The Ultimate Bribie Island Adventure

We hooked up with Captain Cheryl and her sidekick, Cabin Crew Rick (aka the husband) for a 5 hour Adventure on Bribie Island. We began our day at 9am in Ningi, just outside their bait and tackle store.

Their company, Gateway Discovery Tours offer a jam-packed tour where you’ll:

• Travel the Inland Track to Poverty Point Campgrounds
• Visit the Wetlands and travel onto view Mount Bribie
• Stop at Lighthouse Reach for a freshly made lunch

Afterward we stop at the amenities then to head back down the track towards the Fort

• At the Fort we discover several buildings and learn about our involvement in WW2
• Finally, we drive along the beach and watch the sea eagles soar as they scan the land below for prey. We finish up at 2nd Lagoon for a well earned swim.

Before we depart we are given the low down on their impressive trucks. They are Mitsubishi Canters modified to Army Standards. They each have Limited Slip Diffs and are almost impossible to bog. They are often used to recover other 4WDers and Rick and Cheryl have even recovered some Fire Trucks fighting the recent bushfires on the island. Each truck holds 15 passengers plus they have a 12 seat truck. Each truck is fully conditioned.

Outside their store they have a Mark 14 Sea Mine made in 1914 in Singapore. It used to house TNT. It’s very rare. Only 10,000 were made in total and 3 exist today.

Did you know?

HMAS Bungaree was used to lay mines between Moreton Island and Bribie Island. Bongaree on Bribie was aptly named after this ship.

On the tour you are well catered for. You have access to unlimited freshwater and you’re treat to a sumptuous lunch at Lighthouse Reach.

Your safety is always top of mind and all staff members on the tour have completed their First Aid Certificates. Many of the guides are ex military and know the history inside out.

Bribie Island was a pivotal landmark for Australia’s defence during WW2. US General MacArthur held office in Sandstone Point and regularly worked across various locations in SE Qld.

Over 300 Gubbi Gubbi people still inhabit Bribie Island. Approximately 50% of the original population have left the region.

The Trip

From the shop we traveled a total distance of 94km. Fifty one km are within the Bribie Island National Park. You travel about 30kph on your journey. The journey itself is a festival for the eyes and senses. The landscape changes on every turn. Emergency tracks that lead off the main gazetted roads are signposted with a blue post. If there is no blue post then the road leads to a dead-end.

Sand is very powdery and it’s easy to see why inexperienced 4WDers come unstuck. It’s recommended to run 18psi on the sand. We suggest bringing recovery tracks if you have them. There is phone reception for Telstra and Optus account holders. Vodaphone – forget it …

Prices at the time of this article (Dec 2019)

Adults                                         $75 inc lunch

Senior                                         $65 inc lunch

Kids under 5 with adults         FREE

Kids 6-16                                    $65 inc lunch

Pine Forest trees take between 25 and 30 years to fully mature. They are cycled 4 times in total before they revert back to National Park. There is a section where the wildfires were so hot that no new growth seemed evident. In other areas you could see the tree tops green and the trunks scarred.

Poverty Point

Number of sites: 14 numbered sites plus one large group and/or trailer area.
Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your 4WD and walk-in camping. There is also an area designated for camper trailers or large groups.
Camp site surface: sand, dirt, grass.
Facilities: micro-flush toilets, portable toilet dump point, screened cold showers, water taps (not suitable for drinking), picnic tables and fire rings.
Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans or prohibitions apply) in provided fire rings only, but fuel stoves recommended.
Generators: not permitted.

You will often see kangaroos, goannas and short nosed curlews along with Wild Horses on the Island.

Tour Highlights

Large Army Fort on the Eastern Side of Bribie Island. Housed 2 large Turrets, Search Light Towers, Army Mess, Soldiers Quarters, Nurses Quarters and several amenities buildings. There is even an underground hospital, yet to be discovered and unearthed, however we think we found it. A huge area rarely seen by most Queenslander’s.

The scenery is breathtaking and it’s abundantly clear that Rick and Cheryl love the island. They actively help the rangers and report daily on the tracks and fishing on the island. In my opinion the fee for this trip is low given the experience, history and sights you see. For $75 including a lunch you’d be hard pressed to find a better local tour.

