Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Marilyn May 6th, 2003
Maleny, Montville, Mapleton
This area is only 1½ hours north of Brisbane and well deserves a couple of overnights to even scratch the surface. The drought is over and the area is back to picture perfect emerald green – looks like someone has just ran the Victa mower over the hills.
You can either exit Brisbane via the Sunshine coast motorway, turn left (past the Bribie turnoff) at the Beerwah Tourist Drive turnoff, and head up to Maleny via Landsborough. You will pass Steve Irwin’s croc park on the right. Or you can take the (good) back country route via Lawnton, Mt. Mee, Woodford and Peachester. It takes longer but is a lovely drive. Either way you get views of the stunning Glasshouse Mountains, which are remnants of volcanic activity eons ago.
Maleny is a quaint 1920s village at the southern end of the Blackall Range. Originally timber and dairy farming drove the economy, now it’s tourism that pays the bills. Maleny though does not feel like it has been overrun by tourists and offers the curious visitor a window into a slower more community orientated life. Colin James (award winning) ice-creamery is a mandatory stop. His cheese room also has an excellent range of local and imported cheeses. The craft shops and art galleries here only have local artists, and the Bushman’s Warehouse is totally unique. Get a map of the area from the tiny cupboard next the Community Hall, which is the Information Centre.
Cairncross Scenic Reserve is in Mountain View road where million dollar properties have sensational views of the Glasshouse Mountains – one of THE roads on the mountain. It is on the way to Montville and well worth the detour. Cairncross Park features one of the best subtropical rainforests in Australia, with a very diverse array of flora and fauna. It has well laid out walking tracks and a band of volunteers that will enhance your visit.
Lovely picnic area.
Maleny Cheese Factory where you can see the cheese being made. Free samples of their very good range of cheeses and yoghurts are available from the cafe on site.
Montville is only 8 kms along the range. Full of tourists and crowded seven days a week, it is nevertheless quite charming. A myriad selection of shops, galleries and coffee shops plus beautiful jacarandas, flame trees and gardens make this a very attractive village.
Baroon Pocket Dam – turn left into Western Avenue just before Montville village to see one of the prettiest avenues in the area. Go right to the end and get a glimpse of lovely private homes in an idyllic setting. The dam offers boating, skiing and picnicing.
Kondalilla Falls – is between Montville and Mapleton. Short or longer walks in a sub tropical wonderland with water. Good picnic spot.
Le Relais Bressan is left on the main road at Flaxton, and is a good place to pick up what you need for a picnic. Thierry Bressan has a cafe, restaurant and deli with genuine French terrines, pates and good cheeses.
Mapleton is a one horse town (and that’s the way we want it to stay!), dominated by a restored and rather famous pub which has great views to the coast. You can’t miss it on your left, before you turn and head down the range to Nambour. Or, you can turn left at the pub on the Obi Obi Road and do a 40 km circuit to Kenilworth, Conondale and back to Maleny. You will drive through the green rolling hills of the Mary Valley.
SUNSHINE COAST WINE TRAIL has details of 10 wineries between Caboolture and Gympie. However, if we’re just talking about the Maleny/Montville/Flaxton area, there are three. Settlers Rise Winery in Western Avenue Montville is probably the most serious and the Flaxton Winery has recently changed hands with some renovations and fabulous views (a great place for weddings). A full list is available at the Maleny or Montville Information Centres.
ART & CRAFT GALLERY TRAIL of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland lists 19 galleries from the hinterland to the coast. They are well signed and offer plenty of opportunities to spend your money. Tailor made tours to the galleries of your choice or join a Wine and Gallery Trail run by Storeyline Tours phone 5474 1500 – door to door pick up.
ACCOMMODATION — The Information Centres have lots of brochures, but here are some of my favourites:-
• Tanderra on Flaxton — This 1903 colonial home has 5 ensuite bedrooms. Authentically restored with big verandahs, the new owners Anne and Geoff have furnished it with taste and style. The 2 huge back bedrooms are the pick. Home made breakfast on the verandah overlooking the orchard. Phone 5445 7179 or web: www.tanderrahouse.com.au
• The Falls Rainforest Cottages at Flaxton – 6 attractive, large self contained cottages with spa bath, fire and kitchen. Decor is country/chinz, they won the Qld Tourism Awards 1999, 2000, 2001. Timber boardwalks take you down the hill through the rainforest. A bit of a walk from the car park. Phone 544 7000 or web: www.thefallscottages.com.au
• Montville Provencal Boutique Hotel – 4 suites with fires/spas are very charming with a garden outlook. 2 night minimum at the weekend. Phone 5478 5054.
• Spotted Chook Country Inn at Montville – 4 suites with valley views, spas, fires and very charming. 2 night minimum at weekends. Phone 5442 9242 or web: www.spottedchook.com.
Other useful web sites:
• www.montvillevillage.com.au
• www.malenyqueensland.com
• www.wittacork.com.au working dairy farm with cottages, views of Baroon Pocket Dam
• www.glasshousetourispk.com.au 10 acre camping park, dog friendly
Marilyn 2003