The drive from Coolum, and our very pleasantly appointed bnb, is a feast of colour from the greens of the fields, trees and broms and orchids in the gardens of houses creeping ever closer to each other.

Nostalgic memories of visits to the Ginger Factory 50 years ago were replicated when we pulled up at Yandina’s ongoing famous landmark. The tourist train tooted its way past as we carried our bounty of ginger beers and ginger snacks and ginger byproducts back to the car before crossing the road to Nutworks. The contrast was immediate. Where the Ginger factory was brisk, bulk and commercially big, Nutworks is intimate, selective and softened by its cafe greenery and bubbling staff.

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Our macadamia and banana smoothie on macadamia milk was sumptuous, and our purchases reflected OM’s breakfast toast tastes of Pineapple and Ginger jam, and great prices on Macadamia oil and chocolate gifts for lucky family members. Heartily recommend this spot!

We meandered our way from Yandina to Tewantin and explored the Marina and checked out the ferry times and, on the recommendation of a passing local, had a relaxing lunch of fish and chips and a wander around the shops. A drive to Tewantin’s Community Centre showed that small seaside community vibe. A direct contrast to the tourist bustle and surfing mecca of Noosa Heads which was our next destination.

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We spotted the places we had stayed and played at one of the Noosa Food and Wine Festivals a few years ago, and lost count of the number of the board riders cresting a small wave swell, but under a sunny sky. Traffic around Hastings Street is even more of a nightmare than we remembered.

We pre-planned the need for cash for our Saturday jaunt to the Eumundi markets, found an atm and then hightailed it back to Tewantin and our digs for the next few days at Noosa Lakes Resort. Well-appointed studio room with the complimentary Wolf Blass bottle overlooking the pool and our supply of cheeses and nibbles and we were sold! My swim in the lagoon pool was the icing on the cake.

Relaxing with current novels and a respite from the sun, we managed to wile away the afternoon effortlessly before heading back to the Marina for dinner at Pier 11 overlooking the Noosa River. OM enjoyed the Seafood Spaghettini while the sauce on my lamb shoulder and mixed green vegies and Kippfler potatoes was rich and moreish! The perfect end to a great day as we wandered back to Unit 417.

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