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Miranda Kerr welcomes "little ray of sunshine"

<p>Miranda Kerr has welcomed her fourth child with Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel. </p> <p>The 40-year-old supermodel gave birth to a baby boy named Pierre Kerr Spiegel on Sunday, February 18, but announced the news of her new bub's arrival ten days later.</p> <p>"We are overjoyed by the arrival of our little ray of sunshine, Pierre Kerr Spiegel," she wrote in a statement posted on Snapchat. </p> <p>"We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our fourth son into our family. Feeling so very blessed."</p> <p>Kerr shared a picture of flowers, nestled next to a pair of yellow baby socks and a baby blue blanket that read "Pierre."</p> <p>The heartwarming announcement was made just six months after Kerr revealed that she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/so-excited-miranda-kerr-s-special-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expecting her fourth child</a> with a series of pictures showing off her baby bump. </p> <p>"So excited to announce baby 4," she captioned the photo at the time. </p> <p>Kerr and Spiegel, who tied the knot in 2017, have three sons together - baby Pierre, five-year-old Hart, and four-year-old Myles. </p> <p>The Aussie supermodel also shares a fourth son, Flynn, 13, with her former husband Orlando Bloom. </p> <p>Kerr first hinted at the possibility of having more children in a 2022 interview with <em>Vogue Australia</em>. </p> <p>"I just love being a mother and I always wanted three boys, so I feel really blessed that I have three healthy boys."</p> <p>"I feel like I'm open, so we'll see what God decides."</p> <p><em>Images: Miranda Kerr Snapchat</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

“Ray of sunshine”: Wife of stabbed paramedic gives birth to baby girl

<p dir="ltr">The wife of NSW paramedic Steven Tougher has given birth to their baby girl just two months after his tragic death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Madison Tougher gave birth to their daughter, Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher, on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">NSW ambulance announced the “ray of sunshine” on Madison’s behalf and also revealed that the baby girl weighed 4.1 kg and measured 48 cm in length.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Madison Tougher has asked us to announce the arrival of her and Steven’s daughter, Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher,” NSW Ambulance shared on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Madison and Lily-Mae, and big brother Kobi, are doing well and the extended family is very excited,” they added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Madison reports her labour and birth were peaceful and calm, just like Steven’s personality.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She has respectfully requested privacy at this time and asks not be contacted by media.”</p> <p dir="ltr">They also confirmed that a picture of Lily-May will be shared at a later date.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many have shared their well-wishes for Madison in the comment section of the post shared by NSW ambulance.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations on the birth of your little one , I’m sure Steven will always be there watching over you all. 🧡” wrote one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations and welcome to the world Lilly-Mae Stevie. What a special name for a special girl. Her daddy will always be watching over her and the family. Love to Madison at this bitter-sweet time,” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations to Madison and her family. Kudos to NSW Ambulance for such a respectful and beautiful announcement,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">Steven passed away in mid-April after he was allegedly stabbed while on a break outside of a McDonalds in Campbelltown</p> <p dir="ltr">The 29-year-old paramedic was reportedly about to go on paternity leave and was finishing off paperwork in the ambulance when the incident occurred.</p> <p dir="ltr">21-year-old Jordan Fineanganofo was subsequently tasered and arrested, and is due to face court later this month.</p> <p dir="ltr">Steven was posthumously awarded a National Medal of Service and a NSW Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at his funeral.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

“A ray of sunshine”: Catherine’s heartwarming visit to miracle baby

<p>A mother from West Sussex has recounted the experience of having Catherine, Princess of Wales, meet her young daughter Amaya-Rae. </p> <p>When Amaya-Rae was born at only 23 weeks and classed as a “late miscarriage” in August 2021, her parents were left heartbroken. </p> <p>Amaya-Rae had already beaten the odds by surviving what was described as a traumatic birth, but the family’s medical team didn’t have high hopes for the baby girl, advising her parents to say their goodbyes. </p> <p>Over the course of 360 days in hospital, Amaya-Rae’s family were told on eight separate occasions that she was not going to make it, but she had other ideas. </p> <p>“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” her mother, Mischa, said, “I’m not religious but I really do believe she has had someone watching over her, telling her it’s not her time to go yet, sending her back.</p> <p>“At first, each time we were told to say goodbye to her, our world just crumbled.”</p> <p>Amaya-Rae went on to prove her mum right and her doctors wrong, defying all of the odds in her fight to survive. Now, she is almost eighteen months old, and safe at home with her family. </p> <p>Despite the heartbreak that came with their time in hospital, Amaya-Rae’s mum has opened up about one bright moment in the dark: a visit from Princess Catherine. </p> <p>“When we were in the Evelina Children’s Hospital, we were totally stunned when Catherine, Princess of Wales, made an unexpected visit,” Mischa recalled. “Catherine was so lovely, she listened intently to Amaya’s story, and genuinely seemed so taken with her and asked such a lot of questions.</p> <p>“She seemed totally besotted, complimenting her smiles and her outfit. Amaya couldn't take her eyes off her, she was transfixed. </p> <p>“Someone suggested we take her to see a Disney Princess show at Christmas, but we joked she only deals with actual royalty now.”</p> <p>Amaya-Rae’s need for specialist care saw her transferred to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where she stayed for 166 days before getting to go home. It was there, at the children’s hospital, that she came face-to-face with the real-life princess. </p> <p>Catherine, who is the hospital’s patron, was there on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnxfEqxs3v2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnxfEqxs3v2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by amayarae_ story (@amayarae_story)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As Mischa explained, she was “with Amaya and her nurse came in and said we had someone who’d like to visit us. I was stunned when I realised who it was, I kept saying it couldn’t be her because it was the Jubilee weekend.” </p> <p>The nurse, she said, told them that Catherine had come to visit the families who couldn’t be out celebrating, and that after being told about Amaya-Rae, she had requested to meet her. </p> <p>“There were no press there, we didn’t see any bodyguards,” Mischa said of the meeting, “she just popped in to meet the children. She was so lovely.”</p> <p>In an interview with the <em>Mirror</em>, Mischa added, “when the nurses told me she was in the hospital and wanted to meet Amaya-Rae, I completely panicked.”</p> <p>“She was in her nappy. I ran around finding something presentable for her to wear. But as soon as Kate walked in through the door, all the nervousness disappeared."</p> <p>After speaking on Catherine’s calming demeanour, and how Amaya-Rae was “transfixed” with the princess, Mischa reflected on their experience and the surprise introduction, saying, “there are some really dark days in a children's hospital, and for our family - and lots of others - there isn't much to look forward to. </p> <p>“Everybody who met Kate said it gave them such a pick-me-up. She was a ray of sunshine in a really frightening time."</p> <p>Mischa’s miracle, her ray of sunshine, is now home. Though Amaya-Rae will require oxygen for another few months, and faces some underlying conditions that Mischa hopes will be manageable and won’t hold Amaya-Rae back, she is happy to report that her daughter is just like anyone else her age. </p> <p>“She is doing so well. She’s such a happy, chilled out little girl. You’d never know what she’s been through.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Sunshine Coast clown car driver charged with up to 11 offences

