Must do? Big Kart Track out at Landsborough. Heaps and heaps of fun. It's the real McCoy.
WHEN KIWIS VISIT, THEY LOVE:
Best kept secret? The Caloundra Street Fair. Every Sunday from 8am until 1pm, two blocks of Bulcock Street are closed for this unique artisan market to take place. There is a variety of more than 250 stalls and something for everyone - food, fashion, gifts and fun. Entertainment is included and consists of many things you would expect to see at a fair - face painting, balloon twisting and music.
Famous for? Lazy Sundays spent strolling through the fair picking up a bargain and then heading down to the beach or relaxing over lunch.
Best water activity? Swimming with the dolphins and whales up at Mooloolaba. This is a fairly new activity on the Sunshine Coast and it's just unreal. Words cannot describe how you feel when you do this.
Best place to swim? Any of the beaches around Caloundra: Bulcock Beach, Golden Beach, Dicky Beach, Currimundi Lake.
TASTE:
Best coffee spot? In Caloundra, we have Tim Adams' Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar, which is listed as one of the top 10 coffee outlets worldwide. Tim is also a multi-winning Australian barista champion.
Best spot to get an ice cream? Milano Gelateria on Bulcock St, Caloundra is the best - authentically Italian, with too many flavours to choose from.
Best picnic spot? Our Kiwi "tribe" always love Happy Valley Beach, in Caloundra. There are heaps of clean BBQ sites and room just to throw a rug on the grass and relax, too.
What's the best local produce? Farmers' markets are very popular on the Sunshine Coast and these are where all the local growers bring their produce. Kawana Waters Farmers Market is a hit with me on Saturday mornings as I grab heaps of spray-free and pesticide-free veg, free-range eggs, meat and dairy from local producers and meet up with friends for a relaxing breakfast.
Where should we eat? If you are vegetarian, head to the amazing Greenhouse Cafe down Lamkin Lane, in Caloundra. If you want a great gourmet pizza, head to the Golden Beach Tavern (GBT.) Coffee Cat, over at Kings Beach, has a great menu, as does the Chilli Jam Cafe on Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Looking for something special for dinner? Tides Waterfront Dining on the Esplanade in Caloundra. This award-winning restaurant is just stunning, with a great selection on the menu which changes each season. The wines aren't too pricy either but the best thing apart from the food, is the service and the view out over Pumicestone Passage.
Where to hang out when the sun goes down? Have a few cocktails at Drift bar, under the Rumba Resort. Listen to live music and just sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere then nip next door to Sandbar for some alfresco dining. Great menu and reasonably priced.
PLAY:
Don't miss ... Taking a fun, hands-on cooking class at the Licensed to Spice Cooking School. Choose from a range of exotic international themed classes, including Moroccan, Mediterranean, Mexican, etc. Cook up a storm before sitting down to enjoy your food over lunch with a cheeky beer or wine.
It's worth paying for ... A visit to Australia Zoo. You can spend hours and hours there. They do a fantastic job of keeping Steve Irwin's legacy alive and are constantly upgrading the park. See Bindi and Bob in action with each of them having their own show. Totally awesome!
Be one of the first to ... Catch a whopper. Take a fishing charter from Mooloolaba with one of the many companies that offer trips from Parkyn Parade.
Best sporting event to catch? The Mooloolaba Triathon which happens every year in March. Even the locals love to watch. We are a surfing area, so the annual Ma & Pa Bendall Memorial Contest at Moffat Beach is also a must. A fun weekend down at the beach.
Best cultural activity in the area? Head over to the Queensland Air Museum near Caloundra Airport. It's the biggest of its kind in Australia, and is just brilliant. You can climb in a lot of the planes and may even get the opportunity to sit in an F-111. Prices from $10.
STAY:
Best place to rest your head? In Caloundra, there are lots of options for accommodation, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the award-winning Rumba Beach Resort. All rooms look out on to the Pumicestone Passage (great views of the sun setting) and it's right in the heart of Caloundra. The apartments are clean and well equipped and the staff are really helpful and friendly.
Highly recommended accommodation? The Mantra over in Mooloolaba. Great location, reasonably priced and awesome views over the ocean.
Favourite hotel near by? Monaco resort on Otranto Street, is based right across the road from the beach in the heart of Caloundra. It has amazing high views out over Bribie Island, Golden Beach, the Glasshouse Mountains and beyond, depending which floor you're located on.
RELAX:
Best sunset view? Bulcock Beach in Caloundra. Head down and dig your toes into the sand while watching the sun change colour countless times before setting over the Glasshouse Mountains.
Best place to be pampered? Massage Central at 11 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Favourite spa? Sheer Bliss Beauty Day Spa on Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Vicki Taylor founded the Red Hot Chilli Pepper store.
