As an avid motorbike rider I seen a few good roads in my time. Some of them a little too close, resulting in a serious accident in October 2011. But I’m still here and still riding, only bigger and better now.

For those who have read more than this page you’ know that there’s and up and coming trip around Australia in the making with our Bike and Trailer, but more on that in another blog.

Brisbane (or Brizzy to the locals)has some spectacular bike rides and over then next few blogs (and weeks) I want to list some of the great rides that the Sunshine State of Queensland has to offer.

 

Motorbike

Mount Tambourine

This is the favorite place for any of our rides. I have lost count of how many times we have gone up the mountain for a coffee. The great thing about the mountain is that there are several roads to get there all giving you a thrilling and scenic cruise up the hill. There was a time I would have got a sport bike and literally thrashed it up here but now that I’m older I take my time. You have to respect the mountain  it’s claimed several lives and I still want to hold onto mine for now.

Places to visit

  1. Gallery Walk – forms part of the highway 95  over the mountain and houses some unique little arts and craft stores. Be sure to stop at The Gallery Cafe for Belgian Waffles and Ice Cream (their signature dish).Gallery_Walk_Mount_Tambourine
  2. The Polish Place – this is a truly breathtaking place as the views over the western side of the mountain are arguably one of the best viewing spots around.  A word of caution here though, hide the sugar packets from the parrots or you”ll have them on the table almost eating from your hand.  It’s a great way to get up and close to the wildlife at no extra charge!The Polish Place Mt Tambourine
  3. Witches Chase Cheese Factory – Made right on the premises and with viewing window you can see exactly what’s going on. Or better still head for the shop and try before you buy. There are not only great cheeses  yogurt and gelato ice cream are made and sold here too.Witches Chase Cheese Factory Tambourine
  4. Mt Tamborine Brewery – Across from the cheese factory and in the same new and modern facilities is Tambourines most popular boutique brewery. The best way to check out their product is to buy the $10 sample pack consisting of 4 beers from their range. The neat thing is that you choose which beers you want to try. The Complex often has a local band or musician playing so it makes for an awesome afternoon of beers, cheese and chips (french fries)MT Brewery Tambourine
  5. Mt Tambourine Distillery – Michael and Alla are hidden away down Beacon Rd but are well worth visiting their unique and award winning blends of  Liqueurs, Schnapps, Vodka, Eaux de Vie housed in their Tudor styled Mansion and grounds reflect Michael’s home of Ipswich in the UK. Sit in on a tasting ($5.00 per person) and take home a little something for a special occasion. It’s always a favorite place of ours and many a time we have taken family and friends to visit.

Michael and Alla Ward,Tamborine Mountain Distillery

How to get to Tambourine?

From Brisbane

Take the M3 – M1 highway to exit 34 (Beenleigh) then follow highway 92 until you reach the roundabout. Take the first exit on the left  onto  route 95 (you’ll see the “Bearded Dragon” pub on the left) and head up the mountain to Gallery Walk.

 From The Gold Coast

Head along the M1 Highway towards Brisbane and take exit 57 and follow highway 95 up the hill to Gallery Walk.

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NOTE – to anyone wanting to head down the hill using  “The Goat Track” (Tambourine Mountain Rd) to Canungra – DON”T – the road suffered severe damage in the rains of March 2013 and is closed until further notice – we will advise when this reopens,but it will be some time.

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Please note, no cats were hurt in taking this picture,