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Qld Zoo leads Nation in Animal Breeding Success

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Qld Zoo leads Nation in Animal Breeding Success

Queensland Zoo has been quietly building a reputation for what is one of Australia’s most encouraging and prolific animal breeding programs.

Pretty much every animal at the zoo, which is located beside the Big Pineapple, is breeding or displaying breeding behaviour.

It’s a unique but very heartening situation for the zoo’s owners and staff.

The move from the old Alma Park at Dakabin to the Sunshine Coast site – with its new surroundings and bigger and better enclosures – has proved to be a winner for the individual animals and also for the ongoing healthy survival of their species.

“Obviously, all the breeding shows our animals are content,” the zoo’s assistant manager Rebecca Roskilley said.

Here are some of their successes so far:

All six of the zoo’s breeding koalas have had joeys.

Their cute little Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys have had two sets of twins since the move to the Sunshine Coast.

The Common Marmasets, also a species of monkey, has delivered two sets of  twins already this year.

publication-16.jpgZola the baby Baboon was born at the zoo late last year. And other animals are awaiting the arrival at the zoo of partners to also start breeding.

“Our focus was on the koalas, but it was a surprise that we had six, because not all breeding is successful,” Ms Roskilley said.

“We’ve got six breeding females and six joeys, so all of them have joeys – a 100% success rate. Hopefully we can do it again.

“We had three dads and they each sired two joeys each, so it’s very good for the genetics as well.”

She noted the koalas were already displaying desires and behaviours suggesting they’re ready to breed again.

Meantime, primate handler Danni Chinn is excited by the zoo’s new baby monkeys.

“This is one of the most successful breeding groups in Australia,” she said of the zoo’s cute Tamarin monkey family.

“The two in the breeding pair are quite a good genetic makeup, they are very different to others in Australia, so their offspring will be quite sought after to breed with others.”

She said the new surroundings, with bigger and better enclosures, had done the trick.

“The change of environment is really good and enriching for the animals – by moving the zoo, they’ve been introduced to new surroundings, which has been very successful for them. The zoo started bringing the animals to the new site in October 2013. The last animals arrived at their new home in mid 2014.

“Since then, every animal at the zoo has shown very successful breeding behaviours,” MsChinn said.

It’s a situation that has the zoo staff smiling at their growing animal family, and hopeful that the cute little babies keep coming.

By Richard Bruinsma

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Landsborough Palmwoods Eudlo Mooloolah

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Landsborough is a small town located north of the Glasshouse Mountains and 5 minutes from the Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. You will find quaint shops and a museum housing the social and cultural history of the area. There’s a local pub which is abit of a tourist attraction.
The Palmwoods, Eudlo and Mooloolah area make a lovely drive through the country side, situated in the valley below the Blackall Range, on the coastal side. The small town now known as Palmwoods (named after the Piccabeen Palms that grow in the area) was originally called Merriman Flats and is at the Northern end of the valley. It can be reached via the ‘Hunchy’ or Razorback road from Montville, or from the Bruce Highway via Kiel Mountain. A stones throw from the Big Pineapple, and Nambour, it is a luscious green hilly area, and a gateway to the coast. A great area to sit in a café with a good book as you watch the world go by.

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Translucence

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“Translucence” showcases the work of five watercolourists who have the talent to create magnificent paintings using this notoriously challenging medium. Transparent watercolour can be soft and subtle, but equally strong in its suggestion, which allows the artist great scope when it is used skillfully.

Each painter has their own approach and therefore results.

These are artists who respect the possibilities of watercolor and know how to use it to its fullest potential.

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Visitors are always welcome at the Maleny Golf Club

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Visitors are always welcome at the Maleny Golf Club

Visit the Maleny Golf Club Website for more information.

Nestled within the green hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the Maleny Golf Club’s quality, 9-hole course provides visitors with a picturesque, “golf-as-it-began” playing experience.

From the elevated 1st Tee players are presented with a panoramic view of the links-style course and an ideal vantage point from which to assess the golfing challenge ahead.

The Graham Papworth-designed Par 35 course, is comprised of six Par 4s, two Par 3s and one Par 5. Players will encounter some stern tests of golf along the way, including a penal kikuyu rough for those who stray from the well-defined fairways.

The club, which only opened to the public in July 2015, has cleverly combined two shipping containers to establish a rustic temporary HQ which adds to the overall experience.

