Lush rolling hills set the scene for a peaceable getaway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Renowned for its attractive panorama, pretty locals and unbelievable meals, this iconic spot has been a favorite amongst Queensland locals for good motive. To allow you to plan your individual journey to this stunning area, listed below are 21 issues which might be really price doing within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland!
You may also prefer to learn:
1. Eat dinner at The Tamarind
The Tamarind is, for my part, the perfect restaurant within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and an absolute must-do. Bring two or extra individuals and you are able to do the 5-course degustation or just benefit from the 3-course a la carte menu, showcasing native produce with Asian fusion delicacies. Everything about this place is fantastic. The meals is scrumptious, the service is improbable and the restaurant has a heat but luxurious ambiance. Expect nothing however the perfect! You can even go to Gardners Falls whereas right here so be sure you match that in should you can. Find The Tamarind right here.
2. Do the Kondalilla Falls Circuit
The 4.8km Kondalilla Falls Circuit ought to take you round 1 1/2 to 2 hours to finish. The paths are rather well maintained and also you’ll be handled to gorgeous views of the falls and surrounding mountains as you make your means down. If you select to do the complete circuit, you’ll must deal with some stairs on the best way down and up and I like to recommend sporting sneakers or mountain climbing boots you don’t thoughts getting soiled. In summer time, be sure you pack your swimmers and loads of water. Find the Kondalilla Falls right here.
3. Buy an obscene quantity of fudge
This is the primary factor I at all times do once we go to Maleny. I by no means purchase fudge from anyplace however Sweets on Maple. Seriously. So, once I do, I give myself full permission to buy and eat as a lot fudge as my physique and checking account can deal with and, belief me, that’s loads. The employees listed below are so pretty and actively encourage you to make the most of the free fudge samples. If fudge isn’t your factor, don’t fear, they’ve 1,000,000 different sorts of chocolate and sweet to select from. My private suggestions are the Double Decker (caramel and chocolate) and, my #1 choose, the Turkish Delight. Find Sweets on Maple right here. Tell them I mentioned hello! (Update: I simply checked their web site and you may order on-line and so they’ll ship you fudge within the put up. This is an actual downside for me.)
4. Buy contemporary pasta from Santini il pastaio
If you’re staying at a spot with a kitchen or simply visiting the day and wish one thing tasty to take dwelling with you, be sure you go to Santini il pastaio. Located in Maleny, this unassuming retailer sells contemporary gnocchi and pasta, sauces and desserts all able to be cooked at dwelling (they even have vegan pasta!). Grab some pumpkin sage ravioli, a batch of puttanesca and about 100 cannoli, take it again to your lodging, open a bottle of pink and calm down in entrance of the fireplace. Bliss, proper?! Find Santini il pastaio right here.
5. Explore the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
For a soothing time within the rainforest head on to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Overlooking the Glass House Mountains you possibly can get pleasure from nice views earlier than getting into the reserve to identify birds, wildlife and benefit from the lush surroundings. The strolling trails listed below are simple going so good for a soothing stroll and preferrred for little ones. There are additionally loads of interactive shows on the Rainforest Discovery Centre and a restaurant to sit down and unwind just a little longer, if you want. Find the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve right here.
6. Feast on the Kenilworth Country Bakery
The Kenilworth Bakery is the perfect bakery within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and presumably the whole state. It’s definitely my favorite bakery of all time! Why? Because they’ve two shopfronts: One devoted to savoury stuff like pies and sausage rolls and the opposite fully devoted to donuts. Best of all, there are gluten-free and vegan choices. Pre-order a 1kg donut or 1kg sausage roll to tackle an epic meals problem or get pleasure from their iconic coffee-filled donut. Oh, and it doesn’t matter what your wise self tells you whilst you’re there, you completely want a minimum of 4 donuts for later. Get them to go! Find Kenilworth Country Bakery right here.
