Sippy Downs, QLD

Bordered on one side by the beautiful Mooloolah River National Park, and on the other by the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast is best known for the system of picture-postcard lakes that pepper the area.

These beautiful, tranquil lakes can be enjoyed from various waterfront parks and picnic areas and can be accessed by numerous walk and bike paths.

The National Park on the eastern side of Sippy Downs preserves one of the last remnants of unspoilt coastal lowlands in southern Queensland. The park protects valuable pockets of wallum heath, open eucalypt woodlands and tea-tree swamps.

The calm, still waters of the Mooloolah River are perfect for paddling a canoe and in the spring, Mother Nature puts on a show with a spectacular wildflower display.

The Botanic Gardens on the western side of Sippy Downs features rock pool, wetlands, fern glades, sculpture gardens and a wonderful array of flora and fauna including the whipbird and fairy wren.

Just 10 minutes’ drive west of Sippy Downs is the bustling seaside hot-spot of Mooloolaba.

Sippy Downs is three minutes off the Bruce Highway and is home to the University of the Sunshine Coast. A range of accommodation options can be found at Mooloolaba including holiday resorts, self-contained units, holiday rentals, and backpacker hostels.