Beach Travel Wine Podcast

Hello and welcome to episode 96. We are still cruising on the Quantum of the Seas in the south pacific.  In this episode we are going to share all about the many food options, the fabulous and not so fabulous shows and entertainers and activities on the ship. Listen as I laugh out loud as Lyle admits to a hilarious counting error.  You will hear all about how we crashed (or rather our friend) gate-crashed a karaoke night with Sweet Caroline and the Von Trapp family and what exactly happened at the hypnotist show – as the same friend took to the stage and entertained the whole crowd. Stay listening to hear about what we thought was going to be totally ridiculous, but actually turned out to be our absolute favourite thing to do on the ship. We couldn’t get enough of this crazy fun activity and I would go cruising again just to do this. We finish this week’s podcast with a little singalong with Lyle and I serenading you. Please enjoy Episode 96 and if you want to see all the photos from this episode then click on the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/96/cruise

In today’s episode we are giving you all the information about cruising on the royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas ship. We sailed out of Brisbane Australia on a 7 day South Pacific Island cruise. This is the first cruise I have done as a passenger and the first one for Lyle in over 30 years – so we have all the helpful info you need if you are thinking about cruising for the first time – or if you just love everything about cruising, or even if you’re not sure cruising is for you. We tell you all the answers to the most asked questions and also give you some really helpful hints that we learnt in our week on board. You will also hear the best cruise story ever – as I said, I had never cruised as a passenger, but I did work on a cruise ship 14 years ago – and I’m not going to give anything else away – only to say I bet you have NEVER done a cruise like the one I did in March 2010!  If you want to see all the pictures from this week’s episode then click the link to the webpage for episode 95 here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/95/cruise

In this week's bonus episode we are sharing a fun interview we did with Randy from The Informed Traveler podcast. We talk all abour Queensland Australia and in particular the area of south east Queensland, including, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We have a whole series on Australia - Aussie Summer Series that you can find here www.beachtravelwine.com/australia If you would like to hear more from Randy you can find him at www.theinformedtraveler.org

Crikey – this week we are taking you to the iconic Australia Zoo! As wild as life gets. Come with us as we walk over 10,000 steps and visit as much of the zoo as we can in a day. Firstly though, for all those people out there who think Australia is full of things that can kill you – we visit the Robert’s reptile house where we see at least half of the deadliest snakes IN THE WORLD. We take you to see Australia’s unique wildlife including wombats, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, kangaroos, emus, and did I mention deadly snakes? Oh and don’t forget the giant crocodiles. We make it to the Tiger Temple just in time to see the tiger show, and then past the elephants having a bath and dinner in the lake. Of course we go to Bindy’s Island where there are Lemurs swinging through the trees,  boa constrictors in the tree house, and tortoises just munching their way around the island. Next up is Africa, where we learnt some fascinating facts about zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos and my favourite – Meerkats. We tell you as much as we can about the facilities at the zoo as well all the shows and feeding times. We also share the story of Steve Irwin and about the stunning memorial they have to honour him at the zoo. Stay listening to the end to hear how brave we were (and that’s a total exaggeration) as we recorded live in different locations around the zoo where wewere stalked by water dragons -which if you can believe it - wander freelyaround the zoo and are as scary as they sound. If you wouldlike to see all the pictures of took of the zoo and animals –including thedangerous snakes – then click on the link to episode 93 here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/93/australiazoo Hope you enjoy our wild exploration of Australia Zoo.

