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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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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Sandstone Point Hotel

The Sandstone Point Hotel is based opposite Bribie Island and comprises several function rooms, the Oyster Shed ( a seafood lovers paradise ) and a world class restaurant. For the kids there is plenty to do. They can enjoy the Adventure Playground, the Petting Zoo, the beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw that can do up to 50 tricks and much more.

The ice-creamery is a great place to finish off your meal.

We began the day being introduced to the team and took a look at the Cellar Function Room. At the time it was being setup for a wedding event. The brickwork, ambience and bar area was amazing. Every little detail was measured and even the room off to the side was great for a dancefloor, photobooth or DJ.

Going back up the stairs you see the in-hotel store where you can buy wonderful gifts for your loved ones. The imitation flowers really light up the foyer. Next to that is a world class gaming room and sports bar with the Old Oyster Lease photos. Worth a look!

We dined outside undercover and tried 4 different dishes between the 4 of us. Each of them different (seafood, chicken, salad and burger). I can honestly say that the seafood and bacon fettucini was amazing. Thanks!

The Oyster Bar is a great place to chill. The mooring pontoon/jetty allows day trippers with boats to arrive and tie up their vessel. Check with staff if there are any restrictions in place. The produce is sourced locally in Moreton Bay (bugs, crabs, oysters and of course prawns). The prices are very reasonable as well. Visit their website.

The Big 4 Holiday Park

This holiday park is beautiful. It is purpose built and has big rigs/tents/camper trailers in mind. Plenty of room to stretch out without guy ropes overlapping next door’s pitch. The amentities and kitchen areas were top drawer and the pool area has to be seen to be believed. It is honestly resort living at a budget price. They even have a cocktail bar! Sign me up …

Visit their website here.

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Wappa Falls Dam and Wappa Falls

Wappa Falls Dam and Wappa Falls is located a short 10 minute drive out of Yandina. The vast green grounds, colourful mural and picnic area are very serene. Watch out for the sweeping Pluvver Birds. They were quite aggressive but once we passed their territory we were fine. Note to oneself, never visit during July again.

The spillway is a sight to behold as is the Wappa Falls themselves. An abundance of craggy rocks and a winding torrent of water cascading down the valley sounds dream-like. You can hear it in the video we shot.

Take the family out for a day trip and Explore the Sunshine Coast like us! It’s just a short drive for the Wappa Falls Observatory too.

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Chenrezig Institute celebrates the Dalai Lamas 84th Birthday

We were invited as media to cover the day’s events at Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo yesterday as two Geshemas (Buddhist Nuns) from the Dalai Lamas’ own community in Dharmasala ahead of his birthday celebrations. Geshema’s Tenzin Lhadron and Tshering Dolma both spoke eloquently about their role as Geshemas as they travel and the Dalai Lamas’ knowledge. We spent approximately 10 minutes with Tenzin Lhadron who told us about a typical day in the life of a Geshema.

6th July, 2019

Geshemas can be inducted into the training centre’s from as young as 7, but in most cases girls aged 15-25 are chosen. They can spend up to 17 years studying philosophy, Tibetan and English language skills, debating, Buddhist Religon and much more.

My take on Buddhism is different to what most people would believe, in that, the art of practicing Buddhism is a daily habit. A Buddhist person is kind, compassionate to others, would not bring harm upon a person, would offer assistance, would give freely without need for compensation and still have time for thanks to his Holiness the Dalia Lama.

All too often in modern society we crave material things to show our level of wealth, or fight for a cause we do not believe in, just because it’s what friends do. A Buddhist person takes a more holistic view. They are prepared to listen, instill good values, be open to other cultures and races – all without judgement. I challenge you to find a practicing Buddhist that is a bad person (they don’t exist).

Too many youngsters flaunt the law because they know that the justice system will let them go scott-free. We learned that in Buddhist culture the values of kindness, compassion, friendliness, honesty are all instilled by parents and the community at a young age. You won’t find petty crime in Tibet or across sections of India that practice Buddhism.