Visitors can enjoy a snack and a refreshment after a round on the covered rear terrace while taking in the spectacular vista.

The course has been built to a high standard by a team of dedicated volunteers under the direction of course Superintendent Mick McCombe using the latest agronomic technology and knowhow to construct the Tiff Dwarf greens.

McCombe’s diligence in transforming what was once a weed-ridden old dairy farm into a quality golf course praised by all who play it, earned him the Queensland Golf Industry’s 2016 superintendent’s achievement award. Mick subsequently received the national AGCSA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award and Australian Golf Digest Superintend of the Year Award.

These prestigious awards complemented the Queensland Government’s Sports Volunteer of the Year award received in 2015 by club President Dr Max Whitten in recognition of his leadership, commitment, drive and enterprise in facilitating construction of the course.

So why not combine a morning of Hinterland shopping, art gallery hopping or walking with a round of golf, followed by a leisurely lunch together at one of the local eateries – or better still make a weekend of it?

  • Picturesque 9-hole course with practice range, putting green & bunker
  • Clubs, pull buggies & electric carts available for hire
  • Snacks & light refreshments available at the golf shop
  • Open 7 days, daylight hours
  • Visitors & new members welcome
  • Green fees 9/18: $20/$30 – Electric Cart 9/18: $25/$35 – Clubs $10 – Pull buggy $5
  • Reciprocal & District Club Member discounts available

Call the golf shop on 07 5499 9960 to book your tee time.

 

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Hinterland Markets

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Bring a recyclable bag and enter shopping heaven at one of our local markets.
Stock up on fresh local produce, specialty fare, original creations and old treasures. There is something for everyone.

Growers And Farmers Markets

  1. Big Pineapple Growers Markets – Nambour Connection Road, Woombye – Every Saturday – 6.30am to midday
  2. Yandinda Plant & Produce Markets – Yandina Sports Ground, North Street, Yandina – Every Saturday – 6am to midday
  3. Blackall Range Growers Markets – 316 Witta Road, Witta – Every 3rd Saturday of the month – 7.30am to midday
  4. Crystal Waters Country Markets – 65 Kilcoy Lane, Conondale – 1st Saturday of the  month (except January) 8am to midday
  5. Montville Local Produce Market – Village Hall, Main Street, Montville – 2nd Saturday of every month 7am to midday

Regular Markets

  1. Arts & Crafts, Bric-a-Brac, Collectables Markets – Artist on the Green, Village Green, Montville – Second Saturday every month 8.30am – 3pm
  2. Maleny Art Craft & Collectables Market – RSL Hall, Bunya Street (Opp Maleny Hotel), Maleny – Every Sunday 8am – 2pm.

 

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Falls Farm helping create unique restaurant menus

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IMAGINE an organic vegetable, fruit and herb farm that hosts visits from south east Queensland’s best chefs, who then return to their restaurants and create menus based on what they have tasted and seen.

The Falls Farm at Mapleton, not far from the Mapleton Falls National Park, is doing just that. In the process it’s becoming a key player in a wave that’s sweeping through the blue ribbon restaurant sector – the variety, quality and flavours of the produce and herbs available is dictating the meals that are created.

“I think that’s where these sorts of restaurants are going; they want to make that move to be able to grow with the grower, and we also want to learn from them,” Christine Ballinger, of The Falls Farm, said.

The list of recent visitors is a sort of who’s who of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane restaurant scene: Spicers Clovelly Estate’s Executive Chef Cameron Matthews, 2013 Queensland Good Food Guide Chef of the Year Alejandro Cancino  of Brisbane’s Urbane restaurant, Gerard’s Bistro head chef Ben Williamson, 2012 Master-chef winner Andy Allen and more.

They have each taken a taste tour of the farm and some have even cooked at its outdoor wood-fired oven.

“I ask them, ‘What are you looking for? What would you like us to grow in our climactic conditions?’ – that’s the way I like to work with the restaurants,” Ms Ballinger said.

The 24-acre Falls Farm is a mini-miracle itself. It was purchased in 2013, after some 20 years of little care, and was overgrown with various weeds and vines, including lantana six metres high.

Over time, the land was cleared, new garden “rooms” were created, orchards, crops and herbs planted and fertilized with home-made organic fertilizer, and greenhouses established.

Parts of the farm are also being regenerated to its natural native form. The farm today produces a wide array of vegetables, fruit – including rare varieties – scores of the intense and exquisitely flavoured herbs and, on top of that, also provides punnets of edible flowers and flavoursome  leaves to award winning restaurants.

