| There are not many places in the world as loved | | | | the Landsborough Pines Caravan Park, located |
| and talked about as Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, | | | | just two kilometres from Australia Zoo. With |
| home of his beloved crocodile and myriads of | | | | excellent facilities and a fantastic location |
| other wildlife friends. Visiting South East | | | | surrounded by trees and parkland, you might end |
| Queensland would seem incomplete without a day | | | | up here for a while. Just fifteen minutes to |
| or two allocated to this fascinating attraction. | | | | Caloundra, you can take a number of day trips |
| Pick up your campervan in Brisbane and head | | | | from here to enjoy the Sunshine Coast hinterland |
| north an hour on the Bruce Highway, heading to | | | | or the sunny beaches. |
| the Sunshine Coast. This is one of my favourite | | | | Montville is perfect if you feel like a step back in |
| drives, with pine trees lining the highway and clear | | | | time with craft shops and art galleries galore. |
| open skies ahead. You know you're getting closer | | | | There are fantastic bushwalking tracks, and |
| when the Glasshouse Mountains come into view, a | | | | spectacular views across the Blackall Range and |
| mesmerising panorama of bluffs and sheer cliffs | | | | through to the Coast. Take a relaxing drive |
| that rise up to the clouds. Many tackle Mount | | | | through to Maleny and Mapleton and enjoy the |
| Tibrogargen and Mount Beerwah, with their | | | | quaint shops along the way. |
| spectacular views a drawcard for adventurers all | | | | Head to Maroochydore (just fifteen minutes |
| over the world. | | | | away) for a day trip and if you are heading |
| Once you have seen these mountains you will | | | | further north to Noosa, don't forget to drop in on |
| know you are close. Beerwah is accessed via the | | | | the famous Eumundi markets complete with |
| Steve Irwin Way just left off the Bruce Highway. | | | | entertainment, art and craft, local cuisine and |
| Most visitors to this area have one destination in | | | | fresh food. Held on Wednesday and Saturday |
| mind, Australia Zoo. And why wouldn't they? | | | | mornings, try to time your itinerary around this |
| However, this part of the world was still gorgeous | | | | fun outing. |
| before the zoo, with the Blackall Ranges skirting | | | | There are plenty of activities central to Beerwah. |
| the borders, and untouched natural beauty in | | | | Not only is their an abundance of mountain |
| every direction, it was just a matter of time | | | | climbing and walking tracks available, but horse |
| before the world came to visit. | | | | riding is also popular here, as is fishing, swimming |
| My first impression of Australia Zoo was of | | | | and canoeing. The Beerwah Golf Club provides a |
| complete excellence and dedication to the | | | | challenge for the amateur through to the avid |
| preservation of wildlife. There is something for | | | | golfer, complete with kangaroos observing on the |
| every age group, and each attraction is | | | | fringes. |
| fascinating and educational. The Crocoseum is | | | | Just down the road at Landsborough, still on the |
| centre piece, with seating for thousands | | | | Steve Irwin Way, is the Big Kart Track, perfect |
| surrounding the crocodile pool. The shows are | | | | for the kids and big kids at heart. Another |
| entertaining and passionate, just like Steve Irwin, | | | | attraction here is the Bungy Bullet, not for the |
| with just as much support and enthusiasm from | | | | faint hearted, but another great thrill close to |
| the audience. | | | | home. |
| Don't leave without a python photo, and some | | | | If you haven't already, mark Beerwah and |
| time out at one of the many food kiosks | | | | Australia Zoo on your to do list when you next |
| available. You could easily spend a few days here | | | | visit Queensland. There is such diversity in this |
| (or longer) learning about our valuable wildlife and | | | | region alone, with a great choice of attractions |
| getting back in touch with nature at its best. My | | | | and things to do. You can put your feet up and |
| children were in awe of the giant turtles, albino | | | | relax a while in your campervan, or head out daily |
| kangaroo and gentle elephants. It's an experience | | | | and never tire of the natural beauty so close to |
| everyone who visits Australia will never forget. | | | | home. It's beautiful every day. |
| If you want to stay a while, my choice would be | | | | |