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Things to do in Maleny

Our most recommended things to do in Maleny

Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Small Group Tour

1. Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Small Group Tour

Depart Brisbane and journey past small villages and farms as you venture into the mountains of the Blackall Range. Get stunning views of the coastline of Queensland and stop at Mary Cairnscross Scenic Reserve for panoramic vistas of the majestic Glass House Mountains from the lookout. Continue past Gerrard's Lookout and marvel at the views of Coolum, Maroochydore, Caloundra, and Bribie Island along the coast. Arrive at Montville and get some free time to explore the quaint mountain village before going to Eumundi Markets to experience Australia’s premier artisan outlet for art and food. You can purchase lunch at Eumundi Markets before visiting the pristine beaches of Noosa Heads, where the rich and famous come to unwind by the sea. Return to Brisbane with a short comfort stop at the Ginger Factory at Yandina, where you can try their delicious ginger ice cream.

Sunshine Coast: Scenic Food and Wine Tour with Tastings

2. Sunshine Coast: Scenic Food and Wine Tour with Tastings

This full-day tour combines the stunning scenery of the Sunshine Coast with some of the region’s finest local produce. After being collected from your coastal accommodation, you will head inland towards the lush subtropical hinterland. The first stop of the day is a scenic lookout to take in the stunning views of the National Heritage-listed Glass House Mountains, then onto the dairy town of Maleny where you will sample a selection of local and international cheese at Maleny Food Co. From Maleny, you will head to The Barrel, an iconic destination, shaped like a giant wine barrel on the grounds of Clouds Vineyard Maleny. There, you will enjoy a flight of wine, before heading to the quaint hinterland village of Montville via a scenic lookout. Once in Montville, enjoy free time to peruse in the shops and boutiques, pick up local hand-crafted items and breathe in the fresh mountain air. You will also visit Chocolate Country where you will receive a luxury handmade sampler box of chocolates (one per couple), before making the scenic return trip down the range via another stunning scenic lookout, back to your accommodation.

From Montville: Sunshine Coast Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tour

3. From Montville: Sunshine Coast Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tour

This tour takes in some beautiful scenery as we make our way up the range to our first stop at Flame Hill Vineyard, which is situated in the cooler climate region on the Blackall Range in Montville. Enjoy a private wine tasting with a platter of local cheeses while you take in the spectacular views of the estate and the coastline. The next stop is the Maleny Cheese Factory, where you can purchase a range of local cheeses made exclusively from local milk suppliers, along with a range of other tasty local produce from the region. We then take in the beautiful views of the Sunshine Coast and Glass House Mountains as we drive across the range to our lunch destination. This will either be Clouds at Montville or Brouhaha Brewery & Restaurant, depending on availability. Enjoy a delicious lunch with a range of tastings, or a glass of wine or beer, and relax in their beautiful restaurant. Our final stop is either at Clouds Vineyard in the iconic Big Wine Barrel or Sunshine & Sons Distillery near the Big Pineapple in Woombye. At Clouds Vineyard you will have the choice of a flight of wine or a tasting paddle of beer. Sunshine & Sons Distillery offer you a drink on arrival and a range of gin and vodka tastings.

