About The Region
Maleny, Montville & Mapleton
Lush rolling green hills, spectacular views of sweeping coastlines and the majestic Glass House Mountains, tell the scenic story of why the secluded Sunshine Coast hinterland villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton are world renowned for their beauty, privacy and peace.
Resting atop the Blackall Range, Maleny, Montville & Mapleton are famous as romantic getaways. Accommodation is varied and includes luxury cabins, cosy b&b’s and cottage accommodation, and elegant pavilions in the rainforest.
And all this only one hour drive from Brisbane or a short trip up the mountain from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast. The drive is breathtaking with its views across the Sunshine Coast and Glass House Mountains. Around every bend you will discover more natural beauty. One word sums up the Blackall Range experience – majestic!
The Sunshine Coast hinterland abounds with art galleries, country markets, fabulous restaurants and eateries, national parks and waterfalls. It is the perfect environment to do as much or as little as you want to.
The weather is always cooler in the Blackall Ranges and Maleny, Montville & Mapleton are well known for their temperate climates. With cool, refreshing breezes in summer and roaring open fires in winter, the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a great place to visit at any time of the year.
The mountain hinterland is dotted with dairy farms, small B&Bs and acreage living. You’ll see pretty mountain towns; you can buy delicious local produce from stalls at the side of the road or wander through villages and forests.
Maleny is approximately one hour north of Brisbane city by car. You can drive up to the Blackall Range via Landsborough (in the south) or Nambour (further north). There is good signage for Maleny, Montville & Mapleton along the Bruce Highway.
Travel options
Having access to a car is the best way to see the sights of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Hire cars are readily available on the Sunshine Coast and we would like to suggest you take in the sights in a convertible. That is a truly magical experience! There are also bus tours available for those who prefer to sit back and relax and enjoy this beautiful region.
Maleny
Maleny is a small town with an eclectic main street of galleries, gourmet eateries, great coffee shops with street-side tables, and lots of interesting shops. Maleny restaurants offer fine dining experiences to suit most tastes. Maleny boasts an award winning ice-creamery. Yum!
Maleny is a ‘feel good’ town and it is easy to spend hours strolling along the friendly main street, absorbing the strong sense of community and people watching.
In Maleny accommodation is prolific and diverse: you can choose private cabins, beautiful b&bs, antique lodges, cottage accommodation, or rooms with magnificent views across the Glass House Mountains.
Visiting Mary Cairncross Park (just south of Maleny) is a must with its magnificent stand of virgin rainforest. You can take an easy walk along paths through the rainforest or share a picnic with the native bush turkeys. The views to the Glass House Mountains from Mary Cairncross Park are spectacular. Gazing at these ancient mountain sentinels is definitely one of ‘wow’ experiences of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
There’s also a local winery in Maleny and you can tour the Maleny Dairy to teach kids that milk doesn’t come from bottles. Or you can visit Maleny Cheese factory and sample the fabulous local cheeses. There are also handicraft markets in Maleny every Sunday morning (8am - 2pm).
Lake Baroon, just north of Maleny village, is the place to sail, fish or canoe. Equipment can be hired at Lake Baroon. You can also cook up a barbeque in the neighbouring park.
Montville
Montville is a little further north along the Blackall Range and very popular with day trippers from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
Montville is a shopper's paradise. The village-like main street is lined with dozens of small shops selling art, crafts and local gourmet produce. Montville eateries and restaurants line the main street and offer quality meals to sustain the tired shopper.
You might like to stop in at Elements on Montville to indulge in a scrumptious breakfast or tasty lunch while you're up there - it's recommended by food blogger Kerry Heaney.
Montville accommodation is plentiful and exquisite, with many mountain hideaway locations to choose from.
Kondalilla Falls is only minutes from Montville. Here you can 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 off the main road between Montville and Mapleton. Kondalilla Falls is well signed.
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 Blackall Range roads. Mapleton also offers its share of fine Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation.
Nearby is Mapleton Falls National Park. It has an easy walk, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, to the spectacular falls. Mapleton Forest Reserve is also worth a visit, with two short walks and picnic facilities.
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. It is truly an amazing place where you can enjoy the ‘get back to nature’ experience.
There is so much to see and do on the beautiful Blackall Ranges. We invite you to stay awhile and soak up the refreshing, rejuvenating atmosphere of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and to enjoy time visiting the quaint villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton.
