Woodford Folk Festival 2011/12

The Woodford Folk Festival, an event of international standing, is held annually over six days and six nights from Dec 27th through to January 1st. 

More than 2000 performers and 580 events are programmed featuring local, national and international guests. 

This year the 7^th festival of The Dreaming is being featured at the Woodford Folk Festival. 

The Dreaming, Australia’s International Indigenous Festival, will be showcased in a special precinct within the Woodford festival where Indigenous music, theatre, talks and galleries will be featured.

Lose yourself in this year's amazing programme

Santa is Coming to Mooloolaba Beach

Santa Claus is coming to Mooloolaba Beach again on  Saturday the 24th of December. 

Celebrations will begin at 6:30pm with Santa being rowed to shore by the Boatie Reindeer crew. 

The children will have a chance to have a chat before a spectacular Fireworks display is conducted. 

This free  family event…so spread the word. There will be plenty of Ice-blocks and lollies for the kids too...

The Ginger Factory's Special Christmas Event

Giggles and squeaks galore will fill the air at this year's animated Christmas display at the Ginger Factory - with a new twist!

Santa's naughty Elves have gone missing but a band of cute little mice from a nearby North Pole village have risen to the challenge to help fill the wishes of Santa's huge sack of Christmas orders.

Meet Santa whilst visiting this captivating animated puppetry wonderland, in a new and bigger venue.

November 19 to December 24 from 9.30am each day 
$6 per person or $3 with a holiday ticket package.

Children 3 and under are free.

All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade 2011

This year's Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade will be held on 10th December and is shaping up to be the best! The event provides great family entertainment and viewing of up to 50 vessels completely decorated with Christmas Lights and promenading through the waterways of Mooloolaba and Bundilla.

The best viewing locations are listed here and up to 10,000 spectators will be lining the waterways of Mooloolaba to see this spectacle - a great family event, sponsored by local businesses.

All proceeds go to Beautiful You cancer charity, and they will be out shaking tins for donations so be sure to bring your shrapnel and support this great local charity helping families through the journey of cancer.

Summer Twilight Markets in Eumundi

The Original Eumundi Markets will host Summer Twilight Markets on five Friday nights from 5pm – 9pm, commencing 16 December. The dates for your diary are Friday 16 December, Friday 23 December, Friday 30 December, Friday 6 January and Friday 13 January. The twilight markets will be a great opportunity for locals to enjoy a relaxed night out, with market food stalls, craft stalls, and fabulous free entertainment, including live music and outdoor movies.

The movies are being presented by Flicks in the Sticks at around 6.30 p.m., and a different movie will be screened each week. The season will be kicked off with Christmas comedy 'ELF' starring Will Ferrell on 16 December, with music from Juzzie Smith, and a visit from Santa and Christmas carolers.

Sunshine Coast Marine Festival And Sailing Expo

The first Sunshine Coast Marine Festival is set to take place at Mooloolaba Marina & The Yacht Club over the weekend of the 19th and 20th of November.

Incorporating the first ever Sunshine Coast Sailing Expo this will be a weekend that is all about the boats and getting on the water!

More than 25 brands of boat will be on show at this year's event with product ranging from sailing boats, offshorefishing boats, tinnies, fibreglass boats, engines, PWC's, marine electronics and accessories.

There will be plenty of fishing talks and demonstrations across the weekend plus activities to keep the kids entertained! 

Clean Futures 2011 Conference

Supported by Sunshine Coast Council and hosted in partnership with Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast, the 2011 Clean Futures Conference on 28 October is set to bring together entrepreneurs, experts and advisors from across Australia and overseas in a full-day, “building your bottom line” opportunity that opens the doors on the global clean technology industry.

High on the list of Australia's boom industries, clean technology (cleantech) companies enjoyed an average revenue growth of 31.4% (Australian Cleantech Review 2011) in 2010 with capital investment also reaching new highs. Encompassing all aspects of environmental technology and services, cleantech industry sub-sectors include renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, construction design and materials, and energy efficiency.

