Thursday, 4 March 2010

Taking The Sunshine Coast Scenic Route


By Zane Archer

This drive leads through the Blackall Range, the tranquil, emerald-green hills that frame the beaches and resort towns of the Sunshine Coast.En route are quaint hillside villages well serviced with cafes, stores and galleries and to the south a scenic road swoops through the sculptural shapes of the Glass House Mountains. The journey can be completed in a day, but there are plenty of B & Bs and guesthouses for over night stays.

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.

On the way to Mapleton, stop at the Dulong Lookout situated at the top of the escarpment. The views are exhilarating " rolling green hills to the east and dense forest to the north. Take the time to explore tiny Mapleton Falls National Park which preserves remnant rainforest and a 120 metre waterfall. The road from Mapleton to Flaxton traces the ridge of the Blackall Ranges offering magnificent views east and west .Just south of Flaxton is the turn-off to Kondalilla National Park, a small park where over 100 bird species have been recorded. This is also where you will find Kondalilla Falls, an impressive 90metre cascade with a rockpool suitable for swimming perched on top!

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.

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