Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Seasons of the Sunshine Coast
Room rates on the Sunshine Coast are mostly moderate, but they jump
sharply in the Christmas period from December 26 to January 26, during
school holidays, and in the week following Easter. Book well ahead at
these times. Weekends are often busy, too.
Tips
IN THE HINTERLAND
Avocado Grove Bed & Breakfast
Joy and Brian Baxter's modern, red cedar
Queenslander home is in a peaceful rural setting in the middle of an avocado
grove just off the ridge-top road. The cozy, comfortable rooms have country-
style furniture, full-length windows opening onto private verandas, and oil
heaters for cool mountain nights. The big suite downstairs has a TV and kitchen
facilities. Colorful parrots and other birds are a common sight. Guests are wel-
come to picnic on the peaceful sloping lawns that have wonderful views west to
Obi Obi Gorge in the Connondale Ranges.
10 Carramar Ct., Flaxton via Montville, QLD 4560.
&
and fax
07/5445 7585.
www.avocadogrove.com.au.
4 units, 3 with bathroom (shower only), 1 with private adjacent bathroom. A$130 (US$85) double; A$150
(US$98) suite. Rates include full breakfast. Ask about weekend and midweek packages. MC, V. Turn right off
ridge-top road onto Ensbey Rd.; Carramar Ct. is the first left.
Amenities:
Tour desk; in-room massage; non-
smoking rooms. In room: Ceiling fan, coffeemaker, hair dryer.
WHERE TO DINE
Noosa's Hastings Street comes alive at night with vacationers wining and dining
at restaurants as sophisticated as those in Sydney and Melbourne. Just stroll
along and see what appeals to you—but be prepared to need a booking at high
seasons. For a great breakfast try
Café Le Monde
at the southern end of Hast-
ings Street (opposite the back of the Surf Club), or
Bistro C,
one of the few
restaurants offering beachfront dining. Noosa Junction is a less attractive place
to eat, but the prices are cheaper. There are about 90 restaurants at Mooloolaba
from which to choose.
Ricky Ricardo's
MODERN AUSTRALIAN Owners Leonie Palmer and
Steven “Stef ” Fisher, stalwarts of the Noosa restaurant scene, named their latest
one not for a Latin TV idol, but for Stef 's great-uncle Ricky, a “gentleman scal-
lywag” whose zest for life is reflected here. I'd choose it for lunch over dinner
simply because of the fantastic setting; the food is sensational at any time. You
can sit over a long lunch drinking in the view across the Noosa River while nib-
bling from an innovative tapas menu or something more substantial. The menu
is Mediterranean style, with fresh seafood and regional produce used through-
out, and changes seasonally.
2/2 Quamby Place (inside the shopping center), Noosa Sound, QLD 4567.
&
07/5447 2455.
Reservations
recommended. Main courses A$17-A$33 (US$11-US$21). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-midnight.
Season
MODERN AUSTRALIAN With one of the few beachfront
restaurant locations, this is one of Noosa's most popular restaurants. Former
Sydney chef Gary Skelton has maintained his following, with vacationers from
southern states rediscovering Season, and even if the locals balk at the A$10
(US$6.50) corkage for BYO wine there's no question the food remains superb.
Breakfast dishes start from A$4 (US$2.60) for muffins or you can indulge your-
self with buttermilk and banana pancakes (with palm sugar butter and maple
syrup) for A$12 (US$7.80). For dinner? How about the pan-fried reef fish filet