A trip like no other

A trip like no other. History, Adventure, Photographic Opportunities, Laughs all encased in a 5 hour value packed tour. A trip not to be missed.

If you want to book visit their Facebook page today or Call 0439 083 868

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The Secret to Great Kitchen Design

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Here we nourish our loved ones, chat with our kids, partners or house mates at end of the day. It’s the hub of activity, for family time and entertainment especially when kitchens and dining livings room are combined. Our reminders, bills, photos and the latest kids’ masterpieces all seem to end up stuck on the fridge and it’s where some of our most important conversations take place. The simple act of cooking a meal provides a sense of place and togetherness. So, when a space is this important, it makes sense to plan for your needs and invest wisely to ensure it is practical and beautiful.
Kitchen layout is the most important aspect of kitchen design and creating much needed functionality with the “Kitchen Work Triangle” is the secret.

The Kitchen Work Triangle is a principle that aims to determine the most efficient kitchen layout for the cook, delivering both aesthetic appeal and maximum functionality. It places three main work areas and facilities (stove, sink and fridge with the sink in the centre) within proximity to each other providing the shortest, practical distance between them – cutting down wasted steps and enabling the cook to move between them easily when accessing, preparing and cooking food. By default, the Kitchen Triangle also tends to position plumbing and power for cost effective installation.

However, there are more secrets to great kitchen design than the Kitchen Work Triangle. Queensland Building Solutions know all the trade secrets and have a few more up their sleeves.
Our design experts will work with you on key design elements to ensure:

• That the total length of the work triangle is between 4000mm and 6000mm.
• The shortest, practical distance between the three main work areas in the kitchen (stove, fridge, sink) is achieved.
• Placement of the things you need within easy reach.
• We cater for special needs and accessibility requirements.
• Island benches are fully integrated into the kitchen design and width of walkways are designed specifically to create a seamless flow.
• No dead spaces, especially in large kitchens. We can work with you to create multiple, individually designed zones and achieve superior storage solutions.
• Create a safer cooking space by positioning at ideal work height (1200mm), maximising workspace, allowing for adequate set down space beside stoves and designing to prevent foot traffic from crossing the kitchen work triangle.
• Ideal location of appliances, power points, extraction fans and lighting.
• Your new kitchen is tailored to your personal style, unique needs, your budget and consider the amount of cooking you’re likely to do.
• The best quality materials, closures, fittings and appliances for every budget.

Call Glenn Martin and Rebecca Martin at Queensland Building Solutions, the friendly experts in kitchen renovations on 0419 864 877 for a free no obligation quote.

www.queenslandbuildingsolutions.com.au
QBCC licence 1304991 Master Builders 68500

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Sunshine Castle – Bli Bli

In the beginning …

After much searching in 1971, Ian and Marcia Hayne purchased land at Bli Bli, in the centre of the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. They chose the location because of its hard granite foundation on a knoll overlooking the Maroochy River and the surrounding can fields.

In 1972 work was commenced to build a Norman/Medieval style Castle. The first stage (today’s receptionall) was completed and opened in March 1973 displaying 8 fairytale depictions and was named Fairytale Castle. Two years later the Great Hall and Moat were completed and the displayed armour came from England, Germany, Spain and Italy.

In 1978, the Great Tower building was commenced and erected in stages in conjunction with an expansion of the souvenir shop and a Tudor Facade on the shop front. On the 3rd May 1980 the Great Tower was opened to the public but remained unclimbable without stairs.
From fairytales to dolls …

In July 1984 Sandy Mackenzie and his wife Jean together with Kevin Tuckwell purchased the castle and renamed it Bli Bli Castle. Work began to enslose and include the dwelling situated alongside the castle into the castle complex. The downstairs area was converted into a Tea Room and Souvenir Shop and opened around Christmas of the same year.

In September 1986 a private doll collection was purchased and opened to the public December 1986. At the same time further work commenced in the Great Tower and eventually a set of spiral stairs allowed visitors to climb the 24 metre high tower whic offered panoramic views across the region.

Change of ownership …

In December 2002 Bernd and Margret Benecke (alias King Bernadus and Queen Margareta) purchased the Castle. In 2006 Birte Benecke-Uhrig and Stephan Uhrig moved from Germany to take over running of the business. Bli Bli Castle was then renamed Sunshine Castle Bli Bli.

