Where To Drive In The Sunshine Coast

March 4, 2010 | By Zane Archer In travel-and-leisure |
by Zane Archer

The picturesque drive leads through the Blackall Range, the hills of emerald green which frame the resort towns of the Sunshine Coast. Along the way you will experience hillside villages and their quaint cafes and shops. The Southern portion of the drive sweeps through the glorious Glass House Mountains. This is typically a one day trip, however there are many lodging accommodations if you care to make it an overnight.

Start at Noosa Heads which is the epicenter of the Sunshine Coast and a fashionable resort town set on lovely Laguna Bay at the mouth of the Noosa Village. Here there are dramatic cliff top vantage points to view the terrific sandy beaches. From here head to Eumundi, a 19th century timber town which marks the ascent into the hills. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings the town hosts a wonderful market boasting local produce, arts and crafts .Next on the trip is Yandina , the home of the Ginger Factory- both a factory and a Theme Park. Ginger is a major local crop and the factory has combined its operations with a range of experiences for visitors to see how ginger is processed. You can watch cooking demonstrations and purchase jam and other treats plus ride the historic Queensland Cane Train and wander in the beautiful sub-tropical gardens.

Mapleton is next on the tour, but be sure to take a side stop to experience Dulong Lookout. These exhilarating views of the rolling green hills and the dense forest ar worth the time. Mapleton Hills National Park is another stop along the way which should not be missed for it’s preserved rainforest alone. Just south of Flaxton is the turn off to Kondalilla National park. This is a small park with over 100 known species of birdlife, another waterfall and a rockpool for swimming.

Gerrard Lookout is located between Montville and Maleny at an astonishing 375 meters above sea level. The views here span from Caloundra to Noosa and just a bit further are views of Lake Baroon and the Kenilworth forest views. Mountain view road offers views of the Glass House Mountains which are all identified with proper signage.

The old Gympie Road cuts through the middle of the Glass House Mountains veering south just ahead of Landsborough .There are 16 volcanic plugs and peaks rise abruptly from the plains reaching a maximum height of 556 metres.Many of these walks require rock climbing ability but there is an easier two hour return hike up 253 metre Mt Ngungun via the township of Glass House Mountains.

About the Author:
Many travelers searching for the right Sunshine Coast accommodation start by searching the internet. Online you can search for just the right Sunshine Coast hotels to fit the needs of your family for your next trip.


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