How to Spend A Weekend In Maleny

Maleny is an ideal day trip from Brisbane, but if you’re to get a real feel for this gorgeous hinterland locale - that’s just under two hours drive north of Brisbane and 45 minutes south-west of Caloundra - you'll really want to stay for the weekend. Located in the Blackall Range, Maleny is a magical spot, renowned as much for its friendly community, arts scene and bustling high street as its lush environment and the exquisite views it delivers over the Sunshine Coast and surrounds. 

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Brisbane or farther afield, Maleny should be at the top of your destination bucket list. Check out these Maleny must-dos, food and drink recommendations and, of course, our insider tips for the best accommodation in Maleny, including hotels, resorts, retreats and luxury self-contained cabins!

Top things to do in Maleny

There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Maleny, from shopping, feasting on farm to table produce along its pretty high street to exploring its many natural attractions, including thundering waterfalls and crystal clear swimming holes, rainforest and open pasture land, and the spectacular views it offers over the Glasshouse Mountains and Sunshine Coast.

Depending on your digs — especially if you opt to stay in an eco-resort or a luxury retreat — you may find your time in Maleny is best spent pampering yourself, but however you choose to spend your time in this hinterland heaven, consider these Maleny attractions and activities.

Nature

Maleny boasts a plethora of spectacular natural wonders, with picturesque lakes like Baroon Pocket Dam that are perfect for picnics and recreational water activities, exquisite gardens that are home to a rainbow of native and exotic birds such as Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, and a range of nature walks, scenic lookouts and waterfalls. 

Obi Obi Boardwalk

Starting in the town itself behind the cafes on the main street, the Obi Obi Boardwalk is an easy 6-kilometre loop, but don’t feel like you need to do the entire walk, you can turn around at any time and make your way back to town. Be sure to keep a lookout around the platypus viewing platform on Obi Obi Creek where the usually elusive marsupials are regularly seen.

Maleny Lookouts

You’ll find ample opportunities to get a birds-eye view of the Sunshine Coast and the Glasshouse Mountains on the drive to Maleny and when exploring the surrounding countryside. Some of the most popular lookouts within a 15-minute drive from Maleny include Mountain View Lookout, One Tree Hill Maleny Lookout, McCarthy’s Lookout, Howells Knob Lookout and Gerrards Lookout. 

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

This popular national park comprises 55 hectares of tranquil subtropical rainforest with stunning views overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains and the Blackall Range. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve features several walking tracks between 1.3 and 1.7 kilometres in length which are open from 7am to 6pm daily and there’s also a wheelchair accessible ‘Elevated Glider Gallery Boardwalk’ which can be accessed through the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Gardners Falls

With safe and satisfying swimming, it’s little wonder that this beautiful freshwater swimming hole is as popular as it is, making it difficult to get a car park during the summer when the clear, cool waters are understandably very appealing. There are several sections to Gardners Falls, with the main swimming area located down a path and several smaller pools along the path that might not be big enough for swimming, but are large enough for small kids to have a splash around in. 

Kondalilla Falls

The falls are at their most spectacular during spring and summer when the water is perfect for swimming, but the stunning scenery along the trails of Kondalilla National Park make it a worthwhile day out at any time of the year. There are several trails to tackle, from the 1.7-kilometre Picnic Creek Circuit to the 4.8-kilometre Kondalilla Falls Circuit that will take you 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. There’s a popular barbecue area too so why not make a day of it and pack a picnic?

Shopping

As one of the Sunshine Coast’s most vibrant creative hubs, Maleny has a thriving arts and crafts scene, making it a great place to browse the galleries and boutiques, and shop for art,  jewellery and unique gifts. If you’re planning on spending the weekend in Maleny, be sure to visit the local ‘Maleny Markets’ (held each Sunday from 8am to 2pm) for an array of locally produced arts, crafts, handcrafted jewellery, antiques and collectables. Plus you can fill your basket with fresh local produce and condiments, as well as snacking on flaky pastries, sip a smooth brew or even teat yourself to as massage.

Maleny Dairies

A family-owned dairy farm and factory with a range of award-winning products, Maleny Dairies is a fun day out for visitors of all ages. Tours of the farm and dairy run from Monday to Saturday and include a hand milking demonstration and the opportunity to bottle-feed calves, plus tractor rides are available after the first three tours of the day. Barbecue facilities are provided, making it a great place to enjoy a picnic among gorgeous natural surroundings on a hinterland plateau.

Maleny Cheese

Maleny Cheese is located at Balmoral Ridge, a short drive from the heart of town. With its award-winning yoghurt range, and variety of hard and soft cheeses, this must-visit destination for foodies offers the opportunity to slow down and savour a plethora of flavours while relaxing among a lush green landscape with spectacular views. If you visit on a weekday, you can watch through the viewing windows of the cafe and see first-hand how their products are made. Pro tip: bring a cooler bag so you can load up on goodies at the on site shop. 

