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As interesting because the Sunshine Coast’s seashores are, it’s nicely value tearing your self away for a day (or ideally longer) to discover the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Within the inexperienced inside, you may stroll by lush rainforest and swim in waterfalls, drive previous rolling hills with views all the way down to the ocean, store in cute villages for domestically made merchandise, and revel in scrumptious foods and drinks.
The Hinterland is ideal for a romantic getaway (it’s in style for weddings) as there are lots of distinctive locations to remain together with cosy cottages (and treehouses!) with spa baths and fireplaces. However there’s loads to do for households and pal teams too.
One weekend within the Hinterland changed into three throughout our prolonged keep on the Sunshine Coast—we completely love the realm.
Right here we share our high picks for the perfect issues to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland together with our favorite locations to remain and eat.
Close to the tip of the submit, you’ll discover a map with all of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland sights talked about.
Contents
The place is Sunshine Coast Hinterland?
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the realm inland from the Sunshine Coast, which stretches from Caloundra to Noosa in Southeast Queensland, Australia.
The Hinterland is one to 2 hours north of Brisbane and may be reached from the coastal cities in round 30-40 minutes.
The guts of the realm is the Blackall Vary together with the cities of Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton.
It additionally contains the Glass Home Mountains additional south and cities like Eumundi and Yandina, that are nearer to the coast.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is finest explored together with your personal automobile.
It’s excellent for a street journey from Brisbane (maybe as a primary cease in your method north) or a day journey from the Sunshine Coast seashore cities.
When you’re staying in one of many coastal cities and don’t wish to drive your self, do that Sunshine Coast: Rainforest, Views, and Montville Day Tour which visits quite a lot of the locations on this information.
Finest Issues to Do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland
1) Keep in a Treehouse at Secrets and techniques on the Lake
The luxurious treehouses at Secrets and techniques on the Lake are probably the greatest locations we’ve ever stayed.
We beloved it a lot that we booked our second keep as quickly as received again from our first journey!
The treehouses are hidden within the rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon. It feels far-off from all of it, nevertheless it’s lower than a 10-minute drive to Montville.
The cabins are elevated on stilts amongst the timber and are reached by picket walkways, which provides to the magical really feel of this distinctive place.
A lot of the rooms are designed for {couples} with spa baths subsequent to the home windows, cosy fireplaces, and enormous terraces with double swing chairs.
All of them benefit from the unimaginable forest and lake views.
The eye to element is wonderful and you may see the love the homeowners George and Aldy have poured into the place within the final 25 years.
From the gorgeous stained glass home windows and handcrafted wooden carvings in every cabin to the cosy bathrobes, goodies by the mattress, and heat croissants left outdoors your door every morning.
Treehouses have BBQs and small (however well-equipped) kitchens so you may self-cater or order a meal from the cafe to warmth up within the night. They organized a scrumptious cheese plate for us one evening.
Secrets and techniques on the Lake is a really particular place and ideal for an ultra-relaxing, romantic getaway within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Verify availability for Secrets and techniques on the Lake right here. It’s extremely popular so ebook as far upfront as potential.
2) Observe the Blackall Vary Vacationer Drive
The 55km Blackall Vary Vacationer Drive (Route 23) runs from Landsborough to Nambour, however the perfect part connects Maleny to Montville and Mapleton, excessive up on the escarpment with gorgeous views of rolling hills and the distant ocean.
In case you are wanting time, that is the perfect path to observe to see the highlights of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The drive takes an hour continuous, however there’s loads to do alongside the way in which (as you’ll uncover under).
You can even cease at viewpoints like Gerrard’s Lookout for sweeping views of the countryside and coast.
For a full time out, add on the Glass Home Mountains—the primary lookout is a 35-minute drive south of Maleny.
3) Eat and Store in Maleny
Maleny is among the finest locations to go to within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The small city is surrounded by lovely countryside and pockets of historical rainforest excessive within the Blackall Vary, 425 metres above sea degree.
It’s the best place to cease for lunch or to fill up on provides for a self-catering keep within the space.
The city has another vibe—we have been shocked {that a} rural village had so many veggie choices, however the group is creative and eco-conscious.
We had a scrumptious lunch at Monica’s Cafe, a plant and art-filled area on two ranges (seize a sofa upstairs). The meals, espresso, and sizzling chocolate have been all scrumptious, and there was even a separate vegan menu.
My vegetable halloumi burger was messy however so good full of grilled greens, halloumi, pesto and mayo with good chunky chips.
