Leaving Thornton, we continued north and wound our way into the Imbil State Forest, west of the Sunshine Coast. On the way we stopped for lunch at a lookout overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains National Park. The view was spectacular — ancient volcanic plugs rising out of the landscape, and far on the horizon we could even make out the buildings of Brisbane shimmering in the haze.
A few kilometers further on we found the Charlie Moreland Camping Area. This camping ground is in an open eucalypt forest along the banks of Little Yabba Creek—this picturesque spot is perfect, with plenty of bush walks threading through the trees. It was the kind of place you could easily lose a few days
Time wasn’t on our side. We needed to get back to Ben and Amie’s to spend some precious time with the grandkids. On the way back we stopped at Maroochydore for a swim and lunch, letting the salt water wash off the dust of the inland roads. Once back in Caloundra we unpacked the Ranger, did the laundry, and gave the car a well‑earned wash.
Saturday morning was all about family — watching Lachlan and his team play soccer, cheering from the sidelines like proud supporters. Two days with everyone, and just like that, this trip had come to an end. Now it’s back to New Zealand, and back to the ongoing mission of trying to sell Imagine.
