Sunshine Coast Hinterland: Maleny, Montville & the Glass House Mountains
Overview
Located high in the Blackall Range approximately 450 metres above sea level and about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, lies the picturesque town of Maleny, part of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This exquisite region lies inland from Noosa Heads and although it is less well known, it is well worth a trip in its own right. Maleny is renowned for its lush environs and numerous scenic spots and is connected to another small quaint town, Montville, via a road which overlooks the entire hinterland.
From various locations (which I’ll share with you in this post!), you’ll find your breath completely taken by the beauty of the Glass House Mountains, a group of 13 differently shaped hills that are volcanic remnants and which were added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006. The formations are culturally significant to the Gubbi Gubbi people, the traditional owners of the Glass House Mountains, as well as being part of an Aboriginal legend which sees Mount Tibrogargan as the father, Mount Beerwah as the pregnant mother and the other mountains as their sons and daughters. At present only Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Ngungun are open to the public with a variety of walking tracks.
The region has countless options to offer tourists, from hatted restaurants, nature hikes, a dairy, breweries, vantage points and incredible markets. Oh, and there’s a little place called Australia Zoo just down the road.
Itinerary
Friday
Breakfast: Monica’s Cafe
Scenic drive along Maleny-Montville Road
Baroon Pocket Dam
Flame Hill Vineyard
Lunch: Poets Cafe, Montville
Explore Montville town
Dinner: The Tamarind, Maleny
Saturday
Breakfast: Shotgun Espresso
The Big Pineapple, Woombye
Lunch: Eumundi markets
The Banana Bender Pub, Palmview
The Glass House Brewery, Forest Glen
Dinner: The Long Apron, Montville
Sunday
Breakfast: Mountain View Cafe
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (Rainforest Discovery Centre & Glass House Mountain Viewing Deck)
McCarthy’s Lookout
Maleny local markets
Maleny Dairies
Obi Obi Boardwalk
Late lunch: Brouhaha Brewery
Wild Horse Lookout – picnic dinner and sunset over Glass House Mountains
Monday
Breakfast: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Lunch: The Orangery
Gardners Falls
Maleny Cheese
The Barrel at Clouds
Accommodation
Easy Add-ons
Extra day:
Australia Zoo
Glass House Mountains hike – climb Mt Ngungun
Extra few days:
Noosa Heads
Friday
Breakfast: Monica’s Cafe
Monica’s is a popular brunch spot along Maple Street in the heart of Maleny. It’s deceptively large inside with an upstairs section, downstairs window bar and outdoor seating. The interior is casually decorated with green plants aplenty, funky framed art on the walls including taxidermied butterflies and even a vintage motorcycle on the top floor amongst the pot plants.
With all day breakfast, lunch and vegan menus, it’s the perfect place to fuel for a big day!
Scenic drive along Maleny-Montville Road
Actually I had no idea how beautiful this stretch of road would be. I had intended on exploring Montville as part of my time in Maleny and this road is probably one of the most spectacular in the region, with vistas overlooking the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Numerous lookouts are dotted along its length, so don’t be afraid to pull over and take out your camera as you’ll be rewarded big time.
Baroon Pocket Dam
This picturesque lake is tucked away between Montville and Maleny. You’ll catch glimpses of it from on high along Maleny-Montville Road. Unfortunately there are no lookouts on this side of road but I couldn’t resist a quick dash down the highway to grab this photo.
With picnic tables, barbecues and playgrounds for children, Baroon Pocket Dam makes for a lovely recreational scenic stop en route to Montville. Note that the road down to the dam is incredibly steep so you’ll want to make sure you have enough in the petrol tank to get back up the hill again! The shoreline boasts abundant Australian wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos and you’ll find hikes that take you along bridges, boardwalks and tree-lined streams until reaching Baroon Lookout with stunning views of Obi Obi Gorge, Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment. Lake Baroon is a reservoir and its main purpose is to provide a potable water supply on the mountain.
Flame Hill Vineyard
After leaving the dam and on the Western Avenue back out to Maleny-Montville Road you’ll drive past Flame Hill Vineyard, again with stunning vistas over the hinterland and officially the highest point of Montville. Flame Hill produces 100% estate grown wines and is also home to a kitchen garden, award-winning restaurant, on-site luxury cottage accommodations and signature events, such as the annual Stomp grape harvest festival.
Lunch: Poets Cafe, Montville
I stumbled across Poets Cafe whilst exploring Montville and it was the perfect reminder to not be too planned or structured in my travels.
It’s quite easy to set out on a mission to explore all of the amazing places you have pre-Googled but always allow some time to explore the magic that’s found on foot
Poet’s Cafe is an elegant European style venue with classic bistro dishes in a glass rotunda building and outdoor setting set within a leafy rainforest and with glimpses to the Sunshine Coast below.