Visit website for prices and events

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Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge – The Facts

The Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (Sippy Creek Animal Refuge Society Inc) was established in 1979. Our Mission statement is ‘Giving refuge to abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs until permanently rehomed and educating the community on responsible pet ownership”. The Refuge is an independent, non-profit, charitable organisation and has a non-euthanasia policy. We also run education programmes for the community on responsible animal ownership.

All cats and dogs admitted to the Refuge are Vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, desexed, micro chipped and medically treated if necessary prior to being available for adoption to the public. We have comprehensive terms and conditions of sale to ensure the animals are adopted into an appropriately loving home.

The Refuge is managed by an unpaid, elected committee, and run by a small staffing compliment and a large dedicated group of volunteers.

The Refuge operates from a 1.08 hectare site at Sippy Creek Road, Tanawha (adjacent to the Council Pound) and can house approximately 50 dogs and 50 cats at any given time. We accept cats and dogs from the Sunshine Coast Council Pound after owners cannot be traced, and from private surrenders.

We rely on the support of the Sunshine Coast Council Partnership Funding programme, bequests, local businesses, clubs and the community in general, for which we are very thankful and could not survive without. If you would like to find out more about making a donation or bequest, please click here.

We always need reliable and dedicated volunteers 18 years plus, to assist with early morning work and afternoon work, feeding cats and dogs, cleaning pens, preparing food, lawn mowing, maintenance and washing.

VIEW OUR WEBSITE
http://www.sippycreek.com.au
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge
28 Sippy Creek Road, Tanawha QLD 4556
Ph (07) 5494 5275

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Bravery Buddies

Bravery Buddies are a collection of dolls for children who are either battling cancer or who have a loved one with cancer.
These special dolls send the message “you are not alone”. They are inclusive dolls for both boys and girls of different ethnicities created to offer comfort and bring a glimmer of joy to the lives of children affected by cancer.

Tegan’s Story – How Bravery Buddies came about

I was 13 years old and in my first year of high school when I became ill. The doctor told me that I had leukaemia. Cancer.
One day I decided to design a simple bracelet – a representation of my journey and something that I could wear to remind me of what I have been through. That one bracelet turned into another product design, and another, and another. Until suddenly I had several product ideas in mind to honour those battling, those who have passed, and to raise awareness of something that truly touches us all – cancer.
I wanted to create something to counteract that feeling of loneliness, so I designed the “Bravery Buddies”.

The Bravery Buddies

The Bravery Buddies have no hair, just like a lot of children who are battling cancer. The aim is for the dolls’ physical appearance to help sick kids feel like they’ve got an empathetic friend on their side. To be able to look at their special friend and think, “Hey, you’re just like me.”

Children are able to form a bond with their dolls, to share the experience of cancer – to be a friend to them when they need one most.
On Christmas eve, my husband, son and I took a load of dolls to the Lady Cilento hospital in Brisbane and handed them out. I could tell it meant so much, not only to the children but to the parents as well.

I can honestly say that it was the most rewarding experience of my life and I had an overwhelming feeling that I had finally found it…. My purpose, my passion. And I just know I have to keep going.

How can you help?

Sponsor a Bravery Buddy to be gifted to a child affected by cancer. Buddies are delivered to hospitals on a regular basis and to children on the waitlist who’s loved ones have requested one to help spread a little joy in the lives of these amazing little warriors. You can leave a personal message for a child or remain anonymous.

Sponsor a Buddy at
www.braverybuddies.org.au

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Day Trip – Tin Can Bay

The ultimate Day Trip – Tin Can Bay. Grab the kids, an esky and a few drink. Grab your towel and your camera. Some loose change for an handful of fresh fish and you are ready to feed the wild dolphins.

The Dolphin Centre

The Dolphin Centre opens at 7.00am with viewing time between 7.00 – 8.00am. There is only one feeding session per day commencing at 8.00am. On arrival visitors are welcome to join the volunteers in the water and get to know these beautiful mammals with a small group of people in the water at any one time.

Fish for the feeding is available on site. We have an entry fee and a feeding fee, and as a volunteer group we request $5.00 per person entry fee plus $5.00 to cover the cost of each fish purchased and our other costs. Dolphin feeding does mean getting wet, at least up to your knees…so come prepared!