Among the scores of unique edible offerings are the tiny sweet bean-flavoured flower from the Blue Kentucky Bean vine, fresh flowers from the cucumber vine, Fennel with its sweet pollen and aniseed flavour, the Stinging Nettle, the liquorice herb, the incredibly sweet leaves of Stevia and the Cranberry Hibiscus, which produces burgundy leaves with a berry and citrus flavour.

“It’s got a great texture, it’s got a really interesting flavour, it contributes to the complexity of the food,” Ms Ballinger explains. “It doesn’t just look pretty, it’s got a purpose on the plate beyond its appearance.”

The farm includes the outdoor oven and entertaining area, several ponds and lakes that provide tranquil and peaceful surrounds and areas suitable for small events and pitching tents. Last year, it hosted its first wedding.

The property also includes the nearby Smith House luxury accommodation facility. The farm recently opened its farm gate sales shed on Mapleton Falls Road. It also conducts farm tours that aim to educate the community on the wide variety of produce and flavours that are available to the modern consumers and what they believe are the best ways to grow healthy produce.

“They get astounded, they say they’ve never heard of this vegetable or herb before, never seen it,” Ms Ballinger said.  “It’s a place of education; it’s not just about growing food, it’s about the environment, it’s about ways of thinking, it’s something people are looking for.”

unique restaurant unique restaurant unique restaurant unique restaurant unique restaurant unique restaurant unique restaurant

The Falls Farm, at Mapleton, can be contacted at hello@thefallsfarm.com

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The Perfect Time to Take a Great Walk

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The cool weather makes it the perfect time to take a Great Walk worthy of the bucket list!

The very term Great Walk in itself is almost enough to wave away the idea completing that challenging hike aside and think instead about coffee shops and quaint boutiques.

But there comes a time when these alternate but beautiful attractions in the Sunshine Coast hinterland should also be added to the bucket list and given true deserved consideration.
One part of the Great Walk is the walking track between the Montville side of Lake Baroon and Flaxton – a 15km walk that conveniently includes the popular Kondalilla Falls day walk and picnic area.

The section of the track from Lake Baroon to Kondalilla Falls is around 10km, and a convenient finishing point for those not wanting to complete the full walk. Or, of course, a good start point for those wishing to head the opposite direction.
The walk is graded a Level 2 difficulty by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which also suggests allocating between five and seven hours to complete the one-way journey. However, as a male of moderate fitness, I was able to complete the walk comfortably, including various stops to take photo graphs, in an easy three hours.
In total, the Great Walk stretches 58km, from Lake Baroon to Kondalilla Falls at Flaxton and, then, from Flaxton to Mapleton Falls National Park, and the national park itself as the fourth piece of the puzzle.
Thankfully, that considerable bucket list walk is broken up into those four sections. Each one is do-able in one day – most are between 10 and 15km, which, at average walking pace, means three to five hours of walking.
The Lake Baroon to Kondallilla Falls walk is characterised by good pathways, good signage, mostly shielded from the sun by the rainforest canopy.
At times, the path can be a little muddy, mossy and slippery, and there are stretches or gradual inclines and declines that do get the heart moderately racing. Of course, there is no need to rush, and, any time that the walk becomes a little strenuous is a good time to have a rest and grab a mouthful of water
The walk, as expected, has the wide variety of natural features like waterways and small waterfalls, birdlife, unusual plants, including fungi and lichen, but, in my observation, does include some of these huge buttressed rainforest trees that seem to have vanished from most other shorter common walks.
There are also those runners who complete the 10km track before turning back to do it all again for a solid 20km training session.
Much of the track has no mobile phone coverage so it’s a good idea to switch the phone to airplane mode for the walk, to avoid suffering a flat battery as the phone continues searching for the non-existent signal.
So, if you get the chance, consider giving the legs a good stretch and the heart a comfortable workout along one of the sections of the hinterland’s Great Walk.

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The Strangler Cairn, Conondale National Park

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In the rugged Conondale Range, this park features luxuriant rainforests, tall eucalypt forests, waterfalls, boulder-strewn creeks and spectacular scenery.  The diverse forests provide homes for a wonderful variety of wildlife including more than 120 species of birds and many mammals. The threatened but seldom-seen yellow-bellied glider lives in the open forest. Some rare and threatened species are found in the Conondale and Blackall ranges, including the cascade tree-frog and plumed frog-mouth.

