If ever there was an excuse to enjoy a Girls Day Out, Netfest is it.
The annual event, held on the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast, brings athletes from across Australia and overseas to the region for a long weekend of netball, friends and fun.
And the best part? There’s just as much to enjoy off the court.
2018 Netfest ambassadors and former elite netballers Sue Gaudion, Catherine Cox and Sharelle McMahon made the most of their time on the Sunshine Coast with an extended mini-break.
Here we share their tips for the ultimate Girls Day Out on the Sunshine Coast, and why they plan to make it an annual tradition.
Mooloolaba Beach
Morning: 8am
Start your Girls Day Out in typical Sunshine Coast style with an early morning surf on Coolum’s Main Beach.
The team at Coolum Surfing School guarantee a great time on the waves, sharing their passion and knowledge to get you “walking on water” in no time.
Sharelle and Sue tried their luck on the board, and the look on their faces as they stood up for the first time said it all.
In Sharelle’s words, it was a “delightful way to start our day exploring the Sunshine Coast”.
Surfing
Mid morning: 10:30am
After working up an appetite in the surf, follow the girls’ lead and enjoy breakfast at one of the many beachside cafes along Coolum esplanade.
The trio enjoyed brunch at Raw Energy Coolum, before heading to Eumundi to explore The Original Eumundi Markets.
The markets, held Wednesday and Saturday, are the biggest art and craft market in Australia giving visitors the chance to chat with local farmers, explore artisan stalls or even stop to get their palm read.
Lunch: 1pm
A Girls Day Out calls for something special, and Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School is just that.
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the tables hugging the banks of a tranquil pond, the restaurant offers diners a sensory feast.
Spirit House specializes in contemporary Asian cuisine, and Sue, Catherine and Sharelle were blown away by their experience.
“Walking in was spectacular,” Catherine said of Spirit House, “and once in, even more so.
“Incredible service and the best food I have ever eaten (and I have eaten A LOT).”
Given the chance, this is one restaurant they would love to make an annual tradition!
Afternoon: 4pm
A Girls Day Out would not be complete without a trip to the spa, so the trio ended their afternoon at The Waterfall Day Spa Mooloolaba.
Located in Mooloolaba’s Landmark Resort, Waterfall Day Spa specializes in massages, facial treatments, body wraps and pamper packages, with Sharelle, Cath and Sue settling for their signature massage.
The customised experience aims to reduce tension, restore well being and recondition tired and aching muscles – a must for every netballer.
Evening: 6pm
With the sun setting, finish your Girls Day Out on a high note with a drink at one of the many bars along the coastline.
Sharelle, Cath and Sue ended the day in Mooloolaba, which boasts a number of quality restaurants along the esplanade and newly renovated Wharf precinct.
For an evening drink, we suggest watching the sun go down over the marina at The Dock Mooloolaba, before heading to dinner at Spice Bar.
The Dock, Mooloolaba
