Gold Coast traveller Jules Ingall chases the sun up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
ATTENTION time-poor travellers: within a short drive of the Gold Coast you could be pottering through pineapple plantations, perching on photogenic peaks and savouring spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
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WE’RE all dreaming of a holiday — I get back from one trip and I’m already planning the next one.
However, between my two girls, my husband and our business, there never seems to be enough hours in the day for a getaway.
So it’s a road trip to the rescue — the perfect and more affordable compromise for the time-poor traveller.
I’ve been visiting the Sunshine Coast since I was a teenager, but have never ventured away from the beaches, so jumped at the chance to discover another side to the traditional holiday mecca.
Just a short two-hour drive from the Gold Coast and I was detouring off the highway, meandering through pineapple plantations and macadamia farms with the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains in the distance.
My first stop was the Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge, owned by the intriguing Keith Murray.
The lodge is set on acres of lush land and it’s one of the most eclectic places I have ever stayed.
The accommodation ranges from real train carriages brought up from Melbourne to bungalows and even a church where guests can sleep in the lofty ceiling. It’s so cool.
The peaceful grounds are dotted with quirky artworks and home to a huge array of freshly grown produce.
Our hosts pluck farm-fresh pineapple, macadamias, dragon fruit and star fruit for our breakfast.
From here it’s just a five-minute drive to the Glass House Mountains Lookout, which will set the scene for the ultimate sunset session.
Grab a bottle of local wine, some cheese and a few snacks and set up on the grassed area to enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular views as the sky changes from deep blues to the soft pastel hues of last light.
There are also barbecues available to make a real evening of the experience.
It would also be an excellent vantage for watching the sunrise (the carpark is right next to the lookout, which faces to the east) but I’m saving first light for a seriously special spot.
That honour belongs to the top of Mount Ngungun.
It did mean a 4am alarm, but I’m not one for sleeping in anyway. Don’t forget to take a torch if you are setting out before dawn — it is seriously black.
I arrived at the base of the mountain about an hour before sunrise and was surprised to see how many other people had the same idea.
I wouldn’t say the climb up is easy, but it’s not overly difficult (depending on your fitness level you may just need a few rest stops).
Allow around 30 minutes each way for the 2.8km return walk. The hardest part is the surplus of stairs, but the area’s natural beauty, with vines and ferns lining the track, serves as a good distraction.
Once you get to the top of Mount Ngungun it’s just wow.
Picture mind-blowing 360-degree views of the Glass House Mountains hinterland, the Pumicestone Passage and the ocean. I spent a couple of hours just taking it in.
After a good workout climbing mountains, a Grape Stomping Festival presents a change of pace.
Held annually at the Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville, you’ll need to be quick to get a ticket for this afternoon of family entertainment, great food and even better wine.
It is good, wholesome, country fun and I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in ages.
Even if you miss the grape stomping, this winery deserves a place in your itinerary.
Set in the rolling hills of the hinterland looking back over towards the coast, it is just gorgeous.
The wine is light and refreshing — ideal for a sunny Queensland afternoon.
You’ve earned it.
STAY: Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge, 198 Barrs Road, Glass House Mountains
SEE: Mount Ngungun Summit Walking Track, Glass House Mountains National Park
SAVOUR: Flame Hill Vineyard, 249 Western Avenue, Montville
The writer travelled as a guest of Sunshine Coast Tourism. For more images from this trip, check out @Julesingall on Instagram.
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