If you think the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is all lush paddocks and charming country villages... think again. Look a little closer and you'll find a thriving paddock-to-plate food scene, hidden waterfalls and art trail just waiting to be explored.
Go chasing waterfalls
Kondalilla Falls, Kondalilla National Park
At the heart of the Hinterland is the Blackall Range, where gushing waterfalls and Insta-worthy swimming holes await for those in the know. Gardner’s Falls near Maleny is a local favourite for its easy access from the carpark and close proximity to town. If you're keen to work up a sweat and don't mind a few stairs, Kondalilla Falls is for you. Nestled in the Kondalilla National Park, here you'll be met with refreshingly cool waters and sweeping views over the valley below. Our tip: make a day of it and pack a picnic to enjoy after. For more inspiration, check out our waterfall guide here.
Eat all the cheese
Maleny Food Co - Credit TEQ
If you can see rolling hills dotted with dairy cows out your car window, you'll know you've reached the Hinterland. This region is known for its dairy, and the businesses here produce some of the best cheese, yoghurt and gelato in Australia. Not sure where to follow your taste buds first? We recommend making tracks for Maleny Cheese for - you guessed it - delicious cheese, Maleny Food Co for award-winning gelato and Maleny Dairies for truly creamy milk. Another must visit is Kenilworth Dairies, a family-run business that have been dairy farming for six generations.
Take in the views
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Maleny
With many of our Hinterland villages perched high on the Blackall Range it goes without saying there are some great places to take in the views here. For an aerial view of the Glass House Mountains, make tracks to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve or Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, both great days out for the whole family. In Montville, the views don't get much better than at The Edge Cafe, Bar & Restaurant, and if you're heading to Mapleton, make sure to stop in at the Mapleton Falls Lookout Platform – where you’ll be able to appreciate the breathtaking 120m drop of Mapleton Falls into the valley below.
Enjoy farm stays for days
Seven Peaks Farm Stay
Immerse yourself in the Hinterland’s picturesque hills and sprawling paddocks by booking a farm stay escape. Here, balconies with mountain views, twilight feasts of woodfired pizzas, dips in sparkling creeks, and plenty of furry friends are all on the agenda. Explore the secluded offerings of Mayan Luxe Villas in Kin Kin, settle into the chic digs at Seven Peaks Farm Stay in Beerwah, and unwind amongst the scenic surrounds of a working dairy farm at Wittacork Dairy Cottages. Keen to explore some more spots? Check out our guide to the ultimate Sunshine Coast ‘haycation’ here.
Sample a craft brew… or two
Tasting at Brouhaha Brewery, Maleny
Pouring from the sleek wall taps at Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny is an impressive line-up of brews. The core range here is complemented by seasonal beers that use local ingredients and pair perfectly with the seasonal menu. The best way to sample Brouhaha's range is to order a table with your mates and grab a tasting paddle to sip through the best brews.
Tackle the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Mapleton Falls National Park
Pull on the hiking boots and set out on an epic adventure through our pristine subtropical rainforest on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This 58km trek can be done as a multi-day hike with hike-in campsites, or by smaller sections on a day trip. Periods of rain keep the creeks and scenic waterfalls flowing as you pass by, with plenty of quality bush-walking and moments of solitude along the way. You’ll discover a pristine environment brimming with refreshing water holes, dappled sunlight through the ancient canopy, and an abundance of birdlife.
Indulge in some fine dining
Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
At Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, you'll find the hatted restaurant The Tamarind: a cosy, open-air restaurant embraced by misty gardens and subtropical rainforest. Tucking into a banquet here is like taking a trip through Asia: with sticky pork belly with tamarind pepper caramel, steamed chicken dumplings, and Pandan coconut parfait all on the menu. Alternatively, embrace the French touch at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville, where you'll be set for a feast of elegant cuisine at The Long Apron restaurant, another hatted establishment. No trip to the Hinterland is complete without a meal at Mapleton Public House, who source the ingredients for their menu from their very own farm less than 5 minutes' drive down the road.
Head for the mountains
Mt Ngungun, Glass House Mountains
You've seen them from above, but there's nothing quite like exploring the Glass House Mountains up close. These 11 peaks are actually remnants of volcanic activity that occurred more than 25 million years ago, and today, are the perfect place to get back to nature. It’s also an area that is steeped in First Nations history, being a special meeting place of cultural and spiritual significance for the traditional owners of the Sunshine Coast, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples. Not sure where your hiking boots should take you first? The Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre is a great place to start.
Travel along the art trail
Take a trip from Montville to Maleny and be inspired by a wealth of exceptional artists and art along the Hinterland Art Trail. There are so many talented creatives at home here, with everything from oil and watercolour paintings, bronze, sandstone and marble sculptures, photography and hand-blown glass, silk and textiles lining gallery walls.
Road trip along the Blackall Range
Gerrards Lookout, Maleny
This might just be one of the most scenic drives on the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, not only will you get picturesque views of the countryside and coastline, but you'll also have plenty of chances to stop off at the gorgeous villages, walking trails, and waterfalls.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset
Have we mentioned that the hinterland is pretty scenic? Stock up on supplies from local suppliers – cheese from Kenilworth Dairies or Maleny Cheese and some wine from Flame Hill Vineyard – and settle in to watch the sunset over the Glass House Mountains. Ending your day doesn’t get much better than that!
See another side of Noosa
Pomona Distilling Co.
Noosa is known for its stunning beaches, but did you know there's a whole Noosa Hinterland to explore? First stop, the charming village of Pomona, where good food and drink is not hard to find. Pomona Distilling Co is known for their gin, and their outdoor garden is the perfect place to tuck into lunch and while away the afternoon. Another must-visit is Noosa Hinterland Brewery in Cooran, for those who love a good beer. If art is more your pace, you’ll want to follow the art trail with stops at Noosa Open Studios, Cooroy Butter Factory and Noosa Regional Gallery a must.
