Montville
A Montville holiday is a hinterland experience imbued with complete quality, fusing wonderful cultural pursuits, breath-taking natural wonders and award winning dining experiences. This hinterland gem also has an impressive range of accommodation options and was recently ranked by Trivago as the number one Australian destination for accommodation. If you need an excuse to get out of town, check out our hit list of Montville must-dos and point your GPS towards the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
1. Kondalilla National Park
With a magnificent 90 metre waterfall, rock pools and bubbling creeks - is it any surprise this natural wonderland gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'rushing waters'? The cool climes of Kondalilla National Park, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane, make it a popular retreat for those who enjoy crisp mountain air and connecting with nature. Take a stroll under the rainforest canopy and eucalypt forests on the numerous walking tracks, enjoy the spectacular views of the valley, cool off with a swim in the rock pools and be soothed by the quiet of the forest.
Kondalilla Falls
2. Art galleries
Often called the creative heart of the hinterland, you’ll find that Montville is a hub of quality art galleries and studios featuring works from established and emerging artists. Visit Illume Creations to view stunning glass sculptures and vases frrom local hot glass artist, Tina Cooper; or Montville Art Gallery, housed in a gorgeous 1920s Queenslander showcasing works from more than 30 award winning artists; and don’t miss Secrets on the Lake Gallery – beautifully designed gallery with magical views of Lake Baroon. Visit The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Gallery Trail for more information.
Art gallery
3. Flame Hill Vineyard
A visit to Flame Hill Vineyard would have to be one of Australia’s ultimate paddock to plate experiences. The 300 acre estate houses a vineyard, market garden orchard and a herd of beef cattle. Renowned for its commitment to sustainable food production, gastronomes are definitely spoilt for choice. Book in for a Sunday brunch on the terrace or dine in the award winning restaurant and enjoy the best of fresh, seasonal and local produce matched with award winning wines. You can also take a picnic of farm cured meats, marinated vegetables and artisan breads to one of the property’s many scenic nooks and enjoy the views of the Obi Obi Valley and Mount Coolum. Sit back, soak up the rural ambiance and be entertained by the Guinea Fowls as they wander among the trellises.
Flame Hill Vineyard
4.The Long Apron
The Long Apron restaurant has made Spicers Clovelly Estate a destination for foodies from around Australia. From a croissant on the sun drenched terrace, to a seven course degustation in the dining room, The Long Apron offers a unique taste of modern Europe in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The restaurant serves contemporary and classic European cuisine in an understated and elegant dining room or garden terrace area. The food is meticulously prepared and only the freshest seasonal produce is used, sourced from on the property and the surrounding local area. The Long Apron offers five and seven course degustation menu as well as 'Table d'hote'.
The Long Apron
5. Baroon Pocket Dam (Lake Baroon)
Baroon Pocket Dam is a picturesque lake tucked away between Montville and Maleny. The dam offers a range of fantastic recreational facilities and you could easily spend the whole day exploring the shores and waterways. There are picnic tables, free BBQs and playgrounds for the kids making it the ideal spot for a get together with family or friends. What to do? Take a dip in the calm waters, kayak the lake and its tributaries or simply cast your rod and wait for the Australian Bass to bite. The shoreline with its abundant wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, is a paradise for bushwalkers and nature lovers. Hike through open forest ridges, cross bridges and boardwalks over tree-lined streams to Baroon Lookout and take in the stunning views of the Obi Obi Gorge, Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment.
Baroon Pocket Dam
6. The Chapel
Even if you’re not about to tie the knot, you’ll be captivated by the romantic charm of Montville’s chapel. Designed and built especially for wedding ceremonies, The Chapel is flanked by the Montville escarpment affording spectacular views of verdant farmland, forests and plantations all the way to the coast. Crafted using time-honoured techniques, each piece of Helion sandstone was shaped by a master stone mason, and the magnificent Australian red cedar features were carved by local wood artist, Jack Wilms, of Obi Valley Woodworks. The result is a lovely building with an abundance of old world ambiance set against a backdrop of some of the Hinterland’s most sensational outlooks. View by appointment only.
The Chapel
7. Fudgyboombahs
Montville's Main Street confectioner will hit your sweet spot! Fudgbyboombahs’ sweet treats are handmade and gorgeously packaged. You'll find an ultra-delicious range of flavours instore including: butter candy macadamias; butterscotch vanilla fudge; and rocky road fudge. Try stopping at just one when there are over 70 delectable flavours to choose from!
Fudge
8. Coffee and café culture
You don't have to be a coffee connoisseur to know that Montville is a coffee destination in its own right. Award winning, local roaster, Montville Coffee, sets a high standard being Queensland's first certified fairtrade and organic coffee roaster. Coffee enthusiasts can visit the factory with Mystic Mountain Tours or take a class in milk texturing or latte-art on site. Local cafés and restaurants don't disappoint, serving a range of blends made from local and imported fair trade beans. Have your coffee with a side of spectacular hinterland vistas at The Edge Café on Main Street; or a cup at The Poet's Café where the coffee's water is sourced from the property's natural bubbling spring. If you're after a traditional pub food, head to Montville Café Bar and Grill for a hearty meal and a cuppa in the beautifully landscaped garden.
Come for the brew, stay for the view!
The Edge Cafe
9. The Clock Shop
The Clock Shop lives in an iconic German chalet inspired building perched atop of the charming Montville village. Today, this building has become a ‘must see’ for visitors near and far, and is known and loved by many generations all over Australia. When you step inside, you will be greeted by the rich smell of timber and the melody of chimes going off from the various cuckoo and grandfather clocks. Adventure further in and you will find cabinets full of German knick knacks , music boxes, watches and more! The whole experience is like stepping into a new world full of fun and history.