About Chenrezig Institute

Chenrezig Institute is a Buddhist retreat and study centre nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia. Established in 1974, the Institute was among the first Tibetan Buddhist centres in the Western World and remains one of the largest. It is a registered charitable organisation affiliated with the FPMT.

The Institute is home to a Tibetan teacher, a large number of nuns and monks, and a thriving community of students, volunteers and guests. We provide a range of Buddhist and secular programmes through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed for the benefit of others.

Our programmes include meditation retreats, teachings on Buddhism, advanced study courses, art classes and workshops on Buddhist psychology and mental well being.

The centre also has accommodation facilities, a vegetarian cafe, library, meditation hall, art studio, memorial garden and beautiful grounds which are all open to the general public from Thursday to Sunday every week.

Everyone is welcome to visit. If you live on or near the Sunshine Coast then you MUST visit here and support this Institute. They offer wonderful programs.

The Program

We began the day meeting both Geshemas and getting to know them. They are truly very inspirational women who have a deep knowledge of Buddhism, and an even greater sense of philosophy and beliefs around how we, as humans, should behave and treat one-another in society.

From 8.30am – 9am we had Morning Dharma Practice
10.30am – 12 noon – Public Talk from both Geshemas
12 noon – 1pm Amazing Lunch provided by the Big Love Cafe on site.
We celebrated his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday with Chai Tea and Cake

Afterwards there was a movie played about the Dalai Lama and then Puja from 3.30pm to 6pm.

If you ever want to get out of your armchair and experience a day filled with enlightenment, then visit Chenrezig Institute. The team at Explore the Sunshine Coast had a great day out and the self discovery and philosophies told by the Geshemas were well received.

How to get there …

Click to use this Google Map

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Bribie Island

Less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane city & only 45 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, come & explore the 4th largest sand island in the world! Bribie Island!

Get up-close and personal with iconic Australian wildlife. Take a swim in the tea-tree stained lagoons and kick back and relax on over 30km of pristine white sandy beach! Enjoy the wind in your hair whilst your feet get wet in this picturesque island setting.

4WD Beach Driving & Fort Tour

Quick Details

Duration: 2.5-3.5 Hours

• Professional Driver & Guide
• 4WD Tour of Bribie Beach
• Photo Opportunity with Native Wild Life
• Visit The Lagoons (Swimming Optional)
• Explore Fort Bribie
  (WWII Fortifications)
• Learn the History of the Island
• Water & Fruit included

Large groups of 14+ please contact us via email tours@gdayadventuetours.com or call us on 0403 728 261

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Fraser Island Tour in one day

Get a hearty dose of adventure on this day long 4WD tour of Fraser Island Tour. Throughout the day, you’ll experience the stunning landscapes of the island and get to know the world’s largest sandbank. Stretching over 120 kms and offering sweeping views of the coast, Fraser Island is home to ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and iconic Aussie wildlife like Dingoes and Humpback Whales.

What’s Included on the Fraser Island Tour

We’ll start the day from Sunshine Coast and make our way along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach to explore the natural beauty of this magnificent wilderness with a guided rainforest walk. If you’re lucky, we may even get the chance to spot some wild dingoes on the way!

• Then it’s onwards to the perched lake of Lake McKenzie, where we’ll stop to admire the clear blue water, white sand and surrounding rainforest that sprawl inland.
• Here we’ll set up to have an authentic Aussie lunch to get energy up for the adventure ahead, while enjoying the stunning surrounding scenery.
• After we’ve refuelled, we’ll travel along ‘sandy highway’ to take you along the lush rainforest of Satinay and Brushbox for a guided rainforest walk. Your friendly guide will accompany you and share their local expertise of the ancient rainforest, plants and wildlife that makes this region so unique and fascinating to explore.
• On our way back to the Sunshine Coast, we’ll make a pitstop in an isolated section of the beach, for afternoon tea.

Relax on our purpose built “Warrior” 4WD vehicles as you soak in the stunning white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery of the World’s Largest Island one last time!

Our 1 Day Fraser Island Tour will give you the perfect introduction to Fraser Island for those who are looking for a little more excitement in their travels.

After you have been to Fraser Island then go and Explore the Sunshine Coast.

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