on Caloundra’s Bulcock Street, where Sunshine Chocolatier uses local produce to create delicious sweets. Next, head to Mooloolaba’s Fudgees on the Wharf where you’ll not only find chocolate but fudge and sweets. Then, following the winding roads up the picturesque Blackall Range – a treat in itself – to stop in to the iconic Chocolate Country shop at Montville, and Maleny Chocolate Co. Finish you day at Noosa Chocolate Factory whose high concentration of real cocoa in their chocolates makes it that much more delicious.
3. Take part in the ultimate Easter egg hunt
This Easter, NightQuarter on the Sunshine Coast is going all out for a two-day Easter Eggstravaganza. The event will kick-off on Good Friday with a Community Festival featuring The Easter Bunny, live music and chocolate desserts. On Easter Saturday the fun continues with an Easter stage show, chocolate egg hunt for the kids, Easter cocktails for the adults, a dance party and magic show.
4. Discover unique events
From the coast to the Hinterland there’s plenty to experience on the Sunshine Coast this Easter, and the Australian Body Art Festival is certainly one of the most unique. Held from 9-11 April in Cooroy, this festival of colour celebrates body painting and wearable art. This year’s theme is ‘Time Travel’ and entry is free, with market stalls and entertainment also on offer. If surfing is more your thing, the Ma & Pa Bendall Surf Competition at Moffat Beach is a must visit. The annual event will be held from 2-4 April and celebrates the history of local surfing legends – Ma and Pa Bendall.
5. Let the kids run wild
Kids high on sugar and ready to let off some steam? There’s plenty to keep the family entertained this Easter, including Next Level at Sunshine Plaza. This newly opened high-ropes course takes you high above Cornmeal Creek for an aerial adventure to remember. If you want to take things even higher, Paradise Seaplanes offer scenic tours of the Sunshine Coast. Taking off from Maroochy River, their tours operate from the Glass House Mountains in the south to Noosa in the north. If you’re looking to explore the coastal pathways, Oggy E-Scooters offers electric scooter hire around Mooloolaba, making it a fast – and fun – way to explore the region’s coastline.
6. Unwind – for real
Once you find yourself suitably stuffed full of chocolate, beer and buns, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to unwind. From the uncrowded beaches to the sub-tropical Hinterland there’s plenty to explore, including the Glass House Mountains, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. For some real hidden gems, visit the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, enjoy the calm waters of Currimundi Lake or take a hike to the summit of Mount Ninderry – you can even bring your dog!