University of Sunshine Coast (USC) has come alive with a trail of magical lights this Christmas.
A free event, it runs for 10 nights only – from 14-23 December 2018 and is fun for everyone.
There’s the rainforest walk…
The giant sticker wall…
And so much more to look at.
Oh, and all the displays were designed by USC staff…pretty cool, hey?
It’s not on for long, so if you’re on the coast, why not duck over for a look…6.30-9pm each night (weather permitting) at USC Sippy Downs – but only until December 23, 2018.
I wouldn’t blame you if you haven’t heard of Eudlo; I hadn’t until a fellow guest at Jimmy’s Catering pumpkin night – I don’t think I’ve told you about their single ingredient dinners yet, have I? – mentioned that Sweethearts at Eudlo was a great place for a weekend brekky.
Eudlo? I’d seen the signs – there’s a turn-off on Tanawha Forest Drive just past the Maroochy Botanic Gardens. You can also get there from Palmwoods – and I’d seen it from the Brisbane train (which I usually catch from Palmwoods). Surely there couldn’t be a cafe there worth driving for? But she was adamant. Absolutely it’s worth the drive, she said.
I still laugh when someone says that: worth the drive. It wasn’t that long ago that getting to the shopping centre just 5kms away in Sydney took almost 10 mins – if there was no traffic. Now we talk about whether a destination in the hinterland just 20 mins away is worth the drive.
It is.
There’s a great brekky menu plus some pretty special cakes.
I was there to do some writing but was totally distracted by all the little bits in the garden. Speaking of distractables – it’s great for kids and dogs…
While you’re in Eudlo…
While you’re there, check out the General Store – it’s an absolute treasure trove of unexpected things…even a community library bookshelf of sorts.
One cuisine the Sunshine Coast does really well is Mexican – and not just the all in together sort of slop that Mexican food used to be (remember those office parties?). We’re talking new Mexican, tasty Mexican, amazing burrito bowls and soft shell tacos with fillings that haven’t seen the inside of an El Paso packet. Food that goes incredibly well with blue skies, bright colours, vibey vibes, and beer and tequila in an Instagram worthy setting.
Juan Fifty at 150 (get it?) Alexandra Parade – right across the road from the Alex Surf Club – is that sort of Mexican.
The decor has even more colour than the beach across the road, and the drinks menu has enough beers, tequilas and cocktails to make it worth making a night of – or whiling away a Sunday afternoon…not that I’d ever advocate a lack of moderation…no siree…drink responsibly people. There are even a few local faves on the craft beer list – like Your Mate’s Larry (a pale ale) and Donnie ( a dark ale) brewed right here on the Sunshine Coast.
And the food? We shared:
Chickpea Battered Brocollini ($8)
Battered cod fingers with a harissa bell pepper sauce ($9)
Pulled pork tacos with blackened Pineapple & Jalapeno Salsa Coriander, Cucumber, Slaw, Housemade Rainbow Corn Tortillas (2 for $16) and
Build your own burrito bowl with pulled pork and street corn and black bean salsa ($18)
The verdict? I think we might have found a new Mexican fave…
This is arguably Maleny’s most photographed paddock – it’s also probably it’s most generous.
One Tree Hill, with its iconic single tree and magic views over the Glasshouse Mountains, is a favourite with wedding photographers. Before you go tearing up there though, this is private property and a working farm. I took the pic above from outside the fence on a weekday when the traffic was sparse.
Between 308 & 349 Mountain View Road, Maleny. If visiting Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve drive further down Mountain View Road southwards. You’ll see One Tree Hill on your left. Note: you can’t park on that side of the road.
The rules…
If you want to use the spot for photography, you need to make a booking ahead of time and make a small donation of $50. Every single cent goes to local community charities such as The Men’s Shed, the Maleny Historical Society, Busy Needles, Maleny Senior Citizens, the Naval Cadets and the Maleny Show Society.
Hear the serenity, check out the view. This is Witta.
Located just nine kilometres outside of Maleny on the Hinterland road to Kenilworth, Witta is well worth a stop.
Check out the General Store – which also happens to be the only store – and stay for a cuppa or a meal…the view is fab.
Better yet, time your visit for the Witta Farmer’s Market – or the Blackall Range Grower’s Market – held on the third Saturday of every month. You can follow them on Facebook here.