The Queensland 2011 Clean Futures Conference will be held on Friday 28 October 2011 from 8.45 am to 6.30 pm at the Innovation Centre at The University of The Sunshine Coast.

Noosa Triathlon Multisport Festival 2011

The Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is brought together with an irresistible mix of sport and entertainment coupled with, sun and surf in one of Australia’s most popular destinations – Noosa.

It has been one of Australia’s most popular triathlons for 29 years and reaches capacity with an hour of entries opening, drawing 8,500 competitors to the Olympic-distance (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) challenge that also lures our top professionals.

If you think it’s all about triathlon, you’d be absolutely wrong. There’s a weeklong festival of swimming, cycling, running, triathlon events for everyone from 7 – 80+, two golf tournaments (celebrity and corporate), Queensland’s largest expo, corporate/VIP facilities, and serious after Party you’ll also need to train for.

Community events include the Brekky Fun Run with some seriously fun ‘pink’ costume theming, the Superkidz Tri and Tour de Noosa ride. The 3-day Sport and Lifestyle Expo is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere sure to satisfy the astute shopper.

Gympie Gold Rush Festival

Gympie's Gold Rush Festival is a eight day event held from 5-15 October and celebrates the area's fascinating heritage. 

Gold Rush offers locals, tourists and visitors the opportunity to go back in history and pan for real gold in an authentic 1867 historical setting or find that once in a life time gemstone. Alternatively, you can relax on a balmy night on a blanket at the 'Symphony by the Lake'.

Gold Rush caters for all, with art shows, a street parade and a family party in the park. Experience the warm hospitality of a country town, but with modern facilities and sophistication.

Trans Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Championships

The Trans Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Championships is the only Australian outrigger canoe championship series exclusively for junior paddlers. Before 2011, the regatta was the highlight of the season for outrigger paddlers aged between 10 and 19 years of age on the east coast of Australia. 

From Saturday, 24 September 2011, the Gubbi Gubbi event goes international with New Zealand joining the competition, making this the inaugural Trans Tasman event. Over three exciting days at Lake Kawana, junior paddlers will compete for both personal and national pride in an ideal Sunshine Coast setting.

Jewellery and Gem Show

The annual Jewellery and Gem Show, across the weekend of 24 and 25 September, is a family event - come along and shop, look, learn, experience and explore the fascinating art of Lapidary.

Purchase bargain jewellery and gems at wholesale prices. There are items costing from a gold coin through to investment pieces and they have something for all tastes, all budgets and all ages!

Featuring international designs, gems and rough from Master Jewellers, Gemologists, importers, hobbyists, miners, craftsmen and collectors, as well as tools and supplies. 

View their workshops, demonstrations and displays. Talk to the experts and enthusiasts. Learn how to facet, cut and polish, even work with precious metal clay!

Kids are invited to participate in "Kids Corner Activities" and "Fossicking Adventures". Win great raffle prizes with over AUD5,000 in prizes.

For those not wanting to purchase jewellery or gems, there will be static displays of prize winning lapidary work from across the Coast and beyond, in addition to the vast array of demonstrations in addition to an array of quality local art and craft.

There's something for everyone so don’t miss out on this low-cost, family-fun adventure. More details are available on their website, or a brochure is available.

Real Food Festival

The Real Food Festival is a fantastic celebration of the wonderful variety of food that Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants have to offer, and a brilliant way to talk, taste and buy from them.

The various demonstrations, events, discussions and other activities throughout the weekend mean that the Festival has something for everyone and is a great way for people to support the best of Sunshine Coast regional food.

The Real Food Festival will be held at various locations on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland over the weekend of Saturday, 10th and Sunday 11th of September 2011.

