How is it the end of term and school holidays already?? Well, that went fast! If you're lucky to already be in Queensland or you are from a state that is allowed into QLD, I recommend you take full advantage of this unique moment in history. This could be the last quiet time...when you can have the beach to yourself and enjoy the sound of nothing else but the gentle waves lapping on the sand.
These school holidays we aren’t visiting family in Melbourne (for obvious reasons), but instead exploring the great state of Queensland. You’ll get to read all about it in my next blog, but here is a teaser…..We are off to Airlie Beach – Mission Beach – Port Douglas – Magnetic Island – Hamilton Island – Back home to Noosa. We have a few milestones to make this road trip extra special too. We have our 10th wedding anniversary, my son’s 6th birthday and my husband’s 40th to celebrate.
These holidays, if you want to explore beyond Noosa, why not have a night away in Brisbane or enjoy the Sunshine Coast? There is always plenty to do.
Brisbane
We celebrated Father’s Day with a city escape to Brisbane. If you live in a coastal or country town, a city escape is always a fun adventure. We stayed on the 62nd floor at Arise Hotels & Apartments and WOW! Just wow! What a view! The lounge and one of the bedrooms had floor to ceiling windows, which looked out onto the winding Brisbane River and cityscape. I highly recommend that if you are going to do a city escape, you really must embrace a highrise for the amazing city views, indoor pool and central location.
Because of our centrally-located apartment, we were able to walk everywhere. But I am keen to hire one of the numerous electric scooters or bikes when our kids get a bit older. The electric scooters and bikes are so easy to use; you just hire one through the APP, you pay per minute you have it, then park it. They were everywhere in the city, so you can walk a bit, then hire one when you need a rest!
As our kids are still pretty small, we opted for getting around on the City Hopper Ferry. It’s FREE and what a great way to see Brisbane! We did a full loop, then jumped off at Southbank. Southbank is the major tourist spot with a giant playground, restaurants, markets, IMAX cinema, stunning gardens, man-made beach lagoon pool, wide paths….all on the river. We were planning to discover New Farm but we totally ran out of time this trip. I’m sure there is plenty more to discover; the shops in the city mall, fancy restaurants, bars…... There is just so much to enjoy in Brisbane city!
Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Plaza
The Super Saver Fun Pass is back and it’s better than ever! There are 4 ticket options, and you don’t have to use all of them in one visit, but have until 11/7/2022. How amazing is that?
The options are:
Classic Pass kids $35 and adults $37 – food, movies, time zone, dessert and parking.
Junior Pass kids and adults $40 – food, movies, paddle boat, Rush playcentre, drink for adults and ice cream for kids and (of course) free parking.
Adrenaline pass Kids $55 adults $60 – Classic pass plus Ropes course included.
How about just getting the Ultimate Pass $70 kids and $75 adults which includes all the classic and adrenaline pass plus paddle boat hire, Rush Play Centre, drink for adults. I am so torn which option to get….but that Ultimate Pass looks like the best value. It has so many options to keep enjoying until next July! Great for those rainy day weekends!
Bli Bli Watersports Complex
367 David Low Way, Bli Bli
OR
Blast Aqua Park Coolum
60 Junction Drive, Coolum Beach
Now that it’s swimming weather again…...I mean, I was going to say ‘warm weather’, but it is warm here all year round compared to the southern states! Anyway, back to these parks….Both these parks are virtually the same. I have blogged about them previously, so if you are a regular reader, you’ll know that they are giant inflatable water parks. Be prepared to slip and slide off the course and into the water below, but that’s half the fun in conquering the challenge. In case you’re not a good swimmer, no need to worry, you wear a life jacket.
Noosa
Whale Watching
July to November Season
If you want to entertain the whole family and not just the kids, whale watching is the way to go. September is the best time for whale watching. Why not see them, like we did last year, on a jet ski? It’s the same price for one or two riders. We hired ours from T Boat Hire on Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. The group tour goes for 45 mins – 1 hour, and you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t see whales on your tour, the Noosa National Park is still spectacular from the perspective of the ocean. Alternatively, go on a 2-hour whale watching boat trip and get amazing photos of Humpback whales. The best provider is Ocean Rider which departs from Noosa Marina. Note: only kids 7+ years old are allowed.
Noosa Aquatic Centre
6 Girraween Court, Sunshine Beach
If you have had enough beach time...I mean, ‘too much beach time’ is NOT A THING. But, I admit, kids need variety, am I right or am I right? Why not take a trip to Noosa Aquatic Centre, they have the giant inflatables starting these holidays through until Easter. Over the holidays it’s everyday for ages 6 years and above. Of course, your little ones must be able to swim, as no life vests are offered. Note: the centre is closed 20th Sep – 26th Sep due to the replacement of the main switchboard.
Noosa Council Community Centers
Noosa Council have put together a holiday program you can print out: https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/2798/school-holiday-activities
Here you’ll see dates and times for activities running out of the Noosa Leisure Centre, Noosa Aquatic Centre, Noosa Library and Noosa Regional Gallery.
Shopping Centres
Noosa Civic and Noosa Fair Shopping Centre (Noosa Junction) have free craft time activities for the kids. Both these shopping centres have playgrounds too, to extend to your time out of the house. Note: Noosa Civic’s playground is more suitable for young ones.
Hopefully this gives you a few ideas to entertain the kids and yourself whilst on holidays. As we all know, the best (and free) thing to do is enjoy the stunning beaches. There are just so many to choose from. But one of my faves is Noosa Main Beach (aka Laguna Bay), one of the few North facing beaches on the east coast. Plus, you can see my previous blogs here: https://www.coastalhostingnoosa.com/post/highlights-list-of-noosa for inspiration on all the hikes you can go on in nature. There is just so much to do and enjoy!
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