<p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">A 29-year-old man from the Sunshine Coast has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly driving a "dangerously modified clown car", also known as "Silly Sid" through the drive-through of a fast-food chain in Caloundra.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">It is alleged that Sam Eyles had purchased the vehicle, which was previously used to perform stunts at a circus, and modified it further to be able to perform a range of dangerous maneuvers.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Mr Eyles is facing three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts each of careless driving and drive with passenger unrestrained, as well as one count each of permit drive defective vehicle, drive defective vehicle, drive unrestrained and passenger fail to wear seatbelt.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Police alleged Mr Eyles also performed several other dangerous stunts on separate occasions and uploaded videos to social media that have been viewed millions of times.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol officer Darryl Campbell said the car was mechanically defective in a way where its centre of balance was thrown off to enable it to do front wheelies.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Police said after viewing the videos officers issued 70 traffic infringement notices totalling a combined total of $27,800 in fines and 99 demerit points to nine other people.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"><em>Image: ABC Sunshine Coast</em></p>

Legal

Not without my dog! Man wins anti-discrimination case against pet chihuahua

<p>Queensland pet owner Raymond Matthews has won an anti-discrimination claim against his local pub after his assistance chihuahua, Coo-ee, was denied entry.</p> <p>Matthews' favourite watering hole was The Woombye Pub, a stone's throw from his home on the Sunshine Coast. “I’d go up there for a chicken parmi and a beer, maybe once or twice a week,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/sunshine-coast-man-wins-8000-discrimination-claim-after-pub-refused-entry-to-his-assistance-chihuahua--c-8079310" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 News</a>.</p> <p>However, that all came to an end in 2017 when new management started refusing entry to Coo-ee.</p> <p>“(The) dog almost got run over one night, having had to stay outside. I went back inside and got directed out and barred for a month and made out to be the bad guy - that I’d intimidated people.”</p> <p>Three years of consistent refusal-of-entry to The Woombye then caused Matthews to say enough was enough and seek legal recourse.</p> <p>In a case opened against the pub, the tribunal found the venue broke anti-discrimination laws and awarded Matthews $8000 in compensation.</p> <p>Matthews said he tried to explain the significance of Coo-ee to the new owners but they wouldn’t listen.</p> <p>“The more I tried to convince them, the more I sounded like a broken record,” he said. “I’d been to the doctor to get the dog signed off as an assistant.</p> <p>“What she does is she introduces me to myriad people - the amount of hurdles I’ve got over because of the dog, just breaking the barriers down that normally exist with bureaucracy.</p> <p>“I take the dog with me and it just brings people down to a level playing field and you can speak with them, you can get along with them, you’ve got a common denominator and the dog, I feel, is the one that does it.”</p> <p>In a happy ending – certainly for Coo-ee at any rate – Matthews and the pup have now been welcomed into the venue.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

Family & Pets

Natural ways to boost your vitamin D

<p>Known as the sunshine vitamin, maintaining the right level of vitamin D is essential to keep you healthy. Luckily there are a number of ways you can naturally boost your intake.</p> <p>Research now shows that apart from bone health, vitamin D is also linked to many other functions in the body, too. We’ve done the legwork for you. The sunshine vitamin can also be beneficial for cardiovascular health, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, depression and to protect against colds. Here are four ways you can ensure adequate intake – and naturally, too! But like most things in life, a combination of diet, supplements and environment is the key.</p> <p><strong>Sunlight</strong><br />The best source of vitamin D is UV-B radiation from the sun. Approximately five to 30 minutes of sun exposure while you’re not wearing sun screen (between 10am and 3pm), at least twice a week, will do the job. It is worth keeping in mind that UV radiation levels vary depending on things like, location, time of year and time of day, so make sure you wear sun protection when the UV Index is three or above. In some states, UV radiation is higher and sun protection is needed all year round at certain times of the day. The Cancer Council Australia say that for most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular daily activity and incidental exposure to the sun. To check UV levels and the times sun protection is required, look on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au – search for UV alert.</p> <p><strong>Diet</strong><br />There are many food options that you can incorporate into your diet to ensure you have healthy levels of the sunshine vitamin. Think fatty fish (sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and salmon), canned tuna, milk that has been fortified with vitamin D, egg yolks and cereals that have been fortified with vitamin D.</p> <p><strong>Supplements</strong><br />From tablets and capsules to liquids, supplements are a convenient way to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D. The even better news is, there are some natural supplement options out there. Be careful, though, as too much can be toxic. Depending on your situation, daily dosages vary. The safest way to be sure on what’s best for you is to consult your doctor.</p> <p><strong>Cod liver oil</strong><br />If you’re not a fan of fatty fish, then you’ll be pleased to know that cod liver oil – which comes from the liver of the cod fish – is very rich in vitamins A and D. Women 60-plus should have around 700mcg per day and men 60-plus, 900mcg per day.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

CRIKEY! The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opens on the Sunshine Coast

<p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Queensland, Australia, is a brand-new overnight experience launched by the Irwin family in June 2022.</p> <p>Completely inspired by Steve Irwin, who passed away in 2006, his family Bindi, 23, and Robert, 18, both continue to work with their mother to carry on the Irwin name with Australia Zoo, which has 700 acres of land housing over 1,200 animals.</p> <p>The lodge is less than a five-minute drive from the Australia Zoo, which started off as a reptile park run by Steve's parents in 1970. In the 1990s, it officially became the zoo that Steve and Terri, who tied the knot in 1992, ran together until his death.</p> <p>Guests who book to stay at the new lodge will have unlimited entry to the zoo, according to a press release provided to Insider. They'll also have a free shuttle service to and from the Zoo and exclusive opportunities to visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.</p> <p>Speaking about the opening, general manager Luke Reavley said Robert made the pool at the lodge a unique experience by having photographs he took of two crocodiles printed onto the pool tiles, which makes swimming there "super cool, and a little unnerving."</p> <p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is home to a variety of local Australian species such as red kangaroos, echidna and emus. It's also a habitat for southern Australian koalas.</p> <p>The Lodge includes “eight family-friendly cabins, including an accessibility cabin, and offers services and facilities to suit everyone's needs, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay," Terri Irwin said in the press release.</p> <p>The website also states the accommodations, dotted around the bush, have laundry and room service.</p> <p>Incorporating wildlife and conservation in this new luxury overnight experience is a "beautiful way" the family is honoring Steve's "legacy and everything he stood for," Bindi said.</p> <p>Booking a two-bedroom cabin will cost between $800 and $1,000.</p> <p><em>Image: Insider</em></p>