7. Enjoy contemporary scones at Spicers Clovelly
You don’t should be a visitor at Spicers Clovelly to benefit from the meals! This is the perfect spot within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for scones, belief me. Baked contemporary, they’re heat and gentle and so very tasty lavished with contemporary cream and jam. The Spicers staff know good espresso too so be sure you get pleasure from a cup or two and take a stroll across the grounds of Clovelly, it’s simply attractive. Spicers Clovelly additionally has an distinctive restaurant, The Long Apron, one of many most interesting eating places within the area and effectively price reserving in for a life-changing degustation. Find Spicers Clovelly right here.
8. Do the Fig Tree Walk
I’m going to say Kenilworth just a few occasions within the weblog put up and with good motive! It’s received to be probably the most underrated a part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and it has a lot to supply. The Fig Tree Walk, situated a brief drive outdoors of the city is an 800m circuit and really simple going, taking you previous 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig bushes as you wind via the rainforest. Ideal for little ones, it’s a straightforward and delightful observe to comply with and the proper factor to do after stuffing your self on the bakery. Find the Fig Tree Walk right here.
9. Stop at roadside stalls
As you drive across the area you’ll discover roadside stalls arrange by locals and farmers. Make certain you’ve gotten money and small notes/gold cash to drop into the honesty field at every cease. Keep an eye fixed out for spray-free, homegrown produce like avocados in addition to golden, gooey honey and large baggage of firewood. It’s an effective way to assist native farmers and really style the area whereas taking some goodies dwelling with you.
10. Check out the view from Mapleton Falls Lookout
It’ll take mere minutes to stroll out of your automobile to the Mapleton Falls Lookout the place you’ll be handled to utterly spectacular views of the Obi Obi valley and luxurious rainforest under. If you’re eager for just a little extra journey you may also do the Wompoo Circuit, a winding 1.3km observe providing nice views of Mapleton Falls and extra. Find the Mapleton Falls Lookout right here.
11. Stock up at Maleny Cheese
It appears no journey to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is full with a go to to the well-known Maleny Cheese cafe and retailer. Producers of award-winning, handcrafted cheese and yoghurt utilizing pure native milk, you possibly can relaxation assured every thing right here is improbable. Grab a chunk to eat on the cafe and replenish on cheese to take with you, good for assembling a platter again at your lodging later. Be certain to strive the smokey cheddar and the distinctive buffalo vary. Find Maleny Cheese right here.
12. Visit Lake Baroon
Take a drive all the way down to Lake Baroon, situated between Montville and Maleny. The dam is large and extremely attractive, particularly when noticed from above as you drive between Maleny and Montville. Pack a picnic and calm down some time on the shore or head into the water for swimming, boating, kayaking and even fishing. Of course, there’s no lifeguard on responsibility so please watch out! Find Lake Baroon right here.
13. Visit the Eumundi Markets
Held each Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, it’ll take you round 50 minutes to drive from Maleny to the Eumundi Markets. Entry is free and also you’ll be blown away by the sheer dimension of those markets! Operating since 1979 you possibly can peruse an enormous number of stalls promoting completely every thing from arts and crafts to garments, contemporary meals and so rather more. Best of all, there are many locations to seize a chunk to eat. Find the Eumundi Markets right here.
14. Eat at Monica’s Maleny
You’ll discover Monica’s on the primary avenue in Maleny serving up all-day breakfast and lunch 6 days every week (they’re closed on Thursdays). It’s extraordinarily well-liked on the weekends, with good motive, so bear that in thoughts to keep away from disappointment. The menu boasts loads of choices for all dietary wants together with nice burgers and really scrumptious thick-cut chips for lunch. Find Monica’s Maleny right here.
15. Visit the native thrift outlets
If you like to thrift simply as a lot as I do, you’ll be happy to know there are just a few little spots to take a look at within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Check out the Lifeline, Bloomhill Op Shop and Salvation Army shops in Maleny and The Salvation Army and Sunshine Hospice Op Shops in Montville. As at all times, it’s a little bit of a blended bag, particularly on weekends. Sometimes I discover issues, generally it’s a bust. That’s the thrift sport for you!
