Blackall Range & Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Private Tour)

Blackall Range & Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Private Tour)

Style

Private (no strangers)

Language

English

Duration

9 hours (approx.)

Maximum Group Size

Maximum 3, 5, 10, or 22 persons (see price options)

Perfect for Mingoers who are...

Photography-Obsesser
Nature-Navigator
History-Hunter
City-Stroller
Culture & Art-Adorer

Accessibility & Support

Kid-Friendly
Senior-Friendly

Overview

🏆 Awarded the "Best of Queensland Experiences" Award Two Years Running! Escape the city for a breathtaking full-day journey through the lush mountains and iconic coastline of the Sunshine Coast. This 100% private tour seamlessly blends dramatic mountain lookouts, pristine ancient rainforests, charming historic towns, and a classic beachside finish. We’ll wind through pine forests, stand in awe of the volcanic peaks at McCarthy’s Lookout, and explore the sub-tropical canopy of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. After enjoying the sweeping coastal views from Gerrards Lookout, we'll spend time exploring the artisan boutiques in the mountain village of Montville. To finish the day beautifully, we’ll take a scenic drive through historic country towns straight to Mooloolaba Beach for a quintessential local seafood experience. Because this is your private tour, the pacing is entirely up to you—we skip the rigid schedules so you can focus on how you feel.

What's Included

Private, premium air-conditioned vehicle transfers
Hosted personally by your dedicated local guide
Live on-board commentary
Fully flexible and customizable itinerary
Complimentary Gift Pack: Includes bottled water, light snacks, and a special extra gift reserved exclusively for the person who booked the tour!

What's Not Included

Personal expenses (e.g., morning tea, lunch/seafood at Mooloolaba, or independent shopping)
Premium location transit upgrades (Brisbane Airport or Cruise Terminal pick-up)

Meeting Point

Complimentary pickup is included from any hotel, residence, or location within Brisbane. (Note: Airport or Cruise Terminal pickups are available for an extra charge).

Itinerary

The Hinterland Ascent
Drive through scenic pine forests, past the famous Australia Zoo, and up the stunning Tourist Drive 32. Optional Stop: Pull over at the beloved CJ’s Pastries in Landsborough for a classic morning tea.
McCarthy’s Lookout
McCarthy’s Lookout serves up a stunning panoramic view of the Glass House Mountains rising right out of the coastal plains. Set against a backdrop of green rolling hills and open paddocks, it’s a brilliant, uncomplicated spot to pull over. On a clear day, you can see all the way down the coast to the Brisbane CBD skyline.,
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
A natural treasure in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers an immersive rainforest experience with over 2 km of walking tracks. The 55-hectare reserve is home to 299 plant species, 141 bird species, and rare wildlife, making it a must-visit. Don't miss the interactive Rainforest Discovery Centre!
Gerrards Lookout
A peaceful stop along the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, offering wide panoramic views across valleys, coastline, and distant landmarks like Caloundra and Noosa. It is a small roadside lookout with a car park, seating while taking in the scenery. On clear days, it is especially popular for photography, quiet breaks, and even spotting paragliders over the hills.
Boutiques at Montville
Montville is home to charming boutiques where you can find anything from local art to fashionable clothing. The quaint town offers a perfect mix of relaxing scenery and shopping. The handcrafted treats make for a perfect souvenir or a delightful snack as you explore the area.
The Scenic Drive: Historic Country Towns to Mooloolaba
The drive down from Montville to Mooloolaba via Palmwoods and Woombye is absolutely stunning, winding through lush hills before opening up to the coast. Rolling through these two historic spots is a real highlight, as both Palmwoods and Woombye are beautiful examples of classic Queensland country towns, complete with heritage timber buildings, old-school pubs, and that relaxed, welcoming local character.
Mooloolaba
Your chance to enjpy some great local fish and chips- like at Penny's fish and chip shop in Mooloolaba, you will also see the beautiful Mooloolaba beach- a real highlight,

End Point

Drop-off back at your original pickup point or any preferred location within Brisbane City.

Additional Information

Tailored For You: Use this itinerary as your baseline framework. If you want to linger longer in Montville, skip a lookout, or change the start time, just let Gary know!

Plan B

Mountain weather can change, but your day won't be spoiled. If poor visibility affects the lookouts or rain sets in, we can easily pivot. We can spend more time enjoying the undercover Rainforest Discovery Centre, cozy up in Montville’s wonderful indoor cafes, galleries, and boutique shops, or head down to the coast early to enjoy a long, relaxed seafood lunch overlooking the ocean.

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About the Localler

Hello, I'm Gary C.

Hi, I’m Gary. For nearly ten years, I’ve been welcoming travellers to South East Queensland, offering premium, small-group private tours that blend a touch of luxury…

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Hi, I’m Gary. For nearly ten years, I’ve been welcoming travellers to South East Queensland, offering premium, small-group private tours that blend a touch of luxury…