Top 10 Things to Do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD

World class beaches are just one side of the holiday equation on South East Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The other is the tranquil Hinterland — technically known as the Blackall Range — an elevated region 30-or-so minute’s drive inland from the southern Sunny Coast, and home to a daisy chain of charming towns and villages, including Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, and Flaxton. Here, life is far less frenetic than down by the beach, not to mention a few degrees cooler — an absolute boon if you want to beat the heat and humidity in summer. And at 400- to 500-metres above sea level, expect great views at every turn!

Further north, you also have the Noosa Hinterland to explore and adore. And while it doesn’t reach the same lofty heights, it’s no less attractive as a break from the holidaymaker hubbub.

Both can be done as day trips, but squeezing everything these areas have to offer into just a few short hours won’t be easy. Instead, consider setting aside two or three days to really do them justice. You won’t regret it.

Here’s a checklist of our top things to do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

1. Go boho in Montville

To many visitors, Montville is the Hinterland. The town is basically one main road lined with a hotchpotch of quirky architecture, bohemian boutiques, bustling cafes and eateries, and flowering frangipanis. Montville also hosts quite a number of art galleries, so wander at will up and down the strip, chat with the artists about their inspiration, and soak in the creative vibe. Poets Cafe channels a distinctively European vibe and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.

2. Sleep in an igloo

As you would expect there’s no shortage of places to stay in the Hinterland, but Hinterland Igloo has to be one of the most memorable! Situated in Flaxton (just a five-minute drive north of Montville) and ensconced in an enchanting garden setting, this one-of-a-kind space wraps you in a sense of calm from the moment you walk through the white washed entrance. Contrary to what one might expect from a run-of-the-mill igloo, the ceilings here are high, the amenities are state-of-the-art, and elements like the four-poster king bed, fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, private sauna, and ice bath all add to the experience. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

3. Feed your inner foodie in Maleny

Heading south along the spine of the Blackall Range from Montville will deliver you to Maleny, the outskirts of which are characterised by rolling green grazing land dotted with deliriously contented dairy cattle. Foodies will want to spend some time following the local gourmet trail to artisanal food producers such as Maleny Cheese and the Maleny Food Co (which makes killer gelato!).

For more substantial eats, a world of cuisines await you at Maleny Lane in the heart of town. And if you want to push the boat out on a special meal, The Tamarind serves modern Asian cuisine with Thai accents that won’t fail to impress.

4. Hike to Kondalilla Falls

Fancy a spot of forest bathing at the base of a glittering waterfall? It’s yours to enjoy (albeit with a bit of physical effort and at the cost of some shoe leather) at Kondalilla Falls. The carpark is located just a few minutes’ drive from Montville or Flaxton along Kondalilla Falls Road. Note that it fills up fast on weekends and during peak periods, so get there early to nab a space. Once you have that precious park, lace up and follow the signs for the Picnic Creek Circuit, before hitting the Kondalilla Falls Circuit — the walking trail that takes you to the base of the falls. There are lots of stairs involved and it’s a strenuous climb back up. However, the exertion is well worth it to enjoy this piece of paradise.

5. Try top local drops at Flame Hill

While Queensland may not spring to mind as a wine producing region, heat-tolerant Mediterranean grape varieties, and in some areas, even cool climate varieties do grow here. So, don’t be surprised to discover a flourishing vineyard and cellar door just outside Montville! Flame Hill produces exclusively estate-grown reds and whites (including chardonnay and cabernet), and is open for wine tastings from Wednesday through to Sunday. It also has an onsite paddock-to-plate eatery that spills out on to a deck with wonderful views.

6. View the Glass House Mountains from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

There are great vistas on offer right along the Blackall Range, including from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve — 15 minutes’ drive south from Montville or just a few minutes from Maleny. From here, you get a great view of the Glass House Mountains rising from the landscape in all their incongruous beauty. This cluster of volcanic peaks is thought to be some 25 million years old, and it’s not hard to imagine them as part of a landscape that time forgot.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is made up of 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest and hosts a variety of walking trails. You’re likely to see plenty of wildlife as you explore.

7. Explore a Bushland Botanic Garden

Immerse yourself in more of the region’s natural splendour at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden in the foothills of the Hinterland at Tanawha. The gardens cover an area of around 80 hectares and are punctuated by more than 30 sculptural works. This is arguably the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secret, and during the week you may just have it all to yourself. It makes a great stop on your way up or back down the Blackall Range.

8. Shop up a storm at the Eumundi Markets

Head up to the Noosa Hinterland on a Wednesday or Saturday to check out the uber famous Eumundi Markets — but don’t dilly-dally on the way! This artisan market is hugely popular and again, parking is always a headache for late arrivals. There are plenty of options for a snacky breakfast as you traverse the maze of stalls, which sell everything from crocheted cushion covers and spun mud bowls to wearable wooden bow ties.

9. See a silent flick in Pomona

While you’re in this neck of the woods, make a point of checking out the heritage town of Pomona. It was established in the late 1800s and has some really engaging historical attractions — including The Majestic Theatre, which is thought to be the world’s longest operating silent movie house. If you’re looking for a great lunch spot, you’ll find it at the Pomona Distilling Company — a working gin distillery, bar, and bistro that occupies what was originally the town’s bakehouse. Order a tasting paddle of small batch gins, before tucking into your choice from the menu of Thai-street-food-inspired dishes. A booking is essential.

10. Do a day trip to Kenilworth

Up for a longer drive? Consider heading out to Kenilworth — a quintessential country town in the heart of the idyllic Mary Valley. You can come at it from the Noosa Hinterland (take the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road exit from the Bruce Highway) and return along the steep and winding Obi Obi Road — which will bring you out at Mapleton. Kenilworth Bakery is renowned for its epic donuts, the queue for which can stretch out the door and down the street!

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the top things to do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Additional images: Bigstock