It's a place where the landscape is pretty as a picture, so it’s little wonder that many a creative has found their inspiration here.
Using their hands to create works of art that rival the beauty of their surroundings, artists, sculptors and makers are at home in the Hinterland hills, and visitors can take a piece home with them on a tour of the Hinterland Art Trail.
Here artists are more than happy to throw open the doors of their studios and galleries inviting you to see where the magic happens.
Whether you choose to follow a gallery trail or explore at your own pace, creativity in the Hinterland extends well beyond the confines of four walls, it’s a way of life.
We’ve rounded up some the must-visit galleries from Maleny to Montville, inspiration guaranteed!
Maleny
David Linton Furniture & Timber Works
The first thing you’ll notice when you step into David Linton’s showroom is the incredible smell of timber.
The acclaimed furniture maker’s store is warm and textured, stocked with pieces of fine quality furniture made mainly from Australian native timbers.
You’ll also find a selection of locally made jewellery, sculptures, and timber creations, hand crafted from Hinterland artists.
Maleny Art Direct
Maleny Art Direct is all about telling stories through art.
Here they believe the creative journey is just as important as the final product, and owners Joanne Howard (curator) and Vanessa Perske (artist) carefully select the artwork shown in their modern gallery to ensure visitors feel a connection with the works.
The exhibited pieces are constantly changing to complement the time of year and reflect the local Maleny community.
Sunset From One Tree Hill, Maleny
Peace of Green
Immerse yourself in the local art community with a visit to Peace of Green, an art gallery in Maleny that is owned, managed and operated by local artists themselves.
Here you can actually meet the creatives, with a different artist on hand every day to provide a deeper insight into the works shown.
As the town’s longest running gallery, Peace of Green is a true reflection of the artistic community who call it home.
From artworks inspired by local landscape to delicate blown glass and hand-made ceramics, it’s truly inspiring.
Ben Messina Landscapes Gallery
Ben Messina has been wielding a camera since the age of 10, so it’s little wonder his landscape works are some of Australia’s best.
Ben’s photographs are all about the art and adventure of landscapes, capturing the beauty of unique scenery from around Australia and New Zealand.
His award-winning works have not only been purchased by royalty, they can be found displayed in private and corporate collections all around the world.
If you are looking for panoramic images with heart, emotion and depth, you really can’t miss a visit to Ben’s gallery.
Montville
Secrets on the Lake Art Gallery
Dining On The Deck At Secrets On The Lake, Montville
There’s something whimsical about the idea of an art gallery in a tree house, and that’s exactly what Secrets on the Lake is.
Sitting up high in the canopy overlooking Lake Baroon, the huge windows of the gallery frame the stunning views of surrounding water and rainforest, complementing the works of local artists and artisans.
Sitting pride of place in the gallery is the amazing hand-carved Tree of Dreams, created by award winning Sunshine Coast artist Jack Wilms.
Be sure to time your visit to the gallery with morning tea or lunch at Secrets’ award-winning restaurant Dining on the Deck, which offering uninterrupted views over the lake below.
Montville Art Gallery
Set in a delightful 1890’s Queenslander, Montville Art Gallery is a celebrate of local artists with work on display from more than 40 of the region’s best creatives.
Every space on this gracious old lady’s walls are adorned with artwork, which even spills out the front door and onto the timber balcony.
The Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty is a theme for many of the pieces in this delightful space.
Discover the beautiful watercolours of Lorraine Rogers, sense the unfettered celebration of life in De Gillett Cox’s acrylics, or be captivated by a single moment thanks to the oils of the Gallery’s owner Wayne Malkin.
Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Illume Creations
Illume Creations is a gallery where vibrance and radiance are second to none.
Here it is all about celebrating colour, with the gallery showing incredible hand-blown glass creations from international artist Tina Cooper and her hot glass team.
Renowned for creating visually stunning originals, you can almost feel the life and soul that Tina breathes into her work.
Each piece is individual and delicate, and the hardest part for visitors is deciding what piece to take home with you.
Complementing Tina’s glass art, Illume Creations also features beautiful locally crafted ichroic glass pendants and earrings, as well as hand painted silks.
