The towns of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton sit amongst lush green fields and pockets of rainforest on the Blackall Range, 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. The views to the Sunshine Coast beaches and the Glass House Mountains are spectacular.
You’ll always find slightly cooler weather in the hinterland, dotted with dairy farms, small B&Bs and acreage living. You’ll see pretty towns, buy delicious local produce from stalls at the side of the road or wander through villages and forests. There’s enough to see and do to fill one day or many.
Travel time:
Maleny is approximately one hour north of Brisbane city by car. There are two ways up the Blackall Range, either via Landsborough (in the south) or Nambour (further north). There is good signage for the towns along the Bruce Highway.
Travel options:
Having access to a car is the best way to see the sights of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Highlights:
Maleny
A small town that has grown to include a large variety of galleries, gourmet eateries and shops.
It is easy to spend a couple of hours strolling along the main street of Maleny, absorbing the strong sense of community and people watching. Mary Cairncross Park, just south of the village, is a highlight. You can take an easy walk in the rainforest or share a picnic with the native bush turkeys. The views to the Glasshouse Mountains from here are spectacular. There’s also a local winery and you can tour the Maleny Dairy to teach kids that milk doesn’t come from bottles.
Lake Baroon, just north of Maleny village, is the place to sail, fish or canoe.
Montville
A shopper's paradise.
It is a little further north along the range and very popular for a day trip from Brisbane. The main street is lined with dozens of small shops selling art, craft and local gourmet produce. There are many places to stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Mapleton
The small township of Mapleton is well-known for its superb tavern, high on the ridge with views to the ocean. Motorcyclists and day-trippers converge there on weekends after driving along the scenic mountain roads.
National parks and forests
The Sunshine Coast hinterland has an assortment of national parks and forest areas. Keen walkers can tackle all or part the 58 kilometre Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
Kondalilla National Park
Experience swimming in a cold, clear rockpool at the bottom of a waterfall or simply walk through the rainforest. You’ll find Kondalilla National Park just minutes off the main road between Montville and Mapleton.
Mapleton Falls National Park
Nearby is Mapleton Falls National Park. It has an easy walk, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, to the falls. Mapleton Forest Reserve is also worth a visit, with two short walks and picnic facilities.