Real Estate

Ray Martin offloads home for 10 times what he paid

<p dir="ltr">TV legend Ray Martin has sold his family’s Sunshine Coast holiday home in a deal that’s earned him ten times what he paid for it two decades ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>60 Minutes</em> presenter bought the land in Mount Coolum in 2001 for $250,000, where he built a four-bedroom, five-bathroom townhouse, and has now sold it for $2.65 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the property records, the home was sold to Peter Warton, the CEO of costume company Rubies Deerfield.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marcus Dolby, a marketing agent from Dolby Property Group, told <em><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/tv-veteran-sells-qld-holiday-home-for-10-times-what-he-paid-for-it/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa:rca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realestate.com.au</a></em> the buyer was a keen golfer who could see the potential benefits of buying in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">With its prime position in the exclusive Lakes estate, proximity to the newly renovated PGA Palmer Coolum golf course and lakeside views that can be enjoyed from the home’s multiple terraced and decked areas, it’s easy to see why Warton spent as much as he did.</p> <p dir="ltr">The newly-renovated home also boasts high ceilings, oversized bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms, a cinema, and a “private tropical entry”, according to <a href="https://www.dolbypropertygroup.com.au/property/101/unit-13-87-toolga-st-mount-coolum-qld" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Martin and his wife <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/ray-martin-lists-exclusive-sunshine-coast-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed the home late last year</a>, telling <em>Domain </em>at the time that he and his wife Diane were planning on spending more time in Sydney with their family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The truth is, life moves on and you have to chase new dreams,” he said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The COVID lockdowns have drastically changed our habits and our expectations. So have our family circumstances changed – especially now with gorgeous grandkids to dote on.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Work-wise, my television life is still chaotic but very different to the nightly shows – even though I spend as much time on an aeroplane as I ever did, until COVID grounded everybody, of course. So, for a myriad of good reasons, we’re moving on – with a thousand great photos and a million even better memories.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-744f6944-7fff-b3b6-c5c1-7e30df394211"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Dolby Property Group</em></p>

Real Estate

Joyous scenes at reopened Queensland border

<p><em>Image: Sunrise </em></p> <p>For the first time in 229 days, Queensland has reopened its borders allowing friends and families to reunite just in time for Christmas.</p> <p>The sunshine state dropped entry restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers who can provider a negative COVID-19 test arriving from both road and air at 1 am on Monday.</p> <p>There were emotional scenes at Gold Coast airport as the first flight into the state, Jetstar flight JQ400 shortly after 6AM (local time), landed carrying hundreds of passengers from Sydney.</p> <p>Friends and families hugged and cried after seeing each other in person for the first time in months.</p> <p>There was an increased police presence at border checkpoints located at Queensland’s Road border, with officers making sure all travellers are following the rules.</p> <p>Police are doing compliance and border pass checks, with motorists warned to expect lengthy delays.</p> <p>“The current situation for COVID on the Gold Coast is one that we’ve been preparing for, for two years,” District Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said on Friday.</p> <p>“We are prepared and we are ready to deal with this and keep our community safe as we’ve done over the last nearly two years,”</p> <p>The rules differ depending on where travellers are arriving from.</p> <p>Those who have been in a ‘hotspot’ such as Sydney and Melbourne within the last 14 days must be fully vaccinated, must have an entry pass, along with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and they must agree to get another test on day five following their arrival.</p> <p>However, those who are not fully vaccinated will need to undergo 14 days of hotel quarantine upon arrival into the sunshine state.</p> <p>For those entering Queensland from a ‘green zone’, an area that is not declared as a hotspot, there are no restrictions upon entry, provided you receive a border entry pass prior to arrival.</p> <p>You must apply for and receive an entry pass to enter Queensland from anywhere in Australia, including from within green zones.</p> <p>Residents living in the declared 'border zone’ will be able to move freely across the border provided they are vaccinated and have a valid border pass.</p> <p>Australian citizens or permanent residents – or immediate family members can arrive directly into Queensland via Brisbane International Airport.</p> <p>You must be fully vaccinated and have a negative result within 72 hours before departure.</p> <p>Home quarantine must be conducted within a two-hour drive of the airport. Anyone else in the property at the time must also complete quarantine and have at least one dose of a vaccine.</p> <p>If you are arriving from overseas via another state or territory you must be fully vaccinated and undertake the Queensland-specified period of quarantine under the direction of another state or territory at home or in a government-nominated facility.</p> <p>If you arrive into Australia via an interstate COVID-19 hotspot, you’ll need to complete 14 days of hotel quarantine when you arrive in Queensland.</p> <p>“Well done to Queensland ... Thank you to everyone who got their jab,” Scott Morrison tweeted.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Well done to Queensland and the NT! Confirming you’ve officially hit 80% double dose vaccination, the target in our National Plan. Thank you to everyone who got their jab.<br /><br />Please get your booster if you’re due and help Australia continue to safely reopen and stay safely open.</p> — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1468696646242365443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>Queensland has also unveiled plans to reduce quarantine requirements for contacts of known COVID-19 cases and cleaning requirements for businesses.</p> <p>From 1st January, 2022, there are a number of eased COVID-19 contact restrictions.</p> <p><strong>Queensland’s New Covid-19 rules</strong></p> <p><u>Vaccinated Close Contacts</u></p> <ul> <li>Home quarantine for seven days and get tests on days one and five</li> <li>Can leave quarantine if they test negative on day five</li> <li>Wear a face mask and don’t visit high-risk settings until day 14</li> </ul> <p><u>Unvaccinated Close Contacts</u></p> <ul> <li>Home quarantine for 14 days and get tested on days one, five and 12</li> <li>Fully vaccinated household contacts of close contacts</li> <li>No quarantine, but get tested on days one and five</li> </ul> <p><u>Unvaccinated Household Contacts of Close Contacts</u></p> <ul> <li>Home quarantine for seven days and get tests on days one and five</li> <li>If you test negative on day five leave quarantine</li> <li>Wear a face mask and don’t visit high-risk settings until day 14</li> </ul> <p><u>Casual Contacts</u></p> <ul> <li>No quarantine required but must get tested immediately and isolate until they get a negative result, wearing a face mask outside home recommended for 14 days</li> <li>Businesses that are visited by active COVID-19 cases and listed as exposure sites</li> <li>Close premises for a standard clean, but no deep-clean required</li> </ul> <p><u>Definitions</u></p> <ul> <li>A close contact is a anyone who’s had at least 15 minutes face-to-face contact with a COVID-19 case in the business or venues</li> <li>Vaccinated is anyone who is more than seven days after their first dose</li> <li>Household contacts are people residing in same dwelling overnight, including intimate partners</li> <li>Tests must be PCR tests</li> </ul>