Explore Montville town
With a population of just under one thousand, what Montville lacks in numbers it makes up for in small town charm. This hinterland holiday experience will provide cultural memoirs, breath taking natural wonders and an array of accommodation options, with a main street showcasing the finest in local art and surrounding regions packed with stunning views.
Dinner: The Tamarind
When I heard about The Tamarind and its enviable reputation for Asian cuisine, as well as its recently awarded Chef Hat in the 2020 National Food Guide, I was sold. Set within a sprawling Spicers Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you’ll find opulent western luxury intermingled with eastern tranquility. The outdoor area is lit up in fairy lights at night, with private seating dotted around the back garden, as well as a mesmerising fire pit.
I was recommended these by the staff as the ‘dishes to try’:
- Cambodian style Barramundi salad
- Braised lamb, potato and carrot jorim, toasted pine nut, roasted Kimchi puree
- Koji creme caramel
The menu comes as a 3 course set meal or dishes can be purchased a la carte. May I assure you that portions are generous and I noticed more than one table leaving with some delicious leftovers for the next day!
Saturday
Breakfast: Shotgun Espresso
Another bustling hub for brekky is Shotgun Espresso. The front seats are hard to come by due to its popularity but it’s definitely worth the wait. The coffee is divine, especially for a small town! There’s also a large area out the back of this weatherboard home where you can find a little more privacy from the general hubbub of the main street. Food options include eggs any way you like them, roasted pumpkin bruschetta, spiced poached chicken broth, porridge with honey and more smoothies and milkshakes than you can poke a stick at.
If you’re in a rush, then stop in at Maleny Lane for some fabulous takeaway…
The Big Pineapple, Woombye
I’m not really sure why Australia does this, however in most states on a random highway, you’ll come across “The Big…” <insert slightly odd but relevant item here>. In Queensland, pineapples reign supreme. I drove past quite a few roadside stalls selling big juicy fresh pineapples for $2 a pop (via the trusty Australian honour system of popping a coin in an empty icecream container). This is also a frequent occurrence in Aus: you’ll find a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables sold roadside.
I digress. Queensland has erected a slightly embarrassingly not-actually-that-large pineapple on Nambour Connection Road which is open from 9 – 4 daily. There is also the standard souvenir store which naturally stocks a broad range of novelty and retro pineapple themed mementos.
As part of the complex, you’ll find a train ride for the kids, a zoo and a TreeTop Challenge course. If I’m being honest, it’s fairly easy to miss on the side of the road, so keep those peepers peeled.
Lunch: Eumundi markets
I have been to countless markets all over the world, yet I’m struggling to recall one that I’ve enjoyed more than Eumundi. I went in the heart of what is considered the Australian winter, yet the sun was shining, music was humming, chit chat was abounding and food cart scents were filling the air.
The Eumundi markets are BIG and sprawl seemingly endlessly from lane to lane. Across a small road is Esq: the Eumindi Square, a micro business start up and incubator facility. Here you’ll find curated design stalls, such as the cute Bower Bird pop up.
It wasn’t long after I arrived that I noticed all the unique jewellery stores. It’s become somewhat of a tradition that I buy my mum a unique necklace from various places on my travels. I selfishly didn’t find a necklace for her this time but I did find myself some stunning sterling silver drop earrings made by Greg as part of his “Jewellery by me” collection. Intricately crafted, they now serve as a delicate and one-of-a-kind memoir from my favourite market place.
Stopping for a cup of fresh ginger beer to rehydrate, I was then on to the food stalls to grab a bite for lunch. I landed at Ii-naa Japanese food and selected their ‘special’ Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) which was a mix of cabbage, wheat flour, water, egg, sauce and mayonnaise. Heavenly!
The Banana Bender Pub, Palmview
If you saw this sign on the other side of the highway whilst traveling at 100 km/hr would you find the closest exit point to turn around and head back? Well that is exactly what I did.
The Banana Bender looks like the pub version of an Aussie Bollywood film. I was driving back to Maleny after an incredible morning and afternoon at the Eumundi markets and this multicoloured vision of a structure just screamed out at me from the sidelines – ‘stop here!’ I am so glad I did. The Banana Bender Pub is a resplendent beauty. I was also low in air pressure in my car tyres, kindly assisted by two helpful gentlemen at the nearby Caltex station, and then rewarded myself 50 metres up the road with a stop in at this Queensland institution.
The Glass House Brewery, Forest Glen
This just-off-the-highway brewery is an industrial hit with locals. The setting is bright and fresh and the beers even fresher. Drop in on the way back to Maleny for a refreshing raspberry sour, premium lager or IPA.
