Venture beyond the sugar-white sand of the Sunshine Coast to a place where the beach meets the rainforest and you’ll discover our leafy backyard: the Hinterland. Packed with postcard perfect villages that look like they’ve been ripped from the set of a romantic movie, lush hideouts and tranquil retreats, you’ll want to spend a while here.
The perfect place to disconnect from your regular programming and plug into nature, The Glass House Mountains that flank the southern end of the coast promise a region that’s ripe for Sunshine Moments and adventure.
What the locals love
❤️ Stroll the Kondalilla Circuit (4.8km) and go for a swim at the base of the falls at Kondalilla National Park.
❤️ Settle on the deck of Brouhaha Brewery and sip your way through a tasting paddle.
❤️ Wander through the art galleries in Montville and purchase the perfect piece for your home.
❤️ Order a six pack of heavenly mixed doughnuts from Kenilworth Country Bakery.
Brouhaha Brewery, Maleny
There are few places in Australia where you can traverse an array of ancient volcanic peaks - we’re talking more than 25 million years old to be precise - all before breakfast. But here, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, there are 11 to explore. This natural playground is home to a labyrinth of tracks you’ll want to set out on, be it by foot or bike. And you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to take part - stroll, meander and take it easy, you’ll want to soak up the show Mother Nature is putting on for you.
Next it’s time to hop in your car, roll the windows down and crank up the playlist while cruising deep into the heart of the Hinterland to the Blackall Range. Here you’ll want to carve out some time in villages like Maleny, Montville and Mapleton where the streets are lined with shops slinging the best local produce. Take your tastebuds on a tour with visits to Maleny Food Co,Maleny Chocolate Co, and for something seriously special - The Long Apron. Thirsty? Brouhaha Brewery is an absolute must do. And be sure to say g’day to the makers and creators behind the counter - they’re always down for a yarn and a locals-only recommendation or two.
Main street, Montville
From there take the car west to Kenilworth, a little country town packing a whole lot of charm. You’ll want to visit hungry, with Kenilworth Country Bakery and Kenilworth Dairies slinging some seriously delicious local eats.
Sunset on the Glass House Mountains
While you won’t find a grain of sand out in these parts, you’ll still want to pack your togs. Leave your car on the banks of Obi Obi Creek and follow the bubbling streams to Gardner Falls. Perch yourself on the moss-strewn boulders for a picnic, then cool off with a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pool. You can even make like Tarzan with the rope swing or just live your best life with a snooze under the towering trees that fringe the falls. Nature lovers will also want to wander through lush subtropical rainforest surrounds at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and step onto the set of a Disney movie at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World filled with vibrant plants and exotic birds.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Maleny
The Hinterland is also home to one of the Sunshine Coast’s most spectacular treks – the Hinterland Great Walk – that stretches 58.8km through the Blackall Range. Adventure lovers can do it in its entirety across four-days, or day-trippers can get a taste by taking part in one of the shorter waterfall circuits in Montville’s Kondalilla National Park. Whichever you decide, make sure you reward yourself with a swim in the rock pools where the sparkling water just screams, ‘blow up your inflatable flamingo and take a photo’.
Hinterland walking
With so much to pack into your itinerary, it would be rude not to stay the night here. Fall asleep to the soundtrack of the region’s native fauna at the various campsites and caravan parks, or wake up with the rainforest on your doorstep at the best luxury retreats. One thing is for sure - you’ll never regret extending your stay in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
