The Ultimate Weekend Getaway You Can Do in a RAV4

If you’re dreaming of an easy weekend escape that blends comfort, adventure and plenty of fresh air, the Sunshine Coast has the perfect answer and it’s all an ideal match for a Toyota RAV4. With smooth on-road handling, just-right AWD capability and loads of room for gear, the RAV4 makes a local weekend getaway feel effortless.

Here’s a relaxed, close-to-home adventure you can tackle in 48 hours. No long drives, no complicated planning, just pure Sunshine Coast goodness.

Day 1: Start Your Weekend in Mapleton & Montville

Head straight into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for a weekend that balances nature, good food and that cosy mountain-town charm the region is famous for.

Stop 1: Mapleton Falls Lookout

Kick things off with a short, scenic stroll to Mapleton Falls Lookout. The view across the Obi Obi Valley is stunning and the RAV4’s comfortable ride makes the winding hinterland roads feel smooth and easy.

Stop 2: Kondalilla National Park

Just a short drive away, Kondalilla Falls is the perfect spot for your first real adventure of the day.

Choose your pace:

• A short walk to the rock pools
• Or the full Kondalilla Falls circuit (a favourite for families and weekend hikers)

The RAV4’s roomy boot gives you plenty of space for backpacks, towels, snacks and a change of clothes, because depending on the weather, we guarantee you will want to swim.

Lunch in Montville Village

After your hike, cruise up to Montville for lunch. Whether you want cosy café food, classic pub fare or just a treat from the fudge shop, Montville is the ideal midpoint stop.

Park "easily" along Main Street and stretch your legs with a browse through the shops. The RAV4’s modest footprint along with all the cameras & sensors on the car, makes village parking stress-free.

Afternoon: Obi Obi River Paddle or Sunshine Coast Farm Visit

Option 1: Obi Obi River (Eumundi–Kenilworth area)

If you’ve packed water toys or picnics, the RAV4’s rear cargo space handles it with ease. If you've got paddleboards or kayaks, we recommend using Toyota Genuine Roof Racks to transport them. Head down to one of the gentle sections of the Obi Obi River for a peaceful afternoon paddle.

Option 2: Seasonal "Farm" Hopping

Stay local with a visit to nearby farms:

• The Shed at Montville
• Green Valley Finger Limes
• Flame Hill Vineyard

The RAV4’s hybrid efficiency makes the stop-start nature of hinterland exploring feel easy and economical.

Evening: Maleny Stayover

Check into a Maleny cottage, a tiny home or rainforest retreat and enjoy a slow, cosy evening. The RAV4’s generous boot means you can bring all the “weekend extras” like picnic blankets, cheese-board ingredients, games and jackets, without needing to pack light.

Day 2: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Baroon Pocket Dam

Wake up refreshed, grab a coffee in town and make your way to the stunning Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World.

It’s relaxed, colourful, and perfect for slow wandering. If you’re bringing the kids, the giant bird avery (where the macaws can land on your shoulder) is a guaranteed winner.

Baroon Pocket Dam — Mid-Morning Relaxation

Just 10 minutes away is Baroon Pocket Dam, one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems. Bring your picnic gear (or yesterday’s Montville goodies) and soak up the view.

Things to do here:

• Short walks along the dam edges
• A refreshing swim
• Paddleboarding
• Wildlife spotting
• Quiet time in the sun

The RAV4’s SUV height gives you easy access to the more tucked-away car parks around the dam’s edges, which is great for finding quieter spots.

Optional Add-On: Walk the Lake Baroon Great Walk Section

If you're feeling energetic, try one of the shorter sections of the Sunshine Coast Great Walk that start from the Baroon Pocket Dam area. The paths are well-marked, lush and beautiful after rain.

Back on the Coast by Mid-Afternoon

The beauty of this getaway? You’re never more than 45 minutes from home.

By early afternoon you’ll be back on the Coast, relaxed, recharged and probably planning your next escape.

Why This Getaway Suits the RAV4 Perfectly

• Designed for hilly hinterland driving
• Comfortable and quiet for winding roads
• Huge boot for picnic baskets, swim gear and day bags
• Hybrid efficiency keeps fuel costs down
• AWD capability handles dirt roads with confidence
• Easy to park in small hinterland towns

Want to experience a new RAV4? Book your test drive today at Sunshine Toyota on the Sunshine Coast!