salt spring 17
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SPRING IS HERE. The sun is shining and it’s<br />
the perfect time to get out and explore this<br />
amazing region we call home.<br />
Here at <strong>salt</strong>, we think one of the best ways to explore the Sunshine<br />
Coast is by taking advantage of the tracks and trails connecting<br />
the region. One of these is the stunning Coastal Pathway – 96<br />
kilometres of long, winding tracks that allow you to discover the<br />
beautiful coastline and breathtaking scenery broken up into 11<br />
sections from Pelican Waters to Tewantin.<br />
And there isn’t a much better way to do that than on a pushbike.<br />
But don’t fear, the best aspects of these tracks (other than the fact<br />
they meander alongside some of our most beautiful beaches, parks<br />
and leisure areas), is that you don’t need to be a professional bike<br />
rider to enjoy them from the ‘saddle’. You don’t need to don the<br />
Lycra, you just need to bring a smile and a sense of adventure<br />
because they are perfect for any group or any occasion.<br />
Here’s a little breakdown for you.<br />
BEST FOR THE ADVENTURERS:<br />
For those who like to wander off the beaten track, there are a<br />
number of options for you to get out the mountain bike and get<br />
back to nature.<br />
These tracks aren’t road-bike friendly, but if you have a mountain<br />
bike they are well worth the effort because although the Sunshine<br />
Coast is known for its pristine beaches, it is also home to some<br />
diverse bushland, national parks and exciting trails best explored<br />
by bike.<br />
For beginners, Dularcha National Park offers a 3.2 kilometre<br />
trail that follows the old Brisbane Cairns railway line between<br />
Landsborough and Mooloolah. It’s ideal for families and one of<br />
its features is a 100 metre abandoned tunnel that is home to a bat<br />
colony.<br />
The Cooroy Wanderer, part of the Noosa Trail Network, is<br />
another great option for beginners as it’s an easy, flat track that’s<br />
well signed and links through the villages from Pomona to Cooroy<br />
via the Yurol State Forest. You can even grab a bite to eat or leave<br />
the bike for a bit to explore the Cooroy Heritage Walk when<br />
you’re done – bonus!<br />
Intermediate mountain bikers can also enjoy the West Cooroy<br />
State Forest at Belli Park with a range of tracks through eucalypt<br />
and even rainforest environments, perfect for whiling away the day<br />
playing spot the koala. Bird lovers should definitely check out the<br />
tracks in this area as it is home to a large variety of beautiful birds.<br />
The Glass House Mountains are well known for their glorious<br />
formations jutting into the sky, but you don’t need to climb<br />
them to experience the beauty of the region. The Glass House<br />
Mountains Circuit allows you to follow the domes, cones and<br />
spires from the seat of your bike on the 25 kilometre circuit<br />
track. The ride takes you between Mount Tibrogargan, Mount<br />
Tibberoowuccum and Mount Beerburrum before a sealed road<br />
leads you around the rest of the volcanic plugs formed 26 million<br />
years ago.<br />
Die-hard bikers aren’t lacking trails to suit them either. The<br />
Parklands Conservation Park boasts four circuit loops with big<br />
climbs, slippery rocks and creek crossings through subtropical<br />
rainforest. Or, head to Bellthorpe National Park at Stony Creek for<br />
a 40 kilometre ride that’s steep and rough at the top but levels out<br />
when you reach the day-use area. Don’t forget to enjoy a dip in<br />
Stony Creek on your way back. >