Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Choose the Sunshine Coast For Your Wedding Reception Venue

The wedding reception is one of the most important parts in every wedding. However, choosing the right venue may not be that easy. You need to consider some essential factors such as your budget, the size of the wedding, the number of guests, and the ambiance or the atmosphere of the venue.

Knowing your number of guests is essential to give you an idea of how much you are going to spend for your reception. If you opt to invite numerous guests, then it will be quite costly and you need to get a bigger place for your reception. However, there are also big venues that can be less expensive and offer great deals. Now, if you are planning to have a church wedding, then you might have to spend more because you have to find another location for your reception; unlike in a civil wedding where you can have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location.

Would you want a formal ambiance or would you rather have a casual atmosphere? Depending on your preference, you can choose the venue that suits not only your needs but also your wants. Inspect the facilities. If you prefer having a grand reception, then you must make sure that the lighting is perfect, the sound system works well, and the room goes with your number of guests. Be sure to consider the inclusions of their package, the parking area, the location of the venue, and even the number of restrooms too.

There are various ways of finding wedding reception venues, and one great way is through the internet. Through the net, the couple can have access to the geographical areas thereby enabling them to choose the venue that is most convenient for them. In addition, various reception venues include in their website some important details and information. Others also include different pictures that can be very helpful to their customers. But of course, it would be best if you have time to visit them and check their location in person. Make an appointment with them to have a tour so that you can be certain that the place is perfect.

Among all the different wedding venues, one great place for wedding reception is the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. Queensland is popular for being a perfect wedding destination due to the top quality wedding venues that you can find, the lush scenery of the Hinterland and the fabulous golden beaches on the coast. A Sunshine Coast wedding reception is ideal because the venues are renowned for providing all the needs of their customers. The weather offers a temperate climate all year round and the environment is relaxing and peaceful to give the couple an intimate and private wedding reception. Venues are usually spacious and specifically designed to accommodate the numerous guests of the couple. And, as a bonus, the region is served by its own Sunshine Coast airport - perfect for your interstate or overseas guests.

So when you are looking for the perfect wedding reception venue, the important thing to remember is that you have explored all your options. Before making a reservation, you need to be certain that the venue that you like meets all of your necessities. Your wedding happens only once so there is no reason to pick a venue that is second best. Therefore, if you want to have only the best wedding reception, there is no other better place to have it but only in the Sunshine Coast.

Mary Hubbard represents the events centre @ maroochy, a Sunshine Coast wedding reception venue and conference centre. Find out more about hosting your next conference on the beautiful Sunshine Coast here => http://www.eventscentremaroochy.com.au

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Whale Watching on the Sunshine Coast

The Glass House Mountains and the spectacular countryside aren't the only attractions of a Sunshine Coast holiday just north of Brisbane, Australia. Another viewing adventure is nearby. Just off the coast in the crystal blue Pacific waters another adventure awaits. Every year from June to November more than 9000 humpback whales make the journey northward from Antarctica and winter in the warm waters off Queensland.

Getting to see a humpback whale is one of nature's most amazing experiences. These creatures are giants. Humpbacks are the world's fifth largest whale, and they are beautiful to behold. The humpback whale can be nearly seven times the size of an African elephant. But he humpbacks aren't content to merely allow you to watch them. Humpbacks like to entertain their fans. You can see and hear a fascinating show. Whales have as many as 40 different tones, and while you're listening to the symphony you can watch them soar out of the water before crashing back and diving below, leaving turbulent seas in their wake.

Researchers studying the humpback whale have learned that the whales have a complex method of communication, and some scientists even believe they have a level of intelligence on par with that of humans. Evidence of this can be seen as well has heard, particularly in the care mothers give to their young. Some of these wondrous sites unfold so close it seems just an arm's length away. Imagine being so close to a whale blow that you can feel the spray. Imagine being able to look into the eyes of such a massive and magnificent creature.

Humpback whales may have the lead roles in the show, but they aren't the only performers. Dolphins are also stars of the pageant, and they are not at all shy. Imagine seeing a whale interacting with a group of dolphins. Sharks and turtles often make more than a mere cameo appearance, and this fantastic aquatic cabaret unfolds in the Sunshine Coast's brilliant waters - waters warm enough for swimming year round.

