Things to do in Maleny

Depart Brisbane and cruise past charming country villages and rolling farmland as you ascend into the lush hinterland of the Blackall Range—a cool-climate escape just 90 minutes north of the city. Along the way, enjoy scenic roads with sweeping views, a must-do for anyone chasing the ultimate Brisbane day trip. Your first stop is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a tranquil pocket of subtropical rainforest perched high above the coast. From the lookout, get panoramic views of the iconic Glass House Mountains—a cluster of ancient volcanic peaks steeped in Aboriginal legend and perfect for nature photography. Take a short rainforest walk or grab a coffee at the eco-conscious café overlooking the range. Continue winding through the hinterland and arrive at the storybook village of Montville, a mountain-top community known for its bohemian charm. Wander cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, local art galleries, handmade fudge stalls, and cozy cafés brewing beans roasted just down the road. Whether you're after vintage threads or small-batch candles, Montville is a hidden gem in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Next, roll into the iconic Eumundi Markets, Australia’s top artisan market and a must-visit on any Queensland road trip. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, these sprawling markets are bursting with handmade goods, slow fashion, local produce, street eats, and live acoustic sets. You’ll have time to shop, browse, and grab lunch from one of the many food stalls—think vegan burgers, gourmet pies, or turmeric lattes under the fig trees. Please note: On Fridays, instead of the Eumundi Markets, we visit the nearby Eumundi Square Market. Discover over 80 boutique shops featuring fashion, gifts, food, art, treasures, and live music at this relaxed and curated market. After lunch, head to the sparkling coastline and the laid-back luxury of Noosa Heads. Stroll the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street, dip your toes in the pristine sand, or explore Noosa National Park, one of the best coastal walks in Australia. The Coastal Track hugs the cliff’s edge and rewards hikers with wild ocean views and potential sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and sleepy koalas. Wrap up your adventure with a comfort stop at The Ginger Factory in Yandina. It’s a quirky spot famous for its sweet treats—don’t leave without trying their locally made ginger ice cream, the perfect palate cleanser after a day of sun and scenery. Return to Brisbane refreshed and inspired, with your camera roll full and your soul just a little more nourished.

Enjoy a day out that you will truly love with a Day Pass to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Explore the lush and expansive gardens and come meet our colorful family of birds. You can have your picture taken with our many friendly birds and learn about our over 700 exotic and Australian varieties of birds throughout our four aviaries. Our Bird World is home to a variety of vibrant birds from over 60 countries and you will be delighted by our friendly inhabitants who often like to land on your head or shoulders. Enjoy a cuddle with our miniature farm animals at the petting zoo as part of your garden experience! Meet Alfie, the miniature micro donkey. We also have babydoll sheep, miniature goats, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

This Sunshine Coast Hinterland Day Tour combines the stunning scenery of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with some of the region’s finest local produce. After being collected from your coastal accommodation, you will head inland towards the lush subtropical hinterland. The first stop of the day is the dairy region of Maleny, where you will sample a selection of local and international cheeses at Maleny Food Co or Maleny Cheese Factory. During your time in Maleny, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Maleny Chocolate Co., where you can personally choose a delightful Chocolate Sample pack to bring home with you. After cheese tasting and free time in Maleny, you will take in the stunning views from Mary Cairncross Scenic Rainforest Reserve of the National Heritage-listed Glass House Mountains. From Maleny, you’ll embark on a journey via Gerrard’s Lookout to indulge in a scrumptious two-course lakeside lunch at Secrets on the Lake. Complementing lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful experience that includes a taste of wine. Friday & Sunday: Enjoy a delightful stop at Flamehill Winery, where you’ll indulge in a guided wine tasting experience, sampling a selection of locally crafted wines. Tuesday: While winery visits aren’t available, you’ll still savour the region’s flavors with two glasses of wine included with your lunch, ensuring a complete culinary experience. The adventure continues as you make your way to the charming hinterland village of Montville, where you can enjoy free time to explore the village, peruse its charming shops and boutiques, and discover local handcrafted treasures while immersing yourself in the invigorating mountain air. After Montville, make the scenic return trip down the range via another stunning scenic lookout, Mapleton Falls Lookout, back to your accommodation.

