Best things to do in Maleny

Are you planning to visit Maleny? This article covers all the best things to do in Maleny, including tourist attractions, activities and places to visit for your Maleny to do list!

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Kabi Kabi people and the Jinibara people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Sunshine Coast is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

If you’re looking to escape to the country to enjoy lush forests, rolling green landscapes and picture-postcard scenery, Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the place to go. This pretty holiday destination offers the most incredible uninterrupted views, along with delicious local produce, quaint shopping opportunities and a thriving arts scene. 

There are so many things to see in Maleny, from the glorious Botanic Gardens and Birdworld to hidden gems like Gardner Falls, not to mention must-do activities like touring the Maleny Dairies.

Maleny is a great year-round destination. In winter, you can snuggle up in front of a roaring log fire and feast on warming winter dishes, and during summer, you can make the most of the cooler hinterland temperatures and get outdoors to enjoy the spectacular landscape.

With lots of great places to eat in Maleny, and a wide range of places to stay in Maleny, it makes a great destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as families or friends looking to unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern life.  
It’s close to Montville too, so if you’re wondering what to do in Montville and Maleny, we’ve got you covered.

So let’s get into it and help you discover the things to do at Maleny during your stay.

Main image credit thanks to Visit Sunshine Coast

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THINGS TO DO MALENY MAP

Before we get started on all the things to do in Maleny and the surrounding area to help you plan your itinerary, check out the map below. This map shows the location of all the things to do and places to visit in Maleny covered in this guide.

BEST MALENY THINGS TO DO

Below, we cover what to do in Maleny and the best Maleny places to visit.

1 Stroll down Maple Street

One of the Maleny top things to do is take a stroll down scenic Maple Street. This street is the heart of the community and it’s where you can explore boutiques, quaint stores, and plenty of eateries. 

Get ready to pick up some unique souvenirs and stock up on delicious treats to enjoy during your stay (and remember extras to take home! 

If you’re looking for places to eat, Maleny has many options on Maple Street, with plenty of places to find delicious cake and incredible coffee!

Maleny is not a place to be on a diet, as you will want to sample the incredible local produce from the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

2 Maleny Dairies

Maleny Dairies is among the best things to do near Maleny for all ages. Join a guided 1.5-hour tour to see how the farm operates and meet some animals. You can even try your hand at milking a cow! 

During the tour, you’ll find out how the milk is bottled and processed, see some of their fascinating machinery and you might be lucky to see the line of cows being brought in for milking.

At the end of the tour, you can sample lots of their milk-based produce. Delicious.

Don’t forget to pack a cool bag and ice blocks, as you’re sure to want to stock up on some of the products from the shop. 

Location: 70 McCarthy Road, Maleny

Hours: Tours usually occur regularly but are on hold while the experience is redeveloped. In the meantime, you can still purchase their delicious dairy products from the office Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm 

3 Maleny Cheese Cafe and Shop

Looking for romantic things to do in Maleny? Go cheese tasting! Cheese fans will love visiting Maleny Cheese Factory and it’s a really fun activity to do as a couple (or as a family, or with friends!) You can sample many delicious cheeses and creamy yoghurts and peek at the working dairy factory. 

Order yourself a shared cheese board and sit outside to enjoy the rolling views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland as the afternoon slips by. If you’ve been so busy looking for things to do around Maleny constantly during your holiday, this is your chance to stop and enjoy being in the moment with some fabulous local produce and great views. 

Location: 1 Clifford Street Balmoral Ridge
Hours: Shop open daily from 10 am to 3 pm | Cafe open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: Depends on how much cheese you buy!

4 Maleny Food Co

You’ll see a trend here – lots of the Maleny things to see and do involve food tasting! If you love eating delicious local produce, visiting the Maleny Food Co should be on your list of Maleny things to see!

Sample their signature gelato made with rich and creamy Guernsey milk and cream and their sorbet made with local fruits and the finest Italian ingredients. You can also pick up more cheese from their fromagerie and other deli goodies that will set you up for your next picnic. 

Location: 29 Maple St, Maleny
Hours: Cafe, store and fromagerie open daily from 8 am to 3.30 pm
Cost: Breakfasts from $15 | Gelato and sorbets from $6 a scoop | Cheese picnic boxes from $50

5 Maleny Chocolate Co

If you have a sweet tooth, the Maleny Chocolate Co should be on your list of what to do at Maleny. Pop in to taste their freshly made, small batch, handmade chocolate. These artisan makers create divine chocolate that almost looks too pretty to eat! 

