They say timing is everything!  I have managed to score a conference on the Sunshine Coast (Qld) at the end of March this year.  As it happens, the conference finishes a day before Easter giving me 5 days to go off exploring.

Within 45 minutes of the coast, near a town called Mapleton is the Blackall Ranges.  Here you will find the Sunshine Coast Hinterland "Great Walk".  This 58km walk takes in towering Bunya Pines, rushing waterfalls and rugged landscapes.  It is a one walk walk with a loop at the top end to enable walkers to exit near Mapleton.

The walk has three hiker camps located approximately 16km apart.  Each has a tent site, picnic table, water tank and pit toilet.  A $5 nightly camp fee applies.

It has been fun planning the walk in the early stages.  I need to rely on public transport comprising of trains (the nearest station is Nambour 140 km north of Brisbane) and local buses that run at infrequent times - so trying to plan my route back to Brisbane Airport (on time) is a challenge. 

I have managed to make friends with the local Tourism President who has kindly offered to pick me up from Mapleton and drop off at the start point at Montville (Lake Baroon) 8km away.  He has already mailed to me numerous brochures and timetables to help with my planning.

Packing for two events is going to be interesting!  My suitcase has to contain my conference attire as well as a backpack full of hiking gear.  Prior to the conference I willl spend a couple of days in Brisbane exploring the city sights.  I will also get back to basics by staying at a local backpackers rather than a 5 star hotel.

I hope to document my hike with loads of photos which I will upload with a blog and web album.

I can't wait!