When you live on one of the most amazing coastlines on earth it would be an safe bet that you’d be heading off to your favourite stretch of beach over Easter right? Well sometimes, just sometimes, you might want to do something, or go somewhere… different.

This Easter it would seem that you’re spoilt for choice because there’s so much happening on our Sunshine Coast and up in the stunning Hinterland.

Easter Fun Days at Australia Zoo

How many people can say that they have a world class Zoo on their doorstep? And it’s as wild as holidays get this Easter at Australia Zoo! If you’re on a chocolate high this Easter, they have just the place to burn some energy. Easter at Australia Zoo means stacks of fun, free face painting (9:00am – 11:00am daily) and of course you never know what that cheeky Easter Bunny has in store! Bindi and The Jungle Girls Perform live! See their very own wildlife warrior perform daily at 11:30am in the Crocoseum. Robert feeds the crocs with Terri and Bindi! Watch Terri, Bindi and Robert feed their beautiful crocs live in the world famous Crocoseum at 12:00pm daily during their Wildlife Warriors show. You will not want to miss all the jaw snapping action!

40th PA & MA Bendall Surfing Contest

Well this one is back at the beach, but hey it’s a tradition that should not be missed. The second longest running surfing competition in Australia, between the 18-20 April it’s the 40th anniversary of the Pa and Ma Bendall held at Moffat Beach Caloundra over the Easter long weekend. Run by Windansea Surf Club past winners include Joel Parkinson and Michael Peterson. Watch some of the best young surfers in Australia in this prestigious event.

The Ocean Street World Festival

The Ocean Street World Festival is a community celebration of culture, music and food. To be held on Easter Sunday 31st March, the event will bring together the Sunshine Coast’s diverse flavours, sounds and people. The Ocean Street World Festival will include market stalls representing many different countries food and culture and entertainment featuring musicians from all around the world playing many styles. The whole family will be catered for with amusements for the kids and the choice of Ocean Street’s bars and restaurants for Mum and Dad.

Eumundi Pavilion Markets

Australia’s biggest and best art, craft and produce market, is held every Saturday and Wednesday in the heart of the charming historic hinterland town of Eumundi. Established back in 1979, the world-renowned Eumundi Markets is like an outdoor gallery, with towering heritage listed fig trees rising above the 500 plus stalls. The market’s policy of make it, bake it, design it, sew it or grow it, ensures quality products and the very best of locally produced goods. You will discover original artworks, sculptures, and furniture, handmade toys, home wares, and skincare, cutting edge fashion and jewelry by local designers, as well as fresh local produce and fabulous food to enjoy while you explore Eumundi. There is always a stellar line-up of world-class musicians and talented street performers, as well as face painters, and alternative therapists offering massages, palm readings and more.

Feeling The Need For A Little Culture?

GONDOLAS, GUADI & PEARLS OF THE SEA By Rex Backhaus-Smith

Art on Cairncross, near Maleny, beings this exhibition by noted Queensland artist Rex Backhaus-Smith. Born in Western Queensland, Rex has been painting the Australian outback, in his own unique fashion for over 50 years. This exhibition, “Gondolas, Gaudi and Pearls of the Sea” shows Rex’s inspiration to create three different suites of work from recent travels to North Queensland and to Spain and Italy. This is the first time that Backhaus-Smith has painted subjects from abroad and is partially due to his amazing recovery from an almost fatal fall in 2012. You can’t help but be enthralled by this exhibition.

One For The Lovers Of Fine Wine And Cheese.

We did a story on this a while back but it’s good to remind you that it too is on over the Easter Break. Looking for a countrified experience for the whole family this Easter? Your search is over, because on Easter Saturday, the 19th April 2014, Kenilworth is putting out a big welcome mat for its annual farm-to-fork feast, the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival.

And it’s set to be another corker event this year!

Celebrating 25 years of cheese making by Kenilworth Country Foods, the festival is your ‘once a year’ chance to indulge in the freshest produce from around our renowned Mary Valley. However, it is not just for the wine and cheese buffs, as you’ll see this will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.

Over the years the festival has grown in popularity so make sure you get there early so that you get to sample everything the days events have to offer. And take an esky as you will definitely want to being something yummy home.