We have been additionally tempted by Maleny Lane, an alleyway stuffed with gourmand world meals (Thai, Korean, Indian and extra), nevertheless it’s not open each day. There’s reside music on Friday nights.
The takeaway pies at Maleny Pie Man seemed nice too (with vegan choices) and Maple & Sage has vegan cupcakes and different treats.
For self-catering and picnic substances, head to Maleny Meals Co for cheese (see under), Maple Avenue Meals Co-op for entire meals and bulk purchase, and the Seasons IGA for the rest.
And don’t miss the chocolate at Maleny Chocolate Co!
Different retailers on the town promote garments, artwork, antiques, books, and presents. All these locations are simply accessible on Maple Avenue.
There’s heaps to do close to Maleny. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is simply outdoors city and we extremely suggest it (see under).
Gardners Falls can be close by and is among the most accessible spots for swimming within the Hinterland—the pure pool is just 300 metres from the automotive park.
Brouhaha Brewery is a well-liked spot for craft beer followers.
4) Purchase Contemporary Pasta at Santini il Pastaio
Santini il Pastaio is a contemporary pasta store in Maleny that’s so good it deserves its personal entry. We’ve spent quite a lot of time in Italy and that is the true deal!
In case you are self-catering throughout your keep within the Hinterland, undoubtedly cease right here to select up a simple dinner.
We purchased melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi and a easy however excellent Napoletana sauce, and it solely took a couple of minutes to warmth up. We couldn’t cease raving about how good it was.
Even when you aren’t self-catering, you may select your pasta and sauce and have it cooked for you within the store to remove.
There’s a variety of pasta and sauces together with handmade ravioli and specials like vegetarian lasagne. In addition they have Italian desserts.
5) Spot Wildlife at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a should do within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, particularly for animal lovers.
This remnant of the subtropical rainforest that after lined the Blackall Vary is dwelling to many birds, animals, and a few really spectacular timber.
The straightforward 1.7km rainforest loop takes you round the entire reserve with loads to see alongside the way in which. It took us 45 minutes with numerous stops.
The spotlight was the 5 lovable pademelons (small kangaroos) that we noticed together with a mom and joey very near the boardwalk.
You may study extra in regards to the wildlife within the Rainforest Discovery Centre. There’s additionally a restaurant that seemed interesting.
Head as much as the viewing deck above the cafe for an exquisite view of the Glass Home Mountains.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a 10-minute drive outdoors Maleny. Entrance is by gold coin donation (contactless is accessible when you don’t have money).
6) Hike the Kondalilla Falls Circuit
The most effective Sunshine Coast Hinterland hikes is the Kondalilla Falls Circuit in Kondalilla Nationwide Park, only a five-minute drive from Montville.
This lovely path contains gorgeous rainforest, epic valley views, a 90-metre-tall waterfall, and rock swimming pools for swimming.
The 4.8km loop took us 1 hour 20 minutes (two hours together with a swimming break) with an elevation acquire of 206 metres.
Whereas there are quite a lot of steps, it wasn’t too troublesome. It’s simpler when you go anticlockwise (which is the way in which the indicators will take you). This additionally leaves the rock swimming pools to the tip.
After parking at Kondalilla Falls Automotive Park, head down the steps to a picnic space (there are bogs and knowledge indicators right here) and begin on the Picnic Creek Circuit.
Go proper on the junction and after about 20 minutes you’ll attain a lookout (barely off-trail) with expansive views of the valley.
Then be part of the Kondalilla Falls Circuit (head immediately from the rock swimming pools) which can take you down steep steps by the forest far down into the valley.
There’s a lookout to see Kondalilla Falls on the way in which down—a tall however slender trickle of water for us in winter.
On the backside, you may take a detour (about 10 minutes return) to the underside of the falls. It’s a must to scramble over some rocks to get to the small pool (not very interesting for swimming on our go to—save that for later).
Now you must make your method again up the opposite facet of the valley, however the switchbacks make it simpler than the steps on the opposite facet.
Your reward on the high is the rock swimming pools on the very high of the waterfall, that are excellent for a swim. In winter, I had it to myself nevertheless it was chilly. Be careful for the eels!
From the rock swimming pools, it took us 20 minutes to return to the automotive park, taking the opposite facet of the Picnic Creek Loop.
Whilst you may head straight to the rock swimming pools you probably have restricted time or power, I actually beloved the entire hike.
Kondalilla Falls is justifiably in style so it’s finest visited on a weekday.
When you want lunch after your hike, the Kondalilla Restaurant in Kondalilla Eco Resort is subsequent to the park.
