The 12 days of Christmas, Sunshine Coast style

Whether you and your partner are taking some well-earned downtime, or your tribe is on summer holidays, the Christmas break is the perfect time to soak up the Sunshine Coast’s cruisy holiday vibe, explore some new places and try new things. 

So, with that in mind, we’ve put together our twelve days of Christmas holidays, Sunshine Coast style:      

One stunning Prize Home

Just 20 minutes from Noosa and an easy 10-minute drive from Coolum Beach, Yandina Creek is undoubtedly right amongst it at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast but peaceful enough not to feel like it. It’s here you’ll find Endeavour Foundation’s stunning $3 million Christmas Prize Home and the perfect base for a fun-filled summer holiday. 

Two turtles rescued

Yandina Creek is also only 20 minutes from the central hub of the coast at Maroochydore and 25 minutes from Mooloolaba, home to the Sealife Aquarium (formerly Underwater World). Take a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium and see wild rescued turtles being cared for by the amazing team at the Turtle Rehabilitation centre. 

Three French foodie finds

On the back of the humble croissant, French pastries are enjoying a much deserved ‘moment’ right now. And where better to sample such delights than Le bon Delice on David Low Way at Peregian Beach for authentic French artisan cakes using only the highest quality ingredients. 

Flo's Crêperie at Noosa Heads is another French favourite, serving a delicious menu of sweet and savoury crêpes and French cuisine. With 20+ years of expertise in the crêpe world, owner Flo Guillemard is a master of the French classics in a relaxed, beachy setting. 

But if you’re looking for a feast for your eyes as well as your tastebuds, no one does it better than La Petite Souris at Alexandra Headland. This modern French patisserie takes presentation to a whole other level, turning out spectacular pastries five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) that are almost too beautiful to eat. 

Four 4x4s exploring

Find yourself at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast over the holiday period and you’re perfectly positioned to set off on some unforgettable off-road adventure. Get some mates or fellow families together and take the ferry across the Noosa River at Tewantin to Noosa North Shore and the start of the 4WD beach access for a day trip to Double Island Point.

Five handmade golden rings

Join award-winning master jeweller Siobhan Frith in her studio – set in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland – and learn real jeweller’s skills. Try your hand at a two-day stone set ring class or surprise your future partner with a class to make your own wedding bands. (Maybe not on the first date though).

Six Ginger Beers

Stop by the Beer Garden at the famous Ginger Factory at Yandina to sample the expertly crafted ginger beer and pick up a six pack to go. If you have kids in tow, they’ll love checking out the new ‘Zog Trail’ based on the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson. Download the interactive app and send the kids off for a forest adventure. Best of all it’s free. 

Seven surfers surfing

For anyone keen to master the art of ‘hanging ten’, the relatively gentle waves of Noosa Main Beach are the perfect place to begin your surfing journey. Merrick’s Surf School, Australia’s only surf school owned and run by a world surf champion, has been operating in this corner of paradise for nearly 30 years, offering lessons for ages seven and up right throughout the summer holiday period except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Eight hikers hustling

If you enjoy testing your fitness, the short but somewhat punishing climb to the top of Mount Coolum, just south of Coolum Beach, is the ultimate fitness trail. And if climbing this iconic volcanic dome once is not punishing enough, it’s not uncommon to see the locals hustling up and back only to turn around and do it all again. 

For a slightly easier but equally satisfying climb, Mount Ninderry is well worth the effort. Rising up from the lush green fields between Yandina and Coolum, Mount Ninderry offers panoramic coastal views from the east to the Sunshine Coast hinterland in the west, making the experience equally good at sunrise or sunset. Best of all, your four-legged friend is welcome to join you on the ascent as long as they stay on leash.

Nine ninjas splashing

For ninjas big and small, the Coolum Aqua Park is the place to go to burn off some energy and have a blast. The course covers a huge area (around 100m x 70m) and boasts an eye-popping range of inflatable slides, trampolines, swings, balance beams and explosive blast bags. As the park says, beware… but have fun!

Ten paddlers paddling 

Just north of Yandina Creek, on the way to Noosa, is the naturally beautiful, Lake Weyba. This large, shallow salt lake with crystal clear water is popular with campers, swimmers and paddlers alike. So, throw the inflatable SUPs in the back of the car and head to the lake for a water bound adventure. 

Eleven herons diving 

Did you know that the Noosa Everglades is home to 44% of the native birdlife found in Australia? Which is why if you’re considering a tour of the area, it’s worth having a self-proclaimed professional bird nerd as your guide. That’s exactly what you’ll get on a sustainable kayak tour with award-winning Kanu Kapers. 

The Yandina Creek Wetlands Reserve is also a bird watcher’s paradise where you can wander the gravel trail for a chance of spotting a wide variety of bird life including bronze-cuckoos, white-cheeked honeyeaters, and forest kingfishers. 

Twelve drummers jamming

Roll up to the Noosa Boathouse on a fine Friday and Saturday afternoon for live tunes on the lawn. Located on the riverfront in Noosaville, this free event at ‘The Boaty’ – as the locals affectionately call it – runs from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and is a great way to unwind from the week. The Fish & Chips takeaway window is also open from 4:30pm serving a very civilised selection of beer, wine & prosecco which means dinner and drinks are sorted too.

Endeavour Foundation is fully embracing the spirit of giving with this year’s $3 million Christmas Prize Home.

Get in the festive spirit early and visit Endeavour Foundation’s Christmas Prize Home at Yandina Creek on the Sunshine Coast. You’ll find opening times and directions or take a virtual tour now.

If you can already picture yourself there, buy your tickets now.

When you purchase lottery tickets from Endeavour Foundation, you help to provide opportunities for people with disability to learn life skills, live independently, find a job they love, and be actively involved in their local communities.