Road tripping the Sunshine Coast; Range Rover style!

Imagine… You’ve won a home – Mater Prize Home Lottery No. 275. Not only are you beaming at your luck of now residing in a luxury Sunshine Coast house on the lake, you are also in possession of $100,000 in gold bullion and a Range Rover Sport!

What better way to acquaint yourself with your new neighbourhood than taking an historic road trip in your fabulous new Range Rover Sport TDV6 SE valued at over $131,000. There is oodles of room in your stylish new drive so pack up the family, there is space for everyone. Let’s head off – first stop the iconic Big Pineapple.

The Big Pineapple

A great spot to stop for a morning of big fun (with of course coffee and a snack), this heritage listed tourist attraction at Woombye, is only 25 minutes north west of your new Mater Prize Home Lottery No. 275. Opening in 1971 visitors in their thousands would come to climb the 16 metre tall Sunshine Coast icon and to enjoy fabulous views and photo opportunities from the top observation deck. Visitors also took the opportunity to explore the process of pineapple farming, take a ride on the Pineapple Train and a cute farm animal experience at the petting zoo.

Although the amusing Nut Mobile and Nut House have long gone the original pineapple attractions are still delighting visitors daily. The site has extended their offering now to include music, so if you pop back midyear you will love the annual Big Pineapple Music Festival. Running now for four successful years the festival features many local home-grown acts, rides and market stalls.

The owners are also planning to rejuvenate the site even further by building an Agribusiness Centre and a Food and Tourism Hub that will include a water park, winery and zip-line course, of course only adding much value to its proud history and keep revellers coming back for years to come.

Rick’s Garage

After a enjoyable morning of light climbing, train riding and animal petting a super-sized burger is calling and what better place to stop than Rick’s Garage in Palmwoods; only five minutes’ drive away.

Originally a petrol station and workshop, this upbeat diner still pays homage to its origins with retro décor and memorabilia plastered throughout. You know you’ve arrived when you spot the Harley Davidsons and vintage cars lining the surrounding street.

Although still a functioning workshop the main attraction is the large shady beer garden; such an inviting spot to tuck in to Rick’s Famous Big One burger, old school milkshakes, award winning coffees or of course a chilled pint.

Rick’s Garage is also known for its cool tunes so you have to come back another night to check out the live jazz and blues local acts; but for now, lunch is over so jump back in your prestigious Range Rover Sport, let’s head north.

There’s nothing like travelling in comfort and the impressive high quality Range Rover definitely delivers. The luxurious all-wheel drive is a three litre diesel providing excellent economy, particularly on the open roads such as those along the stunning Sunshine Coast. Next stop Yandina.

Yandina

Only 25 minutes from Rick’s Garage you will arrive at one of the oldest towns on the Sunshine Coast. This sleepy subtropical town is known for its heritage-listed buildings, its local pub, one of Australia’s most amazing restaurants – The Spirit House – and of course The Ginger Factory. Given that we’re visiting the historic sites of the Sunshine Coast you must make a special stop at this tasty spot which opened in 1980.

The Ginger Factory

Although ginger is now a common spice it has a very rich history of being used by ancient Chinese and Indians to treat common ailments and was considered a luxury more than 5,000 years ago. It is no wonder Queensland has a theme park to honour this tasty spice.

The iconic Ginger Factory offers fun attractions for young and old. This sprawling nine hectare property features fascinating tours, an animated puppetry boat ride, children’s play area for the kids to climb to their hearts content, and the renowned historic train ‘Moreton’ which guides visitors through lush sub-tropical gardens with exotic plant life and beautiful water features.

For a relaxed afternoon tea surrounded by gorgeous tropical palms the Ginger Café will surely delight.

This family friendly venue is free to enter and open seven days, year round so is another great venue to visit time and time again.

A relaxed night in

Although there are many amazing hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfasts on the coast why would you want to stay anywhere other than your new extravagant Mater Prize Home Lottery No. 275? This impressive four bedroom, three bathroom spacious home is the ultimate luxe location for an evening of relaxation. Nestled next to the lake its superb views will provide a sense of calm immediately upon entry.

You may find it difficult to drag yourself away from this remarkable home’s sparkling pool and large media room, which is set to provide hours of entertainment; however a Sunshine Coast road trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the coastline. Grab the umbrella, your walking shoes, and jump back in your new sporty Range Rover – Coolum here we come!

Mount Coolum

Whilst Coolum is renowned for its beautiful surf beach a stunning way to experience this gorgeous region of the Sunshine Coast is by taking a walk to the summit of Mount Coolum. One of several isolated volcanic peaks found on the Sunshine Coast, this challenging 1.6 kilometre return walk is worth every step because waiting for you at the top is spectacular 360 degree views of the coastal area, including the Glass House Mountains to the south, the Blackall Range to the west, and Noosa Heads to the north.

The two hour walk will see you immersed amongst the impressive flora and fauna that reside on this dome shaped mountain.

Coolum Beach

Queensland’s beaches are truly majestic and provide endless hours of pleasure. The perfect reward for your morning walk will be a refreshing cool swim in the patrolled waters of Coolum, just 10 minutes north of the mountain.

If you’re still feeling energetic Coolum’s waves offer entertainment for the avid surfer and body boarder, and don’t forget the oceanfront skate park and playground where the kids will be in adventure heaven. Or if perhaps relaxing is on the cards the long and spacious white sandy beach will provide a resting place for an afternoon under the umbrella with your favourite read – ahhh such bliss!

These weekend destination ideas are only a taste of what will be on your doorstep if you’re the lucky winner of Mater Prize Home Lottery No. 275. Make this dream your reality. Purchase tickets in this $1.6 million prize draw, including a fabulous four bedroom home, Range Rover Sport and $100,000 in gold bullion.