4 top Sunshine Coast road trips from Bokarina

The Sunshine Coast spoils with its choice of spectacular beaches. But when you have one as beautiful as Wurtulla Beach practically in your backyard—like our latest Bokarina Mater Prize Home lottery No. 297 does—you’re less likely to bother jumping in your car to find another beach to laze on. Instead, you’d probably rather take the opportunity to indulge in a change of scenery and see what else the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Because there’s so much more than just beaches to explore in the area. In which case, these weekend road trips are the perfect way to spend your free time—and to enjoy your new set of wheels: the MINI Cooper Countryman (included in the home lottery).

Glasshouse Mountains

Drive distance from Bokarina: 30 minutes

Put on your hiking boots: Panoramic views and beautiful bush land rewards those who are willing to work up a bit of a sweat. The Glasshouse Mountains is made up of 11 peaks and six little towns, so it really is a ‘choose your own adventure’ destination. Only two of the peaks are open to bushwalking, but you can appreciate the other nine from the various lookouts along your trek. Taking roughly two hours, the 2.8-kilometre Mount Ngungun summit walking track delivers stunning views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah, along with 360-degree panoramic views of the coast and hinterland once you reach the top. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness to complete this Grade 4 walking track. For something a little easier on the legs and lungs, wander the 4km circuit track around the base of Mount Tibrogargan. Set aside about 1.5 hours to explore the casuarina groves and eucalypt forest along the way.

Blackall Ranges

Drive distance from Bokarina: 40 minutes

If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive instead, enter the Blackall Range Tourist Drive into your MINI’s navigation, switch on the Adaptive Cruise Control and enjoy the mountain and coastline views along the 55-kilometre journey just north of the Glasshouse Mountains. The well-marked drive takes you from the historical township of Landsborough to the foothills near Nambour. Highlights along the way include the Pencil Creek waterfall in Mapleton Falls National Park and the three Ms—Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton—a trio of quaint towns that are great for a leisurely stroll with a side of lunch and shopping.

The Big Pineapple

Drive distance from Bokarina: 23 minutes

Queensland is famous for its big sculptures and now that you call Bokarina home, you’ve got one very close by to admire on the regular. More than just a towering fruit to stare at in awe, The Big Pineapple offers a fun family day out. Home to the Sunshine Coast’s lesser-known zoo, Wildlife HQ has more than 200 animal species, including Queensland’s largest collection of primates and the state’s only Sun Bear. The kids will also love exploring the 70 high rope challenges, 5 ziplines through the rainforest, and 5 courses at Australia’s largest zipline attraction—the TreeTop Challenge Juniors zipline adventure park.

Bribie Island

Drive distance from Bokarina: 1 hour 30 minutes

The beaches on Bribie Island are a stunning drawcard and definitely worth a moment to stop and chill, but there are many other activities to put on your day trip itinerary here. Dugongs can be spotted year-round around Pumicestone Passage, which is also a popular fishing site. The Bongaree Self Guided Walkabout is a heritage waterfront walk that starts and ends at the Bongaree Jetty and leads you to the island’s historical landmarks and buildings. Alternatively, get your culture hit at the Bribie Island Seaside Museum. Next up, grab yourself some fish and chips at Savige’s or cool off with gelato from Pigface over at Woorim Beach. To finish off your Bribie Island road trip, watch the sun go down on a great day out with a few cold ones and a dozen fresh oysters on the lawns at the Sandstone Point Hotel.

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