Buderim Spring Garden Festival 10-11 September

Buderim is well known as the Garden Suburb of the Sunshine Coast, everything grows well in the red soil of the fertile slopes. Once covered in orchards and farms, now everyone with a green thumb can create a brilliant Australian garden. Buderim has some outstanding gardens. 6 of them will be on display over the Festival weekend. 

The Festival also includes a Spring Flower show, specialist exhibits, and plant trade stalls. Sunshine Coast sculptors will present an exhibition and sale of hand-crafted ceramic sculpture, much of it designed for gardens.

Spring Flower Show will be in the BWMCA Hall, with Specialist Plant Growers both inside the hall and outside in the grounds as well, selling Herbs, Begonias, Orchids, Staghorns, Ferns, Roses, Hibiscus, Succulents and Cacti, Bromeliads. There will also be Workshops in the grounds both days as well as a Monster Garden Sale.


In the Maroochy Botanical Gardens at Tanewha, a 5-minute drive from Buderim, the Sunshine Coast Concert Band will present a concert from 2pm on Sunday 11th September.

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival

The stars come out to play at the forthcoming annual Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival at Buderim. Among those groups coming to the coast to participate in the popular festival, are Brisbane Arts Theatre, Excalibur Theatre Co, Golden Glove Productions (Brisbane), Dalby Players Theatre, Ipswich Little Theatre, and King Street Players, as well as local groups such as Noosa Arts Theatre, BATS Theatre Co., Caloundra Chorale & Theatre Co., SAD Productions and Random Acts.

The annual 3 days event, presented by the Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance, offers 22 short plays, over 3 days!  A marathon of live theatre action!

There are several award-winning plays appearing at the festival including the comedy Nothing which took home the Best Play award at the 2011 National One-Act Playwriting Competition at Noosa Arts Theatre, and God Goes to a Shrink, which has been winning accolades at other festivals this year.

There is something for everyone and a festival pass will cost you just $35 (for access to ALL sessions).

Sunshine Coast Walks Festival 2011

A nine day festival of guided walks, competitions, community and cultural events that celebrates the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, healthy activity and showcases local attractions. The festival will run from August 19 - 28 after the official opening and award presentation of the "People on Walks" Sunshine Coast Walks Festival Photographic Competition on Friday evening at Flaxton Gardens 5.30 to 7.30pm 19th August 2011.

The absolute beauty and charm of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers visitors the opportunity to experience a magnificent selection of rainforest and mountain walks, ranging from easy to strenuous, from 20 minute strolls to walks of several days. Experience some of the range's most scenic areas: warm subtropical rainforest, tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls. 

Island Charity Swim 2011

Island Charity Swim, is preparing for its eleventh year of fundraising for the region’s two special schools, at Currimundi and Nambour as many swim teams begin training. This year’s swim will take place on Saturday 13 August, leaving Mudjimba Beach in the early hours of the morning with most swimmers arriving at Mooloolaba Beach mid-morning to a big community welcome. 

The annual Island Charity Swim is an 11km open ocean swim and each year approximately 100 participants complete the course over several hours from Mudjimba beach, around Old Woman Island, and back to shore at Mooloolaba beach. 

To date the event has raised almost a million dollars for funding equipment and student programs and the 2011 event is expected to be another record year for participants. Individuals and teams can take part and are invited to contact the volunteer committee now to register. 

The fundraising goal for this year is $10,000 for special needs equipment for both schools.

Queensland State Junior Surfing Titles 30-31 July 2011

The Queensland State Junior Surfing Titles is the premier junior series that determines the “best of the best” to compete at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in 2011. 

Teenagers from across the state will enter their age divisions to compete for a spot in the Queensland Junior Surfing Team.

Ideally, this year’s Titles are held on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, home to more than 100km of beaches stretching through the coastal towns of Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach and Noosa.

Ultimate Steam Festival

Step back in time at Gympie's Ultimate Steam Festiva, from 22 - 24 July, where the three heritage attractions (Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, The Mary Valley Heritage Railway and Woodworks Museum) will combine forces to present a unique and educational experience not just for steam buffs, but for all people young and old to experience the various uses of steam. 

