Queensland, Australia | 161km<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Image: Josh Evans<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blackall Range dominates the Sunshine Coast hinterland and is easily accessible from Brisbane. Head up the Bruce Highway and hang a left at Caboolture to sample the famous scratcher\u2019s road up to Mount Mee. Commanding views of the Glasshouse Mountains abound as you rumble through charming Woodford before throwing a right to cut through Bellthorpe Forest and meander through the Conondale National Park on your way to sampling the delights of Maleny. The Baroon Pocket Dam is also definitely worth a stop, as is Montville. The return ride south starts at Nambour and takes you past Steve Irwin\u2019s Australia Zoo on your way back to the city. To think you can cruise narrow country lanes and navigate the twisty mountain roads while never being more than 200 kays from Brisbane is simply outstanding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rock becomes glass Wildlife warrior
<\/strong>Featuring in the legends of the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people, the spectacular volcanic spires that make up the Glasshouse Mountains dominate the local landscape. They were named by Lieutenant James Cook as they reminded him of the conical shaped glass-making kilns in his native Yorkshire, UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>When Steve Irwin was prematurely taken from us in 2006, we lost a one-of-a-kind national treasure. Regarded as one of the world\u2019s best, his Australia Zoo in Beerwah, remains as a testament to his influence on how we support and understand our native wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n