News

Ray Martin lists exclusive Sunshine Coast home

<p dir="ltr">Legendary TV journalist Ray Martin and his wife Dianne have put their Sunshine Coast holiday home up for sale after more than 20 years, in defiance of the trend of people moving further north during COVID-19. The couple say they are planning on spending more time in Sydney with family.</p> <p dir="ltr">The four-bedroom home can be found at 13/87 Toolga Street, Mount Coolum, and it went up for sale this week.<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dolbypropertygroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Dolby Property Group Noosa’s Marcus Dolby</a><span> </span>declined to share with<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/ray-martin-and-wife-dianne-list-their-luxury-sunshine-coast-holiday-home-1107565/" target="_blank"><em>Domain</em></a><span> </span>what the exact asking price was, but confirmed that similar properties in the area were listed for more than $3 million. The couple paid just $250,000 for the home in 2001.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dolby said of the decision to sell, “They’re like a salmon going the wrong way upstream. But it is a gorgeous house and it’s the perfect opportunity for them to sell.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ray Martin told<span> </span><em>Domain<span> </span></em>that the family loved the home because of the restaurants, cafes, and clothing stores, describing the area as a “church for the soul”. “That’s why it’s been our second home … besides, it lets us claim we’re Queenslanders when the Maroons whip the Blues in the State of Origin, which they so often do,” he joked.</p> <p dir="ltr">He continued, “We call it ‘the Coolum state of mind’. The minute we open our front door, we hit the shorts and the T-shirts – and the blood pressure drops to chilled. Deadly. ‘How good is this?’ is the standard, rhetorical question.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The home is located in Mount Coolum’s exclusive The Lakes estate, and is adjacent to the Palmer Coolum Golf Resort, meaning avid golfers can simply open a gate and walk to the nearby course to play a round or two.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two-storey home features a gourmet kitchen, home cinema, and views of the Coolum Lakes and Mount Coolum from most rooms. It also boasts a large library and office, which is connected to each of the bedrooms. It has enough parking for two cars, and, naturally, a golf buggy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Martin told<span> </span><em>Domain,<span> </span></em>“The truth is, life moves on and you have to chase new dreams. The COVID lockdowns have drastically changed our habits and our expectations. So have our family circumstances changed – especially now with gorgeous grandkids to dote on.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Work-wise, my television life is still chaotic but very different to the nightly shows – even though I spend as much time on an aeroplane as I ever did, until COVID grounded everybody, of course. So, for a myriad of good reasons, we’re moving on – with a thousand great photos and a million even better memories.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Martin became a household name in Australia for his work on a number of current affairs programs, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he was the host of<span> </span><em>The Midday Show,<span> </span></em>winning five Gold Logies for his work on both<span> </span><em>The Midday Show</em><span> </span>and on<span> </span><em>A Current Affair.</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images</em></p>

Real Estate

Ray of sunshine and healing for Lisa Curry

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Olympian Lisa Curry has shared a touching tribute to her daughter Jaimi Kenny just six months after she passed away from a long-term illness.</p> <p>Jaimi was only 33 when she passed away which devastated the family.</p> <p>On Sunday, Lisa shared a tribute after spending time with her former teammates that were close to Jaimi.</p> <p>“Yesterday we had a reunion of our team that won the World Championships of Outrigger Canoeing in 2003. It’s a group of girls that trained hard, raced hard, and laughed hard together,” she said.</p> <p>“All of them knew our beautiful Jaimi as she grew up with Outrigging.</p> <p>“Jaimi went to the World Sprints in Hawaii as well and often came to Hawaii with me.</p> <p>“She and Morgan were both really good paddlers.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMX60LrLY0E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMX60LrLY0E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lisa Curry AO (@lisacurry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post featured three touching photos, which Lisa describes in the caption.</p> <p>The second photo shows sun beaming down on Lisa and an orb of dazzling light.</p> <p>“As we were walking down to have a look at Jaimi’s garden, Jazzy took a photo of me,” she said.</p> <p>“It’s the most beautiful and bizarre photo to look at with the orb and ray of sun …</p> <p>“6 months ago right at this moment when you left us, we will always remember you my love.”</p> <p>Fans sent their well wishes to Lisa on the post, hoping she is healing.</p> <p>“No one can take her spirit away. Gorgeous woman who I never knew but can feel how special she was. You are a beautiful mother Lisa xo,” commented one.</p> <p>“That orb and ray of sun touching your shoulder means your healing has started,” said another.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