Some of the highlights of the festival are steam train rides, vintage bus rides, steam demonstrations and historical displays, wood chopping and carving, live entertainment, food and refreshments, camp oven dinner, children's rides and activities, vehicle displays and more.

A Taste of Coolum

Foodies all over the Sunshine Coast have their tastebuds tingling in anticipation at the thought of this year’s 'A Taste of Coolum' event to be held at Hyatt Regency Coolum from 24 to 26 June 2011.

The weekend starts off in fabulous style on Friday night with a ‘Bountiful, Brilliant Bubbles’ Champagne dinner in Eliza's hosted by the queen of everything sparkling herself, Bernadette O’Shea.

Swing into Saturday with the famous Winemakers Cup Golf Day, complete with wine tasting, novelty holes, prizes and downright fun, before making your way to one of two winemaker dinners - ‘A Night in Italy’ in the Village Square with Italian guest chef, Luca Digirolamo, or the Tri-nations Dinner in Eliza’s with Geoff Merrill, Mary Jeanne Hutchinson from Craggy Range and Stephen Schofield from Africape Wines.

And how better to wind up the entire event than with the acclaimed Chefs Alfresco event in the Pavilion on Sunday. Talk to the winemakers while enjoying over 45 wine displays, delicious food prepared by Hyatt chefs, and a dedicated Sparkling Garden featuring the best Australian and overseas bubbles.

Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run 2011

Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run on 19 June 2011 is 10 kilometre course, which hugs the tranquil Pumicestone Passage from Golden Beach to Bulcock Beach, takes entrants through the spectacular scenery at Kings Beach and Shelly Beach before climbing over the Moffat Headland to the finish line.

There is also a testing three kilometre run for those who prefer a shorter distance. For families the three kilometre family walk over Moffat Headland is a great way to start a Sunday morning.  As in previous years the 10km race will offer $500 for first prize, $200 for second prize and $100 for third prize in both male and female categories. For the social runners and family walk entrants, plenty of random draw prizes will also be on offer. All funds raised from the fun run will benefit the Parents and Friends Association of local primary school, Our Lady of The Rosary.

Musto Etchells Australasian Winter Championship 2011

Enjoy world-class sailing held close to the shores of Mooloolaba Beach with Olympic, World Champion and America's Cup sailors competing in the three-day international competition. The annual championship has been conducted at Mooloolaba for 14 consecutive years. Family, friends and spectators can easily enjoy watching this highly competitive racing from the cafes and restaurants dotted along the Mooloolaba Esplanade while the Wharf Tavern is the home to the Etchells Winters event. Sailors meet there after racing to enjoy a cool drink, good food and to tell the tales of the day's racing. The Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of activities for family members. There is Mooloolaba Wharf and Underwater World, Australia Zoo, a dive on the ex HMAS Brisbane. Mooloolaba beach offers a stunning location to swim, relax and entertain.

Noosa Food and Wine Festival 2011

One of premier food and wine events in Australia, the Festival boasts an influential line-up of over 150 leading chefs, iconic winemakers, high profile food and wine media, restaurateurs and serious foodies who converge from 13 - 15 May on the magical setting of Queensland's Sunshine Coast to taste, talk, debate, dine and indulge..... Noosa Style!

There are many new aspects including a Saskia and Maggie Beer Barossa Valley produce exhibition. This is simply the best fun you will have over three days of food, wine, lifestyle events and entertainment. Tickets on sale now! See all the details in the 2011 Festival Program.

Maleny Wood Expo: From Chainsaw to Fine Furniture

Maleny Wood Expo: From Chainsaw to Fine Furniture 30 April - 1st May 2011, is two days of country fun at Maleny Showgrounds in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

The expo showcases beautiful native timbers through the work of local wood artisans. Highlights include the Wootha Prize Exhibition, boutique Maleny produce, eco-friendly alternatives for home and garden, and environmental displays.

