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sunshine coast: general info
· regional links
· history
· things to do
· water sports
· scuba diving
· wine country
· read reviews
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Date: May 2004
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
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. (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 souffl and chocolate pudding with peppermint and marshmallow sauce.
(http://www.harrysonbudermin.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)
Equally blissful is 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).
Private yoga classes can be arranged beside the pandanus-lined swimming pool.
Sunshine Wellbeing Ph +61 7 5449 2858
- By Sue Fuller
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