NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES MOUNT MEE

Ocean View Estates Winery and Restaurant is the perfect place to unwind. Be spoilt by your hosts at this picturesque boutique vineyard and winery located just 45 kilometres from Brisbane along the spectacular Mount Mee Tourist Drive. Taste award winning wines at the cellar door, enjoy a succulent meal in the al a carte restaurant, or have a picnic amongst the vines. Stay the day, or make a weekend of it in the beautiful vineyard cottages overlooking the lake. Get lost in the food and wine experience on the mountain. They have the "wow" factor all packaged up in one place ! Both the restaurant and vineyard cottages are nestled amongst the trees and overlook the lakes and vineyards. With plenty of privacy and space, it is a perfect way to relax and unwind. Whether you are looking for a scenic day trip or a romantic weekend for two, you will not be disappointed by this magnificent destination.

When the beaches are too busy and you want to escape the crowds, Rocky Hole in the Moreton Bay Region hinterland is the place to go. Etched into the natural contours of Mount Mee, this swimming hole is easily accessed, just a short 200 metres from the car park. Home not only to a beautiful waterfall, but an adorable timber swing. The water can become quite deep in areas, however, there are shallows spots perfect for the little ones to frolic and play, collecting pebbles or watching for small fish. Only accessible by 4WD. For your safety, Queensland National Parks advises to take care near waterholes, never dive or jump into the water and take care on wet and slippery rocks....

Overlooking the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains, Mount Mee is approximately 90 minutes drive north west of Brisbane and is part of the beautiful D'Aguilar Range. The delightfully bohemian village of Woodford is just 10 minutes drive to the north. From on top of Mount Mee, expansive and picturesque views of seaside Caloundra and pristine Moreton Bay can be savoured. The Mount Mee Forest Reserve contains huge expanses of rainforest and eucalypt forest and includes many picturesque bushwalks and four wheel drive tracks. Clear water creeks, lush rainforest canopies and stunning views make the Reserve a perfect place to unwind and get back to nature. Bushwalkers can explore beautiful, open forests, scribbly gum forests, rainforest remnants, hoop pine plantations and cascading rainforest creeks. For an extra challenge, hike the Somerset trail and be rewarded with glorious views of Somerset and Wivenhoe Lakes. History buffs can inspect the remains of an antique sawmill and take the Piccabeen Palm walk to learn about the area's forestry and logging history. The area has a number of good camping spots with toilets, barbecues and firewood provided. Camping and four wheel drive permits are required. With its rich volcanic soil and good rainfall, this area is also known for its coffee growing and wonderful variety of local cheeses. These gastronomic delights can be savoured at the local restaurants and eateries. Several charming bed-and-breakfasts offer accommodation on Mount Mee with further accommodation options to be found at nearby Dayboro and Woodford....

A popular picnic spot near Brisbane, Rocksberg Park is steeped in Caboolture’s rich history. What was once a popular farming region for early settlers, the park is now set next to a trickling stream and features several benches, a picnic shelter, a bin and a barbecue. In an open grassy area, you can take a break and admire the surrounding beauty of the bushland and wildlife. If you don’t mind a short stroll, you can wander through the surrounding areas and down to the river. A rocky water hole, the river is an adventure ground for outdoor nature lovers. Kids will love to splash around in the cool waters, hunting for insects or small fish and building stacked towers from the rocky riverbed....

The Somerset Trail in Mount Mee offers hikers a clearly signposted trek through open-forest, pine-forest and pockets of rainforest which should take no more than 3 to 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. It is suitable for children who've been on bushwalks before and who have a reasonable level of fitness. Things you need to know: - Classification: Easy - Distance – 13 kilometre return - Circuit or looped trail - Time - 3 to 4 hours - Signposted - Well-maintained - Take drinking water (there are no drinking taps along the Brisbane bushwalks trail) - Bring energy snacks, a hat and sunscreen - Picnic and toilet facilities at The Gantry Day Use Area, not on the trail - Comfortable walking boots/shoes - This trail is mostly up a slight incline and like all rainforest walks, sections can be a bit slippery after rainfall - No domestic pets are allowed - Horses, Four Wheel Drives and Trail Bikes are allowed on certain tracks which cross Somerset Trail...