Best things to do in Montville

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 Montville 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, Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the place to go.

This pretty holiday destination offers incredible uninterrupted views, delicious local produce, quaint shopping opportunities, and a thriving arts scene.

There are so many things to see in Montville and the surrounding area. A highlight is the glorious Kondalilla National Park, with its awe-inspiring lookouts, cascading waterfalls, and scenic swimming hole. Exploring the park is one of the best things to do near Montville, so make sure it is on your list!

Montville is a great year-round destination. You can snuggle in front of roaring log fires and feast on warming winter dishes made from local produce in winter. During summer, you can make the most of the cooler hinterland temperatures and get outdoors to enjoy the spectacular landscape and enjoy a spot of wine tasting and nibbles in the sunshine.

With many great places to eat in Montville and a wide range of places to stay in Montville, it is a great destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families looking to unplug and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Montville and Maleny are just 15 minutes apart, and each offers a unique taste of what makes the Sunshine Coast Hinterland so special. Be sure to check out the things to do in Montville and Maleny, as you can easily divide your time between them.

So let’s get into it and help you discover the best things to do around Montville during your Sunshine Coast hinterland stay.

Main image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

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THINGS TO DO MONTVILLE MAP

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

BEST MONTVILLE THINGS TO DO

Below we cover what to do at Montville so you can enjoy an amazing Sunshine Coast hinterland stay.

1 Explore Main Street

During your stay, you must spend some time browsing the boutiques, galleries and cafes of Montville’s Main Street. 

The town boasts over 70 stores, many of them in historic and unique buildings. Whether you’re shopping for antiques for your home, souvenirs, crafts, handmade goods or cute mementos to remind you of your visit, you will find plenty to buy. 

Don’t forget to pause for a pit stop to enjoy coffee and cake in this leafy, picturesque setting – there are plenty of places to eat! Montville is a thriving little destination with a creative soul and a lovely place to spend the day. 

2 Montville Art Gallery

Tucked away in an 1890s Queenslander, the Montville Art Gallery houses displays from over 40 artists. Browse the original paintings and sculptures and check out the region’s creative talent.

Location: 138 Main Street, Montville

Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

3 Chocolate Country Montville

If you have a sweet tooth and are wondering what to do in Maleny and Montville, you must visit Chocolate Country! This hidden gem sells handcrafted, premium Belgian chocolates – the sweetest treats for chocolate lovers! 

Who doesn’t love rich and creamy truffles, crunchy, chocolate-dipped honeycomb, and chocolate blocks that almost look too pretty to eat?  It’s an ideal place to pick up some treats for your holiday (and extras to take home!). 

Location: 192 Main St, Montville

Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

4 Fudgyboombahs – The Home of Montville Fudge

While we’re on the subject of sweets, you should also visit Fudgyboombahs – The Home of Montville Fudge! 

The rich and creamy fudge comes in various flavours, including vanilla, macadamia and ginger, and chilli chocolate flavour. It’s worth a stop while you’re browsing the Main Street stores. 

Location: Shop 12, 168 Main Street, Montville

Hours: Friday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm

5 The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate

Book a table at this award-winning, French-inspired restaurant, and you’ll enjoy an incredible, immersive culinary experience. 

Enjoy the rolling countryside views while enjoying the best local hinterland produce. It’s not a place to go for a quick bite – it’s a place to indulge as you linger over hearty a la carte dishes. If you’re a foodie, this needs to be on your itinerary.

Location: 38-68 Balmoral Rd, Montville

Hours: Dinner Monday to Friday from 5.30 pm to 9 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm | Lunch Friday – Sunday from 12 pm to 2 pm

6 Flame Hill Vineyard

Located at the highest point in Montville, 420 m above sea level, Flame Hill Vineyard offers spectacular views across the Blackall Range. 

Try their 100% estate-grown wine (hand-harvested from their sprawling property) while sampling the incredible food from their restaurant. The menu features produce from their kitchen garden and grass-fed Angus beef. It’s an amazing paddock-to-plate experience. 

If you want a truly authentic Sunshine Coast food and wine experience, this is it! 

Location: 249 Western Avenue, Montville

Hours: Cellar door open daily from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm | Deck and Terrace open for lunch Thursday to Sunday from 11.30 am to 3 pm

7 Kondalilla National Park | Kondalilla Falls

If you’re reasonably fit, take a refreshing hike through leafy ancient landscapes on the Kondalilla Falls Circuit. The hike involves over 300 steps, but there are plenty of opportunities to pause and take a breather. 