The 56 km Conondale Range Great Walk showcases the very best of Conondale National Park’s natural features. A sculpture by internationally renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy is within a half day walk on this track and compliments the stunning beauty of its environment.  The walking track to Artists cascades goes past the sculpture.

For more information – check out the National Parks website …

 

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Ginger Factory’s 2018 Ginger Flower and Food Festival

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One of Queensland’s most iconic events, the Ginger Flower & Food Festival will return to The Ginger Factory for its 22nd year in January 2018.  The festival promises to delight the senses with three spectacular days of food, flowers and entertainment celebrating the best of the Sunshine Coast region and the 75-year history of Buderim Ginger.

From Friday 19th to Sunday 21st January 2018 the Ginger Factory (50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina QLD) will burst with color, showcasing an exquisite range of ornamental gingers and heliconia’s, which thrive in the Sunshine Coast’s sub-tropical conditions. A stunning array of over 3000 plants will be available for sale to festival goers.

Lifestyle and foodie presentations, as well as cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs will run across the three days. Sampling of Buderim Ginger’s new Ginger Beer ranges will be available, including new flavors and their latest alcoholic tipples.

The event is a must-do for foodies, green thumbs, ginger beer lovers or those wanting to soak up the festival vibes in one of Australia’s most enviable climates.

The festival will pay a special homage to the long Australian history of Buderim Ginger, spanning 75 years. Today’s booming business started off as a small farming community and ginger growers’ cooperative, expanding over time to one of the world’s largest suppliers of ginger products and beverages.

The 2018 Ginger Flower & Food Festival is a FREE all-weather event that all ages will enjoy!

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Lots to see, so Come On Up!

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Visitors to the Sunshine Coast hinterland are warned to not make the mistake of leaving the area before they’ve experienced everything The Hinterland and the surrounding communities have to offer.

The list of attractions is not as straight forward as many may think – it’s very diverse in deed.

The region encompasses the well-known headline towns of Montville, Maleny and Mapleton, but then also boasts the unique attractions that come with the farming and alternate communities of Conondale, the colonial town of Kenilworth with its national parks, bushwalks, and camping grounds, and outlying communities like Kenilworth, Landsborough, Mooloolah, and Palmwoods.

The hinterland has well and truly developed a great reputation for its unique and quaint boutique shops, its beautiful coffee shops and restaurants, and the views to the coast that are so readily accessible in Montville itself and along the hinterland’s mountain ridge road.

But the lesser-known attractions include the region’s produce and food attractions – visitors are able to visit working farms, organic vegetable and fruit producers, coffee roasters, and spend time cooking with unique locally-made marinades and sauces.

There are also speciality breweries manufacturing world quality beers, a boutique liqueur-maker using native bush foods to create unique flavours, cheese producers, and dairy farms that produce the freshest dairy products that need to be experienced to believe, as well as providing accommodation that allows visitors to experience working farms.

The natural attractions include countless bushwalks, starting with the 58km Great Walk that meanders from Lake Baroon through the range to finish at Mapleton Falls National Park. Bushwalkers can camp along the route too.

Thankfully, the Great Walk doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s conveniently broken up into four sections that are each an individual day walk in their own right.

Then there are the shorter bushwalks like those at Kondalilla Falls in Flaxton, Baroon Pocket Dam and Gardners Falls at Maleny, Mapleton Falls at Mapleton, the Charlie Moreland Park camping and picnic area just outside Kenilworth, which has become one of the most visited camping sites in South East Queensland, along with other bushwalk and camping sites and private camping grounds.

The natural tourist attractions also boast the greenery and rainforests for which the region is known, all manner of unusual plant life, birds and native animals.

The beautiful natural surrounds also lend themselves to romance, with the region home to a blossoming wedding industry, complete with stunning chapels, wedding and function centres, for those wishing to tie the knot in memorable surroundings.

The hinterland is a unique and special destination, with attractions that satisfy a wide variety of aspects and interests, and not the run-of-the-mill as some may believe at first glance.

It’s all supported by wonderful accommodation, ranging from motel-style rooms through to B&Bs and even farm stays that allow guests to step into their local garden to pick the freshest ingredients – whether vegetables, fruit or even fresh eggs – to go straight to the kitchen and into their delicious meal.