Maleny Food & Drink

If you haven’t already had your fill of chocolate and cheese, you’ll find that Maleny offers an excellent array of food and drink options, from cafes and restaurants through to craft breweries and wineries. While there are plenty of choices in town, take a drive and visit the nearby towns of Kenilworth and Montville, where you can take in stunning panoramic hinterland views with your meal. Not to mention try a world first, a ‘Coffee in a Donut’, at Kenilworth Country Bakery or take a shot at the 1kg donut challenge.

Brouhaha Brewery

One of the most popular craft breweries on the Sunshine Coast, Brouhaha has developed quite a reputation for its small-batch craft beers, especially the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour which is a common site on taps across Queensland and Australia. Open from 11am to 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Brouhaha is a top spot for exceptional local produce (think: towering waygu beef burgers and fresh Mooloolaba prawns) paired perfectly with a tasty beer from their exciting range. Want to go one step further? Book yourself a spot at their Beer and Food Pairing MasterClass.

The Tamarind

The Tamarind is an award-winning, hatted restaurant - that’s been regularly recognised by the Australian Good Food Guide - serving up contemporary Australian cuisine with an Asian and French influence. Read: it's absolutely deliscious. Along with their exquisite menu that takes advantage of the abundant fresh, locally sourced produce, Tamarind’s expert chefs offer a variety of cooking classes. If you’re looking to master desserts, Thai, French or Japanese cuisine, this could be a part of your perfect weekend in Maleny.

Maleny Accommodation

Like the natural wonders that make this town such a spectacular Sunshine Coast hinterland destination, there’s no shortage of accommodation in Maleny, from bed and breakfasts to apartments, hotels, resorts and luxury retreats. Tranquil, Maleny is nestled on the southern escarpment of the Blackall Range and offers breathtaking views from many of its 31 accommodation options. There's also a cosy pub and restaurant on site - so you never have to leave this zen retreat.

For pure indulgence amongst the rainforest, Spa Anise Spicers Tamarind Retreat could be your ticket to a heavenly weekend in Maleny, with its luxurious accommodation and tailored spa treatments, including hydrotherapy, massages, manicures and pedicures. 

For cosy cabins and cottages in Maleny, Jacaranda Cottages is an excellent choice with its family and pet friendly fully self-contained accommodation options, all of which include a cast iron stove or a glass front fireplace - perfect for curling up in front of with a glass of wine. Located just 7 minutes north of Maleny, it's the perfect location to explore the region. At Balmoral Ridge, The African Village is a truly tranquil escape for couples, families and groups in self-contained African-themed cottages set amongst rainforest gardens.

One of the newest boutique accommodation venues on the Sunshine Coast, Maleny Country Estate in Reesville offers secluded, fully self-contained residences scattered across an expansive estate encased by towering trees and manicured gardens. Top of the Hill provides further luxury accommodation options in Maleny, with six luxuriously appointed private and separate cabins, each with an open bathroom featuring a spa bath and a private deck boasting valley views.

Speaking of stunning views, Scandi at Maleny, offers a luxury eco cabin with a 13-metre wide deck overlooking the incredible Blackall Range. Get cosy on the couch and watch the sky turn into a rainbow of burnt orange and pink before dipping beneath the hinterland. 

What's nearby?

If you have the time to explore the areas surrounding Maleny, you’ll find no shortage of places to visit, especially if you follow the Mary Valley Scenic Drive that winds through picturesque villages like Imbil, Amamoor, Kenilworth and Montville. Roll the windows down, breathe in the fresh mountain air and crank the playlist. 

Kenilworth

Sequestered in the postcard perfect upper Mary Valley, behind the Blackall Range, Kenilworth is located 40 kilometres from Maleny. Smaller in size than Maleny, but just as charming, Kenilworth is the ideal day trip. Spend your morning meandering along the main street lined with art galleries, a historical museum and a collection of cafes and restaurants - and be sure to carve out some time for a visit to the cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream factory! Nature lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with a variety of hikes to suit all fitness levels in nearby Kenilworth State Forest. Should you want to linger a little longer, there’s an excellent selection of accommodation in and around the town, with everything from sleeping amongst the forest at camping sites to bed and breakfasts, and luxury retreats on offer.

Montville

Just 15 kilometres north-west of Maleny with Kondalilla National Park and its famous waterfall right on its doorstep, Montville is true gem of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. A picturesque village that boasts more than its fair share of art galleries, boutique stores and cafes, Montville is a popular candidate for weekends getaways, with many holidaymakers and weekend trippers opting to base themselves here while exploring Maleny and the surrounding areas.

As with Kenilworth, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options in Montville, including luxury lodges and relaxed rainforest retreats.

Getting there and away

Maleny is located 100 kilometres north of Brisbane which takes about two hours along the M1 motorway. From Noosa, it’s 70 to 80 kilometres depending on which of the three routes you take, all of which are a little over an hour’s drive, incredibly picturesque and sure to sate your thirst for the stunning hinterland scenery the Sunshine Coast delivers in troves.

Caloundra and Mooloolaba are 45 minutes away, with options to take Tourist Drive 23 through Montville and Palmwoods if you’re travelling from Mooloolaba. The nearest airport to Maleny is Maroochydore (MCY) Airport, a 45-minute drive away.