From the golden wedding triangle of Flaxton, Maleny and Kenilworth to the storybook village of Montville and the towering peaks of the Glass House Mountains, the Sunshine Coast hinterland rewards a slow, unhurried afternoon of exploring. Here are a few favourites to fill an easy day away from the cottage.
Maleny's Main Street & Sunday Market
A wander down Maple Street takes in independent bookshops, homewares, Peace of Green artist collective, and cafés spilling onto the footpath. The Maleny Sunday Market runs undercover every Sunday, rain or shine — fresh produce, local makers, live music and coffee are the norm.
Montville Village
Montville's European-alpine feel makes it perfect for a slow amble — cottage-style boutiques, chocolatiers, the Clock Shop (with mechanical cuckoo clocks and antique timepieces), Fudgyboombahs, and lookouts over the coast. Time it for lunch and you can pair it with Flame Hill or The Long Apron.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Referred to locally as the 'Jewel of Maleny', these landscaped gardens roll across the Blackall Range with the Glass House Mountains as a backdrop, and neighbour a walk-through bird aviary that's a favourite with families.
Platypus at Obi Obi Creek
In the heart of Maleny, the Obi Obi Creek boardwalk is one of the few places in Australia where you can regularly spot wild platypus with a coffee in hand. Best viewing is early morning or late afternoon, especially in July and August during courtship season.
Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing
The hinterland is home to Queensland's only DarkSky International Dark Sky Reserve — one of only two in Australia. On clear winter nights, the Milky Way is astonishingly bright above the Blackall Range. Guided tours run through Mystic Mountain Tours if you'd like a local astronomer as company.
Glass House Mountains
A 40-minute drive south brings you to the ancient volcanic plugs of the Glass House Mountains — Mt Ngungun (2.4 km, around 2 hours) is a popular sunrise or sunset hike lining up Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah. Bring a hat, plenty of water and a camera.