So, if you’ve arrived in the hinterland, ready to be refreshed and revitalised, make sure you make the most of your stay and truly properly partake in the many and varied things here to do.

And, if you’re still wondering where to go on your next break, the Sunshine Coast hinterland has so much to see, so make sure you Come On Up.

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Gelato, sorbet and cheese … oh my!

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Fresh gelato and sorbet hand made every day in Maleny

The team at Maleny Food Co. are passionate about what they do, simply put by owner Norman Scott.

“We make the best gelato and sorbet in Australia right here in Maleny; combining the rich Guernsey milk and cream from a local farm, with the finest Queensland and Italian flavour ingredients”.

Maleny Food CoThese delicious award winning products are made every day at the purpose built facility in Maleny, it’s a handcrafted process using traditional artisan techniques.

“We start the day by collecting fresh Guernsey milk and cream from a local family farm that we know produces the best quality milk in an environmentally sustainable way.” Norman explains.

Made in small batches the base mixture is churned rather than whipped to produce the perfect rich and creamy texture. The flavours are then hand stirred through to create delicious combinations such as cherry ripe, lychee chocolate and ginger and the popular crème caramel.

Maleny Food Co“It’s our commitment to quality that makes the difference, we know where our ingredients come from and the story behind the producers”, Norman says.

It’s well worth the scenic drive up to Maleny in the Hinterland to discover the Maleny Food Co café where you will be greeted with a warm welcome and can enjoy a great coffee and the deli-style dining.

You will be surprised by the well-stocked walk in fromagerie with more than 200 Australian and International cheese. A “foodie” experience for any cheese lover, especially those that who know their d’Affiniois and Taleggio or enjoy the hard to find Fromart raw milk Swiss cheese.

Off course you will find it hard to leave without tasting the delicious gelato and sorbet.

You can also enjoy Maleny Food Co. gelato and sorbet at a growing number of restaurants, gelato shops, and selected boutique grocers across the Sunshine Coast.

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Experience a working farm

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We visit Wittacork Dairy Cottages in Maleny to experience a modern working dairy farm stay and so much more.

By Kerry Brown

Just getting to Wittacork Cottages is an unforgettable drive; the road to the dairy is narrow and winds the entire way along a ridge with lush green paddocks rolling gently as far as the eye can see. You can almost sense you are about to experience something very special, and you are. This modern working dairy farm is located just outside of Maleny. The 500-acre property includes pristine rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon and adjoins the Kondalilla and Obi Obi Gorge National Parks.

A hearty helping of country hospitality awaits when hosts Rob and Anne Cork meet you on arrival. When they first moved to the dairy in 1992, it was fairly run down so they worked incredibly hard to revive and modernise the farm.

When the dairy industry was deregulated in 2000, they were determined to find a way forward. Rob said the couple knew they had to diversify to keep the farm working.

“We researched and visited other farm stays before we devised our own way of doing it here,” he explained.Wittacork Cottages

“We talked to people and knew that there was an interest in what we do here at the farm.

“People love seeing the dairy and feeding the animals, especially the family groups, then they can walk through the rainforest tracks or even walk to Lake Baroon; it’s a fair way but worth the effort.”

Guests can watch the cows being milked daily from 4pm to 5.30pm or, for those who like early starts, there is also the early morning milking session. After both milking sessions guests are welcome to help feed the calves, the boer goats, the two resident pigs Apple and Ginger or help collect the eggs from the chicken coop.

Anne said it was delightful watching families experiencing farm life together.

“Sometimes we hear the parents and grandparents talking their young ones about how life was for them on a farm, it is great listening to them reminiscing and sharing life stories, we see many happy families,” she said.

There are more than 5km of rainforest walks on the property; a full walk is 2km and takes around 80 minutes at an easy pace and there are shorter walks of 500mtrs and 1km.

The tracks are well maintained and there is plenty of seating along the way to rest, take in the stunning views and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful farm.

There is so much more to Wittacork Cottages. The farm is registered as a Land For Wildlife property, and the rainforest is home to numerous rare and endangered plant species. More than 500 rainforest trees have been planted around the cottages and farmhouse accommodation.

A great deal of thought has gone into every aspect of Wittacork Cottages, and especially so with the accommodation.

Witta Cork CottagesOriginally Rob and Anne built three self-contained cottages on the ridge overlooking Lake Baroon; they are all two-bedroom cottages with wide verandas taking advantage of the surrounding beauty, exceptionally well-equipped kitchens, log fire places, spacious rooms, modern bathroom facilities, covered car parking and a shared laundry facility.

