Last week I showed you around a little B&B called “The Spotted Chook” in Montville on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We often like to get away in winter, somewhere there is a fire and last year we stayed at Maleny Luxury Cottages, These self contained cabins are out of the way and have everything you need for a very romantic quiet mini break. So these are an alternative (its a bit cheaper as you can take all your food and cook for yourself).
So you have decide on a mini break and you want to rest and relax, but also want to get out a bit an enjoy what this beautiful area has to offer. Here are a list of things Mr N and I have done over the years.
Go For A Walk In Nature
There are so many beautiful walks around this area. The Sunshine Coast Great Walks have a website with lots of different walks depending on your skill level and the time that you would like to take. You can just go for a few hours, a day, or pack your tent and walk for a week, what ever takes your fancy.
Have A Picnic
There are plenty of places to stop and have a picnic in this beautiful area, one of my favourites is Baroon Dam.
It is so beautiful, peaceful and quiet as they don’t allow any form or motor boats. So grab a kayak and a fishing pole and you can go and get you lunch for free if you like.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is also a beautiful spot. it does cost – $35 but if you bring your own picnic, that is a pretty cheap day out for some of the most spectacular views and stunning location.
Have A Swim In Some Fresh Water
There are a few water falls in the area and many you can actually go for a dip.
Kondalilla Falls has a short walk to the water hole, where you can jump off the top into the water if you dare.
Visit the Website for more information.
Near Maleny another beautiful place is Gardener Falls, it can be a bit hard to find and is very popular with the locals, so take the time and enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
Visit the Website for more information
Drive To A Lookout – or Makeout LOL!
Mary Cross Scenic Reserve has lots of fabulously things to do… you could even get up really early in the morning and have guided animal watching tour. Amazing lookout views and a cute little cafe if you need some refreshments.
Speaking of fantastic views, take a drive to McCathy’s or Gerard’s lookouts as well, to appreciate our amazing earth.
Visit An Art Gallery – Montville, Maleny
There are so many Galleries dotted about Montville and Maleny that you are guaranteed to find something you like and why not take in some window shopping or buying, by taking a walk down the main streets of Montville and Maleny. There are lots of old fashioned ice cream shops, lolly shops, fudge shops, cafe’s, games stores and you might even find a bargain as you fossick through some antique stores. Montville and Maleny are full of them so there is sure to be something you like.
Quench Your Thirst
After all that shopping you could try a beer from the Sunshine coast first real Micro Brewery, where it all began at Brou Ha Ha Brewery. It is worth a drive for a look and a tour even if you don’t drink beer. If you like a drop, do yourself a favour and try there Milk Stout, you will thank me!
OR stop and have a coffee with a view. at the top of Montville’s main street is a fabulous restaurant called “The Edge” that has the most amazing view. We stopped for breakfast one morning and stayed for a few hours admiring the view. They do serve lunch and dinner, but I can’t tell you about that, breakfast was delicious and generous for the price.
Take A Scenic Drive
We took a scenic drive around and ended up at Kenilworth Cheese, it really does have some of the best cheese I have tasted. The chilli and garlic halloumi is a revelation. They make the best milkshakes and have a vast selection of cheeses that you can only get direct from them, so it is work the drive. Have a look at their website for all there fantastic produce.
And while we are talking dairy. Maleny Dairies is a fantastic couple of hours. They have space for a picnic, they conduct tours of the dairy and have lots of things for kids to look at. They specialise in Milk, Yoghurt and Cream and oh my their cream is amazing especially in spring with all the fresh grass, it is so thick you have to scoop it!
Dancing Fun
While on our mini break we tried lots of different food and went to many places. Next week will be about our wonderful foodie experience of “The Long Apron” at Spicers, but one of our favourite nights out was at Rick’s Garage. It’s pretty much American style fare with burgers, ribs and fries. But you can put your dancing shoes on and have a night of old time jiving every Friday night at Rick’s Garage. They have live music Thursday – Saturday nights from 6.00pm and Sunday from 12pm till 5.30pm. It has a fabulous atmosphere and the staff are really friendly. Oh and the food was good and generous portions.
There are so many places to go in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland that I can’t mention them all. Yandina, The Buderim Ginger Factory and Strawberry Fields, to pick your own berries are just a few, but that will have to be for another time. I hope this helps you have a bit of a plan for your trip to this beautiful part of the world, it is well worth the visit. Enjoy!
Liz xx
Liz xx
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