Hinterland Tour (Mount Mee)
Sunshine Coast 6/10/2024
Vivian, Julian and I left home approximately. 7 a.m. on a beautiful spring Sunday morning, with a clear sky and crisp air. Perfect!
First stop: Boxster Haus facility at Chevallum to pick up 3 of our Porsches. The family had been planning an early morning tour of the hinterland for several weeks. All looking forward to the drive, having prepped the cars the day before.
The cars: Julian’s pristine 2004 986.2 (5 speed manual) Boxster, Vivian’s lovely 2015 981 PDK Cayman (now in her 6th year of ownership) and our most recent acquisition a stunning and very original 1998 996.1 (6 speed manual Aust delivered), first of the water-cooled era of 911’s. I decided to drive the 911, rather than my Boxster S. I was quite keen to drive the 996!
Second stop: BP Forest Glen (northbound), quick fuel top up, then head south on Bruce Highway (M1) … despite being a long weekend, the traffic was manageable.
Exit: Landsborough via a much-improved Steve Irwin Way, silky-smooth surface. Cruising at 80km’s (speed limit) was now enjoyable!
Exit (off Steve Irwin) Beerwah. We all love the mountain pass (Beerwah | Peachester), well surfaced and fabulous curves … Julian was off in the distance enjoying the superb handling of his well-sorted Boxster, that was until a slow-moving car enabled Mum and Dad to catch up!
After passing Peachester, Julian discovered an unofficial rest stop, perfect for photos (see Vivian’s image of the Boxster below)
The long sweeping curves were pretty cool as we motored toward Woodford Straight. Unfortunately, a mobile stop & go sign slowed progress, the local council has been working, albeit slowly, on widening sections of the road. It's important to note that the sign is located at the beginning of the curves, not far from the Maleny Stanley River Road exit. Easily missed, can catch you off guard.
Upon a green light we were treated to a combination of superbly sealed roads and very ordinary “B roads” These “B, some say C roads” accentuate tyre noise from just about any Porsche sports car, regardless of tyre choice. The purists accept it as part of the journey. Not so sure! Those beautiful vistas do provide plenty of upside and distractions from tyre noises!
We began to approach Woodford straight, forever mindful of speed limits. All three cars (and drivers) were well-behaved, as the man in blue could appear from nowhere!
Then headed down D’Aguilar highway towards Woodford Township. The smooth surface of the road was a welcome change after passing through Woodford, and we were just 2 km away from Mount Mee via Delaney’s Creek. Despite the initial rough road, we remained patient, knowing that the best curves imaginable awaited us!
Three Porsche’s climbed toward Mount Mee. A wonderful section of road. Perfect time to test the 996 handling capabilities who lead the way up, closely followed by the Boxster and Viv in her Cayman driven a little more leisurely behind. Original 996’s (Any 911 actually) do not have the balance of a Boxster (In m y opinion) that said I was very impressed on its abilities. There were smile’s all round!
As we arrived at Mount Mee at 8.30 am, all looking forward to breakfast at Birches Restaurant.
We had booked a roadside table and we enjoyed the scenery (Vistas, Cars & Bikes) as we dined. The tranquil surroundings and the sight of over 25 MX5s (Various model years), mostly mature drivers with companions, added to the charm of the experience.
As for birches restaurant, we were thoroughly impressed. The service was top-notch, and the food was excellent. However, it's worth noting that parking can be a bit of a challenge, so it's best to arrive early. Despite this, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit. This was our first time there, and are planning our return.
Next stop 5 minutes away. Mount Mee lookout. Bikes everywhere, little parking for cars, but managed to find a way. Very popular stopover for riders of all ages. Quite a gathering of people & banter. Nice to stretch the legs, enjoy the beautiful valley & mountain views (see below) before heading off.
Downhill curves! Driving down, police driving up. It would have been approx. 10.30am by the time we left the lookout. The Boxster was again off in the distance as Mum and Dad cruised enjoying those lovely curves toward Woodford.
Having passed through a very busy Woodford, looking for next exit (Kilcoy/Beerwah Road) passed “Tent City” (on left) back on the ‘long Woodford straight. Naturally observing all speed limits!
Exit: Maleny Stanley River (on left) wonderful vistas, one of our favourites, sadly for the most “B grade” roads. At times, very good. Lovely sweeping curves keep you in high spirits.
Mountain View Road at Maleny (on right). Another favourite, ying and yang roads.! Closer to Mary Cairncross Park, the surface is near perfect. The view to the Glass House Mountains is extraordinary (see below) … Local council have built a new lookout area, very well done. Stopped for a look-see. and photos. The morning was getting a little warmer, welcomed the cool breezes from the valley below. Stunning.
Travelled past Mary Cairncross, right turn toward Landsborough “Down the big hill” back on Steve Irwin Way, M1 northbound, Forest Glen turnoff, back to Boxster Haus, arriving approx. 12pm. Securely parked the cars , cleaned and drove the family runabout home!
A wonderful morning, combined sports cars, art of driving, vistas and the best thing, sharing time as a family!
Peter
Map of our route. Yellow pointers are stopovers.