A little ray of sunshine as 2021 economic survey points to brighter times ahead

<p>Suddenly, economic forecasters are optimistic.</p> <p>Six months ago the forecasting team assembled by The Conversation was expecting Australia’s recession to continue into 2021, sending the economy backwards a further 4.6% throughout the year.</p> <p>This morning, in the survey prepared ahead of the Reserve Bank board’s first meeting for the year and an address by the Reserve Bank governor to the National Press Club on Wednesday, the same forecasting team is upbeat.</p> <p>It expects the recovery that began in the</p> <p> September quarter of last year to continue, propelling the economy forward by a larger than normal 3.2% throughout 2021, with growth slowing to more sedate 2.1% per year by the middle of the decade, still well above than dismal 1.7% per year expected six months ago.</p> <p>The unemployment rate is now expected to remain near its present 6.6% throughout 2021, instead of soaring to almost 10% as expected six months ago.</p> <p><span></span>But improvement in the unemployment rate is expected to be slow, and as house prices and share market prices climb, most of the panel expect the Reserve Bank to lose its patience and begin to lift interest rates from their emergency lows before the end of next year, ahead of its published schedule.</p> <p>The 21-person forecasting panel includes university-based macroeconomists, economic modellers, former Treasury, IMF, OECD, Reserve Bank and financial market economists, and a former member of the Reserve Bank board.</p> <p><strong>Economic growth</strong></p> <p>Only two of the panel expect the economy to shrink further in 2021.</p> <p>The rest expect the economy to grow, two of the panel by at least 5%, something that isn’t out of the question given that the economy shrank by 7% during the worst three months of the 2020 coronavirus restrictions and clawed back only<span> </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/it-isnt-right-to-say-we-are-out-of-recession-as-these-six-graphs-demonstrate-151210">3.3%</a><span> </span>in the three months that followed.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="bH5sm" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bH5sm/3/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p>Panellist Saul Eslake who forecast growth of 3.5% in 2021 six months ago is now forecasting growth of 5.25%, saying the transition away from JobKeeper and other supports has been going more smoothly and the property market and residential building market have holding up much better than he had expected.</p> <p>Growth will be constrained by unusually slow population growth, a gradual tightening of government purse strings and anticipation of higher interest rates.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="WPE9k" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WPE9k/2/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>China’s 2021 growth, expected to be 4% six months ago, is now expected to be 6.3% as it reaps the fruits of having recovered early from its coronavirus crisis with its production systems intact. Panellist Warren Hogan cautions that longer term China is likely to place less importance on economic growth and more on military adventurism.</p> <p>The continuing COVID crisis in the United States is expected to push its recovery out into the second half of the year as vaccination programs and President Biden’s stimulus measures take hold.</p> <p><strong>Unemployment</strong></p> <p>Although few on the panel expect unemployment to get much worse, most believe it will be many years before the unemployment rate shrinks to the 4.5% to 5% the Reserve Bank has adopted as a target.</p> <p>Panellist Julie Toth says the end of JobKeeper in March will reduce the ability of struggling businesses to keep their employees. Closed boarders mean skill mismatches and shortages will grow alongside persistent unemployment and underemployment.</p> <p>Other panellists warn of a “jobless recovery” as large organisations that held onto labour during the crisis start to shed staff as part of digitisation programs.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="qaVR7" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qaVR7/3/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p><strong>Living standards</strong></p> <p>Annual wage growth, at present a minuscule 1.4% – the lowest in the 23 year history of the index – is not expected to improve at all in the year ahead, ending 2021 at 1.4%.</p> <p>At the same time annual inflation is expected to climb from last year’s unusually low 0.9% to 1.6%, putting it above wage growth for the first calendar year on record, sending the buying power of wages backwards.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="NSbFV" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NSbFV/4/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>A broader measure of living standards, real net national disposable income per capita, which takes account of the hours worked in each job and other sources of income, is expected to continue to climb in 2021, continuing the recovery begun in last year’s September quarter after the precipitous slide of 8% during the first half of last year.</p> <p>Household spending is expected to climb a further 3.4% in real terms, continuing the recovery begun in the September quarter after a slide of 13.8% in the first half of last year.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="GqSAx" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GqSAx/2/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p><strong>Interest rates</strong></p> <p>The panel expects the Reserve Bank to lift its cash rate from the present all-time low of 0.10% well ahead of the “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2020/mr-20-32.html">at least three years</a>” timeframe set out by the bank.</p> <p>The bank had promised not increase the cash rate until actual inflation was “<a href="https://theconversation.com/5-ways-the-reserve-bank-is-going-to-bat-for-australia-like-never-before-149311">sustainably within</a>” its 2% to 3% target range.</p> <p>And it had moved the<span> </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/5-ways-the-reserve-bank-is-going-to-bat-for-australia-like-never-before-149311">three-year bond rate</a><span> </span>to 0.10% as a sign that it expected the cash rate to stay at 0.10% for at least three years.</p> <p>Although few on the panel expect inflation to climb back to the Reserve Bank’s target range by the end of next year, most expect the bank to begin to lift its cash rate by then.</p> <hr /> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/381256/original/file-20210129-13-1ifkzho.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /><span class="caption"></span><span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span>,<span> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" class="license">CC BY-ND</a></span></p> <p>Panellist Mark Crosby says rising home and other asset prices will put the bank under pressure to backtrack on its commitment in the knowledge that the economy is in a position to withstand more normal rates.</p> <p>Long-term interest rates are already higher than they were at the start of this year.</p> <p>The panel expects the ten-year benchmark used to set the rates at which the government can borrow to gradually climb from last year’s all-time lows.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="hWglQ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hWglQ/2/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p><strong>Asset prices</strong></p> <p>Sydney home prices are expected to climb 4.9% after climbing<span> </span><a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2021-01/CoreLogic%20home%20value%20index%20Jan%202021%20FINAL.pdf">2.7%</a><span> </span>in COVID-hit 2020. Melbourne prices are expected to climb a lesser 4.4% after slipping 1.3%.</p> <p>Saul Eslake says Melbourne’s economy has been far more reliant on interstate and international migration than any other part of Australia and has damaged its image as a desirable destination by its handling of the pandemic.</p> <p>Other panellists draw a distinction between apartment price growth, which should be weak because of lower demand for international student rentals, and freestanding home prices which should be supported by an implicit Reserve Bank guarantee of three years of ultra-low interest rates.</p> <p>The panel expects housing investment to climb 3.8% after falling 5% during the first nine months of 2020.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="Q1Dwo" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Q1Dwo/3/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>The Australian share market collapsed 37% in just over a month in the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis and spent the rest of 2020 recovering.</p> <p>Although opinion is split about 2021, the panel’s average forecast is for growth of 3.5%</p> <p>Panellist Mala Raghavan says low interest rates are forcing long term investors to take positions in companies with strong fundamentals. Craig Emerson says he expects the equities bubble to burst at some point, but probably not while low interest rates continue.</p> <p>At US$160 a tonne, the iron ore price has almost doubled since the start of 2020.</p> <p>On balance the panel expects it to ease to US$133 throughout 2O21, noting that at some point Brazil is going to return to full production after a series of dam collapses and pandemic-related problems. China is thought to prefer to buy from Brazil.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="7qg2U" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7qg2U/3/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p><strong>Business</strong></p> <p>The panel expects Australian businesses to find any lift in the share market and consumer spending uninspiring.</p> <p>After collapsing 24% in the first nine months of 2020 the panel expects non-mining business investment to climb by only 2% in 2021 and 3.1% in 2022.</p> <p>It cites low immigration and uncertainty over COVID and the shape of new business practices as more important in determining investment decisions than the government’s generous tax incentives.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="9GSTa" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9GSTa/2/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p><strong>Government</strong></p> <p>The panel’s central budget deficit forecasts are not too far from the latest government forecasts<span> </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/so-far-so-good-myefo-budget-update-shows-recovery-gathering-pace-152227">released in December</a><span> </span>at A$192 billion in 2020-21 and $114 billion in 2021-22.</p> <p>Panellists note that the government will have little opportunity to restrain spending in the lead up to the election and will be under pressure to boost the JobSeeker unemployment benefit which is due to sink back to its pre-COVID level on<span> </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/top-economists-want-jobseeker-boosted-by-100-per-week-and-tied-to-wages-150364">April 1</a>.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="ZzfIZ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZzfIZ/2/" height="400px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p class="p1"><em>Written by Peter Martin. This article first appeared on The Conversation.</em></p>

Retirement Income

Whoops: Fodor’s 2019 guide to Melbourne debuts with a photo of the Gold Coast on the cover