Sunshine Coast: Private Wine, Beer & Whisky Tour with Lunch

4. Sunshine Coast: Private Wine, Beer & Whisky Tour with Lunch

This is a tour for beer, wine, and whisky lovers. Embark on a private trip by minivan to four locations to taste local, Sunshine Coast flavors. From a craft brewery to a 50s-inspired whisky joint, you have the chance to explore your taste buds on this tour. En route, tuck into a hearty German lunch or typical brewery fare to keep your energy levels up. Best of all, sit back and relax as you're driven from point to point. All you have to do is enjoy yourself with your friends and family. After a scenic drive at the foothills of the the Blackall Range, arrive at your first stop: the Clouds Vineyard. Taste their handcrafted wines and beers in the vineyard's barrel-shaped Tasting Hall before continuing to your next stop. Choose between two locations for lunch. Enjoy a hearty and award-winning German meal at King Ludwig's Restaurant & Bar, with a choice of tasty Teutonic beers as you gaze at the spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Alternatively, eat at Brouhaha Brewery, which shares its love for quality food and beer with its customers. Their seasonal menu is designed with minimal intervention to allow for the fresh Sunshine Coast produce to shine. Next, head back to the 1950s at Rick’s Garage, a vibrant retro diner with a specialist whisky bar and a laid-back atmosphere. When you’ve had time to discover your rockabilly roots, drive over to the last stop of the day, The Glasshouse Brewery. Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of house beers here. Try the Front & Line, a classic Aussie draught ale brewed in honor of healthcare workers, a sharp and fruity Raspberry Sour, a grassy Pilsner, and a whole ton of other classy brews. After you’ve totally chilled out, head back to your chosen drop-off point.

Sunshine Coast: Hinterland Country Drive Tour Inc. Lunch

5. Sunshine Coast: Hinterland Country Drive Tour Inc. Lunch

Discover the awe-inspiring natural highlights of the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland in one day on this relaxing, no-hurry, no-hassle drive where you can soak up stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, view waterfalls and wander through giant 150 year old fig trees, fuelled up with coffee, pastries and a delicious lunch in a 1939 art deco country pub. A stress-free, delightful drive through the very best of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland welcomes you to the sparkling Gardener Falls and not one, but two, spectacular viewpoints showing you the sweeping hinterland landscapes of the Glass House Mountains. Enjoy a civilized artisan morning coffee and pastries in the quaint rural town of Maleny before discovering the sights and sounds of the giant 150 year old fig trees at Imbil State Forest. Lunchtime calls you to Kenilworth, a tiny town in the heart of the Mary Valley for a delicious lunch in a 1939 art deco country pub, and round off your relaxing day with free time at local cheesemaker Kenilworth Dairies.

Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour with Chocolate & Wine Tasting

6. Noosa: Maleny & Montville Tour with Chocolate & Wine Tasting

You will start the day with a nice country drive to our first stop where you will enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee alongside the picturesque view atop Mapleton Falls. A lovely ridgeline drive atop the Blackall Range will then land us in Montville Artisan Village, the prettiest and most unique little village on the hinterland. You will have ample time to explore the Montville Artisan Village and its many novelty shops and galleries. This time is also allocated for you to find yourself a nice place for lunch. Next, we will journey along the ridgeline to the Maleny region where we will go for a bushwalk through a mesmerising remnant old-growth rainforest with giant native trees, many singing birds, pademelons and more. We will follow the bushwalk with a visit to a panoramic lookout where you will experience one of the most stunning and photographed views in Australia, overlooking the picturesque Glass House Mountains. A visit to Maleny wouldn’t be complete without our next stop, which is a chocolate tasting with the region’s best chocolate maker, followed by a walk down the main street of the Maleny village. Another panoramic lookout visit will offer a different view to the last. This time looking out at the entire Sunshine Coast coastline, from Noosa to Caloundra and as far as Moreton Island on a clear day. Our last stop will give you a chance to reflect on this amazing day as you participate in a mountain top wine tasting with ocean views at the local’s favourite winery and vineyard. A ridgeline drive back through Montville and Mapleton will have you back to your accommodation no later than 5:30pm, in time for sunset and dinner.

