Woombye (our home stay)

Doing the home exchange turned out to be excellent.  Staying in a little town on the Sunshine Coast of Australia called Woombye gave us a chance to experience Australia in a much less tourist way.  In fact we were definitely the only tourists in our small little town.  But everyone was so friendly.  Always full of good advice on good shops, restaurants, things to do and kangaroos to see.

About 3 km from the house we stayed in there is a huge farmer's market called the "Big Pineapple".  Apparently in its prime, it was the largest tourist destination in all of Australia, but the economy tanked and the market went sour.  However in recent years a family has purchased it and are working to bring it back to life.  Of course the produce as excellent.  But there was a nice little zoo for Lily to visit as well.

Petting zoo at the Big Pineapple

Choo choo train ride to get to the petting zoo

Surrounding area around Woombye.  Lots of tourist towns full of arts and crafts and tea houses.  Not bad views either.