Most travellers drive straight through Caboolture on their way up to the Sunshine Coast, but if you stop here you’ll make some interesting discoveries.
Maximum Markets
The Caboolture Country Markets is a massive enterprise that happens every Sunday year round – with more than 300 stalls, you are sure to find what you’re looking for here. There’s fresh fruit and vegetables with an excellent range of organic produce, a big second-hand section and of course plenty of arts, crafts and variety stores. They also have rides and amusements here every week, so the kids can enjoy the jumping castle, merry-go-round and other entertainment on offer. They also sell a lot of pets at the animal nursery so there are plenty of cute creatures to look at. They usually have at least 25 different food stalls as well, so your choices for lunch will be numerous and delicious. In the warmer months, the market continues into the evening to become a “Twilight Market”, and in June each year it coexists with the Caboolture Show, for even more fun and frivolity for the whole family.
River Delights
In the upper reaches of the Caboolture River you will find the beautiful Rocksberg Park. As the name suggests, there’s plenty of rock clambering along the creek bed to be done here. There’s a rocky water hole perfect for swimming when it’s warm enough, and lots of discoveries to make along the creek bed. Wallabies, Kookaburras and Koalas all make this nature reserve their home, so if you’re there at dawn or dusk you might be lucky enough to spot some wildlife too. They have plenty of picnic tables, so be sure to pack a basket of your favourite lunchtime treats- every thing tastes better when you’re eating in the open air with a beautiful view in front of you. For a pleasant drive to or from the park, explore the Caboolture River Road Heritage Drive, which sends you past several amazing buildings from the 1870s, including an old school house, assembly hall and a primitive Methodist Church, all brimming with heritage charm.
Environmentally Friendly Fun
The Caboolture Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) exists to educate people about the local area in an entertaining and enjoyable way. Eighteen hectares showing off a range of natural habitats can be found here, with well-maintained forest trails so that you can explore them all. There’s a playground for the kids with a BBQ, picnic area and a bike track especially designed for younger riders. There are a couple of great play areas here, including an “All Inclusive Play Space” that’s designed to be fully accessible for kids with special needs. The “Green Thumb” Plant Nursery is well worth a wander too, with more than 200 native and endangered species being propagated here. The volunteer staff are very knowledgeable and eager to assist with any questions you might have about making your own garden a bit more native wildlife friendly, with some plants ideally suited to your local climate and environment.
