#SheTravels Twin Waters

 

Do you have a special place you’ve been yearning to visit? When travel bans are lifted the first place I’ll be visiting for a holiday is Twin Waters, on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Twin Waters is my happy place and I think it is the most beautiful place in the world. As soon as I arrive and look across the lagoon I feel calm and relaxed. It’s the place of so many happy memories for me and also for my family. 

How to Get There 

Twin Waters is only about an hour and a half drive from Brisbane (on a good day), yet it feels a world away from weekday worries, housework and responsibilities. We’ve been visiting as a family since the resort opened. Now it is our second home and we are part of the community. There is a lovely beach village vibe to our area. When we are all free to explore our amazing country, if you are flying in from interstate, Twin Waters is only ten minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport and is a great base for exploring the delights that the beautiful Sunshine Coast and hinterland has to offer.

Accomodation 

Twin Waters Resort is comprised of the hotel, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and on the north shore of the lake you find The Sebel Twin Waters. The Novotel has a variety of rooms, a shop, a restaurant and the new Sola Bar, which as I write is just opening up to 10 patrons. There is a games room, mini golf course, paintball and conference rooms for corporate events. Twin Waters is the Corporate Convention Centre on the Sunshine Coast and has recently built new Convention facilities.There’s even an oval with goal posts to practise your kicking. Many sporting teams use Twin Waters facilities for their annual training camps. 

There is an indoor and outdoor gym and the day spa on the lake for all your beauty and massage needs. Kids Club is available. The restaurants are just opening up ready for the guests who will be arriving in mid June, if all goes according to plan. After a busy day at the beach you can always buy takeaway from the Hello Chef Takeaway menu.

Before Christmas the resort renovated the lobby, concierge desk plus the bar and deck areas overlooking the beautiful centrepiece that is the lagoon. After this $2 million dollar refurbishment the place looks as beautiful and shiny as a Christmas bauble. You will be blown away as you walk in.

By the huge main pool and spa you find the activities hub, where you can hire kayaks, catamarans, stand up paddle boards or sign up to participate in the many and varied activities on offer including archery, treasure hunts, sandcastle building competitions, surfing lessons, volleyball and bike riding , to name just a few. There are also the water trampolines and water activities that are all free for guests. 

On the North Shore of the lake is The Sebel which boasts a range of houses and self contained apartments that you can rent. Many owners are residents who live or holiday in some of the majestic holiday homes or apartments found on this side of the lake. It’s lovely and quiet on this side and many weddings are held on the lawn by the lake. 

The Sebel boasts several pools and BBQ areas.The jetty which extends into the Maroochydore River on this side is a great spot, looking across to Cotton Tree. 

Popular Activities

The picturesque setting of Twin Waters is framed by Mudjimba Beach on one side and Maroochydore River on the other. Mudjimba Beach is a stunning and quiet beach which looks across to the magical Mudjimba Island, affectionately known to locals as Old Woman Island. 

Depending on the time of day you’ll find surfers, walkers, boogie boarders, kite surfers, fishermen, yoga devotees and families enjoying the serenity of this special place. I’ve even walked on the beach without seeing another soul. You can jet ski out to get a closer look at the island and it’s a popular spot for local snorkelers and divers with its range of sea life including: lionfish, butterfly fish and moray eels. 

Walking trails and biking are popular both in and around the area, as are picnics and barbecues. For the golfers the Twin Waters Golf Club is one of the best around, with its world class 18 hole, par 72 championship course. There are also outdoor tennis courts here for hire and a fun aquatic driving range where you can practise your drive into the water.

Twin Waters – Popular Eats  

Some of our favourite restaurants are right here in Twin Waters.The Loose Goose is one of the best restaurants on the coast and they are now serving their top notch food from the Little Goose Takeaway. They have also just opened their dine in offerings, with two sittings at lunch and dinner. A five course degustation menu is available for those of us who’ve missed this fine dining option.

My favourite, Duck Breast with Braised Red Cabbage, Bacon and Raisins is back on the dine in menu and I know my husband will find it hard to go past the 300g Rib with Onion Purée, Onion Rings and Pickled Onion. Being on the Coast there are some great seafood options, think Oysters, Barramundi and Seafood Risotto. The restaurant caters for vegetarians and vegans very well. For those with a sweet tooth try the Chocolate Brownie Mess, Apple and Berry Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream or a lovely Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Biscotti. 

Erin and Carl are the husband and wife team behind this picturesque restaurant. They have been looking after us, our family and friends for many years now. From the takeaway menu  I can thoroughly recommend the mushroom risotto with a side of  pumpkin salad and the boys love the beef cheek or mushroom gnocchi, pizzas and pasta carbonara. Look out for some of their special deals!

You can even try a special drop from their amazing wine and cocktail selection to go with your meal. Be quick if you want to dine in. The restaurant had a full house for lunch and dinner upon opening on May 16. You can dine in 5 days a week from Wednesday to Sunday. Take Away is 6 days from 11am, with the team enjoying a well earned rest on Tuesdays.

It’s said that birds of a feather flock together and next door to the Loose Goose is our favourite brunch spot, the Cock and Hen. Cock and Hen is cockney slang for ten and the boys are renowned for their great value $10 meals. We’ve been going here since it opened and the quality of the food and the Kai coffee is top notch.This local was opened in 2016 by three mates and is a firm favourite with locals, day – trippers and holidaymakers alike.

Try the delicious Eggs Benny or my favourite breakfast, the Potato Rosti. They are open for takeaway breakfast and lunch every day and have a range of takeaway dinner options. The chicken parmy, burgers and fish and chips are local favourites. They also smoke their own meats and the brisket is a winner.

I adore Asian flavours so can’t go past a serve of their duck spring rolls and the sushi bowl. Try  their yummy tasting plate, perfect for grazing paired with a great selection of drinks and cocktails. The food at the Cock and Hen is inventive and healthy café food at its best. 

As I write I am experiencing a little glow of happiness for everyone can now head to the Sunshine Coast for day trips and soon holidays from Brisbane. Even in Winter the temperature is mild and there are so many things to do. Wherever you are we would love to see you all in our most beautiful part of the world, soon.

 So tell me do you have a happy place in Australia that you will be visiting once restrictions are eased? SheSociety would love to hear your travel tips!