Road Trip Yandina to Eumundi Markets, Queensland. Australia
As
Brisbaners though and though, we have lost count of the number of weekend
getaways from Brisbane we have done over the years. From rugged mountains to
coastal seascapes, sleepy towns to countryside’s, we are spoilt for choice when
it comes to deciding where to go on a road trip from Brisbane. Set close to
Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast marks a popular road trip for both locals and
tourists in Australia. Here, the sparkling shallows make the perfect swimming
pool, while the charming towns are great for shopping and tucking into
delicious food. Combining a selection of both adrenalin-pumping adventures and
more laidback activities, there is plenty to do in the region. The call of the Sunshine
Coast and its hinterland is hard to resist, with an abundance of lush
rainforest, unspoiled beaches, fine food and swathes of natural beauty. Curious
travellers who wander off the highway will find a treasure trove of villages, such
as charming Yandina and Maleny, hidden around every bend on the way to Noosa.
Check out our little video
So we fired up the playlists and headed north on the Bruce Highway to the town of Yandina. Yandina is one of the oldest towns on the Sunshine Coast - famous for its pub the Yandina Hotel, The Ginger Factory, Yandina Station and its charming town centre full of heritage-listed buildings. The curious traveller will be well-rewarded with surprises like natural swimming holes, abundant wildlife, one of the Sunshine Coast’s best weekend markets and one of Australia’s most famous restaurants – Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School.
We first dropped in for a coffee at Cafe Invigor8 and were pleasantly surprised with great coffee, friendly staff catering for healthy vegetarian, vegan and everyone’s all time favorite bacon and eggs. It’s all house made with lots food options, fresh juice, organic meals and a lovely garden area to sit.
Coffee in hand we wandered the postcard perfect Saturday morning markets.
The Yandina
Markets are one of the best places to get your fruit and Veg, cheap plants for
the garden, as well as second hand gear with approximately 100 stalls with
close to half being plants, fruits and vegetables. The Yandina Markets are
renowned for being the largest plant market on the coast, with herbs, natives,
palms, indoor plants and more. Browse through and find food, fresh produce,
bric-a-brac, second-hand treasures, collectables, clothes shoes, books, toys
and a stack more.
It was time
to get behind the wheel and head down Old Gympie Road which then turns into
Cooloolabin Road. Eventually you’ll turn onto Buckby Road which is unsealed so
you’ll need to ensure your car can handle it. You then follow this along and
head to Point Glorious Lookout. Much like the name suggests, this lookout is
straight up gorgeous boasting views of Mt Eewah. Trust us, the 3km return walk
is absolutely worth it.
From there you’ll cruise back along Buckby Road and head north until you get to Eumundi-Kenilworth Road. Then it’s all about rolling the windows down, soaking up the scenery and fresh air until you arrive at Eumundi.
At
Eumundi we caught up with friends Stuart and Kate and sat down for brunch at Eats
– Meals That Matter. EATS was established in Eumundi and are on a mission to
create meals that matter. They are a social enterprise dedicated to empowering
people out of generational poverty via education, opportunities and kindness.
After
breakfast it was time to explore the town, which is home to some fantastic
eateries, including The Imperial Hotel and Eumundi Brewery, and is the place to
discover talented visual artists, a thriving live-music scene as well as
renowned galleries, studios and theatres. Beyond the colourful stalls there’s
still plenty to explore. The streets of Eumundi are lined with historical
buildings such as the Discover Eumundi Heritage and Visitor Centre, art
galleries, original works by David Suters Timbercraftsman Showroom Gallery.
Activities
at the Eumundi Markets
1. Try
the Food
The
food is one of the biggest selling points of the Eumundi Markets. All the
stalls are run by the local farmers of the region, selling their prized goods
such as organic meat, delicious jams, and homemade bakery goods. If you are
after some on to-go meals to enjoy while you shop the market, there are
numerous hot food stands that are perfect for grabbing a bite on the run. One
of the best ways to experience the markets is to arrive early and grab
breakfast and a coffee at one of the stalls, letting you fuel your browsing
energy for the next few hours.
2.
Watch the Entertainment
The
cultural aspect of the Eumundi Markets is huge, and there are plenty of
performances and live music on the schedule to keep shoppers entertained, from
live bands to theatrical shows and everything in between. Or you can either
soak up the hubbub of the stage and surrounding areas as you browse the many
market stalls, or you can give them full attention as you enjoy a meal or
simply rest your feet for a minute on the soft coastal grass.
3. Buy
Some Artwork
The
Markets pride themselves on promoting local artists in the area. Here, visitors
can pick up handmade crafts and one-off art pieces created by creative’s in the
area to remind them of their time in Brisbane and its surrounds.
4.
People Watch
The
Markets gets busy – with 600 stalls, it’s no surprise. Once you’ve pounded the
pavements and browsed the eclectic array of stalls, grab a seat somewhere and
watch the world go by.
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