FREE Holiday Buses

From 26 December 2012 to 6 January 2013 Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with TransLink, are again providing FREE public transport for everyone on the Sunshine Coast.

The FREE services include:
• TransLink’s Sunshine Coast Sunbus services (27 routes).
• Glasshouse Country Coaches services (Hinterland Connect and Maleny-Landsborough-Beerwah).
• Flexilink services (Boreen Point to Tewantin, Conondale to Witta to Maleny, Kenilworth to Mapleton and Peachester to Beerwah).
• Council Cabs services.
Note: normal booking procedures apply to Council Cabs and Flexilink services.

2012 Mooloolaba Customer Service Awards

The winners of the 2012 Mooloolaba Customer Service Awards will be announced at Annual Service Awards event, on Tuesday 11^th December, at See Function Centre, The Wharf, Mooloolaba.

The Mooloolaba Customer Service Awards were initiated by Mooloolaba Business & Tourism to celebrate and acknowledge the great job that customer service staff do in Mooloolaba, and this is the fifth year that the Awards have been running. 

Last year, over 250 nominations were received for people in the four different categories, with 52 different Customer Service individuals vying for the top honour.

Mary River Festival 2012

Annual environmental festival celebrating the communities along the Mary River.  

Bringing the Mary River communities together to celebrate the wealth and abundance that the river brings to our region through drama, music, art, fun, education, environmental discussions and displays.

Patron feedback from last year’s event invariably described it as “the friendliest festival you’ll find”, “a truly magical day” and “something very special” and the organisers are planning something even more special this year. 

A full day of music and entertainment along with a film tent, a local history tent, recycled instruments, heaps of information tents and stalls, an acoustic jam tent and the anticipated highlight of the Sounds of Mary performance and light show early in the evening. So much fun and excitement for everyone along with stacks of children's activities and the opportunity to be involved in the twilight performance.

Saturday 10th November  
Kandanga Sports Oval, 12noon - 8pm

Twilight Community Markets Mooloolaba

Twilight Community Markets will be running every Friday throughout the holiday period (end Feb) providing great family entertainment on a Friday night to both locals and holiday makers in Mooloolaba and surrounding areas. 

Twilight Community Markets are more then just a market, but a fun experience for the whole family. 

Browse the many stalls and shops full of interesting crafts and gifts with great entertainment for the children. 

Enjoy a meal or a light snack from one of the food outlets or fresh produce stalls while listening to a variety of musicians and buskers.

The markets will be open from 4 - 8.30 pm.

The Dingo Creek Wine Jazz and Blues Festival

The Dingo Creek Wine Jazz and Blues festival is set for the 19, 20 & 21 of October 2012. Great blues, spectacular jazz, delicious food with complimenting home-grown wines flow in the relaxed community atmosphere. Lush Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland wines, serious Australian jazz and pumping blues - best way to spend a weekend!!!

Program this year includes James Morrison, Wendy Matthews, Haight Ashbury Song Show, Backsliders, Mark Easton, Liam Burrows, Daniel Champagne, Pete Cullen, Lil Fi, Cousin Alice, John Morrison, Gregory Page, Barry Charles, The Wizard and Oz, Sassy Jazz, BSB Swing, Zephyr Project, Navy Band & Band of Blue.

Dingo Creek Wine, Jazz & Blues Festival, a showcase of music raising funds for charity!

Kenilworth Celebrates 2012

Kenilworth Celebrates! is an annual Town Festival held from 22-29th September, incorporating a Visual Arts Extravaganza and set in the Mary Valley 1920s Town of Kenilworth. 

The Street becomes alive with Street theatre, Buskers, Drummers and Musicians; Poets breakfast, Art Exhibitions and workshops, Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra performance and dinner, Fence Painting and Masters at Work. 

Something for everyone, the Festival is set in a beautiful clean green part of Queensland, with amazing light, and in close proximity to rainforests , national parks,the Mary River and the Andy Goldsworthy sculpture in the Conondale Great Walk. 

Come to the Bush Behind the Beach! Come to Kenilworth to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, clean, green environment and celebrate a great Festival.