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cover of travel publisher Fodor’s yet-to-be-released guide to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">25 Best Melbourne</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> featured an image of the Gold Coast in an embarrassing blunder.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Don't just see the sights. See the best." urges the book's tagline, which displays the wrong photo of a different city proudly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The photo used is admittedly a gloomy photo used of the Gold Coast, but the thin strip of high rises undoubtedly belongs to the Sunshine State.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829822/domestic-travel-evergreen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c79d7aed59954316a3f1a2ca6f56f716" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York Times</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> notes that Fodor's guides are "aimed at a fairly discerning traveller with an appetite for background and the occasional surprise". However, this seems a bit remiss due to the use of the wrong photo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mistake has now been fixed, which can be seen below.</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Melbourne-Full-color-Travel-Guide/dp/164097203X"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829823/domestic-travel-evergreen-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c025fa7d04f6465981988885b8f14b88" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fodor’s aren’t the only one who have made mistakes when it comes to images, as Lonely Planet’s massive guide to Western Europe was accidentally named “Westen Europe”. The mistake has now become a collectable item amongst Lonely Planet readers.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

Are these Australia’s best holiday destinations?

<p>Australia is home to such a diverse array of urban and rural tourism hotspots for every type of traveller.</p> <p><strong>Australia’s favourite places to holiday</strong> <br />Interesting domestic travel trends were uncovered by the National Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia. Spending and numbers of visitors increased in all Australian states, but Tasmania and Western Australia had the biggest increases.</p> <p><strong><em>Did you know? Aussies spent a whopping $55.7 billion on domestic travel in the past year. That’s a six per cent increase on the previous year.</em></strong></p> <p>While NSW remained the top destination state, Tasmania has an increase of 22% for overnight visitors, and expenditure grew by a whopping 34%. In the Northern Territory, there were 14% more overnight visitors and they spent a lot more money!</p> <p>On a city-by-city basis, Sydney lost visitors to Melbourne, while Gold Coast travellers redirected their wallets to the Sunshine Coast. The Gold Coast dropped from the fifth most popular region down to the seventh, overtaken by Perth and New South Wales’ South Coast. New South Wales’ North Coast retained its coveted place in fourth position.</p> <p>Despite so many rare and unique locations, Australian travellers often overlook exploring the incredible sites and undertaking the exciting and varied activities within our own backyard. It seems that regional tourism, particularly in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia is also on the rise, as more of us are exploring the heart of Australian culture.</p> <p><strong><em>Did you know? Australian travellers spent an amazing 312 million nights away from home over the past year! Nearly two thirds of all overnight expenditure in Australia was generated by domestic visitors.</em></strong></p> <p>Want some quick ideas about amazing places to visit (or revisit) next? Here is a list of some of Australia’s fastest growing tourist destinations among domestic travellers and great ideas about how to spend your holiday time there. The best news? You can put together a holiday fast and be enjoying an amazing holiday destination this time next month, without breaking the bank!</p> <p><strong>North Coast, New South Wales</strong><br />The NSW North Coast has always been a treasure trove of outdoor activities and authentic ‘hippie culture’. <a href="http://www.byron-bay.com/">Byron Bay</a> and the stunning surrounding areas of Kingscliff and Bangalow have long been revered for their touristic value among locals. But it has only been in more recent decades that the sun, surf, markets, laneways and cute beachside coffee shops been discovered by the rest of us. It is still a wonderful area to get some much needed R&R in a beautiful location. Want to spot a humpback whale in the wild? Byron Bay is also a fantastic spot to go <a href="http://www.byronbaywhalewatching.com.au/">whale watching</a> between June and November.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZqV1gFD9H/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZqV1gFD9H/" target="_blank">My favorite spot so far 🌊 #byronbay #australia #thepass #surf #surfing #longboard #ocean #wave #waves drone #mavicpro #viewfromabove #beauty #nature #wild #travel #traveling</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/inesgoret/" target="_blank"> Ines Goret</a> (@inesgoret) on May 13, 2019 at 4:25am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Perth, Western Australia<br /></strong><a href="http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destinations/Experience_Perth/Pages/Experience_Perth.aspx">Western Australia</a> is often overshadowed by a national focus on the East Coast, yet it has begun to emerge from the shadows and prove its appeal to national and international visitors alike. Perth has the illustrious <a href="http://www.viator.com/Perth-attractions/Art-Gallery-of-Western-Australia/d389-a12082?pref=02">Art Gallery of Western Australian</a> which was founded in 1895 and the <a href="http://museum.wa.gov.au/">WA Museum</a> (for those who are more culturally aware), a phenomenal aquarium and Adventure World for the kids, as well as a whole suite of nearby locations including John Forrest National Park, Heirisson Island and of course the brewery capital of Australia, <a href="http://www.westernaustralia.com/au/Pages/Destination.aspx?n=Fremantle&pid=9009597&cid=dgm:sem:au1516:inter:Fremantle&gclid=CNP_-o3b0scCFRJxvAodXhsCaw">Fremantle</a> (or Freo as it is known by the locals) is a quick 30 minute drive from the city.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxbyi-FBY1S/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxbyi-FBY1S/" target="_blank">Painting is a poem without words. 🖼 #artgallery #perthart #lifemeaning #humanbeing #visualart #streetart #wallart #art #tagblender #artist #artistic #artists #arte #artwork #illustration #graphicdesign #graphic #colour #colorful #drawing #paintings #watercolour #creative #sketch #sketchaday #bestart</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kateiscolorful/" target="_blank"> Kate</a> (@kateiscolorful) on May 14, 2019 at 12:15am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Australia’s North West, Western Australia</strong> <br />If you’re heading to the West Coast, then why not combine a trip to Perth with a voyage to the increasingly popular <a href="http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/">North West</a>? As far as rural and outdoor Australia goes, this area has it all - lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, true blue outback areas, phenomenal landmarks, natural formations, historic settlements and idyllic country towns. What’s not to love? Download a North West Outback Drive Trail <a href="http://vivid2.blob.core.windows.net/australiasnorthwest/default-document-library/warlu-way-print-logic.pdf?sfvrsn=2">here</a>.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhpAWZxhU6B/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhpAWZxhU6B/" target="_blank">Broome, West Australia // “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”- Mattie Stepanek // 📸: @paulmichael // #WPPlacesToGo</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/williampainter/" target="_blank"> William Painter</a> (@williampainter) on Apr 16, 2018 at 11:04am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Melbourne, Victoria</strong><br /><a href="http://www.visitmelbourne.com/">Melbourne</a> has an eclectic mix of interesting venues, exciting events and myriad of cultural offerings. A trip to Melbourne is not complete without a visit to the beachside suburb of St Kilda and the picturesque landscapes Wilsons Promontory, a shop and a stroll through the city’s bustling Chapel street precinct, a coffee in the hipster suburb of Fitzroy, an enlightening visit to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art or an AFL game at the buzzing Melbourne Cricket Ground. Did you know the MCG is the oldest sporting club in Australia and you can do a fantastic behind the scenes tour? Find out more <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/travel/go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-sporting-mecca-melbourne%E2%80%99s-mcg.aspx">here</a>.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZzuGJAMbR/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZzuGJAMbR/" target="_blank">This is the fourth grandstand to be built on the northern side of this great stadium, after the MCG opened in 1854. The first dates to 1876, but was destroyed by fire in 1884. Its replacement was extended in 1897 to double capacity and demolished in 1955 for the previous Olympic Stand (built in time for the 1956 Olympic Games), which stood for 49 years, until this grandstand was constructed 15 years ago, in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. #eastmelbourne #cityofmelbourne #melbourne #mcg #theg #g #since1854 #melbournecricketground #olympicstand #stadium #olympicstadium #yarrapark #homeoffootball #sportsmad #commonwealthgamesstadium #thisismelbourne #visitvictoria</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/philipbutton/" target="_blank"> Philip Button</a> (@philipbutton) on May 13, 2019 at 5:47am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Sunshine Coast, Queensland</strong><br />The <a href="http://www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/">Sunshine Coast</a> has a natural allure with a smorgasbord of charming coastal towns. The best way to experience the Sunshine Coast is to rent a holiday home and act like a local by visiting the huge offering of hidden beach locations and quaint local cafes and restaurants. The Sunshine Coast is ideal for family holidays, groups of friends looking for a fun and simple getaway, or as a romantic couple’s escape. A diverse array of water sports, natural attractions and adventure activities also make it the perfect location for adrenaline and nature-junkies. Once you discover your favourite spot on ‘the coast’ you’ll go back again and again. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxEseXfheW2/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxEseXfheW2/" target="_blank">BLUSH Rosy sunset over Mudjimba Beach this afternoon. #visitsunshinecoast #queensland #canonphotography #australia #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #saltmag #sunshinecoast #sunshinecoastdaily #qldbeaches #wotif #sunshinecoastcouncil #skycaptures #sunshinecoastphotographer #beachphotography #wow_australia #mudjimba #australia_oz #sky_brilliance @canonaustralia #visualsofearth #exploringaustralia #mint_shotz</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/saltimages_/" target="_blank"> S A L T I M A G E S</a> (@saltimages_) on May 5, 2019 at 1:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Tasmania </strong></p> <p>Deciding which part of Tassie to visit is like choosing a favourite child! Do yourself a favour and give yourself plenty of time to explore all of the Southern Isle’s beautiful spots.</p> <p><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/travel/hobart-six-don%E2%80%99t-miss-sights.aspx">Hobart</a> is, of course, a must-visit area, offering the renowned Salamanca Markets, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), brewery tours and the scenic Mt Wellington. Outside of the capital, be sure to explore Freycinet Peninsula, Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, Port Arthur and the Franklin River. Plus, if your itinerary allows for it, visit the towns of Strahan and Launceston.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxWfhOdgl8Y/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxWfhOdgl8Y/" target="_blank">Taking in epic views of mountain and sea with @_aswewander on the Freycinet Peninsula. The squeaky, white sands of Wineglass Bay and the towering peak of Mount Freycinet are just two of the spots experienced walkers may visit on the 2-3 day Frecyinet Circuit walk. Like all of Tassie's multi-day treks, walkers should ensure they are up-to-date on the latest weather conditions and have appropriate gear for a safe and comfortable adventure along our @eastcoasttasmania. 👣🗺️🌊 Thanks for tagging #discovertasmania, Luke and Jess!</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tasmania/" target="_blank"> Discover Tasmania</a> (@tasmania) on May 11, 2019 at 10:53pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Written by Editor. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/are-these-australia%E2%80%99s-best-holiday-destinations.aspx"><em>Wyza.com.au.</em></a></p>

