Holiday Fun on the Sunshine Coast July 2019

fun

Winter is well and truly here, but there is no excuse for sitting under a blanket all school holidays. With so many activities to do and shows to see, there is plenty to keep the whole family on the go for the July school holidays. Weather is no trouble at all, with indoor and outdoor adventures to be had, so get amongst it and experience something new.

DID YOU

KNOW?

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THE KANGAGANG AUSSIE ADVENTURES S AT THE GINGER FACTORY This uniquely colourful and interactive show is bursting with original songs and dance and is sure to get toes tapping and set imaginations alight.

Join Caz and Daz for a unique look at the Aussie way of life at the Ginger Factory from July 1 to 5, with two shows daily at 9.30am and 11am.

Learn all about the wonderful Australian wildlife animals in our backyard.

Will you be one of the lucky ones chosen to play Aussie bush instruments like the

washboard, shaker, bass box, or tambourine?

Wear your finest Aussie costumes to be part of the fun.

All the food and fun the Ginger Factory is famous for will also be on offer, including the children’s playground, Ice Creamery, rainforest walks, and tickets for rides on Moreton the ginger train and Overboard boat ride can be purchased.

Pioneer Road, Yandina gingerfactory.com.au.

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([SHULHQFH WKH 0$*,& 2) +(5,7$*( 5$,/ 75$9(/ WEDNESDAYS TO SUNDAYS Explore the Historic Gympie Station, grab a snack or meal at the Platform No.1 Cafe before jumping aboard for a great family adventure.

Historic Gympie Station, 10 Tozer Street, Gympie, Qld. 07 5482 2750 info@maryvalleyrattler.com.au @maryvalleyrattler

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HOLIDAY FUN

AMAZING PLANES

EXPERIENCE YACHT LIFE There is nothing quite like skimming across the ocean on a beautiful luxury yacht with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

While this might seem like a pipe dream, it is now something everyone can experience, with Elite Sailing arriving in Mooloolaba.

Come on your own or in a group, catering for up to 12 passengers, sail away on Double J, Australia’s first world-class Seawind 1600, which offers a blend of comfort at sea and performance sailing for customized day trips, sunset sails or overnight indulgence as well as seasonal

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Sunshine Coast residents ents and visitors will be on top of the world, with Australia’s tallest travelling, portable observation ferris wheel now in Caloundra.

The giant Skyline wheel provides a bird’s eye view across the hinterland mountains, the

whale watching tours.

John Matterson has owned and operated 17 charter vessels during his 30-year love of the ocean, from the small town of Tathra on the far south coast of New South Wales, through to the vibrant diversity of Sydney Harbour and now the tranquil and serene waters off Mooloolaba, which he now calls home.

Allow John and his crew to instil this passion for the ocean and the majestic humpbacks as he embarks on his next adventure with you.

Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba elitesailing.com.au.

sparkling sea and vibrant towns from its 35-metre-high peak.

With 24 gondolas seating up to 144 people, including a wheelchair accessible gondola, all are welcome. Each ride lasts for about six to eight minutes.

The Xtra Ordinary Events’ ferris wheel moves to several different locations throughout Australia each year and the warmer winter climate on the Coast was a great incentive to be located in Caloundra these school holidays.

The wheel is located in the Bulcock Beach car park on The Esplanade in Caloundra until July 21. Free parking is available at the Cooma Terrace Parking Station, 400 metres away.

Bulcock Beach, Caloundra skylineattractions.com.au/events.

Experience what it feels like to sit in the pilot’s seat of 20 historic aircraft at the Queensland Air Museum’s next Open Cockpit Weekend on July 6 and 7.

The Open Cockpit Weekend will combine history and modern technology with a virtual reality and flight controller display by Joyce Mayne.

Take to the skies with VR and then learn more about the history of the aircraft featured in Australia’s largest aircraft display.

The remarkable team of QAM volunteers continue to restore the historically significant aircraft on display and maintain them for the visiting public to enjoy and appreciate.

Guides will be on hand throughout the weekend to share their tales.

With a combined hundreds of thousands of hours in the air, the volunteers have experiences from the basic Tiger Moth

crop-duster to the most extreme military aircraft and modern passenger aircraft and their stories will keep you enthralled for hours.

