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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.

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 next, situated between Montville and Maleny. At this point you are 350 meters above sea level. You can view the entire Sunshine Coast from this point, spanning from Caloundra to Noosa. A few Kilometers further is Balmoral Lookout which offers farmland views, lake views and forest views together. Beyone Maleny is McCarthy’s lookout which identifies the peaks of the Glasshouse mountains.

The old Gympie Road is the one that cuts directly through the Glass House Mountains. The 16 volcanic plugs and plains of the Glass house Mountains are as high as 556 meters. Rock climbing is a necessity for exploring this area.

Many vacationers 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 group for your upcoming vacation.