On this week's episode, we embark on our very first drive through Queensland in the sporty and stylish BMW M240i. It all begins in Brisbane, and rather than heading along the highway, we take the scenic route to a trendy town in the Sunshine Coast.
Drive Season 3 screens on Channel 9 at 1pm each Saturday. The full episode will be available to video on 9Now after it airs.
Instead of travelling along the Bruce Highway, which can be ordinary, we opt for a scenic route through the Sunshine Coast. Not only are the roads incredible, but the views of the Glass House Mountains are magical – a landmark you really need to see in person.
The drive from Brisbane to Montville can be tackled by cruising down the Bruce Highway; however, we opted for the longer, scenic route. This journey takes around two hours, and the most entertaining stretches of road hit you as you head out of Dayboro.
This part of the trip is tight and twisty, and continues all the way to D'Aguilar. After which, you're treated to open tarmac, green fields, and glimpses of the iconic Glass House Mountains.
We scored the best view when arriving at Maleny. If you have time to stop on your journey, then be sure to park up at One Tree Hill – a paddock that is home to a lone tree. This has been dubbed one of the most photographed paddocks in the Sunshine Coast.
The field is private property, therefore, be sure to call ahead and book a time.
After many photos were taken, we enjoyed a long lunch at The Edge in Montville, which also offers some of the most stunning vistas of the mountains.
We spent the night at the majestic Secrets on the Lake in Montville, which is nestled between beautiful rainforest and Lake Baroon. Here, guests have access to the grounds and can partake in a variety of activities, including water sports. There's also a variety of accommodation available, including luxury cabins and penthouse treehouses.
The final leg is around an hour, which includes a short freeway stint, before being treated to some great views of Queensland's beaches. Along the way we stopped at the Big Pineapple, which is located on Nambour Connection Rd in Woombye.
We arrived in Noosa just in time for lunch, and this is where the traffic appeared. After a rather quiet drive, this town is bustling and the run down Hastings St might take you longer than expected.
All up, this trip takes around three hours, but we recommend staying for a few days to soak up the best of what the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
Google Maps link for this route (from Brisbane)
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