A Kiwi recommends ... the Sunshine Coast

Expat Kiwi Lynne Banford says surfers love Coolum Beach. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland

Each week, expat Kiwis tell us what they most love about living by Queensland's beaches. Today we hear from Sunshine Coast Tourism and Events Queensland director Lynne Banford.

Best beach? Each beach is different. Surfers love Noosa Heads and Coolum Beach, but I love Mooloolaba Beach. Because I live in Noosa, I'm also a regular at Noosa Main Beach.

Best walk? Noosa National Park. The views are fabulous and at the end of it you can cool off with a swim at Little Cove beach.

Best adventure? Snorkelling with humpback whales in Mooloolaba is a new experience on the Sunshine Coast.

Best view? The Glass House Mountains from either Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for those who love nature walks, or the new Maleny Botanic Gardens in the hinterland.

When Kiwis visit, they love? The Ginger Factory in Yandina. This quaint little village-style attraction, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, is the original home to Buderim Ginger.

Best kept secret? The Sunshine Coast Hinterland, in the mountains overlooking the coast.

Famous for? The many quaint little villages, each boasting beautiful boutique accommodation, country-style dining experiences and wonderful local produce.

TASTE

Best coffee spot? Clandestino Roasters in Noosaville has just won a Queensland Tourism Award for its cafe. The Edge Restaurant in Montville offers fabulous coffee and the most amazing views over the hinterland and coast. I always try to take my New Zealand visitors up there.

Best spot to get an icecream? Amo Gelato Caffe in Noosaville's Thomas Corner precinct.

Best picnic spot? I've found a great little spot on Gympie Tce, Noosaville. It's right by the river. If you want a picnic table or barbecue you have to get there early.

Best local produce? The Sunshine Coast has more than 300 food growers, producers and distributors and some of the specialities include Mooloolaba prawns, Noosa spanner crabs, Maleny cheeses, and Cooloola berries.

Where should we eat? Poets Corner or Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville, Aromas in Noosa, and Spice Bar in Mooloolaba.

Looking for something special for dinner? I love Spirit House in Yandina. The setting is superb.

Where to hang out when the sun goes down? Noosa Marina in Tewantin on a Friday night. It's not unusual for my friends and I to grab fish and chips and a glass of wine and watch the sun go down.

PLAY

Best shop? The Eumundi Markets are definitely worth a visit (Wednesday or Saturdays) but I also love the Yandina Markets (Saturdays) and the Noosa Farmers' Market (Sundays).

Don't miss ... Aussie World fun park is a hidden gem on the coast. Another must-do is Underwater World Sea Life. The seal show is a lot of fun and has a special little bit for Kiwis - I laugh every time.

Be one of the first to ... Try out Australia Zoo's newest attraction, 'Bindi's Island', which opened in December.

Best sporting event to catch? Because I live near the cycling circuit, I enjoy the Noosa Triathlon in October.

STAY

Best place to rest your head? Rumba Resort in Caloundra, just minutes from beautiful Bulcock Beach. I would also recommend The Narrows Escape in the hinterland; Coral Beach Noosa Resort in Noosaville is a favourite of New Zealanders.

Best place to be pampered? Stephanie's Urban Spa at the Outrigger in Little Hastings St would be my choice.