The holiday destination of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, is well known for many tourist activities and destinations such as the glorious beaches, shopping, fishing, surfing and of course Fraser Island. However, the areas surrounding your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast offer plenty more.
This scenic drive has something to offer all visitors, catering for all interests and budgets. Featuring stunningly beautiful picture postcard scenery this 2 1/2 hour round trip in the car is a perfect half or full day excursion for those staying in accommodation in Noosa. Don't forget to allow time for eating, shopping and exploring.
Introduction
The Blackall Ranges are inland from the Sunshine Coast and the area is often referred to as the Noosa or Sunshine Coast Hinterland. These ranges are an average 450 - 500 metres above sea level, allowing for absolutely stunning coastal views and a cooler climate than that down on the coast. The Blackall Ranges are home to many producers of fine foods, cheeses and wines who rub shoulders with artists, jewellers, sculptors and wood workers. Added to this fine mix is a medley of galleries, wineries, restaurants, cafes and providers of various local produce situated in charming and historic locations.
For those with plenty of time, spending a few days in and around the Blackall Ranges would be very easy to do. Those visitors staying in accommodation in Noosa Queensland and pushed for time need not miss out on this amazing region.
On the Road From Your Accommodation in Noosa
After ensuring that you have both your wallet and your camera, too many opportunities for using both, you will be looking for the signposts to Eumundi, a historic town lying to the west of Noosa. If you should be happening through on a Wednesday or Saturday, you may like to check out the 600 stalls of the very famous Eumundi Markets. From there follow the signs from Eumundi to Brisbane and the Bruce Highway.
Yandina
Yandina is the home of the Ginger Factory and the Macadamia Nut Factory. Both locations are worth stopping for. After about 10 minutes driving on the Bruce Highway you will take the signed turn off for Yandina and the Ginger Factory.
The Ginger Factory is set on large grounds featuring many beautiful examples of the ginger plant. There are train rides available that take you around the property, along with an impressive shop selling all manner and means of ginger products. An eatery offers coffee, snacks and light meals. Children are catered for with The Gingerbread Man on Overboard adventure tour. There are free tours of the processing plant and factory where you can obtain a great insight into all aspects of farming and manufacturing ginger.
Literally across the road is the Macadamia Nut Factory, where you will be able to sample the produce and be guided around the seasonal processing plant.
After leaving the Ginger factory and the Macadamia Factory you will need to head back onto the Bruce Highway, still travelling in the direction of Brisbane. You will need to take the Nambour exit, which will also carry signs for Mapleton, Montville and Maleny via the Blackall Range Tourist Drive.
Mapleton, Montville and Maleny via Blackall Range Tourist Drive
There are many places to visit along this drive including award winning eateries, galleries, and wineries. Many have beautiful outdoor locations featuring the most magnificent visual backdrops. Some tourist attractions worthy of a mention include the following:
* Mapleton Falls and Mapleton. Before you enter the township of Mapleton you will see a sign for the Mapleton Falls. These falls are of the bridal veil variety and there is no need to do any lengthy walking. Simply drive your vehicle to the end of the track for a great view of the waterfalls and the valley beyond.
Once in the town of Mapleton, look out for Criollo's Coffee Shop for a fine selection of chocolate goodies sure to please the most discerning chocolate lover. Why not have take away fish and chips from the shop close to the lake? You can eat them in the lake park which features a flying fox in the super children's playground.
* Kondallila Falls, Flaxton. Turn off to the right before entering the town of Flaxton for these superb waterfalls set amongst pristine rainforest. Along the 25 minute walk to get there you may be lucky enough to spot Goannas and all sort of Australian native birds including Kookaburras. Be sure to pack your bathers as there is a pool for swimming right under the falls.
* Le Realis Bressan, Flaxton. Looking for authentic French cuisine at affordable prices? Then this French restaurant could be the ideal lunch venue for you.
* Montville. Tucked away in the ranges like a mountain village plucked out of the Swiss Alps is the charming Montville. You should probably allow yourself at least 60 minutes to peruse the vast array of craft shops and galleries on display. Your first port of call will probably be the Mayfield Centre which is the first collection of shops you will see on the left as you drive into the town. These stores probably have the best views from their rear windows of any shops on the Sunshine Coast.
Those looking for a drink, meal, or coffee may well want to find themselves a table at the Poet's Cafe which can be found in a hollow a little further down the road on the left.
As you are leaving the township you will come across the Green Frog Gallery on the right.
Those who are cheese and wine lovers may like to stop at the Maleny Cheese Factory, which is just a few doors down from the gallery.
Once you have finished with the gallery, cheese and wine, you will turn right towards Maleny when you reach a T intersection. About 500 metres after the cheese factory you will approach another T intersection where you will turn left then right to end up on Mountain View Rd. Mary Cairncross Park, which is an excellent botanical garden, will come up on your right. Those itching to get out their cameras will be pleased to know that there are some great lookouts further along this road, providing majestic views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
* Maleny. Those visitors who haven't run out of time or energy may like to stop and discover the charms of this pleasant country town.
Driving Back to Your Accommodation in the Sunshine Coast
You can head on back to your holiday accommodation in Noosa the same way that you drove in. Alternatively you can continue on through the town of Maleny, following the road through to Kenilworth and then follow the signs back to Eumundi. This little journey does not involve having to drive on the Bruce Highway.
The other option is to double back to Montville, turning right at the Palmwoods/ Woombye turn off before you arrive in Montville. This will provide you with glorious scenery as you drive down a rather curvy road. You will then come back onto the Bruce Highway, heading north towards Gympie and take the Eumundi exit off.
Conclusion.
Driving through the Blackall Ranges is a superb way to spend a half or full day. Glorious panoramic scenery, galleries, shops, wineries and eateries make for a great day away from your accommodation in Noosa, Australia. A beautiful day trip for when everyone has seen a little too much sun.
The author and publisher Murray Maxwell is himself a Bed and Breakfast operator in the Noosa, Sunshine Coast region with several years experience. He is most renowned for providing customer service satisfaction and accommodation Noosa style.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murray_Maxwell
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