Family Self-Drive Getaway

Saturday 6 July 2024

Brisbane to Glasshouse Mountains (approx. 68km)

Plan to leave Brisbane early enough so that you can enjoy a morning cuppa in the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains National Park.  From the Bruce Highway, take the turnoff to Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, which stands an impressive 123 metres above sea level. Walk 700 metres from the car park on the paved uphill pathway to be rewarded with breath taking 360-degree panoramic views across Pumicestone Passage, Bribie and Moreton Islands.

Glasshouse Mountains to Maleny (approx. 22km)

Back on the Bruce Highway, take the Beerwah exit then Landsborough turnoffs to Maleny and the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.  Enjoy a relaxing walk along subtropical rainforest tracks and visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Let the kids burn off some energy in the playground and stroll the Butterfly Walk before driving the short distance (around 5km) to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Wander through the nearly 18 acres of lush gardens and get up close and personal with colourful and exotic birds from around the world in the four walk-through aviaries.  Visit the café for some tempting picnic nibbles to enjoy in one of the many gazebos or picnic spots.  Alternatively almost 4km from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is Maleny Dairies, where you can join a tour to see where their milk is made, feed their calves (a hit with the kids!) and taste the delicious Maleny Dairies products.

Maleny to Montville (approx. 13km) and your Sunshine Coast accommodation

Choose to call in at the eclectic Montville Village, a thriving shopping village with a wonderful array of cafes, restaurants, gift shops and fashion boutiques lining the quaint main street.  The diverse options include The Clock Shop, once you step inside the iconic German chalet inspired building, you will be greeted by the rich smell of timber and the melody of chimes going off from the various cuckoo and grandfather clocks; Fudgbyboombahs with over 70 flavours of delectable handmade sweet treats on offer; and the myriad of art galleries, pottery studios and craft cottages displaying the work of talented local creatives.

Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast is renowned around the world for its superb quality, winning locations and incredible variety. There is a variety of accommodation options available, view some of them here.

Sunday 7 July 2024

Accommodation to Qld Garden Expo 

Enjoy breakfast before check out this morning and drive the short distance to Queensland Garden Expo. Sunday is the ideal day for families to visit the event and soak up all the great gardening ideas. You’ll discover a whole host of activities for budding gardeners. Make sure to include a visit to the Giant Kitchen Garden to learn ways to make a difference to the environment in your own backyard. There’s also the Living Backyard where you can find out how to attract frogs, birds, butterflies, bees or other wildlife to your backyard. Plus there’s kids craft, seed planting and a free kids playground with a giant slide, jumping pillow and merry-go-round.  Did we mention that kids 15 and under are free entry? Gates will open at 8.00am and close at 4.00pm. We’d recommend that you allow a minimum of 3 – 4 hours at the event.

Qld Garden Expo to Brisbane (approx. 109km)

Say farewell to the Queensland Garden Expo for another year and make tracks for home.  If you have time, we’d recommend that you visit the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden in Tanawah on the drive back to Brisbane.  This magnificent 82-hectare garden has a magic and spirit that affects all who visit with a mix of eucalypt open forest and creek-side rainforest, lagoons, rocky and palm filled gullies.  Alternatively drive 8km north to The Ginger Factory in Yandina where the kids will love the fun rides, fascinating tours, and a wander through their beautiful sub-tropical gardens, including the current Rainbrella Project where you can see hundreds of rainbow umbrellas hung through the canopy of their garden walk, symbolising that we are all a community of hope!