Hinterland In the Sunshine!

We eventually organised ourselves and the van, leaving home yesterday around noon. Decided to start in the Hinterland areas of the Sunshine Coast - about 2.5 hours north of the Gold Coast. Weather is superb during the day, little nippy at night though. Our first 4 nights are being spent at Forest Glenn - nice park, with plenty of facilities, including a great Thai Restaurant.. Of course, there were just a few things that we forgot, such as a hammer, large cutting board and some other not too important items. Hey it has been a year since we packed and used this machine!

Saturday Morning - Eumundi Markets This small village and its markets are incredible - probably the best we have been to - anywhere!

They are also open on Wednesday mornings.

Had to stop and watch the "Tree Climbing" competition. And the history - we visited the Australia War Cemetry at Villiers Bretonneux in the Somme, France - in 2003 Brilliant Moreton Bay Fig Trees around Eumundi.

We then took the road through the mountains to Kenilworth. Amazing and varied scenery throughout this area - the Mary River Valley.

Contented cattle grazing along the Mary River There seemed a lot of activity when we arrived at Kenilworth, so we walked towards the noise.

THE CHOOK CHASE

The very large annual Trail Bike Competition through the National Parks surrounding Kenilworth, it is the one time the Parks are open under the watchful eyes of the National Parks staff - and yes they have named it the "Chook Chase".

There were several hundred of these riders in town, including many little kids - they had their own track on a farm next to the camp ground.

In action in Kenilworth.

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Out of action in Kenilworth.

Yes, there was a scarecrow competition on.

They were everywhere - the dog piddled on the one above!

And climbing fences below. After Kenilworth, I found a shortcut to Mapleton - well that was until there was a long detour on dirt road - apparently there had been a slip on the "road of my choice" We made it - safe and sound.

Looking out to sea from Mapleton.