Australian Marine Turtle Bi-annual Symposium

The first Australian Marine Turtle bi-annual Symposium will be held in Buderim on the week-end of 14th – 16th September. This exciting event will be hosted by members of Turtle Care Volunteers Qld Inc. and will feature an exciting program showcasing and comparing existing science and management initiatives from all around Australia and New Guinea.

The Conference will cover 2 days. Each day will comprise a keynote address plus 5 or 10 minute community or research presentations. Plus we will present a panel discussion on satellite telemetry and bio-logging.

This is a not to be missed opportunity for the many volunteer groups from all over Australia, working on beaches to protect marine turtles and their habitats, to get together and share their experiences. 

A First for Australia and for the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre on Dixon Road, Buderim
14th - 16th of September

2012 Noosa Jazz Festival

The Noosa Jazz Festival is an iconic Queensland music event, celebrating jazz of all genres, alternate pop and progressive music. Now into its 21st year, the festival is recognised as one of premier cultural events and one of Australia’s most popular jazz industry gatherings.

In 2012, the Noosa Jazz Festival will offer a stellar lineup of musicians from all genres of jazz music, from traditional to modern funk and blues, alternate pop and progressive. Headline acts include jazz great Grace Knight and Liam Burrows, who was recently announced Best Jazz Artist at the 2012 MusicOz Award. Check the program for the full artist schedule.
Enjoy four great days of music from 30 August to 2nd September 2012 at the Noosa Jazz Festival. There is something for everyone!

Sundayze Rockin' Retro

Sunday 12 August 2012 at  Russell Family Park, Maleny–Montville Road, Montville from 2–4 pm enjoy an afternoon of FREE music and entertainment from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Featuring:
• Captain Wow
• Goran Sedlar as Elvis
• Happy Day Rockers
• classic cars display
• children’s face painting


BYO chair and picnic blanket (no glass).

King of the Mountain Festival

Every July, thousands descend on the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Pomona for the annual King of the Mountain Festival - Home to Australia’s most grueling and historic mountain race, the Bendigo Bank International Mountain Challenge – a 4.5km race up Mount Cooroora and back – it attracts competitors from all over the world.

This year, at the 33rd event held on July 22, 2012, current record holder and winner of the Bendigo Bank International Mountain Challenge six times in a row, Niel Labinsky is going for the most consecutive wins in King of the Mountain history.

Also this year, there is a new event for high school competitors – the Zinc 96.1FM Mountain Dash – a 2.4km run from the main race starting point to the base of Cooroora Mountain and back.

The Pomona King of the Mountain Festival is a free fun day out for the whole family with market stalls, food, entertainment, live music, rides and much, much more.

The festival kicks off at 7am and ends at 5pm.

Queensland Garden Expo 2012

Queensland Garden Expo (from 6 - 9 July) is a three day celebration of gardening. The event attracts over 28,000 green thumbs and novice gardeners from across Queensland and interstate. Held at Nambour on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, it is ideally situated to showcase all the best of subtropical gardening.

An extensive Lecture and Demonstration Program, Landscape Feature Gardens, over 360 exhibits including 60 nurseries and the Giant Kitchen Garden Feature are just a few of the things visitors can enjoy at the Expo.

Great food, entertainment and a range of free children’s activities all combine to make Queensland Garden Expo a great day out.

SCLA Writers’ Competition Awards 2012

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region. The Sunshine Coast Literary Association received an overwhelming response to the 2012 Writers’ Competition, with entries flooding in from across South East Queensland.

The competition was designed to provide an outlet for talented writers to showcase their work to their peers. There were six categories in this year’s competition including:

• Category 1: Open Short Story, to a maximum of 2500 words.
• Category 2: Open Poem, to a maximum of 40 lines.
• Category 3: Young Adult (High School, Years 8-12) Short Story, to a maximum of 1500 words.
• Category 4: Young Adult (High School, Years 8-12) Poem, to a maximum of 30 lines.
• Category 5: Junior (Primary, Years 5-7) Short Story, to a maximum of 1000 words.
• Category 6: Junior (Primary, Years 5-7) Poem, to a maximum of 20 lines.

A panel of experienced judges will decides on the winners, which will be announced at the SCLA Writers’ Competition Awards Dinner on Thursday, 21 June at 4th Floor Restaurant in Mooloolaba.

