Eumundi Voice - Issue 98, 25 July 2024

TOP THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER

Lake Weyba Walk

On a bright, sunny morning, we set off with the dog on the Lake Weyba foreshore walk. Following work by the SCC, the walk now boasts a brand new 24m suspension bridge, four footbridges and improved fire trails. No more getting your feet wet to cross Horsmans Creek.

The trail meanders along the lakeside. On the morning we were there, the water was like glass with not a whisper of movement. This is not a loop trail, so you must return the way you came. It’s about 6km return and easy walking. Lake Weyba is part of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and covers approximately 150,000 hectares of freshwater, estuarine and terrestrial environments.

To get to the starting point for the foreshore walk, drive along Eumarella Road to the end where it meets Lake Weyba Drive. The trail head sign is next to a small parking lot at the end of Charlotte Drive. Alternative access is from Lakewood Drive or Annie Drive Park. Dogs must be on a leash. Visit: adventure.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au. Rhonda Piggott

Whale watching

We are lucky to be right on the whale superhighway and winter is the perfect time to get out and view these magnificent creatures. The Sunshine Coast offers a plethora of boat tours, giving you the power to choose the one that best suits your preferences.

If the water isn't your thing, then there are plenty of options for land lovers to spot whales –from Hell’s Gates at Noosa National Park to Point Arkwright and down to Point Cartwright. Take a picnic and a pair of binoculars, sit back and watch the whales swim past. The Queensland whale season is from June through to October.

Platypus spotting

Just a short hop, skip and jump up the highway is beautiful Amamoor State Forest, well known for the Gympie Music Muster, camping, and 4WD tracks. What you might not know is that it is also home to the shy platypus.

At the Amama Day Use area in Amamoor State Forest, you'll find the Platypus Walk. It's an easy 300m walk following Amamoor Creek. The best time of the day to spot the elusive platypus is early morning and remember to stay as quiet as possible.

Talk to the animals

Wildlife HQ, located beside the Big Pineapple on Nambour Connection Rd just outside Nambour, is perfect for a family outing.

In 2013 with the closure of Alma Park Zoo in Brisbane, over 200 animals from around the world moved to their new Nambour home, including cotton-top tamarinds, African wild dogs, red pandas, binturong, meerkats and Qld's only sun bear. Australian favourites include koalas, quokkas, kangaroos, quolls, wombats, crocodiles, dingoes and more.

In beautiful, natural, easy-to-walk-around surroundings, there are over 15 animal encounters available such as cuddle-a-koala or monkey and meerkat feeding. You can book a Zookeeper for a Day experience, which allows children to get personally close to the animals, learn from keepers and take photos.

There is a café and ample seating around the park. Open every day 9am-4pm except Christmas Day, the ticket office entrance is just down the service lane at the Big Pineapple. Whilst you are there, check out the re-opened Big Pineapple after its bright make-over. The fully restored little train which once carried the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana should be running again in the near future and the café promises delicious treats, a new playground and viewing deck.