Once the dolphins are fed they generally return straight to the wild to get on with their day so be sure to be there before 8.00am to give yourself the best chance of enjoying this wonderful experience.

Of course, these animals are wild so we cannot guarantee their arrival time or even that there will be dolphins on a given day. However, patience is often rewarded when they are late so order some refreshments from the cafe, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. It is rare for no dolphins to visit but as with all wildlife experiences it can happen.

Most of all enjoy yourselves and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our beautiful dolphins and the spectacular Cooloola region.

About Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay is a tranquil seaside village with plenty to do. Located near the southern end of World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the town adjoins the Great Sandy Strait and offers a sheltered paradise for birdwatching, sailing, cruising on a houseboat or fishing.

As of 2018 the population of Tin Can Bay was a little over 2,000 people however growth is expected in the coming years due to the proximity of growing towns like Gympie and Hervey Bay.

Tin Can Bay is only 1 hour 20 minutes north of the Sunshine Coast and lies on the western peninsular adjacent to Rainbow Beach.

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Mudjimba Beach

Mudjimba Beach is a quaint township with a true coastal vibe.

There has never been a more obvious contrast than that between Mooloolaba and Mudjimba. About the only thing similar is that both suburbs begin with the letter M.

Mudjimba is still largely seen as a quiet beachside suburb by the locals and it’s easy to see why. The only disruption to your day is the odd airplane flying into Maroochydore Airport to touch down or take off.

Mudjimba hosts some of the coolest cafe’s on the coast with The Island being one of our favourites. It blends great music, a unique cold press coffee that’s gravity fed and a funky surf store.

Caravan Park

Mudjimba Beach Caravan Park is ideally positioned adjacent to the beach and only a short stroll to the cafe and shopping precinct. It has large caravan sites, a refreshing swimming pool, well equipped camp kitchen and plenty of shade. It’s one of a handful of council run caravan parks in the region and a welcome escape from the crowded caravan parks in the tourist towns.

Great Walks

Mudjimba is blessed with some amazing walks. Drive to the end of North Shore Road and stroll through the scrub to find your ideal beach picnic spot. As mentioned earlier in this magazine, it’s a great place to walk your furry friend.

The Airport

The Sunshine Coast Regional Airport has been given the green light to begin it’s upgrade. In the next ten years we will see long haul aircraft fly in and out of our region. This will increase tourism numbers and offer locals the ability to travel internationally direct from our airport.
The more you fly direct from Sunshine Coast Airport, the more local flights will come.

Stop and think about the way you travel and consider the benefits if you choose to fly local.

The more the community flies from Sunshine Coast Airport, the more we can negotiate more destinations and flights from Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin, Air New Zealand and possibly other airlines.

We all love the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

It’s why we choose to live here, whether that be a morning surf, walking the dog or spending time with our family, rather than struggling in a long commute every day.

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The History of the the Mary Valley Rattler

The Mary Valley Rattler is a heritage rail experience operating with a fleet of fully restored steam and diesel locomotives and carriages, each with their own unique character and story.
The beautiful restored Gympie Station is one of the most stylish and elaborate examples of timber railway architecture in Queensland and home to a historical display of the century-old Mary Valley Rattler line and its people.

The Journey

A blast of the whistle, the gentle motion of the wheels on the track and you’re away, aboard one of the Mary Valley Rattler’s historic locomotives. Sit back and relax and we take you on a nostalgic 46 kilometre journey through one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland – the scenic Mary Valley.

Amamoor is bordered by a state forest where more than 120 bird species have been sighted in its riverine rainforests and plantations of hoop and bunya pines. Here you can see the heritage engine turn on a fully restored turntable.

The small township of Dagun has one of the best preserved examples of an early 20th century railway station.

Start your journey in Gympie or Amamoor. Train operating days are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

For further info visit:
www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au

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Hats with Hair

Welcome to Hats with Hair. Each and every person deserves to feel confident in their own skin. Especially those going through chemotherapy.

Here’s how Hats With Hair aims to bring self esteem, love and care to those in the midst of the most heartbreaking and traumatic experience of their life.

