The Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s rolling hills offer the atmosphere for a tranquil escape. For good reason, this iconic site has been a popular among Queensland natives for its magnificent terrain, nice locals, and delicious food. Here are 21 activities to do on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to help you plan your own trip to this beautiful region!
Dine at The Tamarind.
The Tamarind, in my opinion, is the best restaurant on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and a must-visit. Bring two or more people and enjoy the 5-course degustation or the 3-course a la carte menu, which features local products with Asian fusion cuisine. This home is fantastic in every way. The meal is amazing, the service is excellent, and the restaurant offers a cosy yet opulent environment. Expect nothing less than the finest! You can also visit Gardners Falls while you’re here, so make time for that if you can. The Tamarind can be found here.
Participate in the Kondalilla Falls Circuit.
It should take you about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to finish the 4.8km Kondalilla Falls Circuit. The walkways are well-kept, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding mountains as you make your way down. If you opt to do the full circuit, you’ll have to walk down and up some steps, so wear sneakers or hiking boots that you don’t mind getting muddy. Pack your swimmers and plenty of water in the summer. The Kondalilla Falls can be found here.
3. Purchase an excessive amount of fudge
When we get to Maleny, this is the first thing I do. Sweets on Maple is the only place I buy fudge. Seriously. So, when I do, I give myself complete licence to buy and consume as much fudge as my body and my account can handle, which is a lot. The staff is really friendly and eagerly encourages you to sample the free fudge. If fudge isn’t your thing, they have a plethora of other chocolate and candies to select from. My particular favourites are the Double Decker (caramel and chocolate) and the Turkish Delight. Sweets on Maple can be found here. Tell them what I said hi! (Update: I just checked their website, and you can order fudge online and have it delivered to your door. This is a major issue for me.)
4. Santini il Pastaio sells fresh pasta.
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen or just passing through and want something wonderful to take home with you, make a stop to Santini il pastaio. This modest store in Maleny serves fresh gnocchi and pasta, sauces, and sweets that are ready to cook at home (they even have vegan pasta!). Take some pumpkin sage ravioli, a batch of puttanesca, and roughly 100 cannoli back to your lodging, crack open a bottle of red, and unwind in front of the fire. Isn’t it bliss?! Santini il Pastaio can be found here.
5. Visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Directly to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for a quiet day in the jungle. Before entering the reserve to identify birds, wildlife, and enjoy the lush nature, you may enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Glass House Mountains. The walking pathways here are easy to navigate, making them excellent for a relaxed stroll with children. There are also many of interactive displays at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, as well as a cafe where you can sit and relax for a while. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve can be found here.
6. Dine at Kenilworth Country Bakery
The Kenilworth Bakery is the best bakery in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, if not the state. It is without a doubt my fave bakery of all time! Why? Because they have two storefronts: one for savoury items like pies and sausage rolls and another for donuts only. The best part is that there are gluten-free and vegan versions. To take on an epic culinary challenge, pre-order a 1kg doughnut or 1kg sausage roll, or savour their classic coffee-filled donut. Oh, and no matter what your rational mind tells you, you must need at least four donuts for later. Get them to leave! Kenilworth Country Bakery can be found here.
7. Spicers Clovelly serves fresh scones.
You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the meals at Spicers Clovelly! Trust me, this is the best scones spot in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Baked fresh, they’re warm and soft, and oh-so-delicious when topped with fresh cream and jam. The Spicers team knows good coffee, so grab a cup or two and take a stroll around Clovelly’s grounds, which are simply stunning. The Long Apron, one of the region’s finest restaurants, is also located at Spicers Clovelly and is well worth scheduling in for a life-changing degustation. Spicers Clovelly can be found here.
8. Take the Fig Tree Walk.
Kenilworth will be mentioned several times in this blog post, and for good reason! It has to be the most underappreciated area of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with so much to offer. The Fig Tree Walk, located a short drive outside of town, is an 800m circuit that winds through the rainforest, passing 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees. It’s an easy and lovely track to follow, and it’s the perfect thing to do after eating yourself at the bakery. The Fig Tree Walk can be found here.
9. Stop at roadside vendors.
You’ll observe roadside stalls set up by locals and farmers as you drive across the region. Make sure you have cash and small notes/gold coins on hand to deposit in the honesty boxes at each stop. Look for spray-free, fresh vegetables such as avocados, as well as golden, gooey honey and large sacks of firewood. It’s a terrific way to support local farmers while also getting a taste of the region and bringing some treats home with you.
10. Take in the scenery from Mapleton Falls Lookout.
It will only take you a few minutes to walk from your car to the Mapleton Falls Lookout, where you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Obi Obi valley and thick rainforest below. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, the Wompoo Circuit is a meandering 1.3km course with fantastic views of Mapleton Falls and more. The Mapleton Falls Lookout can be found here.