2012 Noosa Longweekend Festival

A Barbra Streisand impersonator, a Shakespearean legend, an Australian diva, a GFC Forum, the First Noosa Book Club, an award winning ventriloquist and an Australian exclusive film preview were just some of the 80-plus events that are part of the 11th Noosa Longweekend Festival program. The festival will be staged from Friday 15 June to Sunday 24 June, 2012 at various venues throughout Noosa and the surrounding hinterland.

Eleven Queensland premiere events will form part of the festival including opening night performance by Australian music diva, Debra Byrne with her new show Ripe; an exquisite contemporary dance performance produced especially for the Australian Ballet’s 50th Anniversary from Brisbane’s Expressions Dance Company; an absolutely amazing Barbra Streisand impersonator, Steven Brinberg with his show Simply Barbra direct from New York; and the very first Noosa Book Club with Jennifer Byrne, Marieke Hardy, Jason Steger, Charlotte Wood and Di Morrissey.

Vessels of Change

Art on Cairncross presents this exhibition of fine ceramic sculpture by Ann O'Connor from June 2 to 17, 2012. This exquisite work is themed around migration to Australia.

In Ann's own words, "I see boats as a metaphor for migration. This idea was inspired by my grandparents who migrated from the United Kingdom last century. I now realise how brave they were to leave all their family and their culture behind to contribute to the melting pot of Australia."

Art on Cairncross is located at Cairncross Corner near Maleny and located next to the famous "Terrace Restaurant". The Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

It's My Wedding Expo

Planning a wedding is a full time job. Visit the it's my wedding Expo - Sunshine Coast at the Maroochy RSL on 27th May and speak one-on-one with celebrants, hair and makeup stylists, photographers, caterers, venue operators, entertainers and florists. Book your honeymoon, watch the fashion parades and enter competitions for fabulous prizes. 

Everything for the bride - all under one roof.

Fashion Parades: 11.30am & 2.30pm
Free bags for brides bridal magazines and discount vouchers
Fantastic prizes: Including two bridal gowns, honeymoon accommodation, photographic shoots and more

2012 International Rally of Queensland

THE most powerful rally team in the Asia Pacific region has confirmed it will return to contest the International Rally of Queensland (IROQ) in 2012 and will bring a two-time world champion driver from Sweden to help win the Sunshine Coast event for the first time.

The factory-backed Proton Motorsports team from Malaysia announced it will enter Scotsman Alister McRae and Per-Gunnar (P-G) Andersson from Sweden in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, which will include their only Australian appearance at IROQ on 25-27 May.

Headquartered at beachside Caloundra and covering the Sunshine Coast and Gympie-Cooloola tourist regions, Australia’s only annual international rally will host the third rounds of the 2012 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and Bosch Australian Rally Championship.

Australian Body Art Carnivale 2012

The Australian Body Art Carnivale is held annually in Eumundi and the dates for 2012 are from Saturday 12 May  and Sunday 13 May. 

The 2012 theme is "Under the Sea", providing an absolute wealth of inspiration for artists. The Carnivale will again be ‘A Festival of Colour’ centred around body art in its many and varied forms. For members of the public, it will be nothing short of phenomenal to watch the human canvases take shape during the competitions. For artists it presents an opportunity to showcase their creativity, experience the amazing atmosphere of the Carnivale and compete for over $12,000 in cash and prizes.

There will be a feast of other entertainment including a gala ticketed event on the Saturday evening,  competitions and exhibitions in wearable art, vehicle art and photography. There will also be music, world-class street performers and a whole lot more.

Sailport May Special Deal

Due to swimming pool upgrade during month of May we are doing deals.

Get 50% off for all stays of 3 nights or more* during month of May. 

Call (07) 5444 1844, email or enquire on our website.

* Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

The Kings of the Coast Ocean Swim Festival

Whether you're a competitive swimmer or a weekend warrior, the Kings of the Coast Ocean Swim Festival is your chance to conquer iconic open water distances in one big weekend of surf, sand and swimming in Caloundra.

The Festival begins with the new 1500 metre Olympic Relay - a solo, pairs and teams event that promises action a-plenty for both swimmers and spectators alike. Following the Relay, a free 300 metre Kidz Dash will also be held.