Whether you love a big block of chocolate, truffles, freckles, or chocolate-dipped honeycomb, you’ll be able to find a special treat to enjoy. They also sell vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free and gluten-free products so everyone can enjoy a treat!

Location: Unit 4/43 Maple St, Rainforest Plaza, Maleny
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm: 

6 Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld is a fantastic day out if you’re looking for things to do in Maleny and Montville! It’s two attractions in one. Dedicate a morning or afternoon to enjoy one of our favourite Sunshine Coast hinterland attractions.

These privately-owned gardens cover an area of 18 acres and they’re surrounded by lush rainforests with fantastic views across the Glass House Mountains. Enjoy meandering along the walking trails as you take in the stunning plant life, lakes, waterfalls and colourful flowers. You can also hire a golf cart, which is the perfect solution if you aren’t as mobile or have kids with tired legs.

After enjoying the spectacular hinterland views and tropical gardens, you can explore the adjoining attraction, Birdworld. Walk through the aviaries that are home to hundreds of native and exotic birds from all around the world and laugh as the birds peck at your shoelaces (don’t forget to remove jewellery as some of the birds are partial to shiny things!) 

The guided tour teaches you all about the birds in a truly immersive experience, and there are plenty of photo opportunities so you can capture these precious memories. 

This is one of the best things to do in Montville and Maleny, so it definitely needs to be on your itinerary. 

Location: 233 Maleny-Stanley River Road, Maleny

Hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm daily 

Cost: $40 Adults | $25 Kids (3 – 14) | $105 Family (2A+2C) – Click here to book tickets online

7 Go for a hike

There are so many opportunities to hike if you’re searching for what to do in Montville and Maleny! In addition to the Mary Cairncross walks and Gardners Falls, there is the Maleny Hills City Walk, Obi Obi Creek Walk, Booloumba Falls Walk, Berganns Lane Walk, the Maleny Trails and many more! 

The region is so picturesque, so you really can’t go wrong, so get your walking shoes on and get out there to explore the landscape and forests.  

8 Brouhaha Brewery

If you love craft beer, you can stop wondering what to do in Maleny and Montville, as you’ll love this brewery set up by four Sunny Coast locals! 

Enjoy tasting award-winning brews and sampling the best local produce while immersing yourself in this brand, which shares a deep connection with the local community.  

With a range of events taking place, you might be able to visit and enjoy a quiz night, a special event or some live music. It’s a great way to meet some of the locals!

Location: 6/39 Coral Street, Maleny (there is also a taproom at 1 Edison Cres, Baringa)

Hours: Cellar door open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm | Restaurant open Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

9 Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is close to Maleny and offers a range of walks through the lush rainforest. The reserve encompasses 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains. The region is teeming with plant and animal life, and it really is one of the best free things to do in Maleny. 

If you’re looking for Montville and Maleny things to do for families, there is a comprehensive (and free) Discovery Centre with lots of hands-on educational activities for the kids. Plus, outside is a fantastic wooden playground that will entertain little ones for hours, along with BBQ facilities so you can cook up a treat and make a day of it (there is a cafe if you prefer to buy your lunch). 

The rainforest walks vary from 1.3km to 1.7km, and if you prefer, you can book a guided walk conducted by volunteers with extensive knowledge of the landscape and forest.

You can easily spend a full day here or equally pop by for a few hours to enjoy the flora and fauna. 

Location: 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny
Hours: Rainforest Discovery Centre daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm | Rainforest walks daily from 7 am to 6 pm

Cost: Free

10 Sunshine Coast Hinterland Art Trail

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a haven for artists and makers, so it’s a great idea to explore the creativity in the region by going on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Art Trail.

This trail, put together by Visit Sunshine Coast, takes you to various art venues to experience local art. 

11 Gardners Falls / Obi Obi Creek

Take a dip in Maleny’s freshwater oasis at Gardners Falls. It’s just a short walk from the car park along Obi Obi Creek, where you’ll pass smaller pools perfect for little ones to splash about in. 

When you reach the falls downstream, you can swim and snooze the afternoon away under the shade of the native trees. 

It’s well worth packing a picnic to enjoy and spending a sunny afternoon here (although be prepared that this isn’t quite the hidden gem it once was and it can get busy during summertime). 