This picturesque walk is well worth the effort as you experience the pristine subtropical rainforest and open eucalypt forests, along with an abundance of wildlife, including over 100 species of birds and more than 30 species of frogs. 

The real reward of the hike is the view of the 90-meter cascading waterfall, which is even more impressive after heavy rainfall. It’s worth getting there early to avoid the crowds, as it’s a popular tourist spot. 

Don’t forget your swimmers and towel so you can take a dip at the end to cool off! 

Location: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Flaxton

Hours: Always open

Price: Free

8 Baxter Falls

Take another walk through the open eucalypt forest to visit this hidden gem. It’s much quieter than Kondalilla, and the walk to the falls includes a metal suspension bridge, which adds a different element to the experience. 

Again, don’t forget to pack your swimmers and towel so you can take a dip as a reward after the warm hike.  

Location: Baxter Creek Rd, Obi Obi

Hours: Always open

Price: Free

9 Clock Shop

Browse this fascinating shop to enjoy Australia’s largest range of modern and traditional clocks and watches, including authentic German-made cuckoo and grandfather clocks.  Aim to get there on the hour so you can hear all the chimes! 

In addition to their clocks, you’ll find music boxes, a wide range of gifts, and hand-crafted goods. It’s also the perfect place to pick up new Christmas decorations you can take home and treasure forever.  

Location: 194 Main Street, Montville

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm | Sundays from 12.30 pm to 5 pm

10 Illume Creations

Selling glass sculptures, jewellery and decorations made by local artists, this vibrant shop is packed full of colourful glass creations. Pick up something pretty for yourself as a reminder of your Montville stay. 

Location: Shop 4 Mayfield, 127-133 Main St, Montville

Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

11 The Chapel

Local talent built this beautiful, unique wedding venue with remarkable attention to detail using natural materials. It features carefully crafted Helidon sandstone, dramatic red cedar doors hand-carved by a local Montville artist, and white polished floors flecked with gold. 

This is one of the region’s most romantic wedding venues. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the general public to peek inside, but you should make time during your Montville stay to visit, as it is magical even from the outside. 

Location: 161 – 167 Main St, Montville

Hours: Viewings by appointment only, but you can take pretty pictures from outside

12 The Edge Cafe

Soak in the spectacular hinterland views over breakfast, lunch or morning tea at this relaxed cafe. This award-winning cafe feels like it is perched right on the edge of the world, you’ll find it difficult to tear your eyes off the view to eat your food!

The cafe offers a wide range of gluten and dairy-free options and features delicious local produce, so everybody can find something to enjoy on their menu. 

Location: 127 Main St, Montville

Hours: Daily from 8.30 am to 4 pm

13 Montville Market

This monthly growers and makers market has stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, jams, homemade baked goods, crafts, and more. It’s a great opportunity to stock up for your time in Montville and pick up some food for dinners and picnics. It’s also a lovely opportunity to soak in the community atmosphere and meet some friendly locals. 

Location: Memorial Close Montville, Montville 

Hours: Second Saturday of the month from 7.30 am to 12 pm

Price: Free

14 Artworks in Clay

If you enjoy admiring art and handmade goods, you can visit the Artworks in Clay Pottery store by Anne Gentry-Smith.

If you prefer to create your own art, book a pottery class to learn how to make pots yourself! Set in beautiful countryside, it makes a perfectly relaxing day, and you’ll get to bring home a pot to remind you of your holiday.

Location: 55 Main Street, Montville

Hours: Check the FaceBook page for class times

15 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 region’s creativity by going on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Art Trail.

This trail, put together by Visit Sunshine Coast, takes you to a range of art venues where you can experience local art for yourself. 

16 Go for a picnic

With all the impressive growers and food and drink producers around, there is no better place to plan a picnic than Montville! 

Find a lookout (tips on where below), a river or a forest set up your picnic blanket and spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the sun as you taste the best foods from the region. 

17 Crystal Multiverse

If you love unique fossils and shimmering crystals, visiting this store is a must. The shop is packed with beautiful and unusual products, so if you love rocks and gems in all shapes and sizes, plus tarot and oracle cards and other spiritual items, allow some time in your itinerary to explore. 

Location: 130 Main St, Montville
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm | Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30 am to 5 pm

18 Visit a lookout

Epic views surround Montville, and the best place to see them is at a lookout! 