Maleny Magic e-Bike Tour - Discover the Beauty of Maleny Embark on a captivating e-bike tour through the stunning countryside of Maleny. Experience the thrill of spotting platypi in their natural habitat, enjoy breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains, and learn about the ecology and geology of the area. A visit to Mary Cairncross Reserve for a coffee break adds to the adventure. Mary Cairncross Reserve, located in Maleny, Queensland, holds a rich history that spans over a century. The reserve is named after Mary Thynne, a prominent local figure who bequeathed her property to the local council in 1941. This generous act ensured the preservation of the land's natural beauty and established it as a sanctuary for native flora and fauna. Over the years, the reserve has evolved into a haven for conservation, education, and recreation. Today, visitors can explore the lush rainforest, walk along the boardwalks, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains. The history of Mary Cairncross Reserve is a testament to the enduring commitment to environmental preservation and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural heritage for future generations. This tour promises unforgettable moments and a deeper connection with the natural wonders of Maleny. Itinerary: - Start your tour at the Maleny Showgrounds and meet your knowledgeable guide. - Follow the scenic Obi Obi Creek pathway, keeping an eye out for elusive platypi along the way. - Arrive at the Platypus viewing platform and immerse yourself in the beauty of these unique creatures. - Continue your journey along Mountain View Rd, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Glass House Mountains. - Take a well-deserved coffee break at Mountain View Café in Mary Cairncross Reserve, surrounded by tranquil nature. - Learn about the fascinating ecology and geology of the Maleny area from your guide. - Return to the starting point at Maleny Showgrounds, filled with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Maleny. End of the Tour: At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Maleny Showgrounds, where you can continue exploring the charming town of Maleny or make your way back to your accommodation. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Maleny. Note: This tour is suitable for participants with moderate fitness levels. Basic biking skills are required.

Leave the driving and parking woes behind and relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned buses. Enjoy a hassle-free three-hour visit with direct transport from your home to the Ginger Factory. We offer pickups specifically arranged for both families and mature couples, ensuring your adventure starts the moment you board. Directly across from the Ginger Factory, enhance your experience at Pioneer Coffee Roastery and Nutworks in Yandina. Savor the excellence of freshly roasted coffee in a welcoming environment at Pioneer Coffee—a perfect place for adults to enjoy a premium coffee and a delicious meal. Meanwhile, Nutworks offers an engaging look at nut processing, complete with chocolates and sweets that will please guests of all ages. Are you ready for a carefree day brimming with exploration and joy? Opt for a day well-spent in the beauty and excitement of the Ginger Factory—because you deserve it!

We take in some beautiful scenery as we make our way up the range to our first stop at Flame Hill Vineyard, which is situated in the cooler climate region on the Blackall Range in Montville. Enjoy a private wine tasting with a platter of local cheeses while you take in the spectacular views of the estate and the coastline. The next stop is the Maleny Cheese Factory, where you can purchase a range of local cheeses made exclusively from local milk suppliers, along with a range of other tasty local produce from the region. We then take in the beautiful views of the Sunshine Coast and Glass House Mountains as we drive across the range to our lunch destination in Maleny. At Brouhaha Brewery & Restaurant you will enjoy a delicious two-course farm-to-fork lunch with a glass of wine or beer, and relax in their beautiful restaurant. The final stop of the day is at Sunshine & Sons Distillery to sample award-winning Gin, organic rum and a range of spirits and liqueurs at their relaxed venue in Woombye. Optional tour of the distillery available. We then make a slow journey back down the range to the coastline to drop you back from an amazing day out with Creative Tours! Please note pick up areas below and advise at time of booking. Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headlands, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore, Twin Waters