On Sunday, test your mettle in the ultimate open water challenge - a 3.8 kilometre ironman distance swim from Moffat Beach to Kings Beach. 

If you competed as part of a team in Saturday's Olympic Relay, step up in distance and set your sights on Sunday's one kilometre Short Course at Kings Beach.

No matter what your swimming ability, your next challenge awaits at the Kings of the Coast Ocean Swim Festival.

Easter Fun at Australia Zoo

It's as WILD as School Holidays get at Australia Zoo and they've got more fun and games than you can poke a stick at! Visit during the school holidays for FREE face painting, a ripper colouring in competition plus you can enter the Major Prize Draw for you chance to win some awesome prizes!

Terri, Bindi, Robert and Wes Feed the Crocs!*

Watch Terri, Bindi, Robert and Wes feed awesome Croc in the world famous Crocoseum during 12.00/noon Wildlife Warriors show. Don't miss all the jaw snapping action!

Meet Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin!**

Place a bid in our Silent Auction for your chance to WIN a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Irwin family! By helping raise much needed funds for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital you could WIN an awesome animal encounter! And who best to have as your tour guide than the Irwin Family?!

Zoo Keeper for a Day

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a Zoo Keeper? Well, wonder no more because the school holidays are back, and so is Australia Zoo's holiday program, Zoo Keeper for a Day!

If you are aged between seven and twelve you can join the zoo crew to help feed the animals and clean enclosures, with exclusive behind the scenes access and plenty of hands on action. It's a day you won't forget! Places are limited so bookings are essential.

* Please note the Irwin's will not do the Croc Show on the 15th of April

** Dates subject to change. May not occur on every day throughout this period.

Earth Hour 2012

At 8.30pm on Saturday 31 March, Earth Hour 2012 will see hundreds of millions of people around the world cross borders of race, religion, culture, geography and society to unite in a single moment of contemplation for the planet and celebration of their year-round commitment to protect it.

WHAT: Earth Hour 2012

WHEN: Saturday 31 March at 8.30pm in your local time zone

WHERE: Across the globe 

WHY: To celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world

HOW: Switch off your lights.

Aero Engine Run Day

The Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra, presents the Aero Engine Run Day on 31st March, with a special display of aviation horsepower. The museum will be firing up its collection of historic operational aircraft engines and aircraft. The awesome sight and sound of a 1500 horsepower 14 cylinder radial engine powering up an unforgettable experience and one that you wouldn't want to miss. 

The regular museum display of over 50 aircraft and aviation memorabilia is included in the entry fee. An all day barbecue Sausage Sizzle will be operating with cold drinks, tea and coffee. 

St.Patrick's Day at Australia Zoo

Leaping leprechauns! It's as wild as St Patrick's Day gets as Australia Zoo GOES GREEN to celebrate on 17 March.

Thanks to Nestle Peters, you could win enouch ice-cream for 365 days for you and your family!  Visit Australia Zoo on St Patrick's Day and go in the Major Prize Draw. 

Throughout the day there will be heaps of super cool activities, face painting and games. Find one of hidden lucky coins around the Zoo and win a yummy green ice-cream from BW's ice creamery!

Identify the whereabouts of ten Australia Zoo plant species and go in the draw to win a ripper Australia Zoo prize pack.

You might even spot lucky leprechauns roving around the Zoo! Crikey!

So don't be green with envy, be green at Australia Zoo this St Patrick's Day!

Noosa Festival of Surfing 2012

The Noosa Festival of Surfing is a week long family event that incorporates amateur and Pro longboard surfing plus a range of other surfing disciplines, including Stand Up Paddle, Tandem and Finless.

Three pro specialty events will offer a total of $7000 at the Noosa Festival of Surfing, presented by Global Surf Industries, March 11-17.   

Money events are:

• Laguna Bay Longboards Logger Pro ($2500)
• Golden Breed Noserider Pro ($2500)
• Seaglass Project Finless Pro ($2000)

The event also includes surf cultural entertainment for all ages. It is the largest surfing event in the world by competitor numbers.