Hello! I’m Samantha Harrison, and I have been a hair extension specialist on the Sunshine Coast for the last 6 + years.
I love what I do each day, but I realised there could be a deeper purpose to my work.

I have been moved by the stories of children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer. No one deserves to experience such a time in their young life. Childhood should be a time of innocence, freedom, and exploration.

We can’t give these children their health, but we can come together to give them a little bit of joy in the form of a self esteem boost and the memory of what it was like before.

That’s where Hats With Hair comes in. Each hat is individually hand made. The hair piece is detachable from the hat, meaning you can change styles as often as you like.

The hats have 150 grams of ethically sourced European double drawn Human Hair, that is of a beautiful high quality.
This means that the patients can wear their Hat With Hair with pride, without worrying about any tangling or shedding, and feel confident that it looks completely natural.

The hair is shaped and blended to the recipient’s desired length, and they come in a variety of colours and styles.

You can wash, colour, cut, curl and straighten the hair, which means it can be styled to suit the child’s favourite look and make them feel even more like themselves.

Each hat will last for upwards of a year and requires NO maintenance. Thats right, NO maintenance. EVER

The hats don’t have any glue, they’re super comfy, and best of all — they look completely natural.

I want to give these beautiful children back a little bit of their life before cancer.

I’d like to create as many pieces as I can, to donate to children and teenagers going through chemotherapy.

Because of the quality & thickness of the hair I use & the products to create such a piece, it means the cost of material is extremely expensive. Those going through chemotherapy already have massive medical bills to pay for, along with the time off work aswell. It is such a trying time for most families.

But thats where you can help! Your donation will be used to cover the cost of the materials, which means that I can get these beautiful Hats With Hair into the hands of as many children as possible.

I will be posting all of the hats created and sharing the story behind each new loving and deserving owner. I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.

Thank you to those who have already donated.

2 hats have been donated to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital
3 hats donated to young girls, Neveah who is fighting Acute Myeloid Luekemia, Josie who is fighting Osteosarcoma and young Summer

Ive also been able to create some at a discounted rate with the left over funding that has kindly been donated to Shelley Williamson, Sam Marty, Jessica Kate, & Claire Smart.

Visit our Facebook Page

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Off leash dog beaches

The .Sunshine Coast has some of the best Off leash dog beaches in the region.

Northshore – Mudjimba

Just a short 15 minute drive from the heart of Maroochydore lies a stretch of beach liked by dog owners from across the region, Maroochy North Shore.

Take the North Shore Road in Mudjimba and travel as far south as you can go. You’ll reach a car park. At the end of the car park you’ll see two entry points, one ventures onto the ocean-side beach on the east side, while the other heads west to the more sheltered and protected bay. The photo below is of the bay region. The water is clear, still and safe in the shallows for swimmers and their dogs.

Take a picnic hamper with you and enjoy the protected natural windbreak and mid-morning shade. If you like your dogs to run uninterrupted then use the ocean side beach. It has a great view of Mudjimba Island.

This area is known for turtles laying their eggs. Females usually lay between 1 and 9 clutches of eggs per season. Females may nest every 2 or 3 years. Female green turtles may lay 1,900 to 2,300 eggs within a lifetime.

Stumers Creek – Coolum

A favourite picnic area for families and dog lovers. Both sides of Stumers Creek are easily accessed from the main car park. The creek is usually land locked at low tide.

Stumers has toilet facilities, showers and dog washing areas.

Some days you might find skydivers landing at your feet as they jump from 15,000 feet above the beach.

Skydiving Noosa is the ultimate adrenaline rush. You’ll exit the plane from up to 15,000ft for an insane 60 seconds of life-changing freefall, falling at over 200 km/hr over the stunning Sunshine Coast region. Then float under canopy for 5-7 minutes soaking up views of the picture perfect beaches far below.

Port Cartwright – Buddina

On any given morning or evening you’ll find every pooch in every size trotting along the well worn pathway adjacent to the Mooloolah River.
Most dog lovers start at La Balsa Park and walk along the path to the mouth of the river before heading onto the exposed beach and walking towards the lighthouse. You’ll find dogs off leash along the beach at Buddina.

As always, keep aware of council regulations for where you can and can’t have your pampered pooch. Laws change often.

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