17 Fun Things to Do in Maleny & Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast, you might be wondering what makes Maleny and Montville so special and what attractions it has to entice you. Nestled in the lush hinterland, these charming mountain towns offer a completely different experience from the beaches.

The challenge for first-time visitors is knowing where to start. With so many lookouts, galleries, cafes, waterfalls, and scenic drives packed into a small area, it’s easy to miss the highlights if you don’t have a plan.

After 25 years in Southeast Queensland, I’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Maleny and Montville that make them worth a visit. Whether you’re here for a day trip, or a romantic getaway, this list will help you experience the charm of the Sunshine Coast hinterland like a local.

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Is Maleny & Montville Worth visiting?

Maleny and Montville is worth visiting for its mix of natural beauty, creative culture, and hinterland charm. I love the Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, wildlife attractions, and the overall view of the Glass House Mountains.

Foodies will love exploring local dairies and creameries, while art enthusiasts can wander through boutique galleries and studios showcasing regional talent. Add in cafés, country markets, and the drives along the Blackall Range, and the Maleny/Montville area becomes an unforgettable destination that captures the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

➡  Compare prices for Maleny accommodation HERE with Booking.com

If you need help finding anything mentioned below, please see my specially pinned map for the entire list of activities I’ve written about in the Sunshine Coast area. This includes the Maleny and Montville area, but also gives you ideas for the rest of the region.

Best Things to do in Maleny & Montville!

1. Obi Obi Boardwalk

The Obi Obi boardwalk is the local bushland stroll that runs between Coral Street and the Showgrounds in town.

As a walk, it’s very short and rather uneventful. But if you’re really quiet and extremely lucky, the resident platypus might make their appearance in the early mornings or late afternoon.

Just remember they spook easily and you might need to sit down with no noise for a while.

2. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

Sprawling over 18 acres, the Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld boast stunningly landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and incredible views of the Glass House Mountains in the distance.

➡ Find Birdworld Tickets HERE with GYG

However, it was definitely the Bird interactions through the different Avery’s that was the highlight. This is where you can get up close with different kinds of parrots, the rather large and colourful macaws, and both the pink and black cockatoos.

Not all of the birds are going to come near you, and you can hold a feather duster to stop any from doing so. But, there are the selected few that will make themselves comfortable on your head or shoulders, or others coerced with the guides food.

You can purchase your tickets online beforehand, or when you arrive. But, during busy times you might not be able to get your selected time unless you book in advance.

3. McCarthy’s Lookout

While McCarthy’s lookout isn’t a big lookout, it does have a very similar view of the Glass House Mountains in the distance and great for that Instagram picture moment.

As a tip for photo’s. it does help to stand back from the lookout and use the zoom on your camera. This makes the mountains look closer than they actually are and capture the essence of the Hinterland!

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4. Gardner’s Falls

Gardner’s Falls is 10 minutes’ drive from Maleny and has long been a brilliant swimming spot to cool off from the summer heat. It has one of the shortest walking trails to get there, but, I must say though, the car park is horrendous, especially at busy times. However, if you’re lucky to get a park then it’s only a 5-minute walk to the swimming hole.

This is essentially Obi Obi Creek and you sit anywhere along the river bed to take advantage of the rushing water. These areas are great for kids. However, the swimming hole itself is better with pool noodles, donut floatie’s or treading water if you can.

Tip: You can stay at the Spicers retreat close-by and walk there.

5. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a short stroll around the Rainforest and very family Friendly. Not only that, I find it the very best place to spot one of the adorable Pademelons in the wild, which ultimately look like a small kangaroo.

The track circles around between 1.3 to 1.7 kilometres long, on a well-formed track and some of it on a wooden boardwalk. I see many people visit for the wildlife, photography and the exercise and there are informational boards to learn from as you walk around.

Overall, this 55-hectare subtropical rainforest is home to diverse wildlife, including frogs, possums, plenty of different bird species, you might even see a few bush turkeys. Even better that it’s only a 10 minute drive from Maleny.

