Mooloolaba - Montville

Yes, Mooloolaba is this lovely. Even its name is beautiful, and saying it makes you smile. Mooloolaba is on the Sunshine Coast, a bit north and east of Brisbane, and is where our friends Olivia and Greg live. They had graciously asked us to stay with them, and we've missed them so since they left Washington that we gladly took them up on the offer.

We drove home with Olivia after she finished work, so it was dark and dinner time when we got in. Greg had made dough, and we had wonderful pizza for dinner. They tired us out with talk of the amazing plans ahead of us. Olivia had Friday and Monday off to spend with us, and they had packed the four days full.

The next morning we started with a walk along the beach, out to the ocean piers.


Greg doesn't like this image, but I love it, of him and Olivia walking ahead of me.


Waves leave behind tracks on the beach as they catch shells and seaweed.



Mooloolaba from the ocean piers.


Mooloolaba from the Esplanade, which is chock full of cafes and shops.


One of the city's charms. Apparently the city government spent more than a million dollars creating these public toilets on the waterfront, then christened them the Loo With a View.

That afternoon we went to Montville with Olivia, just for some wander. The drive is beautiful, taking us through the hinterlands and into the hills. We had a lovely afternoon. Then we had to hit the store and do some preparation work, because that evening was Barbie on the Beach!


It was a rather chilly evening, but so much fun! A number of Olivia and Greg's friends met us there, as did Olivia's parents. It's really fascinating--there are public grills just all over the beaches, with tables and trash and recycling.... We saw them in Brisbane too, and I did also in Cairns. No reservations, no fees. Just public use. Greg wants to move here. Oh, and this is me and Olivia's Greg. (Yes, the Greg-Greg thing made it both easy and hard....)



A view of Montville from one of the lookout points.


There were placards like these all over the sidewalk, noting different local flora. I loved them.


These two are for Mom D, and her perpetual quest for the Christmas shop. We entered, but didn't find any great kitschy Australian holiday goodies.



Just a view up the street at the charming locale.


Finally, a bit of fun. Really, we spied this plate in a parking lot.

Overall, a great first day to vacation, spent with friends!