Domestic Travel

6 best holiday destinations with year-round sunshine

<p>Looking for a fix of hot weather? A sunny getaway to a year-round summer destination could be your solution. Below are some of the best spots around the world where you can enjoy the warm glow of the sun on your skin, any time of the year.</p> <p><strong>1. Dubai</strong></p> <p>The United Arab Emirates gem is famous for many different reasons: the spotless beaches, fantastic architectural feats, dynamic cityscape, and the reliably warm weather. Sunbathe on the pristine sands of Jumeirah Beach by the iconic Burj Al Arab. You can also stroll through Dubai Creek for a taste of the city’s history or enjoy the sights of local traditional market at Old Souk.</p> <p><strong>2. Santa Barbara</strong></p> <p>As <span><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g33045-s208/Santa-Barbara:California:Weather.And.When.To.Go.html">TripAdvisor</a></span> says, there is no bad time to visit Santa Barbara. This peaceful Californian city has one of the most friendly, temperate climates in the US, staying between 18 and 25C throughout the year with low humidity and little rain. It’s a perfect place for a relaxed, easy-going trip. Enjoy the day out at Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, take in the waterfront view at Stearns Wharf or tour the iconic Old Mission church.</p> <p><strong>3. Cairo </strong></p> <p>Impressive historical sites, vast sand dunes and bustling mega-city life. The Pyramids of Giza are always awaiting exploration, as is Khan Al Khalili street market and the numerous religious and archaeological buildings around the city. You can also travel to the Red Sea for a snorkelling or scuba diving session.</p> <p><strong>4. Mexico</strong></p> <p>The ancient meets the trendy here. Depending on the region and the time of the year, you could see the temperature hit 35C at its highest. Adventurous ones can surf and enjoy the nightlife in the rainforest coast of Sayulita, while those looking for a peaceful time may find what they seek in the colonial town of Merida – or get a glimpse of Mexico’s past at the Haciendas of the Yucatan, where grand country estates with rich history sit among dense forests.</p> <p><strong>5. Bali</strong></p> <p>A classic holiday choice for Aussies, Bali is reliably warm with an average of 26-28C year-round. Kuta and Seminyak are ideal places to surf, lounge under the sun and get rowdy, while Sanur is a more family-friendly option. You can also escape the crowds at Ubud, the island’s arts and culinary heartland, or go diving in Amed and Tulamben for an unparalleled underwater beauty.</p> <p><strong>6. Malta</strong></p> <p>The mild Mediterranean weather – peaking only to 31C in July and August – is complemented with gorgeous coastlines and crystal blue waters. Hop on a ferry for the best view of the picturesque Grand Harbour or go on the Buskett-SIggiewi Walk for a trek lined with heritage spots and native gardens. Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine, which blends Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavours.</p> <p>Which destinations are you interested to visit? Let us know in the comments.</p>