This week we travel to the world famous Noosa Heads where we take you from the stunning main beach of Noosa to the most beautiful headland walk in the world. I mean where else can you see dolphins swimming in crystal clear water on one side of a hiking track and at the same time look up and see koalas in the trees? After that we take you wandering down the famous main street - Hastings Street - and give you an overview of the glamorous shops, restaurants and bars along the way. We were excited to take a day trip to Habitat Noosa which is a nature lovers delight.  You start at Lake Cootharaba and take a leisurely boat ride through one of only two everglades in the world. The Noosa Everglades is so beautiful, relaxing and quiet and you can definitely capture some amazing photos in the reflective waters.  After the cruise you can try one of their special artesian craft beers in the restaurant and outdoor dining area. Stay listening to the end to hear all about Lyle’s participation in the world renown Noosa Triathlon and also the main reason we love Noosa so much and I'm positive you won't guess what that is. Click here to see all the one page summary with pictures, links and maps for this episode: www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/92/noosa

This week we went somewhere on the Sunshine Coast where neither of us had been before. We visited the little historic town of Yandina. We have both passed through Yandina before, but never stopped to have a look around. It is home to one of Queensland’s oldest pubs and railway stations.  You can also find some funky cafes, restaurants and some gorgeous shops in the small main street area.  In Yandina you will also find -  as one reviewer says - “the finest restaurant in the world”.  They are talking about the well loved Spirit House. After we filled up at one of the popular cafes, we headed to the famous Ginger Factory.  It is one of the most visited attractions on the Sunshine Coast.  We wander around, find the Gruffalo, sit under 1000 rainbow umbrellas and tell you all about the gardens, Morton the original steam train, the indoor boat ride, plus heaps more. Unfortunately we weren’t hungry so we didn’t enjoy a ginger scone or ginger icecream. Maybe next time. Lastly we drive 15 minutes to the popular beachside town of Coolum Beach.  Coolum has the longest, flattest, widest beach on the Sunshine Coast and is very popular for surfing. It is unspoilt and the place to go if you want a relaxing beachside holiday without all the distractions.  We give you all the info from our vantage spot on the balcony of the Coolum Beach Surf Club.  It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it. Stay listening to the end to hear what birthday present I bought for Lyle at Coolum and the popular mountain that the locals love to climb – but is actually the second biggest rock in the world – after Uluru. If you would like to see the one page summary with links and the pictures I took while out and about recording this podcast – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/91/coolum

This week we are going to Maleny and hiking around two very unique areas in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  We visit a large protected rainforest area which is full of wildlife (including snakes) and some endangered species as well as the cute little pademelons you can easily see jumping around the rainforest undergrowth. Oh pademelons are little wallabies by the way. Next we go walking around a 110 acre tropical paradise garden and bird sanctuary.  This area used to be a cattle farm and is now completely transformed to be one of, if not the most beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast. This is the where you can see the best views of the iconic Glass House Mountains (which are actually 13 unusually shaped ancient volcanic vents that dominate the landscape) There are tropical gardens, ponds and lakes, waterfalls, oriental gardens, rotundas dotted everywhere, plus so much more.  It is truly beautiful.  The bird sanctuary was started to house rescue birds and there are four walk-through aviaries where you can have an interactive experience with the birds from all over the world. There is even one parrot that sings opera and Old Macdonald had a farm. Stay listening to the end though, where I literally scream and escape over the fence from the miniature animals in the farm enclosure and then while I have a chat   -  up close and personal with a red-tailed black cockatoo. Advanced warning though– he is very vocal. We tell you about Maleny, the pretty little town that you can visit just a few kilometres away from these stunning places and the best accommodation and venues to eat while you are visiting. This episode is so full of nature, beauty and wildlife with the background chorus from the rainforest, birds and insects. If you would like to see the pictures I took while visiting this stunning area – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/90/maleny