See Stan Ceglinski demonstrate age-old skills used by white settlers who came to harvest the Blackall Range's mighty red cedars. Mobile millers convert massive tree trunks into slabs and planks with high-powered machinery and friendly camaraderie. See lovingly crafted products by furniture and toy-makers, musical instrument and box-makers, whittlers, carvers and everything in between - all from sustainably harvested native, weed and recycled timbers.

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

Dingo Creek Wine Jazz and Blues Festival

Enjoy sensational jazz, incredible blues, fine wine, fabulous food and even camping.  As famed jazz musician John Morrison said, "Bring your sleeping bag and enjoy it the whole weekend there is nothing like it anywhere". In it's eighth year, the line up includes: Janet Seidel Trio, John Morrison, Jacki Cooper, Willy Qua and the New Super Duck, Blind Lemon, the Police Band of Blue, Royal Australian Navy Band along with other great artists. Dingo Creek Wine Jazz and Blues Festival is a fundraiser for SIDS and Kids Queensland. 

2011 Annual Wine Jazz and Blues Festival Program (This program was correct at printing and subject to change with out notice)

MARQUEE SATURDAY
9.45am - 10.00 am	Welcome and address from SIDS.
10.15am – 10.45 am	Sunshine Coast Grammar School Jazz Band.
11.00am – 11.45pm	John Nicol guitar and vocals, Ian Beddows Bass, Dave Ades Sax, Willy Qua, Drums, John Whyte Keayboard.
12.00pm – 1.15pm	Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band
1.30pm – 2.30pm	Jamie Lockhart performs the Blues
2.45pm – 3.30pm	Janet Seidel Trio ( Janet, Dave Seidel and Chuck Morgan)
3.45pm to 4.30pm	Jacki Cooper Vocals, John Morrison Drums, Wil Sargisson Keyboards, Willy Qua Sax, John Nicol Guitar, Dave Seidel Bass.
4.45pm – 5.45pm	Bob Abbot and his blues band
5.45pm – 6.15pm	Dinner Break
6.15pm – 7.15pm	Willy Qua and the new Galapogus Duck ( Willy, Wil Sargisson, John Connolly, Saia Hanlon, Dave Ades.)
7.30pm – 8.45pm	The Police Band of Blue
8.45pm to close	Blind Lemon Band with sensational Blues
MARQUEE SUNDAY
10.00am – 10.30am	Students workshop with John Morrison public welcome to watch
10.30am – 11.00am	Supa School Band performing with John Morrison.
11.15am – 12.00 Noon	Janet Seidel Trio ( Janet, Dave Seidel and Chuck Morgan)
12.15pm – 1.00pm	The Police Band of Blue
1.15pm – 2.00pm	Jacki Cooper Vocals, Willy Qua Drums, Dave Ades Sax, Ian Beddows Bass, John Whyte Keyboard.
2.15pm – 3.00pm	John Nicol Vocals and Guitar, Chuck Morgan Guitar, Wil Sargisson Key Board, John Morrison Drums, Dave Seidel Bass.
3.15pm – 4.00pm	Willy Qua and Friends
4.00pm – 5.00pm	All our fabulous jazz guests, Janet Seidel, Jacki Cooper, John Morrison, John Nicol, Willy Qua, Ian Beddows, John Whyte, Dave Ades, Chuck Morgan, Dave Seidel, Saia Hanlon, John Connolly,Wil Sargisson

2011 Maleny Autumn Music Festival

The Maleny Autumn Music Festival will run over four weekends in April (not over Easter) with a variety of musical & literary events - see below for details on dates, venues, times, ticket costs. This year's Maleny Autumn Musical Festival offers audiences the opportunity to witness music, art and nature combined in an event not to be missed

MALENY’S AUTUMN MUSIC FESTIVAL – 4 WEEKENDS IN APRIL (NOT INC EASTER) 
Friday 1st April 6:15pm Festival Dinner and a sampling of Rodgers and Hammerstein showtunes. Maleny Manor- Tickets $75 – phone Joan Benson 5494 2708 

Sat 2nd April at 7:30pm Maleny Community Centre- music quintet Topology will appeal to everyone who enjoys accessible, adventurous, original music by consummate musicians. Tickets $40, $35 (members) $15 (students). Tickets from Maleny Bower Bird, Montville Pharmacy or at the door. 

