Mapleton is the most north hamlet on the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and you can get access to it by driving up from the Noosa end of the coast, past Nambour, with Campervan Hire Brisbane. Or you can begin at Maleny on the southern end and drive the full length of the ridge, going past Montville and Flaxton before arriving at Mapleton.

Like the other villages in this area, Mapleton is also a haven for artists and craftspeople. It’s just a link with the natural beauty of the area which draws those who can draw inspiration from it. As well as the art, craft and fresh produce, Mapleton lays claim to one of the most impressive waterfalls you are ever likely to see.

Mapleton actually sits beside the National Park and the Falls there plunge in a forceful cascade, right down the western escarpment into the Mary Valley below. The best place to see this is from the viewing platform where you can see it full on in all it’s glory. Just don’t forget your camera on the day you go to visit. It is truly fantastic for need of a better word.

Mapleton was settled just a year after Montville so has lots of heritage on display also , but the primary attraction is the National Park. There are plenty of walks thru both rainforest and eucalypt forest where you're able to see local flora and fauna, as well the amazing views down into the Mary Valley. There are ‘picnic glades ‘ to be found on these walks.

The Bar, feted for it view of the Nation's Park from it’s huge shady terrace, is an excellent place to head to for a drink after you are done with walking. It also has a yearly Yarn Festival where Aussie’s who are into writing bush ballads, come to compete for the privilege of telling the tallest of tales and spinning yarns.

This article was written by Anton Maverick who has travelled Australia at length by campervan he reccomends when touring the southern states either campervan Hire Australia or campervan hire Sydney good luck with your travels.

Another wonderful activity to experience on the New South Wales South Coast, is an indulgent food tour, which you can embark on after your drive into the South Coast area with Campervan Hire Sydney. Foodscape Tours will take you on a food tasting trip thru cities and villages across the area, specialising in seasonal offerings.

The trip will take roughly one full day and is available on the first and third Sat. of each month and the price includes lunch as well as all tastings on the way. The foodie destinations are deliberately kept secret to add a little poser to the event , however , it does include vineyards, orchards, commercial kitchens and farms alongside a variety of specialty stores from which you can get if you would like to.

One particular foodie event tour which is lined up for Sat., April 14, 2012 is a tasting tour of Kangaroo Valley Olives products. The morning session will actually involve cropping the olives straight from the Olive Groves , as well as a tour of the property and the critical Salt water room. You will also learn about how olives are stored and processed as well as experiencing led tastings along the way.

After the mornings work, you get to have a delicious lunch made from local goods including slow roasted lamb, local garden salads as well as local workman breads. This experience is commonly known as a light harvesters, lunch. Free tea, coffee and cold water can be had throughout the day as part of the package and if you want to purchase anything at the olive farm, special offers are included as a part of the tour.

At the end of the tour you also receive a special present bag of Kangaroo Valley Olives products and other South Coast local treats. This guided tour is exclusive to Foodscape Tours and sure to please. Harvesting olives in an olive grove is surely a completely unique experience to incorporate in a holiday and one that you are bound to remember.

This piece of writing was authored by Anton Maverick who has travelled Australia at length by campervan he reccomends when touring the southern states either campervan Hire Australia or campervan hire Melbourne good luck with your travels.