Dinner: The Long Apron, Montville
An extension of the beautiful Maleny-Montville Road, Balmoral Road is home to The Long Apron, a hatted restaurant which takes one on a gastronomic journey of epic proportions (and appropriately sized portions).
If you book your dinner at dusk, you’ll have the opportunity to take some beautiful sunset photographs along the mountain rim en route, as well as the option to relax with a pre-meal glass of wine in their stunning fairy-light enshrouded garden.
Excitement was palpable as I enter this beautiful venue and the evening just kept getting better from there. Thanks to the stunning views along the road in to The Long Apron, I was running about 5 minutes late and feeling a little rushed as I arrived. However, the waiter greeted me with a calming and gracious smile and offered for me to spend some time within the garden if I would like, even though I was ‘playing catchup’ as he so exquisitely put it. The venue imbibes peace and tranquility and no request seems an effort.
After taking my seat in the elegant dining room with striking wall hangings and decor, I was presented with the menu options, with the fundamentals based on French cooking. Menus change seasonally, with produce from sustainable and ethically responsible sources.
With degustation options (including a separate vegetarian degustation) and the option of paired wines, one can also opt for a combination entree/main/dessert 3 course meal, with a variety of courses to choose from. It’s no secret that I am partial to a degustation and this is one of the BEST I have ever experienced. From beginning to end, dishes were curated and well thought out, intricately presented and brimming with flavour. The staff were magnificent and extremely personable, exchanging stories with me amidst a soothing backdrop of jazz music and piano.
My degustation menu included:
- Chicken terrine, sauerkraut, rocket, crispy chicken skin
- Little white goats cheese, onion jam, poppy seed, pecans, Sherry reduction
- Free-range 63°C egg, boudin noir, celeriac, roasted wild mushroom
- Grilled duck breast, quince, braised red cabbage, five-spice jus
- Bitter chocolate marquise, red wine poached pear, almond praline
As a special treat, I was also served up a most exquisite creation of Double-baked shellfish soufflé with poached yabbies and tarragon bisque. Honestly I was ready to melt!
It’s rare to come across a restaurant which ticks so many boxes: lovely staff, gorgeous location, refined ambience and most importantly, exciting and creative food. You’ll find all that and more at this hidden restaurant in Montville. Thank you to the team at The Long Apron for a night I won’t soon forget!
Sunday
Breakfast: Mountain View Cafe
For stunning views across the Glass House Mountains, this is probably the pick of the bunch.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (Rainforest Discovery Centre & Glass House Mountain Viewing Deck)
Let the chorus of 141 different bird species be your soundtrack this morning as you wander around the Discovery Centre rainforest boardwalk and catch glimpses of little critters such as ants, butterflies, wasps, spiders, centipedes, frogs, snakes, lizards and skinks! If you are quiet enough, you may even be lucky enough to spot a red-legged Pademelon.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains landscape. It is a remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range and there’s also a large clearing where you can set up for a family picnic or BBQ.
With views of the Glass House mountains from the Viewing Deck (on top of the Mountain View Café), it’s a popular stop off for a reason!
McCarthy’s Lookout
A short drive up the road from Mary Cairncross Reserve, is another spectacular vantage point: McCarthy’s Lookout. I stayed in accommodation not far from here and so found my way to McCarthy’s at various times during my stay. The best view is most definitely at sunset, although the misty early mornings gave an alluring but eerie feel to the craggy mountain tops jutting out across the plain. The sign at the top helpfully points out the names of each mountain.
Maleny local markets
If you’ve traveled in Australia on a weekend, you’ll most likely have seen signs up for markets by the RSL, the Returned & Services League. The Maleny version is epic, with colourful gems for sale outside, fresh fruit and vegetables and all the usual bric-a-brac inside the hall.
Stop in for a chance to chat to some locals and find yourself a quirky souvenir or two!
Maleny Dairies
This family owned dairy farm cares for its land, its cows and its farmers and delivers consumers with fresh and quality milk, yoghurt, custard and cream, all how you remember it as a kid. Why not get up close and personal on a tour which takes you from cow to shop and of course some samples along the way! Over 1.5 hours you’ll see a hand milking demonstration and meet some of the gorgeous calves in the baby pen.
Obi Obi Boardwalk
Albeit relatively short in length, I’d recommend the Obi Obi Boardwalk as a way of reconnecting with nature and reading about the heartwarming regeneration efforts of Barung Landcare. The original owners are the Gubbi Gubbi Nation and the Obi Obi Creek hails its name from Ubie Ubie, a Djalla warrior. See below for more details.
