21/08/2020
It’s the weekend. There’s nothing planned, so what to do? Sitting in the driveway is the gleaming, shining, pride of joy that seems to wink at you and say: let’s go for a drive.
Queensland’s Gold Coast makes for an ideal hub to take the chariot for a spin, but where to go?
It’s not quite Bugs Bunny’s ever popular “I shoulda turned left at Alberquerque” but almost any direction will see you somewhere lovely.
The Noosa Hinterlands. Locals may offer a slightly cool smile when hearing of their home referred to as 'the other hinterlands' but there is some great places to spend an hour or three. Like a good book? Berkelouw Eumundi Books doubles as a cafe, the perfect place to stop for a refreshing brew whilst browsing old, rare, and new tomes.
If you’re a fan of the green stuff, and by that we mean lawns, rainforests, and rare plants, the Noosa Botanic gardens will be just the spot for a quiet, tranquil, walk through nature’s majesty.
Lockyer Valley.
The “salad bowl” of Australia is home to some great drives itself. The Cobb & Co. Tourist Drive follows some historic trails that the Cobb & Co. Stage coach rumbled over some 140 years ago, and there are wagon wheel pointer signs to help you find your way. Stop off for a cuppa and a nibble at the Gatton and Forest Hill “staging posts” and soak up some of the history laden atmosphere.
The Helidon Hills Drive is another popular trail that takes you through the Lockyer Valley’s northern rim towards Perseverance. There are a couple of roads that are 4WD recommended and to be driven with caution, however the rewards are the stunning views from the lookouts at Beutel’s Lookouts, before heading off to Esk and then heading back south to the west of Brisbane and home to the GC.
Over the Border.
Border opening and closures permitting, then you can head south and west towards Tenterfield, just south of the border. It’s far enough from the ocean to make it an overnighter worthy trip, and it’s a town also laden with history. Head south along the coast towards Byron Bay then west via Casino to find the Tenterfield Saddlery, the inspiration for Peter Allen’s ballad “The Tenterfield Saddler” and a place where many would pause for a quiet conversation, including Australia’s poet, Banjo Patterson.
Closer To Home.
For those looking for a shorter but still engaging run, how about a visit to the Lamington National Park?
Head out Mudgeeraba to Neranwood and hit the switchbacks before a quick southerly diversion to the Springbook National Park and the gorgeous Purling Brook Falls. There are hiking trails and plenty of photographic opportunities, before a further trip south to the Canyon Lookout and Bilborough Park or a little west to the “Best of All” lookout located right on the border itself and looking over the valley into New South Wales, before the easy lope back to the coast.
The Garage Miami is your one-stop-shop for upgrades and information. Give us a call on 07 5572 1711 so we can answer your questions.
