ProofReader

Yesterday we had a beaut day out. A mini-bus load of us (14 in a 19 seat Coaster) went to Woodford, Maleny on to Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterlands. We were a mixed bunch of Poms and Anzacs: six Aussies (of varying decendency including Welsh, Norwegian and Italian), a Scottish import (now resident) and his parents who are over from Rugby (tho originally from Dundee) for Christmas, a Kiwi import (now resident), two Pommie imports (including myself - lived here for 27 years) and a 'will-be-Aussie-in-due-course' Pom (my other half!)

We headed north west out of Brisbane through the Samford Valley and on to Woodford via Dayboro and Mount Mee. The countryside was lush and green after all the rain, and was a truly fabulous sight. Driving up through the Blackall Ranges and travelling along the ridges, we had views for MILES and could see out to the bay at times - breathtaking scenery!

We stopped at a winery (would have stopped at more but they were shut for Xmas - darn! ) and had a taste test and went on to the start of a great run of art and craft shops and eateries, etc. This place: http://www.treefroggallery.com/ was probably the best stop of the day. A fabulous collection of art and crafts, and with a wood turning place right next door.

We had a late breakfast in Woodford - timed well as a traffic jam had built up due to an accident (there was more traffic than usual due to the Woodford Folk Festival being on); had lunch at the Maleny Pub (excellent fare!) and spent a couple of hours, including coffees, ice-creams, etc., in Montville.

Even though I've been to all of these places several times over the years, I'd highly recommend the trip to anyone fancying a great day out from Brisbane!

Here's a couple of links which may be of interest if anyone wants to know more:

http://www.montvillevillage.com.au/
http://www.montvilleguide.com.au/
http://www.caboolture.qld.gov.au/Tou...ct/default.htm
http://www.walkabout.com.au/locations/QLDMaleny.shtml

For our visitors who've not been here yet, perhaps others have brief stories to share of days out in Queensland too?

PR

tonyk38

Nice one! Glad you had a good time. These are the kind of threads I enjoy the most because they give us ideas of places to visit. Thanks!

ProofReader

Thank you, Tony! I was just hoping to share my experience with anyone who is interested in reading about the Queensland lifestyle, etc.

I've just realised that I've ballsed up my head count: I think my description of the people only adds up to 13 and it should've been 14! Must've been another Aussie in there somewhere!! Oh well ... Lol

tonyk38

I did a similar trip along the Great Ocean Road with about a dozen people. It was cold, windy and wet! It was my best Christmas ever, I loved it!