Happy New Year to all of our Hillside residents! We hope you had a wonderful festive season with your loved ones.

The first weeks of the year, post-party season can feel a little deflating. Pair that with social expectations of goal-smashing and resolutions, it’s easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed. But don’t be mistaken – there are still plenty of fun things to do in and around Hillside this month! Here are a few ways to banish the January blues:

Cool off this summer at Gardners Falls

Maleny

Pack a picnic and head out for a swim at Gardners Falls. The shallow rock pools are ideal for the kids to enjoy, while the larger pools are the perfect spot for a freshwater swim underneath the falls.

Trivia at Mooloolah Valley Country Club 

Thursday 25 January, 6pm

Wake up your brain with the ultimate test of general knowledge. Gather your closest (and ideally, brightest!) mates for a fun-filled evening at Mooloolah Valley Country Club.

Trivia is free to enter – just head over to the club’s booking page to save your seat. Added bonus for parents: kids 12 and under eat free every Thursday. With prizes to be won, we can’t think of a better way to see in the long weekend!

Cook up a storm with these seasonal meals

We have some delicious new recipes for you to try out this year. Even better? These leftovers will make for a tasty fuss-free lunch!

• Spring veg quiche with sweet potato crust

Replace pastry with sweet potato to pack even more nutrients into this vegetarian quiche! With only fifteen minutes of prep time, this has to be one of the most rewarding meals to try your hand at. Find the recipe here.

• Asian-Style Duck Curry

You best believe this will be one of your favourite dinners this summer and will be an impressive dish to roll out at your next dinner party. Find the recipe here.

We recommend eating seasonally to lower the impact on your wallet, as well as the environment!

Make a splash with the zoo’s new waterslide!

Australia Zoo, Beerwah

There’s never been a better time to visit Australia Zoo! Kids over 120cm tall and up to 17 years old can cool off on a 6-metre tall waterslide, at Africa Lawn beside the Cheetah Grasslands. Don’t miss the chance to give it a go.

If your kids are big animal lovers, we recommend considering an annual pass for 2024 – you’ll start saving from your second visit.