28 November 2018

Mary Valley Rattler schedules record number of services

The Mary Valley Rattler will mark a major milestone next month, with a record number of train journeys scheduled for December, as strong demand from visitors builds.

The heritage railway experience is on track to run 34 services in December, a 30% increase from its regular timetable of the 26 services spread across Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays since the popular attraction reopened in early October.

Mary Valley Rattler Chairman Ian McNicol said the significant jump is a result of special Christmas services, an extension of the Retro Fridays trial and the demand for group bookings.

“We’re thrilled with the way Queenslanders have embraced the return of the Rattler, so much so that we will continue with our trial of Retro Fridays, the short haul trip to Monkland on the Silver Bullet rail motor paired with breakfast or lunch at the Platform No.1 Café throughout December. We have also planned some very special trips to celebrate Christmas,” Mr McNicol said.

“There will be a special Christmas service scheduled next month, with two additional charter services to run for private functions.

26 November 2018

All aboard the Mary Valley Rattler Christmas Train

The Mary Valley Rattler will celebrate its first Christmas since regular services resumed with a special Twilight Christmas Train journey, along with the opportunity to take your own photos with Santa Claus every Sunday in December in the lead up to Christmas.

The inaugural Mary Valley Rattler Twilight Christmas Train will depart historic Gympie Station on Tozer Street on Friday 14th December at 5.30pm, on an extended return trip to Amamoor Station.

Mary Valley Rattler Chairman Ian McNicol said the Rattler’s Twilight Christmas Train is a rare opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the scenic Mary Valley at night.

17 November 2018

Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade to light up December!

A flotilla of local boats will light up The Mooloolah River with the spirit of the season again this year for the 15th annual Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade, organised by Mooloolaba Yacht Club.

MYC Vice Commodore Josh Close said the Parade, starting at 6.30pm on Saturday 22nd December, will be the biggest and best yet with a record level of entries expected not only from boat owners but homeowners along the Parade route too.

15 November 2018

New faces help to take Foundation to the next level

Two new directors including a local lawyer and business success coach have been formally appointed to the Board of the Buderim Foundation at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held recently.

Paul Kusy from My Legal Group and Rebecca Ramsay from Clear Light Capital join ten current directors and replace retiring directors – John Kruger and Lisa Edwards.

In announcing the new appointments, convener of the panel of Members responsible for their selection, Mr. Rod McKinnon said each of the new directors has an acknowledged track record of success and achievement in their respective fields.

“They each bring a great deal to their new roles adding further breadth and depth to this outstanding community organisation,” Mr McKinnon said.

13 November 2018

Come join Retro Fridays at the Mary Valley Rattler

By popular demand, iconic tourist attraction the Mary Valley Rattler announced today it will start Retro Fridays, a fun filled journey every Friday morning aboard the gleaming 1960’s Silver Bullet railmotor with complimentary breakfast or lunch.

As part of a trial, every Friday 10am, the beautifully restored Silver Bullet diesel railmotor will travel a portion of the Mary Valley heritage rail corridor on a return trip to nearby Monkland, a suburb on the north-east bank of the Mary River home to the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

With a meal included in the ticket price, passengers will also enjoy either a delicious breakfast or lunch from Platform No. 1 Café prior to or after travelling.

At 30 minutes for a roundtrip, Mary Valley Rattler Chairman Ian McNicol said Retro Fridays are an ideal way to sample just some of the magic of heritage rail travel the Mary Valley Rattler is known for.

01 November 2018

Date set for Buderim Community Christmas Carols

The Buderim Village Park will come alive with festive spirit, with the date set for the Buderim Community Carols on Sunday, 9th December.

The 2017 BWMCA Community Carols Crowd – photo by Ross Eason

With pre-show entertainment from 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus, locals and visitors alike are invited to join in on the popular annual event, hosted again this year by the BWMCA and Buderim Bendigo Community Bank.

31 October 2018

Buderim remembers a terrible war’s end

Australia’s worst trauma, World War 1, left a legacy of sorrow felt to this day. Buderim was no exception. The tiny farming community lost ten of its young men from the 49 who saw active service.

These words are part of the address to be delivered by veteran Drew Miller at Buderim’s Remembrance Day service on Sunday 11 November, marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918.

Mr Miller, who served with the UN in the Australian Peace Keeping Contingent in Rwanda and is now a science teacher at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, will lead the service that takes place at the E.J. Foote War Memorial Sanctuary in Park Lane,  Buderim commencing at 10.30am.

18 October 2018

USC gets drone’s eye view of migrating whales

Inexpensive drones are offering scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast a spectacular birds’ eye view of migrating humpback whales.

Two times a day, three days a week, researchers are setting sail in a Sunreef tourist boat into the waters off Mooloolaba.

Tourism researcher Dr Vikki Schaffer said the drone was an inexpensive consumer-grade model chosen so that the experiment could be replicated in other areas.

“Drones offer an aerial view that is absolutely changing the game for whale research which, to date, has been challenged because of the logistics around getting close to whales,” she said.

17 October 2018

Exciting new fashion & homewares businesses to call The Wharf Mooloolaba home

As part of The Wharf Mooloolaba’s $10million refurbishment, some exciting new retail ventures will open their doors this week, joining a mix of cafes, restaurants, bars and recreational attractions already busy operating in the open-air precinct.

The launch of these new retail businesses is further evidence The Wharf Mooloolaba is firmly re-establishing a reputation as the place to meet, eat and explore at Mooloolaba and on the Sunshine Coast.

04 October 2018

Historic Mary Valley Rattler First Run Day this Saturday

The historic Gympie Railway Station will be the place to be this Saturday, as the Mary Valley Rattler celebrates its First Run Day with a very special inaugural return trip to Amamoor via Dagun on the historic railway, alongside a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment.

Doors open to the free event at the station on Tozer Street at 8am for what promises to be an unforgettable start to the iconic railway’s welcome return to regular services.

Tickets for Saturday’s First Run Day are close to selling out so if you want to be on the historic first train, buy your tickets now. While you are at the station enjoying the festivities, you can also book future trips or jump online and book at maryvalleyrattler.com.au.

Highlights of the packed day-long program include musical performances from X-Factor contestant Caitlyn Shadbolt to a classical harpist, a live broadcast and giveaways from local radio station Zinc FM and a slew of children’s entertainers.

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