Sunshine Coast to Stradbroke Island

We decided to base ourselves at a place called Bli Bli to discover the Sunshine Coast, its centrally located and out of the hustle and bustle!

We drove along the coast northwards checking out all the beach on our way to Noosa, wow not many car parks available but finally got one next to the start of the boardwalk near the Noosa National Park.  The boardwalk transverses the coastline all the way to the city centre, it was really fantastic!  It was a slow walk because my back and glutes were giving me hell, I think it has to do with being back on the road and being in the car for many hours each day!

 

 

We also visited the Ginger and Nut Factory and picked up a few macadamias and cashews!!

Ginger Factory Grounds

 

We couldn’t stop watching the wind surfers they were amazing.

 

Next day we thought we’d visit the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, what an amazing drive, there are so many gorgeous little towns like Mapleton and the most stunning vistas.  We walked through some wonderful rain forests too including Kondilla Falls and the rock pool area.

 

The Glasshouse Mountains from afar and up close were incredible!!  We trekked up a 700m road in 35 degree heat to Wild Horse Mountain lookout to get an 360 degree view, it was worth it!

 

We then headed to the coast to check out Mooloolaba and Maroochy…. Omg! These places have certainly grown, they seemed soooo busy and full on from the last time we were there.  The beaches are still so beautiful but it was rather windy!  We stopped in at the Maroochy SLSC for a drink!

 

It was time to move on the Brisvegas, we stayed at a van park there on the north side.  We caught us with Deb and Mike at their place, it was great to see them.  We enjoyed a yummy bbq for dinner and caught up on each others lives!   Next day Mike took us on a tour of his factory, who would have thought that there was so much to forklifts??  It was really interesting actually, they make different attachments for forklifts.  We enjoyed an excellent lunch with Deb and Mike just near the Queensland Tennis Centre.  After that we went for a drive to the Redcliffe area.



Deb and Mikes



View from Deb and Mikes

 

View from Deb and Mikes



Cascade Factory Tour



Cascade Factory Tour



Cascade Factory Tour

 



Story Bridge

 

We thought that we’d spend a day out on Stradbroke Island, it was so good to catch up with my cousins Jen and Josh!!  Jen took us on a magical mystery tour of the island which started from Point Lookout and included a stunning coastal walk, a beautiful refreshing swim, and absolutely delicious fish and chips overlooking the ocean.  We went to this place called Brown Lake, it looked like we were swimming in tea!  I have to say that all the way down the Queensland coast we have seen some stunning Poinciana Trees but here on the island they were magnificent! What a brilliant day and what capped it off was seeing so much wild life like dolphins, sharks, turtles and manta ray, thanks so much Jen and Joshy – it was great to spend the day with you both.



Stunning Poinciana Trees



Jen's Place

 

 



Jen and Josh



We swam in this beautiful bay



Brown Lake



Jen's Place



Leaving Straddie



Leaving Straddie



Leaving Straddie

 

After we got back to the mainland we called in for some supplies and caught up again with Deb, Mike and Cori! 

So this was the end of our Brissy visit, short but sweet!  Stay tuned for the next instalment which will be fast following this one.  Hope you enjoyed this blog, we sure enjoyed all the experiences!