Location: Obi Lane South, Maleny
Hours: Always open 

Cost: Free 

12 Baroon Pocket Dam

Wondering what is there to do in Montville and Maleny? Baroon Pocket Dam can be found between the two villages. This picturesque lake, surrounded by native forest, is ideal for kayaking, fishing, hiking and wildlife spotting. There are also picnic tables and BBQs so that you can make a full day of it. 

While you’re here, it’s worth walking to Baroon Lookout to enjoy the stunning surrounding views.

Location: Baroon Pocket Road, North Maleny

13 Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Maleny, you can’t go past Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa. Just five minutes from Maleny, this luxurious resort blends opulent decor and tranquil surroundings. 

You don’t have to stay at the resort to enjoy it though. They have an amazing Thai-inspired restaurant set within the calm rainforest surroundings if you’re looking for somewhere for a special dinner; plus they offer cooking classes where you can learn to cook cuisine from around the world.

If you’re staying at the resort, you can take beautiful self guided walks to explore the local rainforest and waterfall. Afterwards, you can order a BBQ pack for two in your private villa, which you can cook to your liking, or enjoy a gourmet picnic in the grounds. 

It is a special location and you might never want to leave! It really is one of the best places to stay Maleny offers.

Click here for more information about accommodation options.

Location: 88 Obi Ln S, Maleny
Cost: Gourmet picnic $95 for two | Self guided walks in the grounds – free | Self cook BBQ for two $120 | A range of other experiences are available 

14 Maleny Music Festival

If you time your visit to Maleny just right, you can pop over to the Maleny Showgrounds to enjoy some live tunes! The programme usually features acts from Queensland and overseas performing across two to four stages and in the streets. You’ll enjoy a diverse programme of dance bands, comedy acts, poetry performances, workshops, and street acts while enjoying market stalls and food trucks.

It’s a great community event that is always a lot of fun. 

Location: Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Maleny Stanley River Rd 

15 Visit a lookout

Maleny boasts so many spectacular views, so it’s definitely worth spending some time visiting some of the lookout points. Photographs don’t do the views justice, but you can make some incredible memories, especially if you go to a lookout at sunset and pack a picnic of local treats.

Here are some of our favourite lookouts around Maleny:

• Gerrards Lookout: Maleny-Montville Rd, Maleny 
• McCarthy’s Lookout: 563 Mountain View Rd, Maleny
• Balmoral Lookout: 634 Maleny – Montville Rd, Balmoral Ridge
• Howells Knob Lookout: 188/216 Reesville Rd, Reesville
• Maleny Kenilworth Lookout: Curranore Rd &, Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Witta

16 Obi Boardwalk

This short (900 m), easy walk runs alongside the Obi Obi Creek in Maleny. It’s a self guided, dog-friendly walk that forms part of the Maleny Trails (just keep your four-legged friend on the lead). 

Along the way, you’ll see lots of bird and plant life, but the real highlight is the platypus viewing platform. You’ll need to ensure you’re there in the early morning or at dusk to spot these cute but elusive little mammals. 

Location: Bunya St, Maleny

17 Maleny Markets

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is such a vibrant, creative community, so going to the local markets is always a lot of fun. You’ll be able to pick up some unique souvenirs from the talented local artists and makers, but you’ll also be able to eat all the food and buy supplies for your stay. 

Spending time at the local markets is a great way to meet the local characters too and immerse yourself in hinterland life.

There are a few markets to choose from: 

• Maleny Sunday Market: Every Sunday from 8am – 2pm in the RSL Hall, Bunya St, Maleny 
• Witta Market: Third Saturday of the month, Old Witta School, 316 Witta Road, Witta
• Maleny Handmade and Artisan Markets: Check their Facebook page for upcoming dates

18 Shop for antiques

Maleny is the perfect holiday spot if you enjoy shopping for antiques, with three local stores to choose from. Spend a lazy day of your trip browsing for collectables and vintage pieces. 

Maleny Country Antiques: Location – 7/38 Maple St, Maleny

Antiques and Vintage Treasures in Maleny: Location – Shed 2/56 Maple St, Maleny

Antique Store: Location – 924 Maleny – Montville Rd, Balmoral Ridge

19 The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard

Shaped like a giant barrel in the grounds of Clouds Vineyard, this iconic location showcases wines from SE Queensland, craft beers and local produce. Drop by to enjoy their grazing platters and cheese boards and to dine in their creative bistro.

Don’t forget to pick up some bottles to take home with you for later!