Sunday morning 3rd April from 10am- Maleny Community Centre- vocal and instrumental duo Cloudstreet – a show suitable for all ages – great harmonies, engaging stories and excellent musicianship. Tickets $10 or $15 families. Tickets from Maleny Bower Bird, Montville Pharmacy or at the door. 

Sunday afternoon, 3rd April 2:30pm Braeside B&B – 305 Stanley River Rd, enjoy afternoon tea while listening to a staged reading- ‘Sound, Scenes and Sense – When the Words Make the Music’ presented by four renowned actors from the Sunshine Coast Region. Tickets $15 from Maleny Bower Bird or Montville Pharmacy – must be pre-booked.

Friday 8th April 7:30pm Maleny Community Centre “Loop the Loop” showcases amazing multi-instrumentalists Gene Peterson and Adam Page in a G-rated, often hilarious, musical ‘battle’ Tickets $30/$25(members)$15 (students) Tickets $10 or $15 families. Tickets from Maleny Bower Bird, Montville Pharmacy or at the door if not sold out. 

Sunday 10th April from 10am Maleny Community Centre - young guitar masters Hunter Van Larkins (Ross Hunter and Owen Van Larkins) showcase their wonderful musical synergy and inventive original guitar duos. Tickets $10 or $15 families. Tickets from Maleny Bower Bird, Montville Pharmacy or at the door. 

Sunday, 17th April 2pm Maleny Community Centre - Amadeus - 4MBS Classic Productions present a rehearsed reading of the award winning play pitting court composer Antonio Salieri against musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tickets $15 from Maleny Bower Bird or Montville Pharmacy. 

Saturday 30th April 7pm Maleny RSL the Festival is rounded off in fine style with a return visit by the ever-popular Caxton Street Jazz band. Tickets $30/$25(members) from Maleny Bower Bird or Montville Pharmacy. Licensed. Bring your own nibbles. 

National Youth Week on Sunshine Coast

National Youth Week 2011 is set to be Australia’s biggest youth event, with events taking place all over the country from 1–10 April. National Youth Week 2011 will celebrate young peoples’ views, ideas, participation and creativity and promotes them to the broader community.

Raw Sounds is launching National Youth Week festivities here on the Sunshine Coast on 1st of April at Lake Kawana Community Centre. Headlining the night are Sunshine Coast favorites Mitzi and The Belligerents, supported by local bands Bird & Prey, Pro Vita, Minorbirds, Stryder, Spuhtnik and Cat Magic. 

Raw Sounds will also play host to a photographic exhibition of 10 of the Sunshine Coasts talented young photographers. Their work will be displayed on a 14 foot inflatable cinema screen on loop throughout the night. 

Auction 4 Christchurch

Mooloolaba has long had a link with New Zealand's South Island with hundreds of South Islanders, largely from Christchurch, regularly enjoying our area as a place to literally "swap climates" and enjoy great weather in what is normally their Winter.

Many of these Kiwi guests have been holidaying on the Sunshine Coast for many years and the recent earthquakes in Christchurch have obviously made this impossible. The thought of losing not only their homes as well as in many cases their jobs and workplaces is no doubt very daunting for all the families involved.

The Mooloolaba accommodation group has decided to "put the hat around" and as a result have managed to provide around 150 room nights which are to be auctioned online, with all the proceeds going to theChristchurch Earthquake Appeal. Visit www.auction4christchurch.com and bid.

