Sun shines -¦ even on rainy days

by RAY MACKERETH

There’s no other place in Australia like Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane where sub-tropical rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean.

The coast is adjacent to national parks and mountain ranges including the stunning Glass House Mountains. Unlike the high rise of the Gold Coast, this area is quiet. The weather is great all year round with mild winters and it’s rarely too humid. Most days are between 20C and 30C all year round.
Many gay and lesbian people call this area home. The Sunshine Coast has a relaxed attitude and even the politics are pro-gay -” well, pro-fair play more like it. At a recent council election where the so-called gay invasion became an election issue for mayoral candidates the anti-gay sentiment was easily defeated by the sophisticated locals.

There is a wide range of accommodation styles and choices from the luxury of the five star Hyatt Resort to good budget accommodation. One highly recommended property in the region is Horizons Resort located on the remote beach of Peregian. It is a one minute walk from Horizons to the beach and the views from the front upper apartments are stunning as you gaze upon an uninterrupted crystal-clear Pacific Ocean. While this resort is nestled amongst other properties and is not exclusively gay it does attract many gay and lesbian visitors who often meet around the friendly pool.

The Sunshine Coast has much to offer visitors from adventure to eco-friendly tours, from whale-watching to mountain and rainforest walks. That’s provided you’re not tempted to adjust to the enticingly slower pace -” just soak up some sun and sea air and chill out on a beautiful sandy beach. Swimming and surf are fantastic with a selection of many remote and lifeguard-patrolled beaches.

The area also has an active gay and lesbian network. Although there are no dedicated G&L clubs as such, there are many events throughout the year for those who want to interact with the very friendly Sunshine Coastians. You are advised to check out the comprehensive calender available on the QNews website, www.qnews.com.au.

Like Cairns, the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its Mardi Gras recovery events. There are dance parties, adventure tours and other activities available with groups of other G&L people during this period. Big Gay Day, Australia’s biggest gay and lesbian street party, is held in nearby Brisbane as an annual Sydney Mardi Gras recovery. It takes place one week after the Mardi Gras parade and party in March.

Noosa is at the heart of the Sunshine Coast and this very sophisticated low-rise town plays host to tourists from all over the world all year round. During the Christmas period it is a thriving and busy place but a little more laidback at other times.

There are many fantastic restaurants and eateries offering choices from fine dining to cafes and pubs. Food is usually very fresh and if you enjoy seafood you will probably be ecstatic. Prices in Noosa can be slightly higher than the surrounding beaches but they are still usually much lower than Sydney and Melbourne.

Getting around the Sunshine Coast is certainly easier by car but there is an extensive network of buses, and taxis are available. You can fly into Brisbane airport or connect to a local airport. If you are going to hire a car it is probably easier and cheaper from Brisbane as there are many rental companies based at or near Brisbane airport with fairly low rates.

This part of Australia has a unique appeal, plus fun activities, facilities and sophistication. Blessed with natural beauty, the Sunshine Coast will win over even the most diehard city slicker.