Don’t despair if you can’t make it to the weekend, the QAM is open throughout the school holidays, with experienced tour guides on-site every Monday and Wednesday to show visitors around.

Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra qam.com.au.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL If you want to live life in the fun lane, get down to Suncity Tenpin. It’s the venue where you stay cool when the sun is beating down and where you can stay dry if the storms come rolling in. Learn a new skill, or simply have some fun challenging your friends and family to see who the ultimate tenpin champion is.

With a kiosk for sustenance and hydration and other games machines to give your bowling arm a break, there is plenty to keep you entertained for hours.

Bumpers are available for the young ones, so they can be part of the action too. Who knows, they may be the first ones to nail a coveted strike!

Mari Street, Alexandra Headland. suncitytenpin.com.au.

100% Money Back Guarantee for Whale Watching! *conditions apply

Just $75 Adult $55 Child (4-14years)

BOOK NOW whaleone.com.au +61 1300 942 531 myweeklypreview.com.au

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Just $165

per person

| The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557 My Weekly Preview | June 28, 2019 37

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HOLIDAY FUN

UNLIMITED RIDES AND FUN AT AUSSIE WORLD

DID YOU

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FULL STEAM AHEAD There is just something special and nostalgic about a steam train and now you and your family can experience it for yourselves on a journey with the Mary Valley Rattler.

The winter school holidays see a number of chances for you to get up close and personal to these historic machines.

Go along to Meet the Fleet on July 5 from 8am to 10am at the historic Gympie Station for a special display. Chat with the volunteers and learn all about the steam engine, the diesel engine and the railmotors, as well as the historical carriages.

You can also hop on board the first ever School Holiday Express Trains, featuring a rolling reptile zoo.

KNOW?

These special services will run on July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10am with face painting available at the station from 8am.

The Mary Valley Rattler’s classic runs will also continue with half-day return tours between Gympie and Amamoor twice daily on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Mary Valley Rattler also operates two journeys on its historic railmotors – the Rattler Picnic Train on Thursdays which features the Red Rocket, and the Rattler Retro Express on Fridays featuring a Dine & Ride option on the Silver Bullet.

Tozer Street, Gympie maryvalleyrattler.com.au.

SUNSHINE COAST YOUTH THEATRE Production of

6TH JULY 2019 - 2PM & 7PM The J Noosa (07) 5329 6560 www.thej.com.au

7TH JULY 2019 - 4PM The Events Centre Caloundra (07) 5491 4240 www.theeventscentre.com.au

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With more than 30 rides and attractions, Aussie World is the Sunshine Coast’s number one fun park that caters for the kids and the big kids at heart.

Start your day by taking on crowd favourite The Plunge to get the adrenaline pumping, or test the kids on the new dodgems and see who the real champ is!

If you can’t beat ‘em, dodgem, right?

The smallest members of the family will enjoy the Giant Slide, Giggle Go Round, Tin Lids Tea Cups, Little Beaut Toot Toot and Carousel; while most rides are suitable for school aged children (over 100 centimetres):

Dodgems, Mozzi Musta, Booma Zooma and Bug Run rollercoaster.

Older, thrill-seeking kids and big kids at heart can ride the Redback, Dark Rebel, The Wasp and the Mayhem Maze is a must.

Besides unlimited rides, daily shows, entertainment and mini golf, there’s Side Show Alley (where every player wins a prize) and Professor Bogglesworth’s Illusionarium.

There’s also old-fashioned fun to be had with Crazy Mirrors, as well as Phileas’ Fun Works, a themed venue with a great selection of the latest arcade, redemption and video games.

The Fun Cafe offers families healthy wraps, burgers, chips, sundaes and more, while the Pub serves up more substantial lunches and dinners available and the renovations are definitely worth checking out.

Downunder Drive, Palmview aussieworld.com.au.

If you’re after a completely different experience, don’t miss the Ride the Night event on June 29. Tickets are just $20 for students and $25 for general admission.

OPEN COCKPIT WEEKEND JULY 6 & 7, 2019

• More than 20 historic aircraft open to the public • Engine runs on the hours 11am and 2pm • Exciting air-side display • Huge range of food and drink option • Girl Friday Jazz & Blues

DISCOVER AVIATION HISTORY

• 80+ aircraft and related displays • Souvenirs, models, model kits and more • Great family fun!

