Although last week’s getaway to the Sunshine Coast (renamed ‘Unshine Coast’ for the duration of our stay!) was marred by three days of constant rain, cloudy days and soggy walks, we still had an amazing time.
Just under 2 hours by car and only 1 hour and 17 minutes by train from Brisbane, Bokarina Beach is nestled in Kawana, halfway between Caloundra and Mooloolaba. It boasts a seasonally patrolled dog-friendly surf beach, parklands, bustling eateries, an extensive coastal pathway, and a nine-kilometre stretch of sandy beach.
Our accommodation at Bokarina Beach Apartments was perfect, with spacious, coastal vibes and beautiful beach views. We stayed in a ‘Three Bedroom Luxury & Penthouse Collection Ocean View Apartment’ (that’s a mouthful) from the Ascend Hotel Collection which offered all we needed for our stay and more.
But it was not just the cool, laid back luxury we enjoyed on the 4th floor with its expansive views, but also the amazing Bocca Italian Restaurant down below at street level (the Garlic & Rosemary Pane is to die for) and the many cafes in the precinct such as trendy and spacious Stoa Bokarina.
We were within easy driving distance of the awesome shopping mecca that is Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore and everything it has to offer, plus lunch at Green Zebra Restaurant overlooking Double Bay with alfresco dining and Modern Australian cuisine was a must.
Caloundra, just a ten minute drive down the road offered a welcome beachside shopping vibe and culture fix at the always interesting Caloundra Regional Gallery. If the weather had been more conducive, we also could have walked along Bokarina Beach in search of turtles and their well-hidden sandy nests (Turtle season is from November to March).
In short, we can’t wait to come back and explore Bokarina further, revisit its luxurious beachfront apartment living and explore the wild nature of Bokarina Beach.
Next time though we’ll leave umbrellas behind and don shades and swimmers so we can bask under the usually clear and sunny skies of this magical spot on Qld’s Sunshine Coast ☀️
Sunshine Coast Tours:
Mooloolaba: Turtle Snorkel & Swim at Mudjimba Island
Embark on an enjoyable ocean adventure to Mudjimba Island to swim with the playful turtles and learn about the rich dreamtime history. This experience provides the smallest group size on the Coast.
From Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo Entry Ticket and Transfer
Book your ticket and transfer from the Sunshine Coast to the iconic Australia Zoo. See the many exotic animals on display as you explore the zoo at your own pace before returning to your pickup point.
Sunshine Coast: Whale Watching Cruise on Jet Boat
Experience the thrill of a jet-powered whale watching cruise on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy a stable offshore platform, get up close to whales, and keep an eye out for dolphins.
Noosa Heads: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Sunshine Coast
Experience the thrill of surfing at Noosa Heads! Stand up and catch your first waves in no time with warm water, perfect waves, and expert instructors. Learn to ride with confidence!
Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise with Live Music
Unwind on the ultimate Sunset Cruise on the Sunshine Coast – live music, stunning views, and cocktails at golden hour. Soak up the sun, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water.
Explore Further:
Visit Queensland – Destination Focus
If your bucket list Aussie adventure is to snorkle the Great Barrier Reef, meet some locals at an historic outback pub, cuddle up close to a furry Aussie icon or explore the bright city lights, then Queensland is the destination for you.
Caloundra QLD – 5 Must Do Activities
Caloundra, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane is one of our favourite places to visit in Queensland and we make it a priority to get there every year for a well deserved long weekend.
Although we planned to visit many country towns, discover dozens of dinosaurs, climb pristine red sandhills to see stunning sunsets and search the parched ground for elusive Opals, we decided our main goal would be to visit as many old, unique and historic outback pubs as we could in the time, buy a beer or two and help these drought affected communities by sharing our love and some money.
Exploring Scenic Rim: Kalbar, Boonah, and Lake Moogerah
The Scenic Rim Region in Southeast Queensland is the perfect weekend getaway. it covers approx. 4,243sq km and showcases World Heritage Listed rainforests, fertile farmland, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, local produce, wineries, craft breweries and charming country towns. There’s heaps to explore so we’ve broken it down for you as a series of Weekend Diary instalments.
Once we took the first Lake Somerset turn off, we discovered why it is so popular. The Spit was pumping with boats, jet skis, wake boarders, picnickers and campers who all seemed to be die hard water sport enthusiasts.
Nerima Gardens – ‘A place of peace and tranquility, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit.’
4 Cool Trees to Visit in NSW & QLD
Add a Cool Tree to your next destination’s Bucket List. Here are four unique and wonderful trees to get you started in Qld and NSW.
The Artful Traveller – 4 Must See Regional Galleries in QLD & NSW
Art galleries nowadays are not just for art lovers alone. Today a Gallery is a destination in itself. A place to be entertained, eat, interact, learn and shop, and there are no better examples of this than at these four Regional Galleries in Qld and NSW…
A Taste of Australia – The Great Southern Land
Defining Australian cuisine is like trying to describe a sunrise while it’s still changing colours—it is vibrant, evolving, and beautifully complex. It is a journey that spans 60,000 years, moving from the ancient “bush tucker” of the First Nations people to the globally-inspired “Mod Oz” (Modern Australian) fusion we see today.
A Taste of Australia – Recipes from Down Under
To understand Australian food is to understand the spirit of Australia itself – a blend of deep ancient roots, a colonial past, and a restless, modern curiosity. It is a cuisine defined not by rigid rules, but by quality, freshness, and a fearless willingness to experiment.
Pixsell Travels 