There’s a beautiful bush view from the terrace and the vegetarian and seafood menu is nice if are searching for one thing lighter. Our Nourish bowl and Thai curry have been each veggie-packed and scrumptious.
7) Go to Lake Baroon
Lake Baroon is a hidden gem within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The lake was created by Baroon Pocket Dam and is a peaceable spot for picnics, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
There are not any water sports activities leases, however when you keep at Secrets and techniques by the Lake (as we did), canoes are free for friends.
Even when you don’t keep at Secrets and techniques, I like to recommend visiting their cafe for espresso, lunch, or afternoon tea because the terrace has a implausible view of the lake.
The northern finish of the lake can be the beginning of the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Nice Stroll. You are able to do a shorter hike in Kondalilla Nationwide Park right here by some pretty forest.
The 5.5km return hike to Narrows Lookout and Baroon Lookout takes you to a view of the lake.
You can even stroll the 10km to Kondalilla Falls from right here. In case you are staying at Secrets and techniques, they’ll drop you off with a packed lunch so you are able to do a one-way hike again.
Sadly, you may’t swim in most of Lake Baroon because it supplies consuming water to the realm. There’s one swimming space on the southern facet (search for “Baroon Pocket Dam (North Maleny facet)” on Google Maps).
8) Pattern Native Cheeses
This rural space is heaven for cheese lovers with a number of native dairies.
We shopped for a cheese plate at Maleny Meals Co, which has a walk-in Fromagerie with greater than 250 Australian and worldwide cheeses to select from.
They’ve loads of chutneys and pastes to go together with the cheese. You can even eat of their cafe or they’ll prepare cheese and picnic bins with 48 hours discover.
Kenilworth Dairy is understood for its glorious cheese and you may go to their store and cafe in Kenilworth.
Maleny Cheese is one other in style possibility for cheese plates of their cafe that overlooks the manufacturing unit ground.
Why not let another person do the planning and do that Personal Small Group Sunshine Coast Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tour which incorporates choose up and a two course lunch.
9) Indulge on the Chocolate Outlets
Each Sunny Coast Hinterland city appears to have a chocolate store and we’re not complaining.
Maleny Chocolate Co is down the steps under Monica’s Cafe and has a variety of treats (with free samples). We particularly beloved the peppermint bark and honeycomb bark (made utilizing honey from their farm).
Chocolate Nation Montville is one other great place. Their truffles are pretty and you may get pleasure from a sizzling chocolate within the cafe.
When you choose fudge, Fudgyboombahs in Montville is in style.
10) Store in Montville
Montville is a reasonably mountain city quarter-hour from Maleny on Route 23. Spending an hour or so shopping the retailers right here is among the finest issues to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Whereas there’s parking on Most important St, it’s simpler to go to the big free automotive park behind the Clock Store. There’s a public rest room right here and every little thing is a simple stroll down Most important Avenue.
Some Montville highlights embody:
- Clock Store – A unusual retailer promoting cuckoo and grandfather clocks plus Christmas decorations and presents.
- Tamborine Tea – A beautiful vary of loose-leaf teas together with black, inexperienced, and natural. They’ve testers so you may scent all of them.
- Montville Artwork Gallery – Work by native artists.
- Chocolate Nation Montville – Scrumptious goodies.
There are numerous different reward retailers and galleries together with woodworking and ceramics.
We had lunch at Edamame, a Japanese cafe on an higher ground overlooking Most important Avenue. The small menu contains donburi (rice bowls), ramen, curry, and salads with a couple of vegan and gluten-free choices.
11) Cease at Mapleton Falls Lookout
Mapleton Falls Lookout is a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint subsequent to the automotive park in Mapleton Falls Nationwide Park.
On the lookout, you peer down from the highest of the 120-metre waterfall, which was a trickle in winter (summer time is the wet season), nevertheless it’s nonetheless value stopping for the expansive views of Obi Obi Valley and the rainforest cover.
In August and September, look out for peregrine falcons, which roost on the cliff edges right here.
The Nice Stroll passes by right here, however when you simply wish to stretch your legs, the Wompoo Circuit is a beautiful stroll by rainforest and eucalypt forest.
Together with the Peregrine Lookout facet journey, it was 1.7km for us and took 25 minutes with 65 metres of elevation acquire. It was pretty simple with a couple of light ascents, and it’s quieter than Kondalilla Nationwide Park.
12) Go to Kenilworth Bakery and Dairy
When you’ve got time after visiting Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton, it’s value driving to Kenilworth, one other little nation city.