Heart of Gold International Film Festival 2011

From 17 - 20 March, the Heart of Gold International Film Festival will combine the genuine warmth and hospitality of a country town with Local and International films that are entertaining, thought-provoking and express a positive view of the world and humanity.

Entering its fifth year, Heart of Gold is quickly establishing itself among the best competitive short film festivals in Australia.

The Festival is in the regional Queensland city of Gympie,  just over an hour drive north of Mooloolaba along the Bruce Highway.

Noosa Festival of Surfing

Now in its 20th year, the Noosa Festival of Surfing has grown to become the biggest surf festivals in the world attracting more than 600 competitors in 11 age divisions. There is something for everyone with single and tandem malibu boardriding, standup paddleboards and noserider trials.

The official opening ceremony and paddle-out will take place, following a 5km standup paddle race on Laguna Bay.

When you need to take a break from the surfing action, make your way to the Festival Village in Noosa Lions Park (adjacent to Hastings Street). The Expo has free admission with the exhibition pavilion featuring some of the world’s most famous surfboards, on loan from private collectors.

Spectators are free to watch the board riding action at First Point, Noosa. 

Mooloolaba Seafood Jambalaya

Drive Thru Australia with Ben O’Donoghue will see the celebrity chef embark on an epic food adventure, stopping at some of Australia’s most amazing destinations to take in the sights, sounds and tastes.

The first episode (Channel Seven) features Ben visiting the Sunshine Coast to source the freshest seafood for his Mooloolaba Seafood Jamabalaya. If you would like to cook it yourself follow the instructions below.



Mooloolaba Seafood Jambalaya*
Ben O'Donoghue - Drive Thru Australia - Channel Seven

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sunflower oil
100gm spicy chorizo sausage, thickly sliced
4 chicken drumsticks, skin off
250gm raw king prawns, peeled and deveined, heads and shells reserved
1 large white onion, diced
1 green capsicum, diced
1 stick celery, diced
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, chopped
6 sprigs of thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
250gm long-grain rice
1 litre chicken stock
1 tbsp Cajun Spice Mix
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 medium male blue swimmer crabs, cooked, halved and cleaned
2 large Moreton Bay Bugs halved and cleaned
100gm-cleaned squid
2 spring onions, finely sliced, to serve
1 long green chili, chopped, to serve

Cajun Spice Mix:
Place the fried onion and garlic in a bowl, along with the remaining ingredients, and blitz to a fine powder using a handheld blender. The spice will keep for 1 month if stored in an airtight container.

2 cups sunflower oil
3 tbsp fried Asian shallots (buy in Asian grocers)
1 tbsp fried garlic (buy in Asian grocers)
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp celery salt
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp fennel seeds

Method:
Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or electric frying pan and cook the chorizo and chicken over medium–high heat until the chicken is golden and the chorizo is crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan.

Reduce the heat to low–medium. Fry the prawn heads and shells for 5 minutes, squashing them with a potato masher to extract their flavour. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard.

Add the onion, capsicum and celery and sauté until soft. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, thyme and bay leaves and cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice, stock, chicken and chorizo to the pan, then season with the Cajun Spice, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Place the crab halves into the rice. Push the bug halves into the rice and place the prawns and calamari on top, Cover and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat and allow too rest for a few minutes. Stir the rice to loosen it and arrange the seafood and check that it’s all cooked. Serve the dish sprinkled with the spring onions, chopped chilli and lime wedges.

Serves 4.

*Recipe by celebrity chef Ben O'Donoghue as seen on Drive Thru Australia with Ben O'Donoghue.

Valentine's Day at Sailport Mooloolaba

This Valentine's Day, we're calling on lovers of romance and good old fashioned money-saving deals to give into temptation and get away to Sailport Mooloolaba for a short break. 

Our 7 night Romantic Escape Special for 2 adults includes a bottle of bubbly on arrival and a romantic sunset cruise through the beautiful Mooloolaba River system.

