With waterfalls, award-winning restaurants, and boutique shops, it won't take long for you to fall in love with Montville, Queensland. With its cooling mountain breezes and rolling hills, Montville features an impressive selection of luxury accommodation options, hiking opportunities, and spots to dine out. Let's explore!
Kondalilla National Park
Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park, Montville, Queensland
With a magnificent waterfall, an abundance of rock pools, and ribbons of 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, and cool off with an invigorating swim in the rock pools.
The Clock Shop
The Clock Shop, Montville, Queensland
The Clock Shop lives in an iconic German chalet-inspired building, perched near the base of the 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'll be greeted by the rich smell of timber and the melody of chimes going off from the various elaborately-designed cuckoo and grandfather clocks. Gift ideas abound in this special shop, with cabinets full of German knickknacks, music boxes, watches, and more. The whole experience is like stepping into a new world full of fun and history.
Flame Hill Vineyard
Wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville, Queensland
The 300-acre estate at Flame Hill Vineyard is committed to sustainable food production, and houses a vineyard, market garden orchard, and a herd of beef cattle. Book in for a meal at the restaurant and enjoy the best of fresh, seasonal, and local produce matched with their award-winning wine. You can also take a picnic of 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.
The Long Apron
The Long Apron, Restaurant in Montville, Sunshine Coast
The chef-hatted Long Apron restaurant has made Spicers Clovelly Estate a destination for foodies from all around Australia. From a croissant on the sun-drenched terrace to an exquisite tasting menu 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, with many ingredients sourced locally.
Baroon Pocket Dam (Lake Baroon)
Canoeing on Lake Baroon with Secrets on the Lake, Montville, Queensland
Baroon Pocket Dam is a picturesque lake tucked away between Montville and Maleny. With its picnic tables, free BBQs, and playground on offer, this is an ideal spot to bring the whole family! Bring along your kayak and paddle the lake, or cast your fishing rod into the calm waters. The shoreline itself is abundant with resident wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos. Lace up your hiking boots and trek through the open forest ridges and beneath the lush canopy (be sure to take in the spectacular views from Baroon Lookout).
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 sparkling coastline. Crafted using time-honoured techniques, each piece of Helion sandstone was shaped by a master stone mason, while the magnificent Australian red cedar features were carved by local wood artist, Jack Wilms. 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.
Café culture
Poet's Cafe, Montville, Queensland
Local cafés and restaurants don't disappoint when it comes to coffee in Montville, 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. Dine amongst the trees at Secrets on the Lake, or head to Montville Café Bar and Grill for a hearty meal and a cuppa in the beautifully landscaped garden. With so many more choices available, come to Montville for the brew, and stay for the view!
Fudgyboombahs
Montville's Main Street confectioner will hit your sweet spot! Fudgyboombahs’ sweet treats are handmade and gorgeously packaged. You'll find an ultra-delicious range of flavours in-store, such as butter candy macadamias, butterscotch vanilla fudge, and rocky road fudge. The real challenge? Stopping at just one piece when there are dozens of delectable flavours to choose from.
Art galleries
Montville Art Gallery, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
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, or pop into the Montville Art Gallery, housed in a gorgeous 1920s Queenslander showcasing works from numerous award-winning artists. If you like your art with a view, be sure to check out the collection at Secrets on the Lake – a beautifully designed gallery with a magical vista of Lake Baroon.
Want some further inspiration? Read more about Montville here.