6. Kondalilla Falls

Kondalilla Falls is an alternate swimming and hiking area, but about 25 minutes drive away from town. At least the car park is much better here, but it can still get very busy.

If you’re visiting for hiking, then you have a 4.7 kilometres loop track to get around. This includes the top of the falls where the rock pool swimming area is, a lookout point for the 80 metre drop falls, plus walking down into the gully to the bottom of the falls.

I recommend bringing your swimmers and taking a dip in the rock pool, but since it’s shaded most of the day, it can be a little chilly in the water.

Also bring some drinks and snacks, find some rocks to sit on around the edge and admire the ambience and nature sounds in the National Park.

➡  Compare prices for Maleny accommodation HERE with Booking.com

7. Australia Zoo

Surprisingly, Australia Zoo is only a 20-minute drive away from Maleny and it’s handy to allocate an entire day here. There are so many iconic wildlife attractions like a bird show, the African exhibit with the Lemurs, cute and cuddly koalas, or the ever-popular crocodile show.

For a zoo, it’s actually a bit expensive to visit, but well worth it to go there once in your lifetime. I find if you plan out your day before you go around the shows and different displays, you can make the most out of your time. Plus they have convenient packages set up for tickets with included transfers,

My biggest tip would be to wear comfortable shoes and expect a long day with lots of walking!

8. Art Gallerys

A 15-minute drive north of Maleny, you come to the picturesque village of Montville is known for its European-inspired charm, boutique stores, and cosy cafes. Montville is very similar to Maleny, but does give you alternative options for places to eat, some where to stay or getting some variety into your day.

It’s known for its thriving art scene, with a collection of boutique galleries and studios that showcase the creativity of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The Montville Art Gallery, housed in a charming Queenslander, is one of the region’s most respected spaces, featuring works from Australian artists, from vibrant landscapes to contemporary pieces.

Along Montville’s tree-lined main street, you’ll also find smaller galleries and studios highlighting everything from glasswork and ceramics to sculptures and Indigenous art.

Many of these spaces are owner-operated, giving visitors the chance to meet the artists, learn about their inspiration, and even purchase a unique piece to take home.

9. Winerys

Enjoy the taste of the hinterland at Flame Hill Vineyard, perched high on the Blackall Range in Montville. This boutique winery is renowned for its 100% estate-grown wines, many of which come from vines planted up to 80 years ago and harvested by hand.

It’s more than just a cellar door experience, you can pair your wine with seasonal dishes at the award-winning restaurant, and if you’d like to linger longer, the property also offers charming luxury cottage accommodation surrounded by vineyard views.

10. Clock Shop

One of Montville’s most unique attractions is The Clock Shop, a family-run business that has been delighting visitors for decades. Stepping inside feels like entering a European workshop, with more than 7,000 timepieces on display from traditional cuckoo clocks and ornate grandfather clocks to elegant mantelpieces and quirky modern designs.

Many are handcrafted imports from Germany’s Black Forest, while others showcase fine local craftsmanship. Beyond clocks, the shop also stocks music boxes, barometers, and specialty gifts, making it as much a gallery as a store.

11. Montville Markets

The Montville Growers and Makers Market is a much-loved community event that captures the heart and soul of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. First launched in July 2009, the market has grown into a vibrant gathering held on the second Saturday of every month at the charming Montville Village Hall.

Visitors are treated to an authentic country market experience, with stalls brimming with freshly picked fruit and vegetables, colourful flowers, potted plants, and garden essentials.

Food lovers will find plenty to tempt them, from artisan breads, homemade cakes, jams, chutneys, and preserves to organic produce, fair-trade coffee, and refreshing natural juices. Beyond the food, the market showcases the creativity of local makers, offering handmade crafts, unique homewares, and thoughtful gifts.

12. Gerrard’s Lookout

Situated between Maleny and Montville, Gerrard’s Lookout offers panoramic views over the Sunshine Coast. You only have a few car spaces and a couple of steps up the hill to the covered enclosure.