11. Purchase Maleny Cheese
No journey to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland seems complete without a stop at the well-known Maleny Cheese cafe and store. Everything here is wonderful, as they make award-winning, artisanal cheese and yoghurt from pure local milk. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe and stock up on cheese to take with you, excellent for assembling a plate later at your lodging. Try the smokey cheddar and the unusual buffalo variety. Maleny Cheese can be found here.
12. Pay a visit to Lake Baroon.
Drive down to Lake Baroon, which is located between Montville and Maleny. The dam is massive and breathtaking, especially when viewed from above as you drive between Maleny and Montville. Pack a picnic and spend some time relaxing on the beach, or go swimming, boating, kayaking, or fishing. Of course, there is no lifeguard on duty, so please use caution! Lake Baroon can be found here.
13. Go to the Eumundi Markets.
The Eumundi Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are approximately 50 minutes’ drive from Maleny. Entry is free, and the sheer vastness of these marketplaces will astound you! Since 1979, you may peruse a wide range of stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, fresh food, and so much more. The best part is that there are numerous places to dine. The Eumundi Markets can be found here.
14. Monica’s Maleny is a great place to eat.
Monica’s is located on Maleny’s main street and serves all-day breakfast and lunch six days a week (excluding Thursdays). It’s quite popular on weekends for good reason, so plan accordingly to prevent disappointment. For lunch, there are lots of options for all dietary concerns, including superb burgers and very tasty thick-cut fries. Monica’s Maleny can be found here.
15. Visit your neighbourhood secondhand stores.
If you enjoy thrifting as much as I do, you’ll be delighted to know that there are a few little shops to visit in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. In Maleny, visit the Lifeline, Bloomhill Op Shop, and Salvation Army stores, while in Montville, visit The Salvation Army and Sunshine Hospice Op Shops. As usual, it’s a mixed bag, especially on weekends. Sometimes I find stuff, and sometimes I don’t. That is the thrift store game for you!
16. Breakfast is available at Shotgun Espresso.
Shotgun Espresso, also on Maleny’s main street, delivers nutritious, delicious, and ethically sourced cuisine and coffee. The seasonal menu includes free-range meats and eggs, as well as homegrown and local products whenever possible. You’ll want to stop in for their all-day brunch menu, which is available six days a week (excluding Mondays). Chilli scrambled eggs, a Korean beef sandwich, baguette French toast, or spiced poached chicken broth are all options. Shotgun Espresso may be found here.
17. Visit the Obi Obi Boardwalk.
You might easily visit Maleny a hundred times and still overlook the Obi Obi Boardwalk, like we did! This winding path runs alongside Obi Obi Creek and connects the town to the showgrounds. It’s a short walk through the forest, along the creek, and to platypus viewing platforms. I’d want to set some ground rules here: unless you’re at a zoo, it’s difficult to detect a platypus. They’re shy creatures that only appear at particular times of the day, so if you spot one, consider yourself lucky! The Obi Obi Boardwalk can be found here.
18. Visit Kenilworth Dairies.
Here’s another Kenilworth hidden treasure for you! If you live in Queensland, you may have already seen some of their award-winning items in your store and not even knew it. Stop into Poppa’s Cafe on-site for a cheese platter, homemade ice cream, coffee, and waffles before spending a cent on goods to go. Don’t miss out on their famous luscious chocolate mousse. Kenilworth Dairies can be found here.
19. Visit the Australia Zoo.
The famed Australia Zoo is approximately a 22-minute drive from Maleny and makes for a terrific day trip during your stay or a great stop on the way to or from your hinterland vacation. Of course, it will be a huge hit with the youngsters, but it is suitable for people of all ages. Get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, including many recognisable locals, and don’t miss the Crocoseum’s legendary Wildlife Warriors Show. Australia Zoo tickets can be purchased here.
20. Visit Brouhaha Brewery.
Brouhaha, Maleny’s award-winning brewery, will thrill craft beer enthusiasts. You can pair local fruit with amazing beer here; just keep in mind that this awesome restaurant is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly (it’s worth it!). Tuck into a sample flight and bar nibbles before diving into their a la carte menu, which has tantalising dishes like a wagyu beef burger, lemongrass and garlic Mooloolaba prawns and braised pig belly. Please, yes! Brouhaha Brewery can be found here.
21. Pick strawberries
I’m not sure what it is about selecting your own strawberries that makes it so enjoyable, but it is! Perhaps because it is such a wholesome, sweet activity, or because it is really tasty. In any case, it’s a really wonderful way to spend a few hours, and there’s always a great cafe providing strawberry ice cream, jams, and coffee. There are several places to pick strawberries on the Sunshine Coast, so here’s a link to a terrific resource that shares the finest strawberry picking areas on the Sunshine Coast.
Places to Stay
Are you thinking of visiting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Booking.com and Agoda are excellent websites for locating Sunshine Coast hotels. Here are a few of our suggestions and ideas to consider:
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