lastminute lovely Erin makes the most of a one night getaway with a weekend to remember with her bestie.
“I’m really busy”.
I think we use that phrase way too often. I know it’s stopped me from living every lastminute before. But not this weekend. We’ve only got two days/one night but my BFF Jess and I are going to make the most of it on the Sunshine Coast.
Our journey starts on a picture perfect Saturday morning. I’m a little worried that we might go straight past our first stop, Maleny Mountain Wines, but there’s no way you can miss the giant wine barrel that houses MMW.
My new favourite landmark
We walk into the ‘Big Barrel’ and find we’ve got run of the place for a spot of wine tasting (the fact that it’s 10.15am might have something to do with it). Sharon, our hostess, explains that we get to try five wines for $5. The bonus is that you don’t get charged if you end up purchasing at least one bottle of wine or liqueur. Trust me; you won’t end up paying that $5. I pretty much buy one or two bottles of everything I try, but the best of the best is the Sweet Sunshine. I’ll take four, please!
Tip: Join the Maleny Mountain Wine Club and get 15% off your purchase
Next on the agenda is Maleny Cheese. If you time it right you can see their cheeses and yoghurt being made. We don’t get to catch that part, but we’re happy enough tasting our way through some delicious dairy.
Where to begin? Besides the Brie, Feta and Tilsit, I recommend you give the Tuscan and Smoked Hand-Crafted Waxed Cheddars a try
With another bagful of goodies in hand we head for Montville. It’s super busy as we arrive but once we find a park we’re straight into exploring the town’s village-like main street. Boutiques, gourmet shops and restaurants with gorgeous views make Montville a must-see on any Hinterland trek.
Postcard perfect. I’d definitely write home about this view (if I wasn’t only away for one night)
The legendary Poets Cafe of Montville
I’ve been told I have to get some fudge while I’m here. After a bit of a wander we spy Fudgyboombahs. Stepping into Fudgyboombahs, you literally become ‘a kid in a candy store’. Lollipops, international candy, choc-coated everythings and of course—fudge—surrounds you. I can’t believe how many flavours of fudge there are. I pull myself together and select four.
If a rainbow had flavours it would look like this
Yum!
After a quick bite to eat we’re off to our main destination for the weekend—Noosa.
We get to Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa and realise instantly we’ve picked the right place for our girly getaway. After an extremely friendly welcome from reception, we’re off to our room. We’ve got ocean views and the balcony looks out over the pool. Not only that, there’s a welcome gift from the hotel and a spa bath as well.
Our gorgeous suite
O. M. G!
How lucky are we?!
We can see the pool bar’s open so with a few hours of sunshine still left in the day, we don our cossies and head down for a drink. There’s a full bar and a lush cocktail list on offer. We decide to chill out with a couple of Berry Bombs and paddle around until the sun starts to set.
The drinks are cool but the pool is heated – you can swim all year ‘round at Sheraton
It’s a little quiet on Hastings Street later in the evening but choosing where to eat dinner is still a challenge. Luckily we see a sign for Season on the footpath and go down a laneway to find the restaurant sitting right across from Noosa Beach. The place has a warm ambience about it and a delicious modern menu. There are so many tempting options we decide to share.
Braised lamb shanks with goats curd polenta, verjuice tomatoes, green beans and salsa agresto
Half chipotle barbeque chicken with house made cornbread and brocollini
Both mains are so tasty and filling that we don’t have room for dessert, and that means no Deconstructed Rocky Road (boo!). Before calling it a night though we visit Sheraton’s River Lounge and enjoy a Mango Mojito (me) and a Mocktail (Jess) while listening to some live tunes. What a way to see out our Saturday.
After a leisurely sleep-in we head down to buffet breakfast at Cato’s Restaurant. I would have to say that this is probably the best breakfast ever. We both grab an omelette that’s freshly made to our liking and follow it up with pancakes, croissants and more. We’ve already overindulged this weekend so there’s no point in calorie counting now.
Jamie (Cato’s egg connoisseur for the day)
It’s unique touches like getting your honey from actual honeycomb that makes buffet breakfast at Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa super spesh
The day has only just begun, so after breakfast we head to AQUA Day Spa for some pampering. With my robe and slippers on, I instantly start to unwind in the warm-lit waiting area before being led to my private treatment room.
You can start and end your visit at AQUA Day Spawith fresh fruit, energy boosting cookies and their famous ginger tea.
For an hour I’m treated to a massage that is drift-away delightful. I can’t help but yawn on my way out to the Aqua Therapy Pool.
The Aqua Therapy Pool has a walk through area offering hydro and resistance pressure treatments, plus a larger spa bath for a full on massage effect.
Me in my ‘water lounge’
After another hour in what I call relaxation central, we drag ourselves away from the Spa. The late check out we organised with Sheraton comes in handy so we can say goodbye to Noosa without losing our newfound feelings of R&R.
Our journey home includes a stop at Point Perry in Coolum (check out the sweet reading spot a lucky lady found below) and strawberry picking at Rolin Farm. How often do you get to choose the biggest, juiciest, reddest berries to go in your punnet (or in your bubbly that may or may not be from Maleny Mountain Wines)?
The best ‘reading room’ I’ve ever seen…
P.Y.O at its best
Jess shows me the perfect picking technique but if you don’t have a pro like her with you, they’ve got someone on hand to talk you through it
Our baskets are full as we make our way to the farm shop and we can’t resist having one of their freshly made strawberry ice-creams after we pay. With our girly getaway at its end, I know we’ve made the most of every lastminute of our short (but definitely sweet) escape.
Tip: Want to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland but don’t want to stress about details, directions or designated drivers? Book a Full Day Hinterland Wine & Gourmet Food Trail experience and some swish accommodation on lastminute.com.au for a carefree culinary getaway.