It was an attractive drive down from Mapleton on Obi Obi Rd, though we hadn’t anticipated it to be unsealed and so steep. No caravans are allowed. The street is sealed on the way in which again up.
Kenilworth is surrounded by farmland with cows grazing and feels far-off from all of it.
Kenilworth Bakery is famend within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for its pies and donuts, which you should purchase from side-by-side retailers on Elizabeth Avenue. I like to recommend attempting each.
We have been happy that they’d good vegan choices in each. We beloved the roast vegetable and korma pastry roll and the southwest tofu pie (like a chile with spicy beans, greens, and tofu).
There’s an enormous vary of decadent donuts. We selected the comparatively easy chocolate glaze and a vegan jam donut. Each have been scrumptious, however we really most popular the feel of the vegan one.
You can even get a espresso donut (a hollowed-out donut full of espresso!) and a really intense-looking 1kg donut (pre-order wanted).
Eat your treats on the picnic tables behind the retailers and benefit from the murals by Daus Von Roe that includes music stars.
A couple of minutes stroll from the bakery is Kenilworth Dairy. There’s an outside cafe and retailer the place you should purchase their giant vary of cheeses and different foodie merchandise.
I’d heard their yoghurts and chocolate mousse have been glorious, however sadly, they include gelatine so usually are not vegetarian-friendly.
From Kenilworth, you can loop again to Maleny on Route 22 or head to the coast by way of Eumundi.
13) Admire the Large Timber on the Fig Tree Stroll
One of many best sights so as to add to your Kenilworth go to is the Fig Tree Stroll, a seven-minute drive out of city.
From the parking space, cross the bridge to get to the wheelchair-accessible paved and boardwalk loop.
The 1.1km flat path took us quarter-hour and handed two immense 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig timber.
14) See the View at Glass Home Mountains Lookout
The Glass Home Mountains are on the southern finish of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The countryside is flatter than the Blackall Vary, however the panorama is punctuated by distinctive plugs, which have been fashioned by volcanic exercise over 25 million years in the past.
The best place to see the array of craggy peaks is the Glass Home Mountains Lookout, which you’ll drive proper as much as.
It’s a fantastic overview of the realm with indicators to determine every mountain and knowledge on how they have been fashioned.
Amenities right here embody bogs, picnic tables, and BBQs. There’s additionally a 800-metre bush stroll nevertheless it doesn’t have views, so you can skip it if you’re doing different walks within the space.
Simply down the street is the Lookout Cafe, which has implausible views of Mt Coonowrin from the terrace.
We had espresso right here whereas staying at Glass on Glasshouse on-site, however the menu seemed interesting.
15) Hike Mt Ngungun for an Even Higher View
For a good higher view of the Glass Home Mountains, it’s value heading up Mt Ngungun.
Whereas the rocky steps up are fairly steep, it’s not a troublesome stroll. The return journey was 2.5km and took us 45 minutes (plus a break on the high) with a 190-metre elevation acquire.
Put on sneakers with traction because the rocks on the summit are fairly slippery.
We additionally walked the 4.4km / 1 hour Mount Tibrogargan Circuit. It’s simpler than Mt Ngungun, nevertheless it’s by the bush across the base of the mountain, so that you solely get occasional views of the mountains.
16) Keep in a Gorgeous Cottage at Glass on Glasshouse
Our best Sunshine Coast Hinterland go to would come with stays at each Secrets and techniques on the Lake in Montville and Glass on Glasshouse.
Glass on Glasshouse is an adults-only retreat with three personal cottages with floor-to-ceiling home windows to benefit from the gorgeous views of Mt Coonowrin.
The cottages are ultra-modern and trendy with an enormous spa tub that fills from the ceiling, a patio with BBQ, and a fridge stocked with tasty breakfast substances.
You received’t wish to go away, so convey meals to self-cater or order a meal upfront from the cafe.
There’s a shared pool, which we needed to ourselves and was excellent to chill off on a sizzling afternoon.
Look out for kangaroos on the lawns!
We completely beloved our keep right here and it’s excellent for a tranquil, romantic weekend away within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Verify availability for Glass on Glasshouse right here. Ensure that to ebook nicely forward.
17) Get pleasure from a Leisurely Lunch at Spirit Home
Spirit Home is among the most beloved vacation spot eating places on the Sunshine Coast and was our favorite meal within the space.