Our all-inclusive luxury Maleny and Montville Tour is delightful day out in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where you’ll feel like you’re riding on a cloud as you look out at the panoramic views from mountain top all day long. By the days end you will have looked out at the entire Sunshine Coast coastline from Noosa to Caloundra, around to the Glass House Mountains, and on a clear day, Moreton Island. This tour has it all, from an old-growth rainforest walk, sightseeing and scenic ridgeline drives to novelty shops and the indulgence of the local produce, including lunch with a drink, chocolate tasting and wine tasting with ocean views. You will start the day with a nice country drive to our first stop where you will enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee alongside the picturesque view atop Mapleton Falls. A lovely ridgeline drive atop the Blackall Range will then land us in Montville Artisan Village, the prettiest and most unique little village on the hinterland. You will begin your Montville experience by indulging in some of the finest artisan Belgian chocolates in the region with a chocolate tasting included at Montville's favourite chocolate factory. You will have over an hour to explore the wonderful Montville Artisan Village and its many novelty shops, galleries and artisan delights. We will then go to a charming hinterland cottage cafe for your included lunch and drink. Attached to this cafe is shop filled with local produce, art and crafts. Next, a ridgeline drive will take us to a panoramic lookout with views of the entire Sunshine Coast coastline, from Noosa to Caloundra and as far as Moreton Island on a clear day. We then journey further along the ridgeline to the Maleny region where we will take you on a guided nature walk through a mesmerising remnant old-growth rainforest with giant native trees, many singing birds, pademelons (wallabies) and more. This walk is 1.2km and relatively flat. For those who don't feel comfortable doing this walk, you can joyfully spend your time at the entrance, where there is a discovery centre and cafe with views of the Glass House Mountains. Following our nature walk we take a short drive to another panoramic lookout where you will experience one of the most stunning and photographed views in Australia, with unimpeded views of the picturesque Glass House Mountains. A drive through the Maleny village and back along the ridgeline will get us to our last stop, where you can reflect on this amazing day as you participate in a mountain top wine tasting with ocean views at the local’s favourite winery and vineyard. You can now recline your seats and enjoy the journey back down the mountain in comfort, and we will have you back to your accommodation no later than approximately 5:30pm, in time for sunset and dinner.

Small group tour usually around 7 people. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary day trip that will take you through the very best of the Sunshine Coast. From the majestic Glass House Mountains to the vibrant Noosa Beach, this whirlwind adventure promises a taste of the region's most enchanting destinations. So buckle up and get ready to explore these remarkable highlights, all in just one day. Kick off your day with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Glass House Mountains, where you'll witness breathtaking views of these ancient volcanic peaks. Drive through the iconic village of Maleny and Montville where you’ll experience both how the locals live and a visual taste of European influences. Visit the Eumundi Market – a bustling hub where local creativity, fresh flavours, and community spirit come alive amidst a tapestry of stalls and smiles. This is one experience you won't want to miss. Feel the sun on your skin as you arrive at Noosa Beach, the perfect spot for a refreshing dip or a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the golden sands before venturing into the nearby Noosa National Park. Indulge in a quick visit to Nutworks, where you can sample a delectable array of nuts and chocolates. Treat your taste buds and learn a fun fact or two about nut production before continuing on to the final stop of your day trip. End your day with a visit to the famous Ginger Factory. Take a brief tour of the facility, savour a scrumptious ginger treat, and experience the lively atmosphere of this unique destination.

After picking you up from your accommodation we begin our scenic drive towards the Hinterland making our first stop at My Dilly Bag, an Australian Native Bush Food & Botanicals Market Place. Here you will sample a range of nutritious and tasty products including Native herbs and spices to jams, relishes, pasta and snacks, all made with Australian Sovereign Food ingredients. Then it’s a short drive to Mary Caircross Reserve to view the historic Glass House Mountains where your tour guide will talk about their significance to the local Traditional Owners, the Jinibara and the Kabi Kabi people. The Glass House Mountains were formed 26–27 million years ago from remnants of volcanic activity in the region. The area is now also known for its abundance of local farmers and producers. Then we make our way into the town of Maleny to visit a local chocolate maker, before enjoying a delicious platter for lunch featuring local produce. Maleny Food Co features products from local bakeries, cheese makers, local meats and of course a taste of their award-winning gelato before we depart. Relax while we take you on a scenic drive along the Blackall Range as you take in the breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast beaches and coastline with a short stop at a lookout. Shortly after we arrive in the town of Montville where you can wander through the artisan village visiting local artist galleries, artisan stalls and novelty shops. We wind our way back down the range to Woombye to visit a local distillery which has a beautiful outlook and a well earned drink on arrival. Enjoy tastings of their award winning gins, vodka and organic rums, along with tasty snacks from local producers. By this stage you will be content and full of local produce and local stories as we make the slow journey back down the range to the coastline to drop you back from an amazing day out with Creative Tours!