At Trusted Travel we LOVE country towns! In rural Australia, the charm of a bygone era lives on in ways lost to the big cities. Sometimes a good country road trip can demand a week of leave from work and a campervan full of supplies and let’s face it, we don’t always have those luxuries. So, we’ve put together a list in three parts of country towns that can be visited as a day trip from some of Australia’s larger cities. Last week we looked at three great country day trips from Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast. In part two we look at some rural gems just outside of Brisbane, Adelaide and Wollongong.
Click to read last week’s article
Maleny, Nalbo and Dallambara Country ‐ 90 minutes from Brisbane
Nestled in the hinterland behind the sunshine coast and boasting spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains, Maleny is a popular destination for day‐trippers from Brisbane and the coast.
Maleny’s first European settlement came following the Gympie gold rush of the 1860s, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the town really started to thrive. In more recent years, Maleny has garnered a reputation as a hub for food and the arts, reinforced by the arrival of many new cafes, galleries and handicraft stores. It is now considered one of the premier rural destinations in South East Queensland.
The best views of the Glasshouse Mountains and beyond are found a short drive south of town at McCarthy’s lookout.
Hahndorf, Peramangk Country – 30 minutes from Adelaide
Hahndorf could well be one of Australia’s most unique towns. Founded by German‐speaking Prussian Lutherans who arrived in 1838, Hahndorf maintains its Central European atmosphere due in no small part to the surviving fachwerk buildings. Fachwerk is a style of architecture that displays timber posts and beams on the exterior of the building.
The town’s German roots have not waned in the 180 years since its founding. Today there are several restaurants in town that serve traditional German fare and sell iconic German wares imported from Europe.
Hahndorf is home to two beautiful churches including St. Michael’s, built in 1839, the home of the oldest Lutheran congregation in Australia.
Kangaroo Valley, Dharawal Country – 75 minutes from Wollongong
Kangaroo Valley has been described as the most beautiful valley in Australia. When driving in, monumental sandstone cliffs rise around you as you descend towards the lush green dairy pastures that cover much of the valley’s floor. From bushwalking to white water kayaking, to birdwatching and cycling, Kangaroo Valley has it all.
The township of Kangaroo Valley is a quaint hodgepodge of remaining colonial and early federation era buildings. It is home to enough bakeries, galleries and shops to spend an afternoon strolling and taking in the local wares.
Kangaroo Valley is also home to Hampden Bridge, one of Australia’s most interesting pieces of Victorian architecture. Built from local sandstone, it is single span suspension bridge built in a “castle style” with parapets and all!
Join us again next week as we have a look at three more country towns a short drive from more major Aussie cities. Next week’s points of departure will be Melbourne, Newcastle and Canberra!
