Rugby fans and their families following the British & Irish Lions series have the opportunity to experience Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and saviour the perfect build-up to the first Test clash in Brisbane.

(TRAVPR.COM) AUSTRALIA - March 27th, 2013 - Rugby fans and their families following the British & Irish Lions series have the opportunity to experience Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and saviour the perfect build-up to the first Test clash in Brisbane.

The Qantas Wallabies have chosen Caloundra as a base-camp and will be training at Stockland Stadium between June 9 and 15 while using other close by facilities to prepare for the first Test of the series at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 23.

The Wallabies will be hoping history repeats itself because one of their most successful eras, including the 1999 Rugby World Cup, was kick-started at regular training camps held in Caloundra.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd Tourism Development Manager Anthony Johnston said Caloundra was well-known as the perfect place for elite athletes to prepare under sunny skies in a safe environment using professionally accredited sporting facilities.

“This is paradise for training camps previously hosting AFL, NRL and Australian water polo, netball and cricket teams, along with individual elite swimmers and triathletes who all appreciate this perfect environment in which to prepare for their competitions,” Mr Johnston said.

“Sports fans can enjoy Caloundra’s friendly atmosphere and natural scenic beauty while rewarding themselves with plenty of laid-back activities, particularly on and in the water, during the lead up to the first Test match,” Mr Johnston said.

“We have one of the highest sunshine readings in the world, averaging seven hours a day, while the mid-year ocean temperature makes swimming and surfing as enjoyable as ever.”

Mr Johnston said some public appearances by the Australian team were expected to be scheduled in-between their intense training program and would be announced when the team arrived.

Caloundra is very accessible by road and air. Sunshine Coast Airport offers direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne, while Brisbane flights are only an hour away by road.

For further information about the Caloundra region, including hot deals for accommodation, www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/regions/the-playground, or contact Sunshine Coast Visitor Information Centres 1300 847 481.

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