Don’t forget your camera, and perhaps consider packing a picnic so you can spend some time enjoying the scenery.

Here are our favourite lookouts around Montville: 

• Razorback Lookout: Razorback Road, Montville
• Gerrards Lookout: Maleny-Montville Rd, Maleny 
• Narrows Lookout: Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, North Maleny
• Baroon Lookout: Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, North Maleny

19 Baroon Pocket Dam

Wondering what is there to do in Montville and Maleny? Baroon Pocket Dam is 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 also worth walking to Baroon Lookout so you can take in the stunning views.

Location: Baroon Pocket Road, North Maleny

Hours: 5.30 am to 6.30 pm September to April | 6 am to 5.30 pm May to August

Price: Free

20 The Rangebow Festival

This annual celebration of inclusivity, culture, fun and diversity takes place at various hinterland locations, including Montville.

In 2024, the festival will run from Thursday, August 1, to Sunday, August 4. You can book for various events here.

21 Sleep in a treehouse

What better place to sleep in a treehouse than Montville, deep in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, surrounded by dense greenery and ancient forests?

Spend your days laying in a hammock on your treehouse deck, snuggle before a log fire at night, and enjoy this awesome treetop experience.  

Location: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, 78 Narrows Road, Montville –  Click here to find out more

22 Flaxton Gardens High Tea

Flaxton Gardens is a scenic hinterland venue that provides a warm welcome and is THE place to go for the best high tea in the area.

Different options are available, including their Tapas High Tea and Luxury Tapas Bollinger High Tea, which can be enjoyed on the terrace or in the air conditioned restaurant.

Enjoy treats such as arancini, tempura zucchini, and crispy chicken brioche, followed by a peppermint brownie and a passionfruit cheesecake bite. A children’s high tea is also available, including a crispy chicken brioche bun and chips with tempura zucchini fingers, two sweets, and a soft drink. 

Location: 313 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton

Hours: From Wednesday to Sunday

Cost: $50 – $99 Adults | $25 Kids

TOURS OF MONTVILLE

If you’re looking to explore all of the things to do in Montville and Maleny, a day tour is a great option. You can sit back and relax while being driven around the best spots. 

Another benefit of taking a tour of Montville is that you can participate in wine tasting without needing a designated driver. There are so many amazing food and drink producers in Montville, so you’ll be spoilt for choice of day tours. 

Noosa: Maleny and Montville Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting

Explore the best of Montville and Maleny on this day tour from Noosa. You’ll enjoy the best panoramic views, browse the quaint shops and galleries and walk through lush rainforests. 

Lunch in a charming hinterland cottage cafe is included, plus you’ll get to enjoy chocolate tasting and wine tasting, with plenty of opportunities to shop for gifts and treats to take home with you.  

Click here for more information or to book

From Montville: Sunshine Coast Hinterland Food and Wine Tour

This tour takes in Montville’s highlights and is perfect for foodies! You’ll get to visit Maleny Chocolate Co for brunch, followed by a cheese tasting at Maleny Food Co and of course, there will be wine tasting too.

In addition to tasting all the local produce, this tour includes time for sightseeing, including the Glass House Mountains, Gerrard’s Lookout, and a guided tour of Mapleton Falls National Park.

Lunch is served at Secrets on the Lake, where you’ll enjoy some free time to browse around Montville.

Click here for more information or to book

Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Small Group Tour

This tour takes in the quaint sights of beautiful Montville with time to explore, but it also includes a range of the region’s other top highlights, including a visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for majestic mountain views and Eumundi Markets – the region’s most popular artisan markets. 

A quick visit to Noosa’s beaches, followed by a visit to The Ginger Factory, where you can look around the shop and pick up more local goodies, ends your Sunshine Coast hinterland adventure.  

Click here for more information or to book

MONTVILLE DAY TRIPS

While there is plenty to keep you occupied around Montville, if you’re keen, you can take some great day trips from the area. For most of these places, you should stay at least a few days, but if you only have a day, a day trip is possible.

Nambour

This rural town is one of the gateway towns to the Sunshine Coast. It’s known for its quaint charm, bustling cafes, and home of the annual Big Pineapple Festival. It is close to Montville, so it’s a great location for a morning or afternoon trip—pop over and shop in the unique stores and enjoy a hearty lunch in a cafe. 

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Nambour (coming soon).

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, hike in the National Park, or shop til you drop, you can find it all here. It makes a really fun day trip from Montville.

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 Sunshine Coast and not spend at least a day here. 

