SINGAPORE, April 28 ― They’ve definitely hit the nail on the head when they named this part of Queensland Sunshine Coast. The 100km stretch of sun-bathed pristine coastline and its lush hinterland rainforests offer stunning natural beauty, a chic beachside lifestyle and gourmet delights that come as easy as the sun rising.
Indulge in beachside living
Beachside boutiques, celebrity chef-helmed restaurants and an inimitable chill-out vibe make up Noosa’s glamour-meet-casual allure. Retail therapy on Hastings Street is de rigueur for the local labels. But also head for the Noosa National Park for walks and hikes to fabulous hidden beaches and koala spotting.
To market, to market
Take your pick of farm-to-market produce like heirloom tomatoes, creamy cheeses and tasty tapenade at the Noosa Farmers Market. Beyond fresh produce, hone in on the Eumundi Markets (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Great souvenirs can be bought from the over-600 stalls offering artwork, handmade toys, homeware and skincare products.
Explore quaint hinterland towns
Cosy bed-and-breakfast establishments on the hinterland’s picturesque rolling hills and farmland are aplenty. Pop into the town of Montville for scones and coddled cream in a European-styled tea room, and craft shops in cute log-and-stone cottages for unique gifts.
In Maleny, set your GPS for the Mary Caincross Scenic Reserve, a living museum for exotic flora and fauna. It is also a popular spot for Instagram-worthy shots of the Glass House Mountains. If you enjoy nature walks, Maleny Botanic Gardens lets you wander on 6km of paths around blooms and the rarest cycads in the world.
Get some sandy action
Rainforests that grow in sand and crystal-clear lakes hidden between sand dunes? They can only be found on Fraser Island. At 120km long, it is the world’s largest sand island, which also means it is one giant sandpit for 4WD fun, like driving on 75 Mile Beach — considered the world’s only beach highway. Visit between July and October, and you might catch migrating humpback whales and even join them for a swim.
The award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort (kingfisherbay.com) lets you ramp up the action with watersports and activities like sightseeing on a Segway. Or take it easy with a spa treatment. Kids aren’t left out with the Junior Eco Ranger programme for some exploring, star gazing and campfire fun.
Cheers to that
Sample a diverse range of quality wines that have been hand-picked by renowned wine consultants when you fly with Singapore Airlines. Passengers in Business Class can enjoy pourings from France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, America and Italy. Port wine and premium champagnes are also served, as are premier cru white burgundy and cru bourgeois red bordeaux. Economy Class passengers are treated to quality red, dry white and aromatic white wines from France and Germany.
A great way to fly
Enjoy more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options, like the latest Hollywood blockbusters, interactive 3D games, and customisable music playlist on KrisWorld. Or tap on KrisWorld’s
Travel Guides to find out more about your destination. You can also pick up basic phrases in a new language (available on selected flights).
More flights to Brisbane
From May 28, Singapore Airlines is adding three additional flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays to Brisbane. With 24 flights a week, it’s a breeze to visit Brisbane. Visit singaporeair.com/brisbane for more details. ― TODAY
* Produced by the TODAY Special Projects Team.
