Ever felt like hanging off a wall? How about flying along on a wire metres above the ground or, a game of canoe tiggy on the lake? Maybe jumping off a big tree and trusting your mates to catch you? Up for a swim in a resort pool, a walk through the rainforest, sleeping with your friends in bunk beds in the bush? If you're still at school and answered yes to any of the above, then Mapleton QCCC (Queensland Conference and Camping Centre) is your go. Up the hill from the Sunshine Coast, where the hinterland lays out like a living map before you, is Mapleton and home to QCCC. All pole fences and wood stain, with indigenous flags and broad steps, the main building has an air of a kind of rustic United Nations. A gathering of people on that scale it might not be, but there's a feeling that everyone is welcome here and everyone can find their space. No-one gets left out.
Can you canoe?
Over the sounds of birds in the trees and rustling leaves, you can hear the faint roar of kids in motion, rising and dissipating on the breeze. Echoes of squeals of delight and fun terror. Laughter. Birds and leaves. Could there be any more comforting sounds? Mapleton QCCC is all about recreation and outdoor education. It is an ideal venue for school, church and special interest group camps, retreats and family groups, whose goals are to have fun while challenging themselves by stepping out of their everyday environment. The spectacular rainforest setting, high on the Blackall Range, is the perfect environment to enjoy adventurous ropes course activities that promote teamwork, communication and build self-confidence. There is a range of accommodation which caters from as few as 8 guests’ right up to 268 guests. While only along with me to look around for this blog, my daughter was largely bug-eyed throughout, hardly believing that such a place existed. We've made enquiries for our school and as a family to come and immerse ourselves in QCCC's experts hands. Can't wait. There really is something for everyone at QCCC Mapleton.
Theme parks don’t immediately spring to mind when you think of the Sunshine Coast but Aussie World, right off the Bruce Highway (by the eccentric Ettamogah Pub), is a family playground worthy of attention.
Sunshine Castle: It’s medieval and it’s fun.
Will I, or won’t I take the Plunge? I watch as the crowd lines up for the new ride at Aussie World, no-one is immune to the water treatment, no-one stays dry.