Picture yourself cosying up in a forest cabin and unwinding next to a crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine in hand. Your days are filled with visits to art galleries, independent boutiques, a cheese factory, and hikes that offer jaw-dropping views of nature. Follow along as we take you through a warming four-day itinerary in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland this winter.
Day One: Maleny
Above image: Lookout from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Kick your winter vacay off in Maleny, the postcard-perfect village sitting pretty in the Blackall Ranges. Grab a coffee and a bacon and egg roll from Monica’s Cafe and start your day with a visit to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. The gardens here are home to beautiful waterfalls, a colourful array of plants and birds (who might even sit on your shoulder), plus incredible vistas of the Glass House Mountains.
Just eight minutes down the road, soak up crisp fresh mountain air and stretch your legs with a visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Here, you'll find a sprawling 55 acres of subtropical rainforest that boasts a labyrinth of winding trails.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
If you're a cheese fan, you've come to the right place: Maleny is one of the most renowned dairy producers in the country! Be sure to pop in for a visit at Maleny Cheese, where you can see how their produce is made, before tucking into their range of cheddar, feta and white mould cheeses (all handmade with pure ingredients and European craftsmanship). At nearby Maleny Food Co, fill your basket with cheeses from Australia and around the world (plus gelato, olives, and pastries).
Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
Make tracks to Brouhaha Brewery to enjoy a meal and a tasting paddle of their award-winning beers. For the evening, you'll want to check in to Scandi at Maleny. The luxury apartment is perched 450-metres above sea level just outside of Maleny and has a sprawling deck (perfect for catching the sunset over the mountain ranges), cosy couches, and a roaring fireplace. While it’s hard to tear yourself away from these incredible digs, dinner at The Tamarind is a must-do. This spectacular hatted restaurant will take your tastebuds on a culinary journey as you sit amongst the lush subtropical rainforest surrounds.
Day Two: Montville
Canoeing on Lake Baroon with Secrets on the Lake, Montville
Rise and shine with a visit to Baroon Pocket Dam, a beautiful lake tucked away between Maleny and Montville. Go for a kayak, hike through open forest ridges, and stroll along tree-lined boardwalks while keeping your eyes peeled for the koalas and kangaroos that call this slice of heaven home. For more rugged natural beauty, check out Kondalilla National Park and its magnificent waterfalls. While it might be a bit too cool for a dip at this time of the year, you can meander around the rock pools and bubbling creeks, and stroll beneath the forest canopy.
Strolling through Montville
Head into the charming township of Montville and explore the region’s burgeoning art scene with a visit to the Montville Art Gallery, housed in a gorgeous 1920s Queenslander showcasing works from more than 30 award-winning artists.
Wine lovers should head to Flame Hill Vineyard for lunch and a tipple (the Kurrajong Merlot is a must). Sitting at the highest point in Montville in the Blackall Ranges, the views from Flame Hill are truly stunning. Their paddock-to-plate restaurant on the terrace serves up a modern Australian menu with drool-worthy dishes like beetroot risotto and confit duck with a Flame Hill red wine jus.
Exploring The Streets Of Montville Outside The Montrose, Montville
Back in town, it’s time to tick off some iconic Montville spots like the Clock Shop. Housed in a German chalet-inspired building, the shop is home to everything from mechanical cuckoo clocks, chiming grandfather clocks, watches, and musical boxes. Get an afternoon pick-me-up with a visit to Fudgbyboombah’s, where you'll have 70 different flavours of duge to try (such as banana cream pie, berry cheesecake and more).
The Clock Shop, Montville
After a big day of adventuring, let the luxury continue with a dinner at The Long Apron. The hatted restaurant offers a taste of France in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, serving incredible dishes such as sunflower tart, gnocchi Parisienne, and yellowfin tuna. Then, rest up in style amongst the luxurious surrounds of Misty View Cottages, or Narrows Rainforest Escape.
Misty View Cottages Montville
Day Three: Mapleton
Mapleton National Park trails
Drive deeper into the heart of the hinterland and you’ll find your destination for day three: Mapleton. Surrounded by rolling green mountains, and soaring coastal views, this sweet hinterland village is the perfect winter spot. Start your day with breakfast at La Botiga where you can fuel up on some of the best coffee in the hinterland.
Jump in the car and travel to Mapleton Falls National Park to explore the lush subtropical rainforest. Mapleton Falls is a must-visit for its roaring 120-metre waterfall and majestic peregrine falcons drifting in the breeze above. Be sure to also tackle the Wompoo Circuit (1.3km) to enjoy some stunning views of Mapleton Falls and the spectacular Obi Obi Valley below.
Mapleton Public House
For delicious food that prioritises local flavours, book a table at Mapleton Public House. Seasonal flavours take centre stage here, guided by produce sourced 3km down the road at The Falls Farm. Enjoy luxury accommodation for the night at Mapleton Springs. This spot has all the trimmings of a romantic getaway after the last few days of adventure. Chill out in the pool or curl up by the fire in the lounge room with complimentary marshmallows to melt. It’s pure bliss.
Day Four: Kenilworth
Kenilworth views
With a small but lively population, Kenilworth is a country town brimming with good food and community. Arrive in the morning and make a beeline for the social-media-famous Kenilworth Country Bakery, located on the main street. If you don’t spot it straight away, just look for the line of people snaking around the building (it's THAT popular!).
Kenilworth Country Bakery, Kenilworth
Grab a coffee and order a mixed box of their viral doughnuts (the classic glaze is a must-eat). Post-sugar rush, take your time strolling the main street of town, stopping to browse the boutique shops filled with locally made arts, crafts, and clothing. If you can swing it, plan to arrive here on Saturday so you can check out the Kenilworth Markets, held weekly from 8am to 1:30pm in Kenilworth Town Park. You'll also want to stop by the Kenilworth Dairies cellar door to stock up on their tasty, homemade cheeses, fresh milk, and yoghurt.
Conondale National Park
A visit to Kenilworth also isn't complete without a trip to Conondale National Park. While there are various walking tracks on offer, stopping by Booloumba Creek is a must (only accessible via 4WD). Fringed by moss-covered boulders and towering eucalyptus trees, the bubbling crystal clear springs here create a real "pinch-me" moment to end your winter hinterland escape.