Although somewhat hesitant about the farmhouse being located too close to the dairy, eventually Rob and Anne decided to renovate the three bedroom house and it has proven to be very popular, as have the neighbours with the baby goats pen just outside the back door.

It is often the little things that matter on holiday.

Rob and Anne also provide cots, high chairs, bedrails, booster seats, a great help for young families as is the safety fencing around the verandas and log fire places. It all helps families relax and enjoy their stay even more.

Wittacork Cottages is located centrally on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, making it ideal for experiencing and exploring this premier destination. Bookings are essential. For more information visit www.wittacork.com.au

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Landsborough Palmwoods Eudlo Mooloolah

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Landsborough is a small town located north of the Glasshouse Mountains and 5 minutes from the Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. You will find quaint shops and a museum housing the social and cultural history of the area. There’s a local pub which is abit of a tourist attraction.
The Palmwoods, Eudlo and Mooloolah area make a lovely drive through the country side, situated in the valley below the Blackall Range, on the coastal side. The small town now known as Palmwoods (named after the Piccabeen Palms that grow in the area) was originally called Merriman Flats and is at the Northern end of the valley. It can be reached via the ‘Hunchy’ or Razorback road from Montville, or from the Bruce Highway via Kiel Mountain. A stones throw from the Big Pineapple, and Nambour, it is a luscious green hilly area, and a gateway to the coast. A great area to sit in a café with a good book as you watch the world go by.

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Horse Riding through Hinterland Rainforest

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By Richard Bruinsma

There are numerous beautiful, relaxing and sometimes-challenging bushwalks through various national parks in the Sunshine Coast, and a small number of them are also available for horse riding.

Among the trails open to horses are the trails around Mapleton National Park.

The park offers three longer trails – the Turpentine Trail at 7.8km return, Piccabeen Circuit (6.7km) and the Kureelpa Falls Circuit (8.5km) – which are shared between walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. There is a hierarchy of who gives way to whom – all users give way to horses.

Horse Riding Mapleton National Park

Chloe Hutton on Nougat and Matt Norman on Henry enjoy a ride on the Piccabeen Circuit trail at Mapleton National Park. Photo: Richard Bruinsma

Local residents Chloe Hutton and Matt Norman are among those who regularly ride their horses through trails. One of their favourites is the Piccabeen Circuit, which has a full distance of 6.7km return.

The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing website reports that the trail makes its way through tall blackbutt forest and rainforest and includes “several crossings of Gheerulla Creek”.

“It’s a beautiful track, it’s nice and even for the horses,” Chloe explained. “There’s a few creek crossings that are also beautiful, and even better when they are running as they are now after the rain.”

Her partner Matt added: “The track is really well looked after, it’s just a nice peaceful ride.

“It’s a great place to bring young horses too, there’s not a lot out there to scare them so they are able to get used to riding in different areas, easily.”

To get to the Mapleton national Park (not to be confused with Mapleton Falls National Park), from Obi Obi Road near the centre of Mapleton, turn into Delicia Road and then Mapleton Forest Road.

The day use picnic area, which is adjacent to a parking area with plenty of room for horse floats, is about 2km from Mapleton.

Sunshine Coast Council has produced a Guide to Horse Riding Tracks, which is available from Visitor Information Centres and SCC Customer Contact Centres, or by phoning council on 5475 8501.

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Indulge your senses in the Hinterland

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Flame Hill Vineyard – impressive wines and beautiful fresh produce

Flame Hill Vineyard and Restaurant, positioned on a plateau on the highest point in lush green Montville, is notable not only for its stunning views, but also for the unique wines produced from its two vineyards, and the sustainable production of the ingredients used in its delicious meals.

Under the guidance of passionate owner Tony Thompson, the vineyard not only grows the grapes for its impressive wines, it also farms its own beef, venison, poultry and eggs, and grows its own fresh vegetables and herbs – it’s no wonder the dining and experiences are truly unique.

The vineyard is proud of its over-arching focus on producing good food and wine in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Flame Hill also breeds its own high-quality Angus beef, which is grass fed on site at the Montville property; the cattle graze in the pastures around what is lovingly known as the “Chook Hilton”, the home of the poultry and eggs that are also produced on the lush property; and it has a market garden on site for the fresh vegetables and herbs that are served in the restaurant.

