Wet Side Water Park - Hervey Bay

Eumundi Markets

Perhaps Australia Zoo was a little less fun than we'd hoped for, partly because we'd already spent the morning scouring the Eumundi Markets.  Between the market (huge!) and the zoo (huger!), that's a fair bit of walking in one day.  In the middle of a mini heatwave...

Australia Zoo

Montville

What a pretty place!  Honestly, I'd never heard of Montville.  Before travelling, I spent some time searching pins related to Queensland, hunting out the best spots to visit.  I stumbled across this cute Montville pin, and couldn't quite believe this storybook town was in such close proximity to where we were staying (Mooloolaba).

Arriving in the mountain village felt like we'd entered a completely different universe from the surfer towns below.  Eleanor thought we'd were in a fairytale, and I gotta admit, I kinda felt the same.  The steep, windy road through the mountains.  The trees and flowers and storybook buildings.  Everything had a slowed down, dreamy, old-timey feel. 

This trip offered the perfect respite from the glaring Queensland sun, with pretty shops and great cafes and an amazing view of Sunshine Coast.  I found the perfect vintage goods store, and could've spent hours in the Christmas shop (though a little put off by the extremely hostile shop owner).  I'm really glad we made the time for this side-trip, even though it meant missing out on other locations.  We had such a relaxing, happy day in Montville and I'm definitely eager to return.  

Highlights: Rare - retro collectibles store.  So many beautiful items! Also, lunch at Poet's Cafe (more on that soon).

Lowlights: Christmas shop lady - please don't ruin my window shopping experience!

Expectation vs. Reality:  Just as pretty as I hoped.  The road in was a little daunting, but I think that adds to the magic.

Worth repeating: Oh yeah, we'll def be back.

What we'd do differently:  My holiday refrain -> spend more time here!  We tried to see everything (no regrets because everything was amazing) and I was loathe to leave some spots.  Montville was definitely a family fave.

The Big Pineapple

I really just wanted a photo of us under the Big Pineapple.  Turns out, the Big Pineapple is not only a big pineapple!  We stopped for a photo and stayed for an hour, finishing off with some pineapple Weis' bars to really OD on the pineapple thing.

There was a definite 'time-has-forgottten-this-place' vibe, which I LOVED!  Like slipping into a lost world...  All palm trees and vintage displays and 'plantation' signposts.  The pineapple itself is a mini museum, describing (in mini detail) pineapple production - from plantation to can.  It was cute and surprisingly interesting, and the exhibit ended at the top of the pineapple, where we found ourselves on a little viewing platform, looking down on the plantation itself.

We thought that was it, but turning to leave we bumped into a sign advertising a train tour.   Garland was sleeping in Zan's arms, and was overjoyed to wake up on a train.  Super cute. The tour took us through an orchard, planted with exotic fruit trees, and past a little zoo that we didn't stop in on.  The driver/guide was great!  Again I found myself surprised at my interest in pineapple production.  Lol.

Hopefully we'll catch the markets next time, and score some of that exotic fruit they kept telling us about!  As it was, we rushed directly from the Big Pineapple to a fruit store and bought everything in sight, gorging on a gigantic fruit platter for dinner.  That might be one of my favourite holiday memories, and our kiddos couldn't believe their luck!

 Cost: Free!  The train costs $5 tho.

Highlights: The train ride was great, worth the fiver!   

Lowlights: There was a closed restaurant and a bit of an air of neglect.  I loved this, actually, but I hope they get enough business to keep going.  This was a really holiday highlight, and I hope we can visit again.

Expectation vs. Reality:  Way better!  Like I said, I expected a big pineapple, period.

Worth repeating: I could probably pass on repeat train tours, but we would definitely stop in again!

What we'd do differently: Nothing.  This was the perfect side excursion!

Aussie World with Under 5's

When we were little, our parents used to pile all six kids into our Bedford van (no seat belts back then) and make their way down country to New Plymouth, to visit our Grandma.  Memories of those trips are all wrapped up in magic.  From the miniature train that we used to peer at through the gates, to the rainbow-lit fountain and hungry swans at Pukekura Park.  

It only just hit me that these trips to Queensland are the makings of a whole new set of nostalgic memories.  My kids really are lucky.  I didn't step foot in a plane until I was 17, but these guys... 

During this visit we dropped in to Aussie World for the day, and I can tell that this is going to become a regular fixture for future holidays.  We had such a perfect day there.  It'll be their Pukekura Park, I think...

Aussie World is the perfect kiddo theme park for a number of reasons.  There are definitely plenty of rides for older kids and adults, but they really, really cater for little ones.  All the favourites are there, carousels, spinning tea-cups, mini trains, cars, log flume, kid-size roller-coaster (only these last two weren't options for G, but he was only just under the height restriction, so next time!)... There were new faves too, starting with that giant slide! 

We actually couldn't fit every ride in, and didn't have time for mini-golf (which I think our two would LOVE).  That's cool, something to save for next time.  We did have a go with the remote control boats, super cute!  Followed by some time in the side show alley!  I LOVE side shows, again, memories of childhood...

Aussie World is toddler friendly, but still suitable for the whole family. There were plenty of older kids there, having a ball (and still the park had a chill vibe, which was ideal for us)!  I think we'll get more of the family to meet us next time. There are plenty of shady spots to hang and have some down time, for those less inclined to ride the Redback.   

Aussie World is super easy to find, just off the Bruce Highway.  If you're traveling up the coast from Brisbane, it's on your way.  We broke up a day's travel by stopping in here, driving through to Hervey Bay once the kids had burnt off all excess energy.  They slept for the remainder of the trip. Perf.

I really loved the carnival vibe of Aussie World. I dream about carnivals (esp. night ones, swoon!), and the general decor and many of the rides at AW had that carnivalesque feel. It's my dream that they start opening at nights, with fairy lights and candyfloss - the works.  Oh wait, they do!! That Christmas Party looks seriously amazing!!

Cost: Affordable! If you buy online, tickets are only $36!

Highlights: Eleanor driving the Bizzy Buggy, taking care of her little bro, and handling that car like a boss.

Lowlights: We visited in the middle of a heat-wave :-(.  They did provide the most amazing mist spray thing that made it all better.

Expectation vs. Reality:  There were a heap more rides than I realised. I thought we'd be able to get round everything in an afternoon, but nope!

Worth repeating: Definitely.  I think Aussie World will get even more fun as our kids get older.

What we'd do differently: I think I'd try more rides myself!  Gotta get brave like my six-year-old!  

Our entry to Aussie World was complimentary, in return for an honest review.  Thanks AW for this fun opportunity, we'll be back!