Big Top Shopping Centre renovations

Yes, it finally looks like the upgrade and renovation of the Big Top Shopping Centre, located in Maroochydore is finally going ahead. Work is due to commence in approx. April 2013. It will not be the full development originally planned, for now, but it is exciting that the much needed repairs and renovations will commence in the near future.

Big Pineapple Reopened

In case you have missed the adverts, The Big Pineapple has now reopened. Even if it is at a reduced capacity, it is still very exciting and great to see. We drove past when the saturday markets were on, and was pleasantly surprised to see just how many cars were there. Obviously the markets are a huge success.

Saturdays is the Fine Foods, Growers and Arts Markets, open every saturday, 6.30am to 1 pm, in all weather.

Sundays is the Fiesta Markets, open 9.30am to 3pm. Share in the fun of roaming performers, children's workshops, fine foods, art, fashion and more...

Open 7 days from 9am to 3.30pm is the Parfait Cafe and the Climb The Pine. Buy beautiful sundaes and parfaits, and unique gifts. Climb the Pine to the top, to reach the lookout.

The Pineapple Express train ride. Open Saturday and Sunday 8am to 3pm (also all school holidays and public holidays)

White Ridge Farm open Saturday 8am to 3pm, and Sunday 9am to 3pm (school holidays and public holidays 9am to 3pm.)

There is also a rain forest walk and function room for hire.

For more specific opening times, and costs, please visit The Big Pineapple Website, or phone 54423102

For market enquiries markets@bigpineapple.com.au

Rain, Rain, Rain

Woohoo, who else was excited to see some rain on the sunshine coast? We are in Nambour, and it was a decent bit of rain that lasted about an hour. Our grass and gardens must have been in shock lol

Underwater World Visit Today

We were lucky enough to win a family pass to Underwater World, from the local radio station, Hot 91. Today we decided to take our son along, and check out the new upgrades and changes being advertised.

In March this year, Merlin Entertainments Group acquired Underwater World and has quickly made a splash, with an exciting new revitalisation program that guests can first enjoy these September school holidays. You can read more about the new owners and the upgrades, here.

We have visited Underwater World a number of times over the last few years. It is a favourite attraction of ours, as we all love sea creatures. In all it took us about 3 hours to see everything, except the seal show, as it was full. We could have stayed and waited for the second show, but decided not to. The great thing about Underwater World is they stamp your arm upon entry, meaning you can leave and return as often as you like on the day. Even though we are locals, it would be great for tourists staying near-by who maybe have a cranky toddler, they could leave and let them have a nap then return later. etc or you could leave to have lunch somewhere else, then come back. We opted to have lunch at Underwater World itself. We had the hot dog meal deal. For just under $11, you get a 600ml softdrink, hotdog and side order of chips. Very resonably priced, we thought. They also have family meal deals, which work out even cheaper.

The main changes we noticed, were they now have two gift shops, one near the food court, and one on the top level, as you leave. The other main change was the Ocean Walk Through, gone is the old conveyor that you stood on which took you around. Now it is all carpeted, and you can walk through at your own pace. They also have a guided walk through twice a day, I think. We went through one of them, and the woman told us a lot of facts about sharks, sting rays and fish that we didn't know. The tunnel looks great. The different sections are: Shark Shipwreck, Coral Cove, Bay of Rays and Turtle Temple.

All in all we were very pleased, and really enjoyed the day. We would recommend it to anyone.
If you want to know anymore info, visit their website. http://www.underwaterworld.com.au
ps. they open from 9am, each day, which surprised me. A lot of attractions don't open till 10am.

The only negative, as such, is I have been waiting patiently for them to one day open a dolphin pool/show. I have a particular soft spot for dolphins, and would love to see them there. I am not sure that they would have the room for them, but it's just my little wish.

Caloundra Music Festival 2012

Time is running out to purchase your tickets to the Caloundra Music Festival. Sun, surf and soul from the 28th to the 30th of September, 2012.

Some of the artists that you can expect to see are:
The Living End
Noiseworks
Ian Moss
The Whitlams
Mia Wray
and much more.

To find out more, and buy your tickets, visit http://www.caloundramusicfestival.com/

Sunshine Coast Places to Visit by City-Discovery

We came across this great website that features many Sunshine Coast places to visit and attractions. The website caters to all of the world, as well, but we were very impressed by what was on offer for the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Once you visit the site, use the search feature to find what is on offer for the Sunshine Coast. We found the site very easy to use.

 

 

Here is some of what we found.

 

 
Sunshine Coast and Montville - $110.20
from: Tours and Co Associates Inc


 
Sunshine Coast and Noosa - $114.32
from: Tours and Co Associates Inc

 
Noosa Town Tour from Caloundra - $76.22
from: Tours and Co Associates Inc

 
Valley Rattler from Caloundra - $126.69
from: Tours and Co Associates Inc

 
Sunshine Attractions and Underwater World from Caloundra - $117.42
from: Tours and Co Associates Inc

and much more.


Please note that we are not associated with the websites above. We are purely an affiliate highlighting the great offers.

Caloundra Beach View

This is a gorgeous view of Caloundra, taken in 2008. It show the beautiful blue waters. Caloundra beaches offers something for everyone, from great waves at the surf for board riders, to calm water to suit the family with young children. Caloundra is located towards the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. It offers many accommodation options, shopping, water sports, dining and takeaways. There is an awesome area around Kings beach that offers picnic tables, bbq's, free public salt water pool, kiddies playground, and an area of water spouts for the kids to play under. Caloundra is very family friendly. We highly recommend it as a family holiday destination.