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

Kenilworth

The tiny, rural hinterland town of Kenilworth is another great foodie destination. It has attractions like Kenilworth Bakery (selling its famous 1 kg donuts and sausage rolls!) and Kenilworth Dairies. The surrounding area’s landscape is also stunning, so take some time to enjoy the forests and creeks. 

You can easily explore the town’s highlights in a day, and it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Montville.

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

Glass House Mountains

The 11 craggy volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains will become a familiar backdrop as you explore the region. The thriving little town has several heritage-listed buildings and is becoming increasingly popular as people move there to enjoy the area’s rural beauty and stunning views.

The town is very close to Australia Zoo so you can easily combine a trip – perhaps stopping in town for dinner after your day seeing the animals.

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Glass House Mountains.

PLACES TO STAY IN MONTVILLE

Looking for the best places to stay Montville offers? It’s recommended that you book through Booking.com as they offer a wide range of room types, 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 Clovelly Estate

Enjoy 5-star luxury at Spicers Clovelly Estate, just five minutes from Montville village.

Choose between various decadent suites decked with French provincial charm. The three-bedroom French Cottage is the perfect choice for larger groups. Rooms are individually designed and unique, offering sweeping views, sitting areas and private gardens or decks. 

State-of-the-art fittings include TVs, an iPod docking station, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. The French Cottage also includes a private splash pool.

The Estate is home to The Long Apron French restaurant, where you can enjoy hearty, European-inspired menus. The swimming pool terrace is an idyllic place to relax and unwind, and there is a day spa, lawn bowls, and many rainforest walks to enjoy.

Spicers Clovelly Estate is a luxurious getaway and you may never want to leave. 

Click here for more information or to book

Best family hotel: Secrets on the Lake

Nestled beside a beautiful lake, Secrets on the Lake offers unique bungalows and treehouses perfect for couples looking for a romantic Montville retreat or families looking to escape it all.

Immerse yourself in the rainforest and enjoy luxury accommodation. Treehouses, scattered throughout the rainforest and on the banks of the lake, can sleep up to six people, making them a great option for families. 

All accommodation options feature either a kitchenette or kitchen, outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities. Each offers carved wood artwork, furnishings and stained glass windows. You’ll find air conditioning, spa baths, soundproofing, TVs with streaming services like Netflix, fireplaces, hairdryers, electric blankets for those chilly nights, a microwave, a toaster and a tea/coffee maker. 

The on site restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea from Tuesday to Sunday.  There is also a Lake Art Gallery with local artists’ products. 

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Secrets on the Lakes is a great option. 

Click here for more information or to book

Best mid range hotel: Kondalilla Eco Resort

Kondalilla Eco Resort is perfect if you’re looking for secluded accommodation surrounded by lush rainforest. It’s also just a 5-minute drive from town, so you get the best of both worlds!

A range of accommodation options are available depending on your needs. These include a studio, treehouse, deluxe villa or suite for two, or larger groups can choose from a family room, log cabin, two-bedroom chalet or lodge. 

All room options include cooking facilities, a dining setting and a living area with a sofa, TV and DVD player. Some rooms feature a patio deck with rainforest views. All rooms are also air conditioned and include tea and coffee making facilities. 

The resort has two swimming pools and a restaurant on site. Spa treatments can be booked for the ultimate relaxing getaway. There is a playground for the kids and a cozy fireplace in the bar for chilly winter evenings. 

This is a great option for a well-priced eco-friendly holiday in the rainforest. 

Click here for more information or to book

Best budget hotel: Montville Holiday Apartments

If you’re looking for self catering options in Montville, these holiday apartments are clean, and modern and make a great base for your Montville holiday.  Apartments can sleep from two people up to seven, so they’re an option for couples or larger family groups. 

Apartments feature a seating area with a TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave so you can cook for yourself, and some include a balcony or patio with mountain or pool views. All apartments have air conditioning, free WiFi and washing machines. 

While here, enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool with a view, use the BBQs to cook dinner, and relax in the gardens. 

This is a great location within walking distance of town and it offers spacious, clean self catering accommodation. 

Click here for more information or to book

ENJOY MONTVILLE!

Hopefully, this guide has inspired you with the best things to do in Montville during your stay in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

If you’re planning a trip to Montville, I highly recommend you check out our Sunshine Coast guide, which provides 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 Montville, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations:

• Brisbane
• Scenic Rim (coming soon)
• Gold Coast