Day-tripping: Brisbane's hills are calling

Day-tripping
Brisbane’s hills are calling

When the coastal life is just another part of your daily grind, it makes perfect sense to chase a change of scenery and escape to the hills. Situated just 42km from Brisbane’s CBD, Mount Glorious is a motoring enthusiast's dream – and just perfect for a day-drive escape.

As we exit town via route 31, it’s mind-boggling just how quickly the landscape changes. Suburbia is fast substituted with dense forests as we travel inland to Mount Glorious.

As the intricate bends are revealed, you fast discover that much of this day trip is about the journey. The roads are involving, with plenty of opportunities to perfect your cornering technique.

It’s no surprise that this route is popular with motorcyclists – so keep them in mind when you’re pulling on and off the road.

Our choice of vehicle for this series of capital city day trips is the Ford Kuga. There’s plenty of space in the five-seater but make no mistake, this is no lumbering offroader. The sporty SUV holds its own in the curves with great grip and composed handling.

Kuga sits in the sweet spot in what is one of the country’s most competitive vehicle segments– especially in the top of the range Titanium model.

Whatever your choice of vehicle you can get to Mount Glorious in around one hour, but allow more time – you’ll want to stop at one or many of the lookouts that the D’aguilar National Park has to offer. Mountain gazing and nature-inspired selfies are a must. It’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city.

There are also many picnic spots, good barbeque facilities and walking tracks throughout the national parks – maybe put your Fitbit to the test, it’s also ideal if you’ve got littlies who need to run off some energy! And the local birdlife is another wondrous sight – and offers more photo opportunities.

We’re recommending a loop that takes us over the mountain, making the round trip around 215km – but effort peaks shortly after Mount Glorious and tapers thereafter. (If you’ve not had nearly enough, however, go right back the way you came!)

Once you reach the base of the mountain, the tight bends give way to long sweeping curves. The roads open up, offering views of the vast landscape as you exit the mountain ranges. It feels like a nice wind down after the morning's more energetic sections.

A timely pit-stop is our suggested turnaround point in Esk. Be sure to visit Julie’s at the Rectory for good coffee, outrageously good toasties (where the ham is as thick as the bread) and even better cakes – you will most likely be served by Julie herself.

With the essential supplies on board (ie. cake and coffee), the more direct freeway route back to Brisbane is bang on 100km via the A17 – a perfect time to let the adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings in our Kuga do their job.

These features are part of the Kuga’s optional Technology Pack. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot detection and auto high-beam are also included.

This suite of driver aids is a measure of the sophistication of the latest midsize softroaders. It’s little wonder they’re quickly becoming the default choice for day-trippers and urban families alike.

Fast facts
The trip – Brisbane to Mount Glorious (return via Esk)
Distance – 215km round trip
Top 3 – D’aguilar National Park, Mount Glorious bends, Cloverlea Cottage
Top Eat – Julie’s at The Rectory, Esk
Top Tip – check your tyre pressures and enjoy the bends.

Quick links
Cloverlea Cottage
Mount Glorious
Julie’s at The Rectory
Handy car tech for your next road trip

Check out more in our series of one-day escapes
Hobart: surprises south from the Apple Isle's capital
Perth: beer, bread and a hint of the good life
Sydney: head to Avalon. Now!
Melbourne: getaways on the city's doorstep
Adelaide: grapes and more in McLaren Vale