Another type of whale can also be spotted taking a Sunshine Coast holiday and presents a rare treat. Those embarking on humpback whale watching tours occasionally see white whales. These beautiful creatures are unforgettable. Yet as magical as an appearance of a white whale may seem, nothing can upstage the humpbacks themselves.

Whale watching wasn't always the main interaction between humans and whales. In fact, only in recent years has whale watching become a popular activity. As recently as the 1960s whales were slaughtered by the thousands. The whales seem to understand that times have changed, and they are becoming more and more accustomed to the sight of adoring fans in whale watching boats. Whereas once the whales once might have fled oncoming vessels, they now seem attracted to the boats full of adoring fans.

Before venturing out into the azure blue waters on your Sunshine Coast holiday,it's best to plan ahead. Whale watching is becoming more and more popular every season, and the tours fill quickly. You don't want to miss this grand opportunity.

Roger Laganin runs ocean front accommodation at the Catalina Resort, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia where you can enjoy your Sunshine Coast holiday. Find out about their special deals for a limited time only at => http://www.catalinaresort.com.au

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Sunshine Coast Holidays and Wineries

If you are looking for an adventurous time and great wine, Sunshine Coast holidays in Queensland Australia make the perfect experience.

The area is very diverse and growing quickly, you can find wineries and vineyards all over the Sunshine Coast and even in the nearby hills. The beautiful Queensland coastline is just an added bonus to the opportunity for sampling wines from many promising vineyards.

There are three main wine regions on the Sunshine Coast that you can visit: Kenilworth, Traveston and Blackall Range. Each of these areas is different from the other and produces wines with unique flavors.

One hour north of Brisbane is the Maleny Mountain Wines, winery. The vineyard boasts rich volcanic soil that is perfect for growing the Chambourcin grapes. Using a blend of these grapes and others grown locally the vineyard makes a lovely range of wines. In fact, their list of wines is so extensive that there is sure to be a variety that will suit any taste bud. Maleny Mountain Wines has bus tours, group wine tastings and will serve you a tasty lunch on the weekends.

Make Dingo Creek Vineyard the next stop on your Sunshine Coast holiday itinerary. It lies about a half hour drive further north and is in the Cooloola region. Here they have been producing their own Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay since the late 90's. This vineyard is capable of handling large groups of people and is open to bus groups every day of the week. Up to 60 people can enjoy lunch, tea and or wine tastings on the lovely covered deck. If you would like to add to the whole Australian adventure, you simply must try their bush tucker, a regional dish. One impressive fact about this vineyard is the work that they do to practice sustainable agriculture, this means the land will be capable of producing for several generations. Dingo Creek has worked diligently to establish their reputation and if the wine is any indicator, they will succeed.

Robinsons Family Vineyard is the next winery on the list and one of the oldest in the area. The vineyard was opened in 1969 in Ballandean on the Granite Belt. This area has a unique blend of soil and climate that has yielded some award winning wines. Ballendean National Park is the view below the vineyard and it is fantastic. Robinsons was one of the first vineyards to diversify their vines, along with the native Shiraz vines the vineyard also plants Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Recently they have added Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais and Merlot. This brings them to a grand total of 30 acres of vines to harvest. In 1975, the vineyard took a gold medal for a blended wine that included Cabernet, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. The contest was held in Brisbane and the vineyard has continued to win awards ever since.

Time spent in Europe by the vineyard owners has allowed them to bring back a rich tradition to the land of Australia. You can enjoy them all on your next Sunshine Coast holiday.

The above vineyards and wineries are just a sampling of the dozen or more that you can visit in the Sunshine Coast area. Along with spectacular wines, you will also find a countryside that is as beautiful as it is exotic. You will not soon forget your Sunshine Coast holiday, of that you can be certain.

Roger Laganin runs ocean front accommodation at the Catalina Resort, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia where you can relax on your Sunshine Coast holidays. Find out about their new penthouse accommodation at http://www.catalinaresort.com.au.