You can also choose one of our February Special Deals and do as much or as little as you like and, at the end of the day, watch the sun set over the Mooloolaba Wharf from your balcony.

Caloundra Triathlon

Caloundra Enduro Triathlon on February 6th will see elite athletes with a professional triathlon license hitting a sprint lap course for fantastic spectator viewing. 

Race number five of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series - the action happens again at Golden Beach, Caloundra. The event includes:

• Queensland Tri Series Triathlon: 400 metre swim, 15 kilometre cycle, four kilometre run.
• NAB Enticer: 200 metre swim, five kilometre cycle, two kilometre run.
• The Courier-Mail Kool Kids Triathlon: 100 metre swim, two kilometre cycle, 400 metre run.

Australia Day at Australia Zoo

This Australia Day get FREE billy tea and damper! (While stocks last) and FREE face painting. Get your face painted in green and gold or as the Aussie flag to help us celebrate our Nation's biggest day!

John Williamson performs LIVE!

Sing along to all your favourite John Williamson songs in true blue Aussie style in the world famous Crocoseum!

You can also get up close to many of Australia's drop dead gorgeous wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and of course crocs!

Sailport Mooloolaba open for business

Sailport Mooloolaba Apartments are open for business and operating as usual. All our
facilities are open and available to our guests. There is so much to do at Mooloolaba and
on the Sunshine Cost with all the tours and attraction running as scheduled.

WEATHER:
Forecast for Thursday 17/01/2011
Mainly fine except for just the chance of an afternoon shower. Light to moderate S to SE winds turning N to NE during the afternoon and evening. Max 30ºC.

TRAVELING TO MOOLOOLABA
Headed our way? Roads to Mooloolaba and around Sunshine Coast are open. Please
check the RACQ site for road conditions both north and south of Mooloolaba prior to
travel or call the 24-hour information line on 131905.
RACQ – http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions
Guests travelling by road coach, shuttle or rail should confirm with their transportation
provider.
Sunbus Sunshine Coast Services operate according to normal timetables.
Sunshine Coast Airport is open and operating on schedule.

BEACH CONDITION
Take the time to read any warning signs and follow any directions given by Lifeguards or
Lifesavers. Remember for your safety always swim only between the RED & YELLOW
flags.

High tide:

6.15 am - 1.75 m

6.11 pm - 1.24 m

Low tide:

12.49 pm - 0.55 m

Water temp: 23ºC

Australia Day at Aussie World

At the Ettamogah Pub the fun and frivolity starts at 10am with a patriotic Australian flag raising ceremony followed by the singing of the national anthem.  Then it's time for the Dunny's to start racing!  The race is hotly contested with corporate teams taking part and the winners are presented with a toilet seat trophy that declares them Dunny Race Champions of the World! 

Don't miss out on the Aussie World Australia Day Ute Show where utes from all over will be on show in front of the Ettamogah Pub. Inside Aussie World there will be plenty of Australia Day activities just for the kids.  In addition to over 30 rides and games there'll be loads of competitions with great prizes to be won.

To view program for the day click here.

The Havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge at Mooloolaba

On January 26th 2006 on the shores of Coogee Beach in New South Wales, an event was born – the Havaianas Thong Challenge. Year on year the event has gotten bigger and better as each state in Australia unleashes their competitive streak striving to claim the new WORLD RECORD TITLE and nationwide praise and glory!

This Australia Day the challenge is on again and last year’s champions in WA are ready to defend their title and fight for consecutive victory. True Aussie spirit is set free across all the country with each state eager to claim the title, working together showing true mateship and pride.

Mooloolaba Beach key events times:

• Event Start (registration opens) - 7am
• Activities - 10am - 4pm
• WR attempt including marshalling - Marshalling from 12:00pm, 12:30pm record attempt, out of the water by 12:45pm
• BBQ - 11am - 3pm
• Event Finishes - 4pm