The wild expanses of national parks and the cheery hubbub of country markets, glorious vistas and folk music festivals, wineries, fine dining and freshwater fishing are all waiting for you just a short drive from Brisbane.

Head west and you’ll soon be in the cool of the mountains, winding through the Brisbane Forest Park to Mt Nebo. Beyond is Mt Glorious, clad with rainforest, and further north lie the lush hilltop pastures and state forests of Mt Mee. Drive north through Woodford and Kilcoy and you’re at the head of the "Valley of Lakes, here forests and crags inspire tales of yowies and other dark legends. But legends fade in the sunshine, and the shores of Lake Somerset and Wivenhoe offer perfect camping and picnic sites.