If this itinerary was on the menu, you’d be treated to an entree, main AND dessert.
Designed to give you the full Sunshine Coast Hinterland food experience, this three-day food lover's guide goes covers everything from farm stays to cooking schools and everything in between.
Pull up a chair and get ready to tuck into the Sunshine Coast as you’ve never tasted it before.
DAY ONE
Morning
Coffee at Glasshouse Plantation, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast
Kickstart your first day on the Sunshine Coast with a brew and a view at Glasshouse Plantation. Farm tours of this impressive coffee plantation start at 9am, and include fascinating insights into the coffee-making process. With thousands of coffee trees set against the backdrop of the Glass House Mountains, you’ll be in for a spectacular morning of caffeine-fuelled goodness. Don’t miss the chance to head inside and enjoy a coffee tasting board and some freshly made cafe goodies. An early lunch is always a good idea!
Afternoon
Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
When it’s time to finally drag yourself away from the views, turn the car towards The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and check in to your accommodation for the night. Whether you feel like taking a complimentary shuttle service from the Lodge to explore the expansive grounds of Australia Zoo, or simply unwinding in the comfort of your luxurious cabin overlooking freshwater crocodiles... we can’t think of a better way to build up an appetite for dinner to come.
Dinner
Warrior Restaurant & Bar at Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
There’s no need to hop in the car to travel to dinner tonight—Warrior Restaurant & Bar at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge has you sorted. We suggest starting off with one of Warrior’s signature cocktails before settling back and taking in their impressive modern Australian menu. Here, it’s all about celebrating native flavours, local ingredients, and taking dishes to the next level with some super special touches. It doesn’t get much more unique than freshly picked chillies from Australia Zoo’s Elephantasia!
DAY TWO
Morning
Cheese platter at Maleny Food Co, Maleny. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sparkling infinity pool and grazing kangaroos at Warrior Restaurant & Bar before checking out of your accommodation and heading towards the Blackall Range. You’ll want to save time in the itinerary to satisfy your cheese cravings at Maleny Cheese and to stock up on organic pates, gourmet cured meats, and more at Maleny Food Co.
Lunch
The Tamarind Cooking School, Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Lunch today looks a little different! Pull up in the lush gardens of The Tamarind Cooking School for a Thai cooking class. This is the chance to embrace your inner MasterChef as you stir, chop, and toss your way to a mouthwatering feast. You won’t leave the class empty-handed, either— enjoy your hand-cooked meal on the deck before walking out with an apron and a recipe book to admire. When it comes to settling in for the evening, don't go too far: the luxurious villas at Spicers Tamarind Retreat will be your home away from home. Surrounded by lush gardens, you’ll be set for some serious R&R at this luxurious Maleny hideaway.
Dinner
Wrap up Day Two with a taste of Australia’s Craft Beer Capital at Brouhaha Maleny. Take your pick from their moreish menu of comfort food (it's hard to pass up their Maleny Wagyu Pastrami pizza) before settling back with one of their award-winning brews and reliving the highlights of the day. Cheers!
DAY THREE
Morning
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Take things easy this morning with a laidback breakfast onsite at The Tamarind, before checking out and turning the car towards the spectacular grounds of Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Grab a coffee at the cafe before stretching your legs as you stroll through the gardens and snap photos of the Glass House Mountains in the distance.
Lunch
Wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville, Queensland
When lunch-time calls, stop by Flame Hill Vineyard for a tasting of award-winning Queensland wine, and to enjoy lunch overlooking the Montville countryside. Let time slip away as you sip and savour a glass of Montville Chardonnay while watching the breeze drift through the vineyard beyond.
Keen to pick up some more local sips as a souvenir? Stop by Sunshine & Sons in Woombye to purchase a few bottles of their gin and award-winning vodka.
Evening
Dining at Mapleton Public House, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
End your three-day adventure by indulging in the ultimate pub dinner... with a twist. At Mapleton Public House, you’ll find a beautifully renovated Queenslander (the building itself is over 100 years old!), where fresh local produce meets trendy pub trimmings. Highlights include the Farm Risotto, made from vegetables sourced just down the road at the Falls Farm, and their upmarket take on a chicken parmy.
Only here for a short while? Dig into our 48-hour and 24-hour foodie guides.
Sunshine Coast Sustainability
Love our blue and green backyard? We do too. That’s why we’ve made it easy to travel more sustainably and contribute to local reforestation projects. Join us to make a difference!
To get started, estimate your carbon footprint using the trip CO2 calculator and discover ways to make your trip more sustainable in partnership with our local tourism industry or check out the program dashboard to see the positive contributions our industry and visitors are making.
Learn more about the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program
