Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The charming, historic towns and villages of Maleny, Montville and surrounding areas, are rich with skilled artisans, innovative professionals and vibrant businesses, all passionate about their local community and environment.

Delightful activities include bushwalking or bird-spotting in Mapleton National Park where the spectacular cascade of Mapleton Falls tumbles off the western escarpment of the Blackall Range into the Mary Valley. Or explore the walking trails through the lush rainforests of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is 58 kilometres of trails that traverse scenic areas of the hinterland through Maleny Forest Reserve, Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park.

Montville showcases the best of the region in one great spot, the top of the Blackall Range. The progressive township offers galleries, boutique shops, wineries, great food and above all warm hospitality.

Try delicious local produce served fresh and best in one of the many quality restaurants along the Range or for a shorter bite choose a stylish café and savour the wonderful views available from the mountain.

This rich, subtropical country is embroidered with detail. West of the Bruce Highway, the Blackall Range beckons. Montville, Maleny and the other villages perch on or behind the escarpment and offer wineries, art galleries and lovely boutiques. Further west, taste hand-crafted cheeses at Kenilworth before taking a leisurely trip along the Kenilworth Forest Drive or trekking into the rugged Conondales. Follow the Mary River north from its headwaters towards Gympie to find a series of magnificent state forests and townships of nostalgic rural charm.

The trip north from Brisbane can follow the Wine Trail to discover the area’s viticultural secrets, or the Gallery Trail to appreciate the inspiration that artists have found here.

Restaurants, Wine, Fine Foods - The Sunshine Coast Hinterland wine region features boutique wineries, fine a la carte restaurants, and a wealth of quality local produce.  The Blackall Range also boasts a plethora of wonderful cafes, delis and restaurants.  Fresh local and organic produce is the norm, including macadamias, avocados, bush foods, and sauces. It is famous for its award-winning dairy products, cheese-making, yogurts and speciality cheeses. Visit the Ginger Factory in Yandina. Explore the factory and learn about the many uses of ginger in food, health and beauty.

Wineries & wine-tasting - Kenilworth Bluff Winery and cellar door offers a unique wine tasting matched with local cheeses in a superb location. Relax on the new scenic deck underneath the majestic Kenilworth Bluff, peacefully overlooking the oldest vines on the Sunshine Coast.

A region for art and craft - Experience a world of original, inspiring and unique arts & crafts with galleries offering a selection of some of the finest contemporary and traditional artwork in Australia. The region is a haven for artists, artisans and craftspeople and with many boutiques, galleries and shops showing and selling pottery and glasswork, paintings - by local, Australian and International artists, handmade clothing, unique textiles, beautiful antiques and antique furniture, photography and locally crafted woodworks, timber and furniture.

Parks, Walks, Outdoor Activities - Explore the warm subtropical rainforest, tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls; or the lush rainforest at Mary Cairncross Park Scenic Reserve. Take a short drive through Conondale & Kenilworth to explore the beautiful creeks and National Parks of the upper Mary Valley where the Mary Cairncross Park alone boasts 50 hectares of pristine rainforest.

The 'Great Walk' around Mapleton, Flaxton and Montville offers some of the most spectacular countryside in the region. Take short half-day or full-day walks, or stay longer to complete the full 58km route.

Stay

Spicers Clovelly Estate
Central but secluded is the beuatiful manor house at Spicers Clovelly Estate with just 10 suites, offering guests an elegant, relaxed environment with old world charm, French contemporary style, fine dining restaurant The Long Apron, 22 acres of lush grounds and excellent day spa facilities. Find out more »

Fast Facts

Location

The lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland is just 90 minutes north of Brisbane and 30 minutes from the buzz and beaches of Noosa.

Climate

The subtropical Sunshine Coast enjoys plenty of sunshine - an average of 7 hours each day, 300 days each year. Winters are mild and dry and summers can be quite warm, with most rain falling in brief stormy showers in the late afternoon or evening.