There are even some information boards to show you what you’re looking at

However, instead of facing the Glass House Mountains, this one is in view of the ocean. Therefore, it’s an ideal spot for watching the sunrise

13. Mount Ngungun

For those adventurous souls, climbing Mount Ngungun happens to be one of my favourite hiking trails in the Glass House Mountains.

It’s a relatively easy 2.8 km return hike, leading up to the summit. But there is a decent amount of stairs and elevation to get you there.

However, with breaks to catch your breath, the hike should take you about 40 to 50 minutes to get up and about 30 minutes to get back down.

The views from the top are absolutely divine, with other Glass House Mountains being so close. I also recommend hiking for sunrise too, but know, this is a very busy time to visit!

14. The Big Kart Track

For the kids, or big kids at heart like Matt and I, the Big Kart Track is 20 away from Maleny and a truck load of fun. We purchased a 30-minute package, and you can race your friends or family round and round the track.

You can even choose to split up the sessions and have a break in between.

The good thing is, you don’t have book it unless you’re planning for a lot of people. Plus, they have a café for snacks and a seating area for people to watch on.

➡  Compare prices for Maleny accommodation HERE with Booking.com

15. Maleny Food Co.

While I’m not a big foodie by any means, this area in the Sunshine Coast hinterland has many shops and cafes dedicated to locally sourced or made products. You can purchase organised tours to drive you around, or self-drive in your own time.

We stopped into the Maleny Food Co for their well-known Gelato’s and Ice-creams, but they also have plenty of products on sale too.

16. The Chocolate Shop

The Chocolate shop was a bit harder to find down a little alley way, and they had so many different home-made chocolates, truffles and confectionery to choose from. I can’t say the prices were too budget-friendly, but the quality was definitely high and we loved all the ginger, honeycomb and Turkish delight chockies we purchased.

17. Other Foodie places

Apart from that, you have the Cheese Factory, Brouhaha for a craft beer experience, and a Dairy – all within 5 minutes of town.  Plus other establishments like Monica’s Cafe, Shotgun Espresso, and The Tamarind Restaurant for a fine dining experience.

Where to Stay?

When looking for where to stay in Maleny, you’ll find everything from rustic cabins and boutique retreats to luxury spa-lodges, many of them tucked into rainforest or high up with sweeping views of mountains and valleys.

➡  Search Maleny accommodation HERE with Booking.com

• For a splurge, Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa offers private villas surrounded by rainforest, an on-site award-winning restaurant and spa facilities.
• For a more intimate, countryside cozy feeling, properties like Misty View Cottages deliver private cottages set on acreage, with spa baths, and fireplaces.
• If you need something mid-range but comfortable, the Maleny Views Motel gives you lovely views from your room, basic amenities, and convenient access to town.
• For larger groups or special occasions, Waterfall Lodge Maleny is a luxury homestead on 7.5 acres that sleeps up to 10, with elegant interiors, outdoor spa, verandas, creekside walks and a setting that feels both grand and private.

Best time to visit?

Over 25 years in the area and I’ve never found a wrong time to visit Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Each season brings it good and bad point and it would depend on the individual to when it’s going to suit you the best.

Winter time (drier months from April to October) brings crisp mornings and cosy evenings by the fire, perfect for romantic cottage stays, while spring sees the gardens and rainforest trails burst with colour and fresh waterfalls flowing after seasonal rains.

Summertime, from December to February, can be warm and humid with occasional storms, but it’s also when the hinterland feels at its most vibrant and tropical, making it ideal for waterfall swims and shaded rainforest walks.

Just known it can get really busy in either Montville or Maleny on Weekends, Public and school holidays. Therefore, get up really early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Wrap Up!

I must admit, for Maleny and Montville both being small towns, it certainly packs a punch for variety and attractions.

However, If you manage to get through all of that and still looking for more, please click for my other articles and things to do on the Sunshine Coast Coastal Areas.