• Functions, photoshoots, events • 10am–4pm every day (except Christmas Day)

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST HISTORIC AIRCRAFT DISPLAY 7 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra QLD 4551

07 5492 5930 www.qam.com.au

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IMAGE: @MATTSPIX

HOLIDAY FUN

There w Splasill be two h Tes Dumm ie s sh t July 5 at 1 ows on 0am 12.30 are a pm. Ticketand venuevailable a s t 114.co m.au.

ALL DAY

8

$ .50

MAKING A SPLASH DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT VENUE 114 Fresh from international waters, the awardwinning circus troupe behind the critically acclaimed Trash Test Dummies is returning to Venue 114 on July 5 to make a bigger splash than ever with award-winning Splash Test Dummies.

The Dummies are extraordinary circus comedians Jamie Bretman, Simon Wright and Jack Coleman. These highly skilled circus performers showcase a stunning array of the highest jaw-dropping acrobatics, juggling and stunt work.

Armed with pool noodles, a giant beach ball and a huge bubble machine, the

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Dummies turn the theatre into beach volleyball, bathtub shenanigans and an underwater paradise. There are bubbles, water pistols and epic immersive action.

Full of laughs and plenty of surprises, this world-class troupe will display a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work and the side splitting, slapstick comedy for which the Dummies are famous.

New to this production is the inclusion of synchronised swimming unicycles, incredible magic tricks and inspiring puppetry.

Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina venuw114.com.au.

*

PER GAME ALL AGES

*This voucher must be presented to get the $8.50 game price. Offer expires 21/07/19

8 Mari Street, Alexandra Headland

Phone 5443 2580 www.suncitytenpin.com.au

SUNCITY TENPIN

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HOLIDAY FUN

SEE ALADDIN BROUGHT TO LIFE

FUN LAB HOLEY MOLEY There is no excuse for boredom these school holidays, with Fun Lab Holey Moley offering an Unlimited Play Deal.

For just $25, kids can get unlimited bowling and mini golf and parents get a few hours of downtime.

See who the ultimate bowling and putting champion is and have plenty of laughs along the way, with the themed mini golf holes and brilliant neoncoloured bowling alleys.

If the tummies start rumbling from all

the excitement, a full menu takes care of even the pickiest tastebuds and will fuel the crew back up in no time.

The Fun Lab Holey Moley offers affordable fun for the kids and priceless peace and quiet for parents.

The Unlimited Play Deal is available for walk-ins only from Monday to Friday before 5pm until July 15.

Inside Big Top Market Fresh, Maroochydore, holeymoley.com.au. locations/sunshine-coast

All your wishes will come true when Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre (SCYT) brings the smash hit Disney movie musical Aladdin Jr to life on stage at The J Noosa and The Events Centre Caloundra these holidays.

The cast of 48 young performers, all aged between seven and 18 years, will present this family favourite with a youthful, vibrant energy.

Aladdin Jr is incredibly family-friendly and makes for the perfect school holiday activity. This 90-minute version is just the right length for kids, and the show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage the young and old alike.

So grab your magic carpet, make a wish, and come and experience a whole new world with SCYT these holidays.

SCYT is the longest running theatre school in Noosa, running weekly classes as well as summer and winter camps each year. Aladdin Jr will be their 18th camp – having previously staged shows such as Singin’ in the Rain Jr, Shrek Jr and Legally Blonde Jr, to name a few.

See Aladdin Jr at The J Noosa on July 6 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets available at thej.com.au Or head to The Events Centre Caloundra on July 7 at 4pm. Tickets available at theeventscentre.com.au.

WHALE WATCHING JUNE TO NOVEMBER - $99pp June - departs 9am returns 1pm (4 hrs) July to Nov 9am - 12noon & 12.30pm - 3.30pm PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE LICENSED BAR Cruise times are subject to weather, check the website for updates See our daily departure times at www.elitesailing.com.au

MOOLOOLABA

P 0428 942 537 OR ELITESAILING.COM.AU 40 My Weekly Preview | June 28, 2019

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HOLIDAY FUN

CALLING ALL LEGO FANS FOR AN INTERACTIVE SEA ADVENTURE Get ready for a bricktastic adventure this winter with the arrival of The Lego Sea Explorers at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.