Sunshine Coast High Tea & Wine Small-Group Private Tour

7. Sunshine Coast High Tea & Wine Small-Group Private Tour

Travel in comfort through the stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland on this half-day private gastronomical tour with several stops along the way, where you'll sample local chocolates and cheeses and indulge in a high tea fit for a queen. The first stop on the tour is Mapleton Falls. This scenic lookout offers amazing views over the Obi Obi Valley and the top of the lush rainforest canopy. Then enjoy a stop for an elegant high tea at the famous Flaxton Gardens. Look out at the amazing scenic views from the terrace. Choose from coffee, tea, sweets, and savories. Arriving at the Hinterland village of Montville, you'll make your way to the artisan chocolate workshop Chocolate Country and complete your own Belgian chocolate sampler box. Choose from exotic flavors like White Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Double Espresso Shot, or Orange and Almond. Take time to stroll around the art galleries and boutiques brimming with local crafts before stopping by Maleny Cheese to sample the flavors that make up their range of boutique cheeses. Served on a platter with a selection of accompaniments, these handcrafted cheeses are made from pure local milk. Next up, pay a visit to The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard, which showcases custom wines from the Granite Belt region of Queensland: chardonnay, shiraz, merlot, and more. Identify the subtle aromas and notes found in the local vino. To end the day, take a few group snaps in the natural beauty of the Glass House Mountains, as seen from Mary Cairncross Rainforest Reserve. After all the indulgence, you'll want to head home for an afternoon nap.

Sunshine Coast: Private Group Wine Tour with Lunch

8. Sunshine Coast: Private Group Wine Tour with Lunch

Savor delicious cider and wine while you absorb the scenic views of the Sunshine Coast on this wine tour. Learn about the rich history of the region, discover different wine-making methods, and cultivate your palette as travel through the vineyards.  Start your day at Sunshine Coast Cider with a tasting and demonstration of the champagne-making process. Discover one of the only wineries in Queensland that does the full méthode traditionnelle in-house.  Then be escorted to Clouds Vineyard for a tasting of some of their award-winning wines. Smell and taste local vintages, identifying the complex aromas while learning about the different grapes grown in the region. Take a moment to appreciate the panoramic coastline view at Gerrard’s Lookout, high on the hill overlooking Coolum, Maroochydore, Caloundra, and Bribie Island before enjoying a 2-course gourmet meal at one of two potential dining establishments.  Move onto Flame Hill Winery to try 6 local award-winning wines in a stunning rural hinterland setting. Grab yourself a couple of bottles of sustainable wine to take home and then it’s time to head to the creative heart of the region: Montville. Check out an art gallery or do a little shopping before finishing at Chocolate Country in Montville. Enjoy a cup of Belgian hot chocolate in the patio garden. Make sure to create your own chocolate box to enjoy later, or to give as a gift. 

Other Sightseeing Options in Maleny

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What people are saying about Maleny

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 46 reviews

I had a brilliant time on this wine & cheese tour! The pick up/drop off was nice and easy with a few different options to choose from and the air conditioned bus was perfect! The weather wasn’t particularly hot but the air con was still needed. Our driver was really helpful with ordering and flexible with our stop times but also keeping us all going! My favourite stop was the first at the wonderful Flame Hill vineyard - the views were gorgeous and the tasting delicious accompanied with some tasty local cheeses to compliment the wine. For foodies taking a holiday on the Sunshine Coast this is a must do experience! If you’re not a wine lover there were a few other options (softies at the first stop and beer and the second two).

A great way to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for cheese & wine fans. A good plus to have a tour guide and bus so that everyone in the group could enjoy all of the tastings. Lovely day with coolish but bright weather to enjoy countryside views through the journey. Particularly liked the first stop with some great wine and cheeseboard. The wine guide helped take us through how to taste wine properly (useful for future!) and wine characteristics.

A well-curated tour exploring some key spots in Montville. Generous portions at each of the vendors, the only slight downer being lunch was a tad late and felt a bit rushed at this pit stop. Our tour guide Zoe was lovely, happy to share her knowledge and an easy-going tour leader. Highly recommend for craft beer and wine lovers!

Josie our guide was fantastic, so knowledgeable and informative and happy to fit in with what ever we wanted to do. It was a fantastic tour and the 6 of us loved it and had a fantastic day! Josie had a very big day with all her driving but was so capable and accomodating. Thanks so much Josie. We really enjoyed our tour!

It was a fantastic snapshot of Brisbane Hinterlands. Perfect for those who don't have much time to explore. We went to some beautiful locations. The tour was easy to set up via the website.