To accompany the meals, or to be savoured nicely on their own, are two beautiful wines produced from the local grapes – Montville Shiraz and Flamehill Verdehlo – and wines produced from their southern vineyard, Kurrajong Lyra, at Ballandean in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland.

Perhaps the secret of these estate-grown, hand harvested wines stems from the deep emotional attachment between the land, the season and the people, collaborating, of course, with the vineyard’s overall deep passion and dedication to quality.

Just like the wines, the Flame Hill Vineyard is itself vibrant and welcoming. The adjacent grape trestles underpin the ambiance and nicely enhance the views into the valley and towards the sea.

The flame trees themselves, with their vibrant red flowers that attract black Cockatoos and brightly coloured Rosellas, add a true richness to the experience that is Flame Hill Vineyard.

Flame Hill Vineyard is located at 249 Western Ave, Montville. Ph: (07) 5478 5920 and vineyard@flamehill.com.au It’s open 7 Days for wine tastings and Sales, 10.30am to 5.30pm (Closed Christmas Day). The restaurant is open Friday to Sunday for a-la-carte lunch and 7 Days for Al fresco dining. Reservations essential. please phone (07) 5478 5920.

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Three of the best restaurants in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland!

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By Angus Richard

Long gone are the days in Australia where John Galsworthy noted that: “The French cook, we open tins.”

One of the key attractions today for local and overseas visitors to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the freshness, creativity and diversity of our food culture which manifests itself in brilliant restaurants.

Here for your enjoyment are just three that you must experience when next immersed in a well-earned break in this rich and iconic region.

The legendary Terrace Seafood Restaurant at Cairncross Corner has consistently delighted diners for over twenty years. Signature dishes include their amazing Seafood Platter with a highlight of gravity defying prawns. Their Seafood Chowder is a must. This is where you get to eat the crockery (it is served in a freshly baked cob loaf!). Finish with their Brandy Basket which looks and tastes so good you could probably enter it in an art prize and take home the trophy.

 

 

Pomodoras sits on the banks of the Obi Obi Creek where you can literally dip a toe in the water and be relieved that the Platypus are friendly. The relaxing contemporary restaurant is famous for its Beef Carpaccio and locally sourced Buffalo Burgers. It is a wonderful, tree shrouded, creek kissed place to dine.

 

 

 

In picturesque Montville seek out Lisa and Gypsy’s Table. A homely low set timber building at the top of the main street that recalls the country’s early settlement. The warmth of wood, soft furnishings, comfortable furniture, an open fire in winter and kick back feel make it mellow and welcoming. A truly diverse menu awaits but try the almost unpronounceable “Kekkavvi”. It sounds dangerous but is in fact delicious, their signature dish from a recipe that is over 100 years old.

 

 

Discover the wonderful food narrative of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland through these three brilliant restaurants. Something special for you to enjoy when next you come on up!

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Knitfest – Maleny Yarn and Fibre Arts Festival

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Knitfest 2018 is an exciting weekend Yarn & Fibre Arts Festival held on June 30th – July 1st, 2018, celebrating winter arts and crafts, embracing the whole community of Maleny. We yarnbomb and decorate the main street of Maleny so the town becomes a centre of art, creativity, yarnbombing, workshops, guest speakers, music, trade stalls and craft markets. It is a magical festival for families to discover new skills, talents and creativity with the use of yarns including knitting, crochet, basket weaving, spinning and weaving, felting and lots more. Get involved and join one of the many workshops.

Knitfest features competitions for community groups, art associations and skilled artisans to decorate trees in our beautiful streetscapes with handmade art installations made of yarn and fibre. There’s prize money too! There is also several competitions for the Best Beanie, Scarf, Shawls, Tea Cosy etc.

Ride the Mystic bus as it travels up and down the Festival Precinct so you can get a window seat to see all the attractions and the best yarnbombing. The bus is yarnbombed of course.

We encourage people to bring their knitting needles, crochet hooks and basket weaving for random acts of craft in the street. We want to expose the many Fibre artists, arts and crafts groups, knitting for causes groups, artisan groups and craft suppliers in a fun filled family weekend.

The theme for this year is “Outer Space / Sci Fi”.
This year, our local Astronomy Club will be hosting a “Come see the Stars” night at the Maleny Golf Club with 4 huge telescopes and viewing platform.

We will celebrate all that is winter on the mountain.

