If your idea of a great holiday includes artisan cheese, country bakeries, local produce, boutique wineries, scenic mountain roads and welcoming country towns, then this is the perfect Queensland motorhome adventure.
This itinerary combines three of South East Queensland's most loved destinations: the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Mary Valley and the Darling Downs. Along the way you'll experience spectacular scenery, award-winning local food, charming villages and some of Queensland's most motorhome-friendly camping locations.
Distance: Approximately 550km return
Recommended Duration: 6–8 Days
Best Time to Travel: Year-round
Motorhome Friendly: Excellent
Approximately 95km
Leave Brisbane and wind your way into the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Maleny is famous for its rolling green hills, dairy farms, boutique food producers and spectacular views across the Glass House Mountains.
Sample a wide range of locally made cheeses and dairy products.
Enjoy fresh local milk, yoghurt and ice cream while learning about one of the region's best-known family farms.
Excellent local craft beer, great meals and spectacular views.
A favourite for quality local produce and artisan foods.
Start your trip slowly. Maleny isn't a place to rush through. Wander the food stores, enjoy a long lunch and take time to enjoy the scenery.
Maleny Showgrounds
One of the best value overnight stops in South East Queensland and perfectly positioned for exploring the hinterland.
A beautiful heritage village featuring:
Enjoy one of Queensland's most popular rainforest walks.
A must-stop for chocolate lovers.
Outstanding views and quality local cuisine.
One of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland's most respected wineries.
Visit Montville early in the day before the crowds arrive and enjoy breakfast overlooking the coast.
Second night at Maleny Showgrounds.
Approximately 30km
Today's drive is short but incredibly rewarding.
Kenilworth has become one of Queensland's favourite food destinations and is a perfect motorhome stop.
Home of the famous giant doughnuts that attract visitors from all over Australia.
Choose from:
Outstanding local:
Delicious locally sourced products and gourmet treats.
Arrive hungry. Kenilworth is one of those places where every second shop seems to offer something worth tasting.
Kenilworth Showgrounds
An absolute favourite among motorhome travellers with spacious sites and a relaxed country atmosphere.
Spend a day enjoying the Mary Valley.
A heritage steam train experience through the picturesque valley.
A charming country town with cafés and local character.
Known for its historic railway station and scenic countryside.
Home to local markets and quality country hospitality.
Second night at Kenilworth Showgrounds.
Approximately 150km
Travel over the Great Dividing Range to Queensland's famous Garden City.
As you climb into the Darling Downs, the scenery changes dramatically from coastal hinterland to rich farming country.
One of Queensland's great views.
Beautiful gardens year-round.
Particularly spectacular during spring.
A fascinating insight into Queensland's history.
An excellent place to experience local produce from across the Darling Downs.
Look for:
Depending on your travel dates, Toowoomba hosts numerous artisan, growers and craft markets throughout the year.
A favourite local bakery and café.
A popular lunch stop.
Craft beer and regional hospitality.
Spend time wandering the older parts of Toowoomba. The city has a wonderful blend of historic architecture, gardens and excellent food.
Toowoomba Showgrounds
A convenient base for exploring the region.
Approximately 45km
A short but scenic drive north leads to one of South East Queensland's best-kept secrets.
Featuring:
An unusual and beautiful landscape of ancient palms.
Perfect for birdwatching and picnics.
One of Queensland's most charming mountain villages.
Amazing flavours. A real must see.
Excellent coffee and country hospitality.
A beautiful local winery offering tastings and regional produce.
Many visitors are surprised by the quality of dining available in this part of Queensland.
The drive between Toowoomba and Crows Nest is one of the most underrated scenic routes in South East Queensland.
Crows Nest Tourist Parkor
Crows Nest Showgrounds
Approximately 160km
Enjoy a scenic return through the Somerset region.
A historic country town with excellent cafés.
Beautiful water views and picnic locations.
A great final stop before returning to Brisbane.
Excellent value and ideal for exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
One of Queensland's most loved motorhome camping destinations.
Convenient access to city attractions and markets.
Relaxed country atmosphere and spacious sites.
Comfortable facilities and easy town access.
This journey showcases another side of Queensland that many visitors never experience. Instead of busy beaches, you'll discover rolling green hills, heritage villages, farm gates, boutique food producers and some of the friendliest communities in the state.
From enjoying artisan cheese in Maleny and giant doughnuts in Kenilworth to exploring the gardens of Toowoomba and the waterfalls of Crows Nest, this itinerary is all about slowing down, enjoying local flavours and experiencing the best of regional Queensland.
David & Lisa