International Travel

QLD’s Sunshine Coast under attack by mysterious creature

<p>The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is under attack… by caterpillars, according to photos on social media.</p> <p>Photos posted on social media show a long procession of caterpillars crawling around Noosaville.</p> <p><img width="376" height="501" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/03/22/13/4A6F0F4E00000578-5531417-Processionary_caterpillars_which_turn_into_the_bag_shelter_moth_-a-17_1521725491589.jpg" alt="Processionary caterpillars, which turn into the bag-shelter moth, can be extreme harmful to wildlife. For instance, they can cause miscarriages in mares" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-e3e6d7c411839e57"/><br /> Scientific Pest Management owner Brett Johnstone told the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/killer-caterpillar-invasion-hits-coast/3368175/" target="_blank">Sunshine Coast Daily</a></strong></span> based on the images he couldn't confirm the species of the insect but believed if these bugs were processionary caterpillars that “wet weather coupled with the heat and humidity may have sent them through another life cycle and drawn them out earlier”. </p> <p>Processionary caterpillars, which turn into the bag-shelter moth, can be harmful to wildlife.</p> <p>The toxins on their hairs are poisonous to dogs and even humans can experience skin irritations when coming in contact with these caterpillars.</p>

Home & Garden

There’s a massive python in this walk-in wardrobe

<p>On the long list of animals you don’t want to cross paths with when you’re opening your walk-in wardrobe, a giant python has to be pretty close to the top, but this became an all-too-unpleasant reality for one Sunshine Coast family.</p> <p>Stu, the animal expert behind the popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastSnakeCatchers/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Snake Catcher 24/7 Facebook page</strong></em></span></a>, was urgently called out to a residence in Montville last week, and as you can see from the footage below he certainly had his work cut out for him.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FReptileCatcher%2Fvideos%2F1575137789229254%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>“The is not what you expect to find in your ensuite as you’re about to go to bed,” Stu says.</p> <p>“Ohhhh, this is good. He’s just checking out ya fashion," he adds.</p> <p>“He’s a unit… He’d be a good six or seven-foot, he’s got a bit of a food-item in his belly.”</p> <p>Stu bags the snake and eventually relocates it to a safe space, but it was a close call.</p> <p>What do you think of this footage?</p>

Home & Garden

Can you spot the snake hidden on this deck?

<p>Australia is a lucky country. We have beautiful landscapes, a laid-back culture, incredible cities and some of the best beaches in the world. So, what’s the trade off for living Down Under? We have to deal with the odd snake from time to time.</p> <p>A family from Buderim, Queensland, found this out first-hand over the weekend, when they discovered a python which had cleverly hidden itself on their back deck.</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastSnakeCatchers/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers</strong></em></span></a> were called out to the property and tasked with the job of removing the serpent, but once they arrived they had a little trouble finding it, posting the below photo. Can you spot the cleverly hidden python?</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSunshineCoastSnakeCatchers%2Fphotos%2Fa.1484959141755876.1073741830.1483562515228872%2F1949230368662082%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="541" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p>If you can’t, don’t worry. You’re not the only one! We’ve highlighted where this deceptively clever serpent has hidden itself, scroll through the gallery above to see where.</p> <p>'This little coastal carpet python couldn't have been more than a week old,' Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers posted on Facebook.</p> <p>'The little guy decided that curling up in the very corner of the outdoor lounge would be a safe place to laze away the day.'</p> <p>Have you ever had an encounter with a snake? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Facebook / Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers </em></p>

News

Can you spot the snake hidden in this garden

<p>Australia is one of those countries where you’ve got to have your wits about you, and in case you needed more reminding Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers has released another photograph featuring a snake cleverly hidden in a backyard.</p> <p>Can you spot the carpet python in the picture below?</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSunshineCoastSnakeCatchers%2Fphotos%2Fa.1484959141755876.1073741830.1483562515228872%2F1940626929522426%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="541" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p>If you can’t, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Scroll through the gallery above to find where this deviously clever had hidden itself.</p> <p>Max Jackson from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers told Pickle that while this little snake was only about 30cm, eventually it could grow up to be three metres.</p> <p>“Generally young pythons like this are active during the night and shelter during the day to reduce potential bird predation - they are quite vulnerable at this stage in their life,” he said.</p> <p>“Pythons are one of our most common callouts as they survive extremely well in urban areas.”</p> <p>Did you spot the snake?</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Facebook / Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers</em></p>

News

Snake catcher tears apart kitchen in search of snake

<p>A family in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast got the fright of their lives after a red-bellied black snake slithered into their kitchen.</p> <p>Naturally, they called their local snake catchers to handle the situation, but little did they know, their reptilian friend had hidden himself so well that their kitchen would need to be torn apart in order to find him.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FReptileCatcher%2Fvideos%2F1480085428734491%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>“This little Red Belly decided he wanted to get out of the rain and hang out in a [family’s] kitchen in Pacific Paradise,” Stu from The Snake Catcher 24/7 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReptileCatcher/videos/1480085428734491/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">wrote on Facebook</span></strong></a>. “After a bit of time and effort I got him out from under the kitchen bench. It’s amazing the places snakes can get in to.”</p> <p>A bit too close for comfort, if you ask us! Tell us in the comments below, have you ever had a scary encounter with a snake?</p>

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QLD’s Sunshine Coast under attack by mysterious creature

There’s a massive python in this walk-in wardrobe

Can you spot the snake hidden on this deck?

Can you spot the snake hidden in this garden

Snake catcher tears apart kitchen in search of snake

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Miranda Kerr welcomes "little ray of sunshine"

“Ray of sunshine”: Wife of stabbed paramedic gives birth to baby girl

“A ray of sunshine”: Catherine’s heartwarming visit to miracle baby

Sunshine Coast clown car driver charged with up to 11 offences

Not without my dog! Man wins anti-discrimination case against pet ﻿chihuahua

Natural ways to boost your vitamin D

CRIKEY! The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opens on the Sunshine Coast

Ray Martin offloads home for 10 times what he paid

Joyous scenes at reopened Queensland border

Ray Martin lists exclusive Sunshine Coast home

Ray of sunshine and healing for Lisa Curry

A little ray of sunshine as 2021 economic survey points to brighter times ahead

Whoops: Fodor’s 2019 guide to Melbourne debuts with a photo of the Gold Coast on the cover

Are these Australia’s best holiday destinations?

6 best holiday destinations with year-round sunshine

QLD’s Sunshine Coast under attack by mysterious creature

There’s a massive python in this walk-in wardrobe

Can you spot the snake hidden on this deck?

Can you spot the snake hidden in this garden

Snake catcher tears apart kitchen in search of snake

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Not without my dog! Man wins anti-discrimination case against pet chihuahua