Find your picture perfect lifestyle at The Avenue

There’s so much to see and do if you are fortunate to live – and retire – on the Sunshine Coast. For the lucky residents of The Avenue Maroochydore there’s an array of opportunities to explore the many interesting sights around their new home.

Aura Holdings Senior Development Manager Jon Dicks is a keen photographer who in his spare time relishes heading off with his camera to some of his favourite spots near Maroochydore. He shares some of his images here. We hope Jon’s stunning photos will inspire you to pack a picnic basket, jump in the car or take a stroll along the river to see these views for yourself.

One of Jon’s ‘secret’ spots is Serenity Falls in the Buderim Forest Park – less than 15 minutes or 8km from The Avenue Maroochydore. The forest’s waterfall walk is in a 45ha secluded oasis on the northern side of Buderim village. The rainforest is full of tall trees, ferns, babbling waterfalls, cascades and birds. Jon says he loves being able to walk behind the falls.

There are two entry points to the walking trails. The lower entry is off Lindsay Rd via Harrys Lane. There’s a large, grassy park with electric barbecues and picnic tables near the carpark. An elevated wooden boardwalk suitable for less agile walkers leads through the forest, criss-crossing the creek. However, be aware that beyond the boardwalk, your stroll will become a little more challenging. But if you follow the trail, you’ll be well rewarded by serene bushland and, of course, the waterfalls.

The upper entry is via Quorn Close, also off Lindsay Rd. There’s extra parking available here, picnic and barbecue facilities and a memorial garden to Edna Walling. The famed garden designer retired to a home on Lindsay Rd in Buderim. A path takes walkers through a reasonably steep trail   manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. It takes you straight to the falls and the high arch bridge spanning the creek above the falls.

Jon also enjoys photographing the five old boathouses on the Maroochy River. The quaint timber structures have sat on the riverbank since the late 1940s with some now falling into disrepair. Visitors and locals share fond memories of the photogenic little jetties where they have fished from or just sat to watch life go by on the river.

Residents of The Avenue can view the boathouses by taking a 2.4km drive or stroll to Bradman Ave.

To find your picture perfect retirement at The Avenue Maroochydore call 07 5479 6482 or email live@theavenuemaroochydore.com.au