From chasing waterfalls, dipping your toes in freshwater swimming holes and hiking through national parks, here's how to make the most of your 72 hours of outdoor adventures in the Moreton Bay Hinterland.
DAY 1
Leave your troubles behind and let the natural beauty of Stony Creek distract you.
This quietly hidden paradise is a local favourite, located in the southern end of the Bellthorpe National Park on the Conondale Ranges. Stony Creek Day Use area has an open grassy spot with picnic tables and wood fire BBQ’s (BYO timber), for you to enjoy a picnic with friends or family.
With a name like Stony Creek, it’s no surprise a 20-meter trail from the Day Use Area leads to a boulder hopping paradise with water cascading and trickling through pebbles into a large natural swimming hole.
If having a relaxing float is your style, pack your favourite inflatables and enjoy the serenity.
Meander through rugged open eucalypt forest trails, eyes peeled for wildlife and hidden rock pools. Explore the remnants of Brandon’s Sawmill which can still be seen on West Bellthorpe Road.
For those with a 4WD, Bellthorpe National Park does not disappoint - it's known as one of the best 4WD in North Brisbane. The views through the trees in the Bellthorpe National Park are stunning, looking out over Mount Kilcoy and the Connondale Ranges. You can access the park from three primary entry points and also use any combination of these as entry and exit points.
Once you've checked in to your Woodford accommodation, make your way to the Woodford Hotel for dinner and drinks.
It serves up one of the best pub meals in the region and has the country charm you'd expect to find in this small town.
Places available to stay overnight in the Woodford area include:
DAY 2
Down the southern end of the Moreton Bay Hinterland, witness D'Aguilar National Park from one of its most iconic viewpoints, Jolly’s Lookout.
The lookout, located just off Mount Glorious Road, provides unrivalled views that stretch out far beyond the valley, and they are especially stunning in the early hours of the morning for sunrise.
After taking the perfect panoramic shot, be sure to pull out that picnic basket and enjoy a home made breakfast while you relax and watch nature do its thing.
Then make your way back up north, through the rolling hills of the Moreton Bay Hinterland, stopping along the way at any of the amazing attractions in the hinterland including Trevena Glen Farm, Lyell Deer Sanctuary, Store of Requirement, Lake Samsonvale, Mathema Gallery, Pit Stop on Mount Mee Cafe just to name a few.
DAY 3
Start your scenic drive back down to the southern end of the hinterland, up the hilltop village of Mount Glorious and enjoy breakfast and coffee.
Once you've got your caffeine fix, it's time to find higher ground and set off for Lake Wivenhoe Lookout. Generally, where there are lakes there are lookouts and you will sure need one to take in the beauty of Lake Wivenhoe.
You'll find the lookout at the beautiful Mount Glorious. Main access areas are from Waterworks Road, The Gap and Ashgrove, via the Enoggera Reservoir. Once you wind your way up the mountain and reach Mt Nebo-Mt Glorious Road, follow for 12km. The entrance to the Lake Wivenhoe Lookout carpark will be on your left.
A short five-minute walk from the carpark leads you to a breathtaking viewpoint over Wivenhoe Dam. Stroll along the boardwalk to an opening where you can catch a glimpse of the glistening waters in the distance.
Travel less then 10 minutes along the windy roads down the mountain, from Wivenhoe Lookout to Maiala Day Use Area. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables, pull out the picnic lunch and soak up the scenery.
If you're feeling a bit energetic, you can strap the runners on and enjoy some of the bushwhacks in the Maiala National Park. There's tracks for every fitness level - but trust us, the views will be worth it.
We hope you enjoy your time exploring all that our wonderful region has to offer.
Share your journey with us on socials @visitmoretonbay and tag us with #visitmoretonbayregion in your posts, we would love to hear about your experiences in Moreton Bay region!
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