might not make everyone’s itinerary, there are few who
wouldn’t be soothed by the lush rainforest pockets, the gentle
f low of Obi Obi Creek that winds along Maleny Boardwalk
and the breathtaking views to the Glass House Mountains.
The neighbouring village of Montville, a scenic 15-minute
drive north-east along Balmoral Ridge, is worth the trip for
its spectacular vantage to the Blackall Range. Shops selling
local art, crafts and chocolate along Main Street are housed
in European-inf luenced dwellings that include Tudor cottages
and Swiss chalets. Keep heading north a further five minutes
to discover Kondalilla Falls, situated in Kondalilla National
Park, where locals love taking a dip on a warm day.
The abundance of tranquil spots to throw down a blanket
is matched by the quantity of delicious picnic provisions,
so eating alfresco is encouraged. A good place to stock up
is Maleny Food Co, whose fromagerie holds more than
250 cheese varieties. Though it might not last the trip,
the award-winning gelato is a must-try — if you’re having
trouble choosing from the 80 or so f lavours, crème caramel
and cherry ripe are popular picks.
Accommodation ranges from romantic bed and breakfasts
to family-friendly cabins. An idyllic option for groups is
Spicers Retreats’ French Cottage — cook up the contents
of your market basket in the self-contained kitchen before
taking in the sunset from the front porch.
While many f lock to the Sunshine Coast’s sandy shores,
those who appreciate feeling like a local the moment they
arrive at a destination will do well to head to the hinterland.
“The community here is just wonderful, very welcoming,”
says Kelly. “It’s amazing that we’re able to live among these
lush,lush, rolling hills and still be so close to the ocean —rollinghillsandstillbesoclosetotheocean— MMalenyaleny
isis definitely one of those places you don’t want to leave.”definitelyoneofthoseplacesyoudon’twanttole av e .”
For more information about the Maleny region, visit
hinterlandtourism.com.auCLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Monica’s
Café is popular for its fair-trade coffee; Café is popular for its fair-trade coffee;
the Spicers Retreat French Cottage the Spicers Retreat French Cottage
on Clovelly Estate; mon Clovelly Estate; manicured gardens anicured gardens
surround the estate; the front bench of surround the estate; the front bench of
MMonica’s Café overlooks Monica’s Café overlooks Maple Street. aple Street.
FACING PAGE FACING PAGE Poets Café is located Poets Café is located
in one of the min one of the many lovely buildings any lovely buildings
along Malong Montville’s Montville’s Main Street.ain Street.MALENY QUEENSLAND JOURNEY
NOVEMBER 2017 COUNTRY STYLE 117