Supporting small growers and producers from the greater Blackall Range area, you’ll find everything from hay mulch to candles and tea, amazing pastry, some of the best honey you’ll taste, veggie and herb seedlings, jams and preserves and … you get the idea.
There’s something about a coffee shop that’s just about the coffee. As if it’s popped up somewhere, thrown in a super-smart, sleek and totally gorgeous coffee machine, sourced the best beans and then gone, ‘man, we better get something for people to sit on?’ That’s The Birds and The Beans.
Located at the top of Buderim Village in the old Vandy’s Garage – dating back to 1918, it was the first garage in Buderim – this cafe is a retro lovers paradise. Nothing matches, the old garage has been left largely intact – you can even have your latte out by the old petrol bowsers. And your coffee even comes with souvenir teaspoons – I knew I shouldn’t have donated all those old spoons when we moved.
someone else’s photo…
Speaking of seats, you can chill out on one of the old couches and read a mag or catch up with friends, or settle in at one of the tables and get some work happening.
And for eating? This place is all about the coffee. You can buy a couple of toast-your-own slices of raisin toast for $2 a serve. They also usually have some crumpets and bagels on offer – if you’re early enough. The toaster is in the corner. Other than that there’s usually a few different slices or some cookies to choose from, sometimes some pastries. But really, you’re here for the coffee – or the retro vibe – but mainly the coffee
If pressed for a favourite, this would come out near the top. The black rice porridge with ginger syrup really should be tasted to be believed, and the avo smash is lifted with micro herbs, feta and radish. Just fabulous. I wrote about it here.
Winnie is named after the owner’s son, Winston. They also have Little Boat at Marcoola – which is named after her other son, Otus, or Oatey Boatie. Too cute. Speaking of which…
Little Boat Espresso, Marcoola
I haven’t blogged this place yet – I’ll need to go back to get some better photos. Now, there’s a good excuse if ever there was one.
Little Boat is open from 6.30 – 2.30 every day at 3 Lorraine Ave, Marcoola. They also open on Friday nights – but for drinks only. You bring your own food from the Marcoola Markets…such a cool idea.
Another place without an ocean view, your outlook here is green and serene. Coffee is taken so seriously they have their own blend, and the food is…well, just look at it. And there’s plenty to choose from if you’re vegetarian.
I nearly wasn’t going to include this place on my list given that they only open for breakfast from Thursday – Sunday. Even then they don’t open until 7am – relatively late on the Mooloolaba strip. That aside, I had to give them a spot even if it’s just for their baked eggs. They are really that good. Naturally, there are other things on the menu – other good and very yummy things – but I do love the baked eggs…and the view. On a sunny day watching the world stroll by and the surf across the road, there’s not many better places to be than on Mooloolaba’s Esplanade.
Update June 2018 – this cafe is now closed
Two Point Oh, Maroochydore
Somewhere else I haven’t blogged yet is this relatively new vegetarian cafe in the Kontiki Building in Maroochydore. Again, it’s because I want to go back and take more photos. Yes, really. Have you seen their Instagram page?
The only way I can describe the food is to say it’s innovative…or maybe progressive? Whatever word you use to describe it, it’s the type of vegetarian place that the non-vego can walk in and not notice that the bacon is missing.
The smoothie bowls have been lifted to a different dimension from the acai that you see on every street corner here on the coast, and the avo smash is turned upside down with smoked beetroot hummus, smashed peas, feta, rocket and avo.
Oh, and the decor is stunningly simple and beautiful.
Open for brunch Monday – Wednesday 7:30 – 4pm and Sunday 8 – 3pm and Dinner Thursday – Saturday 5pm-10pm
Chances
I’m here working so often you’d think I was their resident writer.
Again, I haven’t blogged it and I really need to. Anyways, Chances was the first of the major tenants in The Wharf redevelopment – I’ve told you about that when we talked about Rice Boi and Saltwater. Yes, it’s a bar and it’s open late and it has a fabulous vibe and food for that sort of thing, but for now, we’re talking about breakfast.
They have all the usuals, plenty of muffins, a DIY breakfast, a breakfast stack that defies gravity (that’s it in the pic below), and a smashed avo that I swear I must have every time I’m in. And you must try the savoury mince jaffles.
You’ll find Chances on Mooloolaba Wharf, opposite Sea-Life, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba. It’s open most days from 7am, but check out their Facebook page for more info.
jaffles
Mooloolaba Surf Club
Many of the surf clubs do a good value brekky, and they’re well worth seeking out – and not just because they usually have the best view on the beach. Our “local” Mooloolaba Surf Club does breakfast each morning from 7am and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better view.