About us:
Knitfest is a not For Profit Community Group run by volunteers headed by Festival & Creative Director, Debs Swain . We rely on our wonderful sponsors and Community Grants for funding each year. The Knitfest Yarnbombing Team meet each Tuesday from 10am – 12pm out on the verandah at the Neighbourhood Centre, at the end of Bicentenary lane, Maleny to work on this year’s projects to decorate the town during the event. To sponsor the event, donate yarn or knitted/crocheted pieces, please contact knitfest@hotmail.com

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Maleny Wood Expo

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View the amazing range of lovingly crafted timber products, and meet and talk to the craftsmen and women who’ve created them. With work by furniture-makers and toy-makers, musical instrument-makers and box-makers, whittlers, carvers and everything in-between, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Glimpse the skills of the timber cutters who ‘opened up’ the region, and catch up with the very best in both hand-crafted traditional and high tech tools.

Smell the distinctive spicy aroma of newly milled timber and watch live demos of chainsaws, woodworking, trade tools and more.

All wood artisans and exhibitors are required to work in sustainably harvested native timbers, weed or recycled timbers.

Pull up a hay bale, enjoy great food and fabulous local music and have a great day!

For more information please go to www.malenywoodexpo.com

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Gardening on the Edge – Maleny

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Maleny Garden Club offers a wonderful weekend where visitors have access to six interesting and diverse gardens, a garden market of approximately 20 stalls, plant stalls where visitors can speak with experts, a beautiful flower display along with teas and lunches and hospitality. The market garden is held in the Maleny Showgrounds and tickets can be purchased there at a cost of $20 for the 6 gardens, $12 for 3 gardens and $5 to visit 1 garden (tickets are also available at the garden entrances). As well as enjoyable gardens to walk around there are a number of surprises to be found at the gardens also eg harpists, fairies, botanical artists. Details of the 6 open gardens can be found on the Maleny Garden club’s website: www.malenygardenclub.org or Maleny Gardening on the Edge 2018

 

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Take the Great Walk from Lake Baroon to Flaxton

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Challenge yourself to take a walk that will take you very up close and personal with nature.
By Richard Bruinsma
Kondalilla FallsThe very term Great Walk in itself is almost enough to wave away the idea completing that challenging hike aside and think instead about coffee shops and quaint boutiques.
But there comes a time when these alternate but beautiful attractions in the Sunshine Coast hinterland should also be added to the bucket list and given true deserved consideration.
One part of the Great Walk is the walking track between the Montville side of Lake Baroon and Flaxton – a 15km walk that conveniently includes the popular Kondalilla Falls day walk and picnic area.
The section of the track from Lake Baroon to Kondalilla Falls is around 10km, and a convenient finishing point for those not wanting to complete the full walk. Or, of course, a good start point for those wishing to head the opposite direction.
The walk is graded a Level 2 difficulty by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which also suggests allocating between five and seven hours to complete the one-way journey. However, as a male of moderate fitness, I was able to complete the walk comfortably, including various stops to take photo graphs, in an easy three hours.
In total, the Great Walk stretches 58km, from Lake Baroon to Kondalilla Falls at Flaxton and, then, from Flaxton to Mapleton Falls National Park, and the national park itself as the fourth piece of the puzzle.
Thankfully, that considerable bucket list walk is broken up into those four sections. Each one is do-able in one day – most are between 10 and 15km, which, at average walking pace, means three to five hours of walking.
The Lake Baroon to Kondallilla Falls walk is characterised by good pathways, good signage, mostly shielded from the sun by the rainforest canopy.
At times, the path can be a little muddy, mossy and slippery, and there are stretches or gradual inclines and declines that do get the heart moderately racing. Of course, there is no need to rush, and, any time that the walk becomes a little strenuous is a good time to have a rest and grab a mouthful of water
The walk, as expected, has the wide variety of natural features like waterways and small waterfalls, birdlife, unusual plants, including fungi and lichen, but, in my observation, does include some of these huge buttressed rainforest trees that seem to have vanished from most other shorter common walks.
There are also those runners who complete the 10km track before turning back to do it all again for a solid 20km training session.
Much of the track has no mobile phone coverage so it’s a good idea to switch the phone to airplane mode for the walk, to avoid suffering a flat battery as the phone continues searching for the non-existent signal.
So, if you get the chance, consider giving the legs a good stretch and the heart a comfortable workout along one of the sections of the hinterland’s Great Walk.

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