Australia - The Hinterland of the Sunshine coast

Most people focus on the coast along the Sunshine coast, and I can't blame them. But there the hinterland is not to be missed and does not really add that much to your journey.

To change the journey a little as we headed back to the airport for our late flight to Sydney we headed inland from the Sunshine coast to the hinterland.

The drive and views are fantastic and there are lots of other things to do along the way from walks to waterfalls and swimming holes, to arty villages and did I say the views?

Beautiful walks in the hinterland

We started our drive in Mapleton, and followed the ridge along to Montville and the Glass Mountains before heading back to Brisbane. All along the route you a treated to quite spectacular views of the coast or the mountains - perfect for a lunch or picnic.

The view back towards the Sunshine Coast

Mapleton had some lovely lilly ponds and some interesting forest walks.

Lilies

Montville is really the centre of things, with many art and craft shops, and some lovely places to eat. It is well worth a few hours to wonder down the streets, have lunch and take in the view back to the coast.

Lots of view points

The Glass mountains are quite beautiful, and you can get various view points along the way.

The glass mountains 

Overall, it is maybe worth an overnight stay or at least a diversion from the main (rather boring) highway.