Sunshine Coast Bike Week 2012

Sunshine Coast Bike Week is on again, March 10 – 18, 2012. Bike Week will provide residents with opportunities to improve their cycling knowledge and skills. Throughout the week, a variety of events are scheduled to take place. 

Activities include:   

• Progression from Training Wheels,
• Ride to School Challenge,
• Women’s Only and\
• Introductory Cycle Workshops

Sunshine Coast Bike Week 2012Sunshine Coast
Start Event: 10/03/2012 to 18/03/2012
Event Cost: All Events are Free

Stretch Out Your Summer and win!!!

It’s time for a holiday before the Easter bunny and hot cross buns.  It’s time to ‘Stretch out your Summer’ and take a break in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

Take advantage of some fantastic Sailport Apartments February deals right now. Stretch out your Summer  and make your holiday budget stretch out further.

For your chance to win 1 of 5 Luxury Long Weekends away on the Sunshine Coast, simply click here and tell in 25 words or less: 

“Where is your favourite place to stretch out on the Sunshine Coast and why?”

Have fun, get creative & good luck!

For the Romantics at Heart

With Valentine's Day approaching why not surprise the loved one with Sailport Apartment  Romantic Escape Special.

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 and all that for $890.

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Caloundra Triathlon 2012

Swim it, Ride it, Run it, Tri it! The Caloundra Triathlon forms part of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series and offers two distances for competitors aged 13 to 80+ .

Race 5 of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series (QTS) will take place at Caloundra 
and The Seven Sunshine Coast Enduro Triathlon will be included again featuring elite athletes.

Event Location -  Woorim Park, Golden Beach
Race 5 - 5 February 2012
QTS Triathlon - 400m swim / 15km cycle / 4km run
Fire and Rescue Recruitment Queensland Enticer - 200m swim / 5km cycle / 2km run
Kool Kids Triathlon - 100m swim / 2km cycle / 400m run

Ginger Flower and Food Festival

Celebrate A Summer Of Food, Flowers and Fun At The Ginger Factory from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th JANUARY 2012. Entry is FREE!

The Ginger Factory will burst into bloom with the very first ginger flowers and heliconias for the season, to be unveiled at the Ginger Flower & Food Festival.

Coupled with the gorgeous showcase of over 120 varieties of exotic plants will be a top line-up of chefs, gardening celebrities and a very special outdoor patio display that one lucky visitor will win – complete with outdoor furnishings, landscaping and a seriously impressive multi-burner barbecue.

The festival will also unveil a completely revamped cooking format with chefs preparing beautiful dishes themed around barbecues, picnics and cocktails and canapés.

This three day Festival is a true celebration of Queensland’s sub-tropical lifestyle and will be filled with loads of entertainment, glorious food and of course…flowers!

Stroke and Stride Triathlon Series

Now in its second year on the Sunshine Coast the Stroke and Stride Series is fast becoming an event for all to do.  Whether its for the seasoned athletes honing thier preperations for up coming events, those first timers giving it a go or for the future champions with the kids events there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Stroke and Stride Series.

1st, 2nd & 3rd for each age group will be recognised on the day and every entrant then goes into the draw for some amazing prizes which include, Brooks running shoes, Maui Jim sunglasses, SUGOI active wear, compression gear from Allez Sport, Nathan Sports Gear, Apollo cycling gear and much more.  But you need to be present on the day, so make sure you stick around to see if you are one of the lucky winners.

Make sure you get to the event on Saturday 26th January 2012 with enough time to register (we suggest at least an hour before), set up in transition, warm up and then be present at the race briefing 15  minutes before the start of the first race, which is 9am.

Havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge 2012

The Havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge will once again be held in 2012 where thousands of Aussies will hit the beach to flog their neighbouring States in the seventh Annual Havaianas Thong Challenge World Record attempt. 

Bring your friends, family and your spirit of competition along to the Havaianas Thong Challenge at Mooloolaba Beach. Be a part of a sandsational day of flip-flopping around in the water, lapping up the beautiful Australian sunshine.

Be involved in Australia's most iconic summer event and help attempt to break a world record! There will be plenty of fun activities and events off the water as well - please visit the web site for further details.

As part of the registration, participants receive a Giant Inflatable Havaianas Thong (valued at AUD49.95).