Late lunch: Brouhaha Brewery
The ultimate arvo drinks are to be had at Brouhaha. It’s even fun to say. With more than ten beers on tap, fun wall quotes and an outdoor area punctuated in fairy lights, don’t miss a chance to sink some fun flavours, including their famous Strawberry Rhubarb Sour. It’s a new favourite!
Serving bangers and mash, pie, pork scratchings, gnocchi and a variety of curries, head on over for a hearty meal and remember to carry that beer paddle carefully!
Wild Horse Lookout – picnic dinner and sunset over Glass House Mountains
I actually ran (most of) the way up this hill in an attempt to reach the summit in time for sunset only to find out that I wanted to both vomit and pass out simultaneously. It’s a steep incline and best done with a little time. Or at least in better physical condition than I was in at the time.
That aside, Wild Horse is the QUINTESSENTIAL location from which to view the Glass House mountains. There’s a small car park at the base where you can park and a large wooden gazebo at the top with 360 degree views of the hinterland forest, the 13 mysterious mountains and the highway below.
You’ll never forget a climb up Wild Horse and there’s no better place to watch the sun go down with a picnic dinner or some cheese (from local Maleny Cheese of course) and wine. Don’t forget your torch for the walk down after sunset! Also please protect the wildlife by taking your litter with you.
Monday
Breakfast: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Plan to spend an entire morning at Maleny Botanic Gardens so that you can meander aimlessly from one path to the next on a choose your own adventure. It’s the ultimate in botany, with an oriental garden, flower banks, many water features, secluded places to sit a while, large grassed areas to sit and ponder life and searching views across the Glass House mountains. There’s also a massive treehouse and an aviary home to over 700 native and exotic birds from around the world. Be sure to book your guided 50 minute interactive tour amongst these chirpy friends!
There’s nothing more thrilling than an unexpected and unobstructed vista over the Glass House mountains which I happened upon at various times in the gardens.
To finish the day, it’s imperative to take a photo memoir in the big seat!
Lunch: High Tea at The Orangery
One glance at The Orangery and you know you’re in for something special. The white Queenslander building with sweeping verandas sitting up on the hill at the intersection of Landsborough, Maleny & Mountain View roads boasts style and elegance. Inside, the open spaces create a feeling of lightness and visitors can choose from wholesome home made meals or a luxury High Tea fit for a queen.
Gardners Falls
This very easy 10 – 15 minute stroll is exactly what one needs to break up a High Tea and the next venue (before you scroll ahead, I am talking the Maleny Cheese shop)! You’ll walk on a mixed concrete/dirt pathway along the Obi Obi Creek to a picnic area which has a grassed embankment leading down to some heavy duty rocks and a huge pool. Note that swimming is best done on a hot day as the water is quite cold!
If you’re more of an observer, wait a while to see the enthusiastic rope swings in use, with people flinging themselves into the pools below from quite a height!
This is also an alternative stop for an easy picnic breakfast or lunch with a takeaway coffee from one of the local Maleny shops.
Maleny Cheese
Don’t leave Maleny without indulging in a cheese platter made from local fresh milk or a tub of yoghurt to savour at home. With flavours such as smoked cheddar, wasabi cheddar, tuscan cheddar, chilli con cheddar, sundried tomato and olive feta, camembert and creamy brie, you’ll be in a tyramine haze of bliss.
The Barrel at Clouds
Clouds Vineyard is home to The Barrel, an icon of the Sunshine Coast hinterland showcasing regional wines, craft beer and a creative menu. It is an extraordinary event location but please note at the time of writing, The Barrel is closed due to renovations and there is a temporary cellar door adjacent to it from which food and wine can be purchased.
Accommodation
You’ll find a myriad options in Maleny and Montville, ranging from budget motels and hotels, to luxury retreats and AirBnBs. Don’t forget to check booking.com which also features many local suprises. I stayed at Maleny Terrace Cottages and was welcomed warmly by Pauline. If you’re after a warm spa and comfortable bed in a boutique cottage at the end of each day’s hard work, I’d highly recommend!
Easy Add-ons
Extra day:
Australia Zoo – click link for review!
Glass House Mountains hike – climb Mt Ngungun
The Mount Ngungun summit walking track is a 2.8 kilometre trail that begins in open forest and offers great views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from the summit. It’s approximately 2 hours long (at a moderate fitness level) and passes close by some cliff edges so be sure to wear shoes with grip and avoid wet weather conditions where rocks are slippery. Don’t forget to pack your camera as you’ll find a 360 degree panoramic view of the coast and hinterland at the top!
Extra few days:
Noosa Heads – click link for review!