Kids are invited to join The Lego Sea Explorers on an interactive mission to record discoveries about the spectacular sea creatures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast ld’s Discover five interactive The wor LEGO pods positioned around the tallestis 28.7 aquarium, where you will be tower h, made challenged to build, draw, ig metres h465,000 colour and create with Lego. h wit Drawing inspiration from bricks their deep-sea surroundings, kids can enjoy hands-on Lego o fun while learning about SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s magnificent marine creatures including sharks, seals, seahorses and sea stars.

Little explorers have to succeed in their mission and to receive a special reward until July 14.

Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba sealifesunshinecoast.com.au.

DID YOU

KNOW?

OUR UNLIMITED PLAY DEAL IS BACK

25

$

unlimited bowling, and mini golf from our friends next door at Holey Moley

Feeling hungry?

Our menu takes care of even the pickiest taste buds too!

TCs: Walk in only. Monday - Friday before 5pm only. Valid QLD school holiday period 28 June - 15 July.

BIG TOP SHOPPING CENTRE, MAROOCHYDORE

1300 727 833 myweeklypreview.com.au

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TRAVEL

DID YO

THE WONDER OF WHALES UP CLOSE Whale watching is an unforgettable experience you can have right here on the Coast. WORDS: Candice Holznagel.

A

s an avid traveller, I have had the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most beautiful locations.

Snorkelling the aqua-blue waters of Fiji’s Coral Coast, boating in France’s breathtaking Lake Annecy, swimming in the crystal-clear water of Thailand’s islands.

Yet, I can confidently say the Sunshine Coast is up there with the best.

Clean beaches, a green environment, a healthy ocean and amazing experiences – what more could we ask for?

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to take in the beauty from a different perspective – 12 miles offshore to be exact.

Needless to say, the experience made me fall in love with our region even more.

It was a sunny Wednesday morning when my mum, my five-year-old son and I drove into the recently refurbished The Wharf Mooloolaba. Armed with our cameras, and full of excited anticipation, we joined the line outside the Sunreef building.

Standing before us was the majestic and newly renovated glossy-black catamaran, aptly named Whale One. The boat was to be our base for the next few hours as we joined other hopeful whale watchers – and an entertaining and knowledgeable crew – in search of the annual humpback migration.

The whales are on their northern migration following their summer of feeding in Antarctic waters. They travel up to 5000 kilometres with many stopping in the Hervey Bay district to mate and give birth, before moving south back through our waters from September to November.

Thankfully, these charismatic creatures are now protected following needless culling of close to 85,000 humpbacks between the late 1940s and 1962. The International Whaling Commission banned humpback whaling the following year, but it’s estimated that the east-coast population had dwindled to as little as 100. Thankfully, environmental sanctions have resulted in the population

recovering substantially. The 2019 migration will be one of the biggest yet.

It is believed that around 20,000 whales now travel our waters. On our day at sea we were lucky enough to see not one, but three, curious calves. Cautious at first, the large babies slowly worked their way towards their human spectators, perhaps encouraged by the squeals of delight. Even the seasoned crew were celebrating the beauty before us.

Whale watching boats must adhere to specific rules and regulations, so you can rest assured that your viewing experience won’t hinder these loveable creatures. As the catamaran stood still for 45 minutes, we watched the playful whales in their element.

Breaching and swimming under the catamaran, any hesitation that the calves originally felt quickly dissipated. Baby humpbacks weigh in at about 20,000 kilograms and measure up to four metres in length. They are a sight to behold. It was an experience we will remember for a lifetime.

U KN

OW? An humpb adult grows ack whal 12 and to betwe e lengt 16 metres en ha in aroun nd weighs d kilog 40,000 rams IF YOU GO: Bookings You can choose from two main tours – whale watching with Whale One, or the whale swimming cruise aboard the Wild One boat.

Prices for Whale One start at $55 for a child.

Adults pay $75. The swim tour costs $165 per person. Bookings are essential.

Visit whaleone.com.au.

What you need to take The cruise boat is covered and provides plenty of shaded seating. However, it’s still a good idea to wear sunscreen. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board.

And, don’t forget to take your camera.

Tip Even on the calmest days at sea, the motion can cause sickness. Speak to your local pharmacist ahead of time about the best medical prevention for your family.

#venue114

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