In a year where life-work balance is more important than ever, we asked the Sunshine Coast Office located in Maroochydore to share a few insider secrets to what they love most about this part of Australia. Four of the team weighed in with four very different perspectives. So, pause to enjoy a bit of Queensland nostalgia and make a few tourist notes for your next visit.
1) HINTERLAND WALKS
Nick Brown – Principal Engineer
The Sunshine Coast is full of hidden gems apart from the obvious surf and sand. A best-kept secret is that you don’t have to go to the hinterland townships of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton to get a big hug from nature. You can get a boost by going to Buderim, which is ten minutes back from the coast. I live at the back of Buderim, in a little place called Mons (and only twelve minutes to work), where there’s plenty of what we like to call rainforest. A favourite walk is a heritage trail along an old tramway carved into the mountain by loggers in the 1800s.
The best unkept secret is the Buderim Forest Waterfall walk. It is right in the centre of Buderim, about two minutes from the town centre. We take the kids there whenever we need to replenish our souls.
2) MY FAVOURITE BEACHES
Matt Johnson – Senior Engineer
I have to talk about the surf and beaches on the Sunshine Coast. The ATC Williams office is a stone’s throw from the beach but still only a couple of minutes from the new Maroochydore CBD, currently being developed as a smart city. I love being able to walk at lunchtime and check the surf while still being so close to the future CBD.
Further north, the surfing points of Noosa are an internationally recognised surfing location, and the long open beach stretches of Kawana, Mudjimba, and up to Sunshine Beach are perfect for finding a quiet spot to set up an umbrella.
3) THE GREAT COMMUNITY
Jonard Erro – Engineer
Apart from pristine beaches and breathtaking sceneries, the Sunshine Coast is home to wonderful and fun-loving people, making the region one of the best places on earth. I can attest to this as I am a migrant in this country and have felt its people’s warm embrace. Whether you’re off to a bustling Sunday market or simply having a walk in the park, Sunny Coasters (a term that I coined myself) will greet you with a beaming smile and are always ready to share a chat.
Sunshine Coast has a strong sense of community, and I have been part of a youth volunteering organisation that caters to events such as tree planting, triathlons, and festivals. Indeed, the Sunshine Coast has it all – beautiful place, beautiful people!
4) WHOLESOME LIFESTYLE
Retha Wilson – Experienced CADD Technician
There is always something wholesome to do on the Sunny Coast, whether fishing, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the beach atmosphere. There are lots of lovely cafes with a permanent holiday vibe in the air, even on a normal working day. Not many folks get to watch a cruise liner lulling in waves during a lunch break, a mere stone’s throw away.
There is always good company as everyone loves visiting what they conveniently call the “beach house” on the weekends, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Drop by the office and say hello next time you’re in town.