Location: 787 Landsborough Maleny Rd, Maleny
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Cost: Wine flights (four wines) from $22 | Beer paddle (four brews) $22  |  Cheese platters from $35 | Meals from $20

20 Beersheba Living Museum

This heritage venue is the home, training ground and museum of the 5th Light Horse Troop, Maleny Regiment. 

The museum houses memorabilia and information boards associated with WWI and the 5th Light Horse Regiment. It offers a fascinating glimpse into history and keeps the stories alive for the next generation. 

Location: Parklands Drive (off Porters Lane), Maleny

Hours: Open the last Saturday of the month from 9.30 am

Cost: Free

21 Take a cookery lesson

You might not have thought about taking a cooking lesson on holiday, but as mentioned above, Spicers Tamarind is an iconic location to learn to cook fine international cuisine. 

Spicers offer a range of options, so whether you love French, Thai, Italian or more, there are regular cookery lessons. You’ll learn as you create a delicious three-course dish, which you then get to enjoy at the end with a glass of wine! 

Location: Spicers Tamarind, 88 Obi Ln S, Maleny
Cost: $225 per person

22 Go for a picnic

Maleny’s scenery is made for enjoying with local food and a glass of something cool! 

There are so many opportunities to pick up local produce as you explore the region, so don’t miss the chance to put together a special picnic basket, take a blanket and find a view to enjoy as you share a meal with your loved ones. 

23 The Rangebow Festival

Dates for 2024 are to be confirmed, so keep an eye out if you’re planning your trip. The 2023 event took place in August.

TOURS OF MALENY

If you’re looking to explore all of the main Maleny attractions, a day tour is a great option so you can sit back and relax and enjoy being driven around the best spots. The benefit of taking a tour of Maleny is also that you can take part in wine tasting without needing a designated driver! 

Noosa, Maleny and Montville Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Enjoy the very best of Maleny on this day tour from Noosa. It gives you a great flavour of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with time in Maleny to enjoy the pristine rainforest and a chocolate tasting so you can sample the local sweet treats. 

You’ll have time for shopping, visiting picturesque Mapleton Falls, and exploring quaint Montville. The tour also includes wine tasting -it’s the perfect day out in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland! 

Click here for more information or to book

Sunshine Coast: Scenic Food and Wine Tour with Tastings

If you love food and wine, this is the best Sunshine Coast hinterland tour for you, as you’ll get to sample the amazing food scene in Maleny and the surrounding area. 

On this day trip, you’ll enjoy tasting local and international cheeses at Maleny Food Co. before tasting delicious wines at The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard. 

You’ll get to walk off the wine and cheese on a visit to the hinterland village of Montville, where you can browse the quaint shops. 

The tour will also visit Chocolate Country, where you’ll receive a sampler box of chocolates (one per couple) and have the opportunity to pick up some extra handmade, artisan chocolates to take home. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos at lookouts too, so you’ll get to blend the best scenery from the region with the best food and drink.

Click here for more information or to book

MALENY DAY TRIPS

While there is plenty to keep you occupied around Maleny, if you’re keen, you can do some great day trips from the area. For most of these places, it’s recommended you stay at least a few days in each, but if you only have a day, then a day trip is possible.

Noosa  

The iconic Sunshine Coast destination of Noosa really does have it all. It’s chic, packed with hip and trendy bars, cafes and boutiques, and has the most incredible white sandy beaches with swaying palms.

Noosa is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to laze on the beach, go surfing or SUPping, take a food tour, sip incredible coffee in a pavement cafe, take a hike in the National Park or shop til you drop, you can find it all here and it makes a really fun day trip from Maleny.

If you can, stay until after dark when Hastings Street twinkles with thousands of fairy lights.

There is so much to see and do in Noosa; you can’t visit the region without spending at least a day there. 

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Noosa.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth’s tiny, rural hinterland town is another great foodie destination. Attractions include Kenilworth Bakery (selling its famous 1 kg donuts and sausage rolls!) and Kenilworth Dairies. 

You can easily explore the town’s highlights in a day, and it’s an easy 40-minute drive from Maleny. 

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Kenilworth. (Coming soon)

Eumundi

No day trip to Eumundi would be complete without visiting the world-famous Eumundi Markets, so do your best to time your visit for a Saturday or Wednesday and begin by browsing the artisan markets for handmade goods, fragrant foods and fresh produce from the local growers. 

This tiny town has a big personality, so make sure you spend some time exploring the shops, enjoying a cool drink in one of the bars or cafes so you can absorb the creative community atmosphere and checking out the local scenic lookouts. 

