Category Travel

American Friends Visit Day 5: Climbing Mount Coolum, Fish and Chips, and the Great Fairybread Disaster

Day 5 of the American friends visit — Mount Coolum hike and fish and chips at Cotton Tree, Sunshine Coast

It was hard to believe, but we had already reached Kim’s family’s last full day on the Sunshine Coast. Sadly, the trip was going fast, but every single day had been pretty great so far. And even though I was sad, I wasn’t going to dwell on it – we had another epic day ahead!

We were climbing Mount Coolum!

Just joining us? Catch up on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 first.

Mount Coolum Climb

Mount Coolum is one of the most famous peaks on the Sunshine Coast, alongside the Glasshouse Mountains. It’s a 26-million-year-old volcanic dome, 208m tall, and apparently just over 1km to hike (according to my workout stats anyway).

The view from the top is spectacular, and if you’re someone who likes the outdoors, then you’ll love this hike.…

Read MoreAmerican Friends Visit Day 5: Climbing Mount Coolum, Fish and Chips, and the Great Fairybread Disaster

American Friends Visit Day 4: Markets, Donuts, and a Surf Club fizzer

Markets, donuts, and a surf club day out on the Sunshine Coast

After yet another big day yesterday, it was another early start, as we were off to the world-famous Eumundi markets!

In hindsight, I’m realising that we were actually pretty cruel in making our friends get up early almost every day. Then again, last time Kim and I travelled together, we were non-stop, so this holiday felt like a bit of a slow crawl for us. But I think we were wearing out the others, which became pretty clear when J sighed and said:

“Do we have to do something special every day?”

Sorry mate.

Breakfast at Eumundi Markets

The Eumundi Markets are Australia’s biggest art and craft markets, with so many incredible handmade goods on offer. There are loads of food stalls too, with coffee, homemade ginger beer, and lemonade (in the true style, for all my American friends, not Sprite, but still has nothing on Toomers).…

Read MoreAmerican Friends Visit Day 4: Markets, Donuts, and a Surf Club fizzer

American Friends Visit Day 3: Australia Zoo

Group photo at Australia Zoo entrance, Sunshine Coast

When Kim first announced she was thinking of a trip to Australia, I don’t think the words had barely come out of her mouth before Australia Zoo got added to the list of things to do. It was a no-brainer, the Irwin family are basically Australian royalty, and the zoo is incredibly popular overseas. Living only 20mins from the zoo ourselves, sometimes we forget just how famous it actually is.

Well, today was the day we were visiting Australia Zoo, and it would prove to be one of the biggest highlights of their trip to Australia.

(If you’re just catching up, you can read about Day 1 and Day 2 first.)

We also had a new addition to the group for the day, A2.…

Read MoreAmerican Friends Visit Day 3: Australia Zoo

American Friends Visit Day 2: Tin Can Bay Dolphins, Carlo Sandblow, and Gympie Museum

American friends hand-feeding wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay, Sunshine Coast

Day 2 started early, which felt really cruel after trying to keep everyone awake as long as possible the day before.

Our thinking was that if their body clocks were a bit screwy, they might have been up early anyway, so we might as well make the most of it. Plus, my husband made coffee for us, not that I was trying to convert Americans to good coffee by regularly presenting them with flat whites (ok fine, I totally was).

With 7 of us, we separated into two cars and were on our way.

(Fair warning – most of these photos are Kim’s, not mine. Turns out promising not to be the paparazzi like on your last holiday together means you end up with none of your own.)…

Read MoreAmerican Friends Visit Day 2: Tin Can Bay Dolphins, Carlo Sandblow, and Gympie Museum

American Friends Visit Day 1: Bunnings, Bluey’s World and Eat Street

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a friend of mine, Kim, and her family from the United States. They flew in on the Sunday, then on to Sydney the following Friday, giving us 5 days together on the Sunshine Coast.

And boy did we cram stuff in!

I thought I’d share a recap highlighting all the things we recommended doing – you know, local knowledge and all that.

The main requirements were that we weren’t to spend every single day at the beach (they’re not super beachy people), although at least one day was a must. Also, Australia Zoo had to be factored in there somewhere.

Edit: after writing this post, I’ve learned that I’m not good at keeping things brief.…

Read MoreAmerican Friends Visit Day 1: Bunnings, Bluey’s World and Eat Street

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