Think rolling green hinterland, little mountain towns full of chocolate and handmade goods, sweeping coastal views, and rainforest that stops you in your tracks. This is one of Queensland’s most underrated day trips, and we think you’ll love every moment of it.
Stop 1: The Ginger Factory, Yandina
The Ginger Factory is a wonderful first stop. Wander through the tropical gardens, learn how ginger goes from crop to shelf, try ginger ice cream, and pick up a few treats to take home. It is easy to explore, and genuinely fascinating even if you are not a big ginger fan.
Stop 2: Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory
Right next door, Nutworks celebrates Queensland macadamia nuts and the on-site Chocolate Factory is exactly what it sounds like. There are tastings, you can watch the production process, and it is very hard to leave without at least one bag of something. A solid sugar hit before heading into the hills.
Stop 3: Montville Village
Montville is one of those little towns that looks like it was designed for slow afternoons. Boutique shops, local art galleries, handmade clothing, artisan goods, and cafes on every corner. The streets are calm, walkable, and genuinely lovely. A great place to stretch your legs and find something to bring home.
Stop 4: Gerrards Lookout
This is where the views open up. Gerrards Lookout sits along the Blackall Range and on a clear day you can see all the way to the coast, including landmarks like Caloundra and Noosa. There is a small car park, some seating, and a view that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Bring your camera.
Stop 5: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The final stop is one of the most memorable. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a 55-hectare subtropical rainforest, 299 plant species, and 141 bird species. From the lookout at the entrance, sweeping views over the Glass House Mountains make for a stunning close to the day.
Before You Go: What to Know
- Wear comfortable shoes — you will not be doing anything strenuous, but comfort is a must and it does affect your mood.
- Eat a light breakfast before you go — between the Ginger Factory, Nutworks, the Chocolate Factory, and the cafes in Montville, you will not go hungry.
- Bring a bag for purchases — you will almost certainly walk out of Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory with something worth carrying.
- The tour is private, so timing is flexible — if you want to spend longer at Montville or the reserve, just let your guide know.
- Hotel pickup is included — your guide will collect you from your Brisbane accommodation.
Pickup & Transfer:
ADT offers airport pickups and can be arranged from:
- Anywhere within Brisbane City (9 km radius) — free
- Brisbane Airport — with charge
- Brisbane International Cruise Terminal — with charge
- Outside 9 km radius within Brisbane — with charge
- Gold Coast pickup — with charge
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The Sunshine Coast is about 100km north of Brisbane, roughly 1.5 hours by car. The hinterland towns like Yandina and Montville sit a little further inland from the coast itself.
A: Yes. The hinterland is one of Queensland’s best kept secrets. Rainforest, panoramic lookouts, boutique villages, and food experiences make it genuinely different from a standard beach day.
A: Yes, easily. The tour is about 9 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Brisbane. You leave in the morning and are back by early evening.
A: Yes. The stops are family-friendly and the vehicle is comfortable. Kids tend to love the Ginger Factory and the chocolate tasting. The rainforest walk at Mary Cairncross is accessible for most ages.
A: Your private vehicle and driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off within Brisbane, live commentary throughout the day, and a gift pack with water and snacks. Personal expenses like meals and any paid activities at stops are not included.
A: Yes, ADT provides tools for persons with disabilities, including wheelchair support. Availability is
subject to size and measurement limitations of equipment.
What Travellers Are Saying
Adventure Day Trips holds a 5.0 rating on Google across 78 reviews, and a 5.0 on TripAdvisor across 32 reviews. Named a Best of Queensland Experience in both 2025 and 2026.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US!
Adventure Day Trips Brisbane – Best of Queensland Experience 2025
Don’t settle for an average holiday, choose a team that has been officially recognised as a Best of Queensland Experience for 2025.
As a family-owned business established in 2017, we take pride in delivering high-quality, personalised experiences backed by our “Big Smiles” guarantee.
Whether you’re arriving at the airport or planning a weekend escape, we’re here to welcome you and make your journey truly memorable.
- Phone: +61 400 055 199 (also on WhatsApp)
- Email: info@adventuredaytrips.com.au
- Website: www.adventuredaytrips.com.au
- Ready to start? Click here to see our live tour availability and book your 2026 dates.
Book Your Experience With Us
Adventure Day Trips offers private, fully customisable tours from Brisbane. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour:
9 hours, from A$1,395 for 11pax. Flexible pickup times. Hotel collection included.
Named a Best of Queensland Experience 2025 and 2026.