Mooloolaba Esplanade
Ok, there are plenty of places up and down the Esplanade.
Acai Brothers do, well, I’ll let you guess… Then there’s Quarterdeck – open for the early birds. They don’t have an avo smash as such, but they do sourdough with a smash on the side which is, unusually for places doing avo on the side, a good sized serve.
Dejavu, another early opener, is in the middle of the main foodie part of the Esplanade opposite the beach. At $20, their avo smash is mortgage-bustingly expensive, but also humungous and, therefore, good value – especially if you’ve worked up an appetite with an early morning walk/run or a swim…or all of the above. Their breakfast wraps are also pretty yum.
breakfast wrap
Avo smash
I’m sure that I read somewhere that Gainsbourg has changed hands relatively recently and are in the process of changing their menu. I’m hoping this benny with smoked trout and quinoa fritters makes the cut.
Do you have a favourite brekky spot on the Coast? If so, let me know…I’ll add it to my list.
Ok, let’s get one thing straight before we go any further – you don’t come to Jimmy’s for the beachside location or the outlook – the view is pretty much of the carpark and Nicklin Way. You come for the coffee and the food – and don’t even notice the carpark or Nicklin Way.
Still with me?
Good.
Jimmy’s has become our go-to place for brekky after the markets every Saturday morning. We’re addicted to the brekky sliders – at $5 each they’re fabulous value. With bacon, a perfectly cooked fried egg, tomato jam, cheddar and kewpie mayo – is it just me or does everything taste better with kewpie mayo? – they’re also seriously yummy. More importantly, they’re the perfect size for brekky when you know that you’ve got the makings of a hunger busting grazing platter in the market bags in the car.
Breakfast slider
It’s not just sliders though. We’ve also tried the breakfast wrap (bacon, egg, pesto, spinach, hash brown, onion jam, bbq sauce $8), the breakfast burger (the breakfast slider made large $10) and the breakfast tacos. You get two, and each one has triple smoked bacon, house beans, fried egg, sriracha, shaved parmesan and guacamole. It’s a lot of eating for $12. My tip? Buy one serve of these, and two brekky sliders and share.
New to the menu is this yellow curry poached chicken omelette ($16). My photo was crap – way too many shades of beige – so I’ve borrowed this one from @foodonthecoast via Instagram. I could have had an entire bowl with some roti to dip in that curry sauce.
Of course, there’s the usual eggs – benny, your way, with whatever – and it wouldn’t be a Sunshine Coast breakfast joint without an acai or pitaya bowl or a smashed avo – Jimmy’s avo is served with dukkah and kimchi.
And that’s just breakfast…Jimmy’s also does brunch/lunch – and holds a four-course dinner event monthly based on a single ingredient. When we go, I’ll tell you all about it.
The people who know about the weather are forecasting heat waves this weekend on the Sunshine Coast. For those of you who have had it up to here with Sydney’s summer temperatures and those disgusting 40+C days (I so don’t miss those), a heat wave here means that temperatures on Saturday and Sunday could get into the mid-thirties. Inland, of course, it will be warmer.
Where am I going with this? Somewhere a few degrees cooler and very green, that’s where.
There’s something about mottled sunlight through a green canopy that instantly cools you down, don’t you think? Or perhaps, it’s rainforest with a lake view that does it?
Whatever it is, Secrets on the Lake has just that – rainforest and lake – and it’s far enough out of town that you feel as though you’re discovering somewhere new.
Open for breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon teas, it was Sunday lunch for us.
I’m having a bit of a thing about prawn cocktails at the moment – both as the classic dish and reimagined into a roll or a deconstructed salad, so I had the crab and prawn bruschetta ($18). It was light and tasty.
Hubby went for the BLT ($20)- and let me say there was some eating in that.
And Miss T chose (as we knew she would) the Atlantic Salmon, Crushed Potato and Dill, Green Beans, and Hollandaise ($26).
Price? $$
Light eats available below $20
Mains and burgers around the $24-$26ish range
Where?
207 Narrow Rd, Montville.
If you’re heading from Montville to Maleny, turn right just outside of Montville towards Lake Baroon and if you’re heading from Maleny to Montville, turn left just before Montville.
