About this tour
An eight to nine-hour small-group outing through Queensland's Blackall Ranges, starting with sweeping vistas across the Glass House Mountains towards Moreton Island and Brisbane. Visit Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre's elevated platform for panoramic views, then explore the hilltop towns of Maleny and Montville—bohemian villages packed with local artists, galleries, independent cafés and boutique shops. The drive itself rewards with mountain-to-coast scenery. Limited to ten passengers, air-conditioned throughout, with an experienced guide driving.
Highlights
- 360-degree vistas from Mary Cairncross viewing platform
- Maleny: artist community, farm shops, eclectic food spots
- Montville: art galleries, handmade goods, village cafés
- Mountain-to-ocean drive through Blackall Ranges
- Small-group intimacy, max ten travellers
- Rainforest Discovery Centre exhibits and interactive displays
What to expect
You'll spend the morning at Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre, where an elevated boardwalk delivers unobstructed views across multiple peaks and coastal landmarks. The centre houses hands-on exhibits covering local ecology. From there, the drive climbs into Maleny, a compact town of roughly 5,000 residents where creative types—artists, musicians, alternative makers—have settled. Shops and food venues cluster along the main strip; you're free to wander and eat independently. Montville, perched higher still, mirrors Maleny's character: intimate galleries, local-made jewellery and crafts, quiet coffee stops. Expect a leisurely pace with substantial time for browsing and lunch (at your own cost). The return drive showcases the reverse angle of the ranges.
Good to know
Meals and snacks aren't included—budget for lunch and café stops in Maleny and Montville. Entry to Mary Cairncross requires a gold coin donation. Roads are sealed but winding; motion-sick passengers should plan accordingly. Prams, strollers and infant seats are available. All fitness levels welcome.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.