A local's guide to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

You won’t find any famous hotels in this area, but B&Bs oozing with character and charm are aplenty. These smaller-scale accommodations not only provide more intimacy and functionality for travellers, but they also transport you to a place of simplicity. 

Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny and Secrets on the Lake in Montville are two excellent accommodation options; Spicers Tamarind offers rainforest-fringed luxury infused with spices of Asia, while Secrets on the Lake is all about cosy cabins. The BIG4 Forest Glen Holiday Resort is perfect for families; you’re just as close to the coast here, so you can easily venture to the beach or the hills.

Looking for more accommodation options? Click here.

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Pockets of nature

Uninterrupted silence is what makes this corner of the world so special. One of the best ways to take in the serenity of the region is by laying down a picnic blanket in a park or reserve, and dining among the trees and leaves. Some national parks where you can live out your scenic picnic dreams include Glass House Mountains, Kondalilla and Conondale. If you fancy a reserve, Mary Cairncross has you covered; this living museum is bursting with a diverse mix of plants and wildlife.

Markets

Want to find a treasure or taste local delicacies? There’s plenty of bustling markets to browse, that will truly have you living like a local. Here are a few markets worth waking up early for:

• Yandina - this sports ground turns into a hub of plants and produce every Saturday from 7am to 12pm.
• Maleny - every Sunday from 8am to 2pm the RSL hall is filled with tables of art and crafts, bric-a-brac, collectables, and local produce.
• Landsborough - held at the School of Arts Memorial Hall, this market welcomes visitors each Saturday from 7am to 1pm (8am in winter).

Villages

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is made up of an incredible network of quaint villages, perfect for exploring with the family. Mapleton, Kenilworth and Witta are just a few villages you can explore.

Mapleton, boasting green rolling hills and coastal views, has a show-stopping waterfall, a yearly yarn festival, local tavern and hilltop cafes. Although Kenilworth has a small population (less than 300), it’s big on unique activities; visit the historical museum, shops, two art galleries and the multi-production factory that makes cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.

Then stroll through Witta’s few streets and visit the general store, original Witta school-turned-community-space, old cemetery housing early settlers, and recreational club (equipped with a playground and large playing field). And don’t leave without witnessing what locals claim is the best view of the head of the Mary Valley.

Eat

Between all the Sunshine Coast Hinterland things to do, you’ll need to refuel with a hearty meal. There’s a healthy roster of cafes and eateries serving up award-winning food scattered throughout the region.

Homegrown in Palmwoods is a garden oasis serving up locally sourced produce and house-roasted coffee. Your mouth will water at the handmade focaccia with roast pumpkin, haloumi or chicken and avocado. And don’t pass up the lemon myrtle pannacotta with poached pears, toasted cinnamon and gluten-free granola for dessert! Homegrown is open Tuesday through to Saturday from 7am to 2pm. Make sure to pick up some local produce from the pantry out the back before you leave.

For something more experimental, visit Grounded at Woombye. This white brick cafe dishes up an innovative range of dishes—from sweet ginger waffles and breakfast brioche burgers to chicken tacos with chipotle and granola from Byron Bay. Whatever you try, wash it down with an organic tea or a fruity smoothie.

Tip: Opt for a streetfront table so you can admire the slow-paced countryside and have the chance of seeing a horse stroll by. Grounded at Woombye is open daily between 7am and 2pm.

Drink

If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, Little May Espresso in Montville will deliver. Little May serves up stellar coffees with dairy milks from Maleny, as well as nut alternatives. Want something chocolatey instead? There’s an impressive range of hot chocolates with unique flavours, including mint, ginger, orange and lemon myrtle.

Retro fans will be in their element at Ricks Garage in Palmwoods. This licensed restaurant and bar has a vibrant atmosphere with old-school decor, funky music and hot rods. Enjoy a beer in their retro diner before making your way to the top-shelf whisky bar on the second floor. Enjoy first class liquor imports from the USA and beyond while immersing yourself in the throw-back theme.

Shop

If your Sunshine Coast Hinterland things to do list is lacking some retail therapy, don’t hesitate to add the following places.

Collective Haus is a vintage clothing, furniture and rug store located in an old church in Yandina. Don’t be fooled by the church vibes from the outside, inside it’s a treasure trove of one of a kind goodies. Good luck leaving empty handed!

Love op-shopping? Nambour has over 30 secondhand clothing stores around its small town centre of four blocks. Expect to make some room in your closet when you return home, to fit all your just-had-to-have-it finds.

Local’s Tip

During your trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, be sure to visit the Buderim to Palmwoods Heritage Tramway to walk on a piece of railway history. Follow the original tram track through the mountains and imagine what travel used to look like in the region. Before it stopped operating in the 19th century, this tram regularly transported passengers from Palmwoods to the Buderim Mountain, passing through Forest Glen.

When to go

Winter in the hinterland flaunts the best of both worlds—warm sunny days and cool nights. If you’re a fan of open fires and home-cooked meals, this is the perfect season to visit.

Getting there

Catch a train from Brisbane City to Nambour; the express service stops at most major towns, including Palmwoods and Woombye.

Alternatively, drive west on Maroochydore-Nambour road (accessible from the Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway) to cruise past the famous Big Pineapple and into farming fields.