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Eumundi.

WHERE TO STAY IN MALENY

Looking for places to stay in Maleny? Where possible, it’s recommended you book through Booking.com as they offer a wide range of room types and most with free cancellation, which is ideal for last minute changes.

However, if you want our recommendation for a hotel, we’ve listed our top pick for a luxury hotel, family hotel, mid range and budget hotel below. 

Best luxury hotel: Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa

The ultimate luxury in Maleny can be found at Tamarind Retreat and Spa. Set within 18 acres of pristine rainforest, staying at this resort is a holiday in itself – you may decide not even to leave! 

The individual artisan villas each offer pretty garden views and they feature a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, safe and outdoor seating. You’ll also be treated to fluffy bathrobes, slippers, premium toiletries and Wi-Fi. 

A range of villa types are available and they all include air conditioning and extra large beds. The Spa Studio and Luxury Falls Villas feature a deck with an outdoor hot tub. Villas above the Spa Studio grade feature fireplaces, which are perfect for the cooler hinterland climate. 

Accommodation usually includes breakfast and dinner in the on-site, award-winning restaurant, so you can park up the car and truly relax and unwind in this tranquil retreat.

Spicers Tamarind offers a range of exciting ways to spend your time. Indulge in treatments at the day spa, take a cookery class (advance booking is advised), go for a gourmet picnic in the grounds, take a walk to the nearby waterfall or cook yourself a BBQ dinner. 

A wide range of special experiences can be pre booked, such as a romantic bath with champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, but you’ll find plenty of other ways to create special moments as you explore the grounds and discover the day beds, fountains, ponds and boardwalks. 

This is the perfect rainforest retreat so you can detach from real life for a few days and get back to nature. It is one of the best places to stay Maleny offers!

Click here for more information or to book

Best family hotel: Tranquil Park

If you’re looking for places to stay near Maleny, Tranquil Park is a lovely rural option for families looking for lots of space to relax, unwind and run around!

A range of accommodation is available depending on your needs, from queen rooms to three-bedroom apartments and everything in between. 

All accommodation features air conditioning, a flat screen TV, an outdoor seating area, a hairdryer, heating, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, towels and linen. The double room with a balcony and higher grades includes a microwave and sofa. The three-bedroom apartment offers an extra large double bed, a large double bed and two single beds, so it is well-sized for larger families.

Guests can visit the Irish-themed bar and restaurant, which serves a range of international dishes and cooked and continental breakfasts. The mountain views from the resort are spectacular, so it’s a great place to enjoy good food in beautiful surroundings. 

Tranquil Park is an ideal base for families looking to explore the surrounding region. 

Click here for more information or to book

Best mid range hotel: The Guesthouse Maleny

The Guesthouse Maleny is perfect for couples or groups of friends looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. 

Stay in this 1920s Queenslander and enjoy being a short walk from the centre of Maleny. A range of room types are available, from hotel rooms for one or two people to apartments for larger groups. You can even book out the entire guesthouse if you’re looking for a big group gathering.  

All rooms feature air conditioning, flat screen TVs, soundproofing, fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers, heaters, fans, irons and access to BBQs. Apartments also feature a microwave, toaster, kitchenette and dining area. The Deluxe Villa includes a dishwasher. 

Enjoy the modern yet elegant surroundings with many original features such as hardwood timber floors and high, decorative ceilings.

This is a clean, comfortable, welcoming guest house with period charm.   

Click here for more information or to book

Best budget hotel: Maleny Hotel 

The Maleny Hotel is a 100-year old Queenslander and is a great budget option for your base visiting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

Single, twin, double and Queen rooms are available, all featuring air conditioning. Some rooms offer a shared bathroom, and others have a private en suite (so check carefully before booking). All rooms have TVs, towels, linen, and kettles. Upper floors are only accessible by stairs, so that’s something to consider if you have access issues. Some rooms have kitchens and seating areas. 

On-site is a restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner. There is also a bar that sometimes hosts entertainment and sporting events on the big screen. Guests can relax in the communal garden or play billiards or darts. 

Situated in the heart of Maleny, it’s an opportunity to stay in a great location steeped in history. 

Click here for more information or to book

ENJOY MALENY!

Hopefully, this guide has given you lots of inspiration for the best things to do in Maleny.

If you’re planning a trip to Maleny, I highly recommend you check out our Sunshine Coast guides, which provide links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.

I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.

If you’re heading to Maleny, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations:

• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Montville (Coming soon)