It’s situated within the small city of Yandina, between the coast and the Blackall Ranges. It’s near the Ginger Manufacturing facility and Eumundi Market, so think about combining all three (simply executed as a day journey from Noosa too).
The setting is gorgeous with vibrant buildings amongst lush Asian gardens and swaying bamboo. The principle eating room is open-air and surrounds a beautiful pond.
Spirit Home is good for a special day. The minimal value is $100 per individual for 3 programs or select the premium banquet at $120 for 4 programs served sharing model. Permit not less than two hours for a leisurely meal.
The meals is Thai impressed and the flavours felt genuine to us, albeit with a brand new interpretation.
Our vegetarian premium banquet included Miang Kham (peanuts and ginger wrapped in a betel leaf—a bit flavour implosion), tom yum soup, steamed pumpkin cake, and our favorite, the candy and spicy Fried Plantain and Tuturuga Spice Paste.
Our mains have been a superb Yellow Curry with beetroot cooked in a number of methods and a Mushroom Pad See Ew.
Dessert varies every day and was a spotlight for us. The Mango Sticky Rice “Eton Mess” mixed mango sorbet, meringue, and crystallised pandan for a lightweight, fruity, crunchy finish to an exquisite meal.
The meals, service, and setting are all distinctive at Spirit Home and we extremely suggest it.
Advance bookings are important—possible not less than a couple of weeks for lunch and longer for dinner.
18) Expertise the Ginger Manufacturing facility
Additionally in Yandina is the Ginger Manufacturing facility. I initially dismissed it as a vacationer lure, however we ended up having fun with our time there.
It’s one of many high Sunshine Coast Hinterland sights for households, however when you like ginger, it’s value visiting even with out youngsters.
Buderim ginger is a few of the finest on the earth. Whereas they now not develop ginger right here, it’s processed on-site with ginger grown by native farmers.
At Ginger Manufacturing facility you may study the historical past of ginger manufacturing within the space, see the way it’s grown, and store for a variety of ginger merchandise (the ginger beer with spiced rum is our favorite).
The massive complicated is extra of a ginger theme park. You may take a steam practice across the grounds, search for gingerbread males on the indoor boat trip (suppose Disney’s It’s a Small World), and stroll by a rainforest stroll below vibrant umbrellas.
The grounds and play areas are free, however the practice, boat trip, and numerous excursions value additional.
We loved the seasonal Harvest Tour, the place we learnt how ginger is grown and harvested and tried a couple of of their merchandise.
The practice and boat trip have been cute however skippable for adults with out youngsters.
Households may simply spend half a day right here doing all of the actions.
19) Purchase Native Crafts at Eumundi Market
The well-known Eumundi Market is among the high Sunshine Coast Hinterland actions.
The massive market takes place each Wednesday and Saturday morning and options an array of stalls promoting garments, jewelry, artwork, presents, video games, dwelling decor, ceramics and extra.
There’s a lot much less of a meals focus than the farmers markets within the space (like the wonderful one in Noosa on Sundays—see our Noosa eating places information for our fave stalls), so this isn’t the place to buy contemporary produce.
You could find nuts, honey, sizzling sauces, and chutneys, and we picked up a beautiful Thai curry paste.
There are fairly a couple of ready meals stalls for breakfast—we ate Tibetan momos and Dutch mini pancakes—however we didn’t discover the choices as interesting as at Noosa’s market.
Regardless that we’re not likely into procuring, we spent 90 minutes right here. Procuring lovers will probably be in heaven.
Parking is $9 (card solely). The market is in style however we didn’t discover it overwhelming on a Wednesday arriving early.
20) Have a good time Christmas in July
The climate is barely cooler within the Hinterland than on the coast, so it’s the perfect spot to have a good time Christmas in July. Don’t count on snow (afternoons can nonetheless be 20ºC+), however you may admire a hearth and warming meal on the cool nights.
Secrets and techniques on the Lake had their Christmas tree up on our July go to and a festive dinner was obtainable for one evening with lunches all through the month.
Different locations with Christmas in July celebrations are Montville Cafe Bar & Grill and The Lengthy Apron. Bookings are important.
Map of Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Is Sunshine Coast Hinterland Price Visiting?
Once we initially deliberate our Sunshine Coast journey, the seashores have been our focus, however the rolling inexperienced hills and rainforests of the inside stole our hearts.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is nicely value visiting whether or not you’re searching for a calming, romantic break, an adventure-filled weekend of hikes and waterfall swims, or a leisurely day journey of procuring and consuming.
I hope this information has given you some concepts of what to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Go away a remark under you probably have some other recommendations.
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