On the Road Again
Albany Creek – Maleny – Montville – Mapleton – Eumundi
Feeling so fortunate to be able to travel in Queensland with Peter …my partner, driver, excellent cook, navigator and travel companion. ,
We are journeying up to Mackay this time, so hope to be away about five weeks. Our lovely house-sitters are taking good care of the house and dogs Whoopie and Mac back in Albany Creek. And, from photos received already, they’re both adapting well to life without their devoted owner, Peter.
At this time of year of course the weather is going to be a lot warmer the further north we travel, so our packing is a little different from carrying heavy winter gear (though we do include a warmer layer just in case!!)
First stop was Maleny, a Sunshine Coast hinterland town, situated on the Obi Obi Creek in the Blackall Ranges, 80 km north of central Brisbane and 25 km inland from Caloundra.
A little bit of history
The area around Maleny was originally populated by the Nalbo and the Dallambara—two aboriginal tribes of the Gubbi Gubbi language group. The area was known for its bunya feasts, which happened every three years when the giant bunya tree was in fruit.
A great place to camp is at the Maleny Showgrounds , where, for the nominal sum of $22 – we appreciated the very reasonable and nice, clean amenities.
Peter’s friend Bucky joined us in the evening for a delicious Indian curry at Daawat Restaurant.
The Maleny Trail
There are some beautiful walks in Maleny, which is a very picturesque little town. From the Showgrounds begins the Maleny Trail, a leisurely walk along Obi Obi Creek from the boardwalk in town to the Golf Club and back, that passes the sculptured ‘Peace in the Trees’, ‘5th Light Horse Regiment Beersheba Museum’, ‘Platypus Viewing Area’, ‘Southern Wetlands’ and historical buildings of the once ‘Fairview Dairy Farm’, which takes you into the town through gorgeous shady trees alongside the creek. And if you’re lucky you might spy a platypus or two in the creek, though unfortunately I didn’t get to view any of these rather whimsical creatures.
The ‘Peace in the Trees’ Sculptural Walk features various, obviously cherished pieces of sculpture lovingly carved by local artists to remind us of the value of slowing down, living life more mindfully etc.
We drove north along the Blackall Range from Maleny to Montville, another ‘hinterland gem’ which boasts many attractions such as the Kondalilla National Park. We have been to Montville before, so didn’t stop for long this time, but I can highly recommend spending some time here exploring its many interesting shops, cafes and art galleries.
Following the roller-coaster road along the edge of the range escarpment, we arrived at the Mapleton Hotel behind Nambour just in time to be first in line for the brand new menu and the best view table in the house overlooking the Sunshine Coast. (Actually the view was tastier than the tucker!)
Eumundi was next on the scenic route, home of the famous Eumundi Markets, touted as ‘the biggest and the best artisan market in Australia’, open Wednesdays and Saturdays rain hail or shine. If you’re into markets, it’s a fantastic place to visit. This was a Tuesday, so no markets but we did drop in to see Paul and Melody at The Real Macual, leather tailors who made Peter’s roo skin vest.
So onward we go with our next destinations Noosa and Maryborough ….
27 Comments
It was lovely to read a piece of your adventures in the bunya hut. It made me reminisce on my explorations in the same areas. I was extremely lucky to spot a platypus the second time I walked the Maleny walk with Eddy and Willow. Such a beautiful part of QLD. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Liana, great to have your comments on the blog! Thank you so much.
Auzzie ,Auzzie,Auzzie ,Oy, Oy, Oy, Glad to hear Tina & Peter are enjoying being on the road again.
Whoppie & Mac not missing you now they know who’s feeding them !!!
WR enjoying Tina’s biography’s.
Safe travels.
all good then! Tina has enjoyed a week of firsts. Skinny dipping in the ocean. A Pub concert starring Beccy Cole. And camping the night in a Dan Murphy carpark. Currently in a seaside National Park south of Bundaberg.. Unwound. Cheers
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us, dear Tina. Im so happy to read you are on the road again, exploring this amazing country and meeting people. You look very happy in the photo with Peter and his friend Bucky.
I liked the Peace in the Trees and the time for contemplation. It sounds like you are creating peace in your life and travels. Sending best wishes. Enjoy all your adventures in good health.
Hey Hana, it worked! Lovely to have your feedback!
Love from Tina
Hi Tina, good to see you and Peter back on the road. Reading out of the way names and hearing the adventures as you travels is a welcome relief from all the lock downs and covid. I look forward to following your continuing travels. Take care and stay safe.
Thanks Brendan, I do hope you can travel around soon and the weather down there improves. It’s just great to be able to go swimming and enjoy the warmer weather. So many people ‘on the road’ too.
Tina
Hi Tina and Peter
So excited to see you both on the move. Beautiful places and great description.
You both look very happy. Speak soon.
X Linda
Linda – great to hear from you. Indeed, let’s have a chat soon!
Tina
If you have time while in Maryborough go to Brennan and Geraghty’s general store in Lennox St and take a look around Wharf St and the Mary River parklands. I love the beautiful old colonial homes and public buildings around the area. Happy travels!
One more night in the showgrounds was not on Next trip to Fraser will be via maryborough All good!
Hello peter and tina sounds like you’re having another great adventure ,way to go and great to read ya blog woo!!Enjoy 😀😊
Aw gee thanks Sis … currently the mozzies are driving me nuts but otherwise all good!!
Lovely to read this Tina! It must feel so good to be moving again after so much enforced rest. And it’s wonderful to read your lovely descriptions – makes we itchy to travel again! Love to you and to Peter too.
Thanks Ali, so lovely to be moving around again xx
Tina
Hi Tina and Peter, so lovely to read of your latest adventure. It brings back memories of our holidays in that area, especially the Maleny, Montville and Mapleton area. It will be a while before we get back there with current travel restrictions. All ok here in NZ. Munro still battling the big C but is coping well. Have a wonderful time on your travels. Take care. Gayle
Thanks Gayle, sorry to hear Munro still battling the big
C, hope to catch up with you both as soon as the borders are open.
Tina
Hi Peter & Tina, sounds like you are relishing every free spirited moment of your adventure so far. You know I am happy for you, and envious! One day we should meet you on the road somewhere. Enjoy the grand old homes of Maryborough & safe travels. xxx
Hi Tina and Peter, so glad that you are on the road again, I know that you are both passionate about travelling and experiencing our beautiful country. Enjoy every minute of it and we look forward all your adventures in the coming weeks (for this trip). Stay safe. Anne and Ross xx
Thanks Anne and Ross, lovely to hear from you and will be updating the blog regularly.
Tina
Hi Tina and Peter, lovely to see you both travelling around this beautiful country of ours – will enjoy travelling through qld through your blog. I am happy for you both and just a tiny bit jealous!!!
Take care,
Thea
Thanks Thea, your turn next!!
Hi Tina , nice informative reading and it sounds great for you and Peter.
Happy Days then Sis, enjoy that ramblin….
Thanks bro, good to hear from you!
Hope you didn’t get too rained out down there.
Sounds awesome Tina, sooo happy for u both ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great to have you along the journey with us Margie … thanks for commenting.