16. Grab breakfast at Shotgun Espresso
Also situated on the primary avenue in Maleny, Shotgun Espresso serves up wholesome, scrumptious and ethically sourced meals and low. The seasonal menu options free-range meats and eggs, homegrown produce the place potential and loads of native produce too. Open 6 days every week (they’re closed on Mondays), you’ll wish to cease in for his or her all-day brunch menu. Tuck into chilli scrambled eggs, a Korean steak sandwich, baguette French toast or spiced poached rooster broth. Find Shotgun Espresso right here.
17. Do the Obi Obi Boardwalk
You might simply go to Maleny 100 occasions and miss the Obi Obi Boardwalk, identical to we did! This winding path connects the city with showgrounds, operating alongside the Obi Obi Creek. It’s a straightforward stroll that takes you beneath the cover, alongside the creek to platypus viewing platforms. I wish to handle expectations right here: it’s robust to identify a platypus until you’re at a zoo. They’re shy creatures and solely come out at sure occasions of the day so simply know should you do see one, you’ve been blessed! Find the Obi Obi Boardwalk right here.
18. Check out Kenilworth Dairies
Here’s one other Kenilworth gem for you! You might have already seen a few of their award-winning merchandise in your grocery store and never even realised it, should you’re a Queensland native. Stop in at Poppa’s Cafe, onsite, to get pleasure from a cheese platter, home made ice cream, espresso and waffles earlier than dropping an absolute dime on goodies to go. Whatever you do, don’t skip their iconic wealthy chocolate mousse. Find Kenilworth Dairies right here.
19. Visit Australia Zoo
The iconic Australia Zoo is simply a brief 22-minute drive from Maleny and makes for an ideal time out throughout your keep or a terrific spot to cease in on the to or out of your hinterland escape. Of course, it’s going to be an absolute hit with the youngsters but it surely’s superior for all ages. Get up shut with a variety of animals together with a great deal of acquainted native faces and be sure you catch the well-known Wildlife Warriors Show within the Crocoseum. Book tickets for Australia Zoo right here.
20. Stop in at Brouhaha Brewery
Lovers of high quality craft beer might be delighted to go to Maleny’s award-winning brewery, Brouhaha. It’s right here you possibly can match native produce with improbable beer, simply bear in mind this superior spot is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday so that you’ll must plan your go to accordingly (price it!). Tuck right into a tasting flight and bar snacks or dive into their a la carte menu boasting mouth-watering bites like a wagyu beef burger, lemongrass and garlic Mooloolaba prawns and braised pork stomach. Yes, please! Find Brouhaha Brewery right here.
21. Go strawberry selecting
I don’t know what it’s, precisely, that makes selecting your individual strawberries so pretty but it surely simply is! Maybe as a result of it’s such a healthful, candy exercise or possibly as a result of it’s a brilliant tasty one. Either means, it’s a very pretty method to spend just a few hours and you may normally rely on there being a terrific cafe promoting strawberry ice cream, jams and low. There are fairly just a few spots to do it so right here’s a hyperlink to a improbable information sharing the perfect strawberry selecting spots on the Sunshine Coast.
Where to Stay
Planning a visit to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Booking.com and Agoda are improbable web sites for locating lodging on the Sunshine Coast. Below are just a few of our suggestions and choices price wanting into:
Useful journey sources to your subsequent journey!
If you discovered this put up helpful, I’d be grateful should you used the affiliate hyperlinks under. I’ll make a small fee at no additional value to you. Rest assured, these are the services and products I really like and use. Thanks to your assist! – Matt
Read the disclaimer for extra info.
Agoda – accommodations
Booking.com – accommodations
Cover-More – insurance coverage
Motorhome Republic – RVs
RentalCars.com – leases
SimsDirect – SIM playing cards
Skyscanner – flights
Surfshark – VPN
TourRadar – excursions
Uber Carshare – leases