Well, you can’t say we don’t take you to some interesting places.  This week’s episode is another in our Aussie Summer series here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia.  We are heading about 20 minutes inland from the beach to one of the most visited places in the area.  It is the picturesque village of Eumundi.  Eumundi is famous in Australia and with international visitors as it has the biggest Artisan market in the country, and it is just a gorgeous little village. The market’s slogan is "make it, bake it, sew it grow it" – so there are no cheap overseas products to be found here. We take you down the shady tree-lined terraced avenues filled with every imaginable stall you can think of, including many delicious food vendors. We even do a quick impromptu interview with a nice guy who makes the best pineapple juice I have ever tasted. We also tell you about the very unique annual event that happens in Eumundi – it is the body art festival, which is Australia’s premier body art event and is a celebration of the passionate body painting industry. Stay listening to the end when we leave Eumundi and drive 9km to a new lunch and dinner venue that is quickly becoming the hottest place on the Sunshine Coast.  It is called The Doonan, and we were left speechless by the whole place. If you would like to see the pictures I took as we walked around Eumundi or The Doonan or any of the links we mention – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/89/eumundi

This week Lyle and I take you exploring the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland area.  In particular we record live as we walk around Montville which is an amazing little village perched right on the edge of the escarpment of the Blackhall ranges 500 metres above sea level. We start in a secret park area full of ponds and lush vegetation.  Listen as we share just how stunning it is and you can hear all the birds singing in the background. Next, we take you with us along this quaint main street of Montville Village. Tourists flock to this main street and We share why, including all the unique shops, cafes, galleries, that make this village so popular.  Even the footpath gets a shout out.  I tell you about my favourite dress shop – and not just because of the clothes, but also the dressing room with no curtains. We half-jokingly call Montville the wedding capital of the world and you will understand why after his episode. Nothing in this little village is ordinary – in fact, most things are extraordinary – including the world-famous purpose-built wedding chapel.  It is like nothing you have ever seen before. I tell you about my favourite spot in the main street and why and we finally make it to the top of town (a little bit puffed) where we used to live and run a business.  We tell you all about our time here and the most beautiful beer garden we visited many times. Finally, we wander across the road to share the most spectacular view that is Instagram famous.  Imagine every shade of green, forests, farmlands, hills, all gently rolling down all the way to the white strip of sand that lines the sparking blue Pacific Ocean – just spectacular, and you can enjoy a coffee, meal or cold drink (I mean wine obviously) while taking in the view. Stay listening to the end when we tell you all about the incredible national parks that surround Montville and the most popular hikes that form part of Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.  The Sunshine Coast hinterland is one of the most popular weekend getaway spots in the country and for good reason.  Please enjoy episode 88. To see all the pictures from this episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/88/montville

Today we are taking you for a walk all around Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast as we continue our Australian summer series. We used to live here and we just love it and you will see why when you listen to this episode. The Sunshine Coast is a massive tourist area in Queensland Australia and Mooloolaba is one of the most popular spots for holiday makers – and for good reason.  We tell you all about the water activities available here including whale watching, scuba diving and sunset cruises. It is also home to the Mooloolaba Marina which houses up to 100 boats. We tell you about the newest and most popular dining spot in Mooloolaba and of course our favourite restaurant in the whole of the Sunshine Coast because of the fabulous food but also for another surprising reason. Come with us as we stroll past Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium and I tell you all about my visit here a couple of weeks ago and what you can expect to see.  Next, we take you along the walkway through the dunes to parklands, barbecue areas, playgrounds and then to the “Seafood Precinct”. This is where all the fishing trawlers arrive each day with fresh seafood and you can buy it directly from the fish markets – or eat at one of the many restaurants that serve the local catch. Finally, we go to the famous Mooloolaba surf club and the patrolled beach area which is buzzing with families on the beach, along the parkland and in the playgrounds all the way to the Loo with a view. Lyle and I share a couple of hilarious stories from our boogie boarding days at this beach. Stay listening when we eventually end up at the most popular café, restaurant and shopping area in Mooloolaba. We give you some great info on best places to stay, where to buy your supplies and then we finish with a love story that went viral about a French girl and guy she met in Mooloolaba and her quest to find him. Please enjoy this fun Aussie summer episode all about Mooloolaba. If you would like to see all the pictures from this episode then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/87/mooloolaba Click here to see all our Australian podcasts www.beachtravelwine.com/australia or here for all our travel episodes www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast