Things to do in Maleny & Surrounds
PLACES TO VISIT IN MALENY
THINGS TO DO IN MALENY & SURROUNDS
Mary Cairncross Park
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on Mountain View Road comprises of 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains. Entry is by gold coin donation and there is a well-set up and interesting information centre along with a great café boasting fantastic views over the Glasshouse Mountains. Opening hours are 7 am – 6 pm.
Maleny Dairies Tour
The Maleny Dairies tour is a very popular interactive tour of a local working dairy farm. It has a great family atmosphere, especially for those with young children. You can taste-test their delicious products and interact with the animals. The farm is a beautiful example of Maleny at its best, green and clean with wide open spaces.
Gardners Falls Rock Pools
This is a delightful hidden corner of Maleny, quiet and shaded. Entry is off Obi Lane/Landsborough Maleny Road. There is limited parking and is usually busy on hot summer weekend days. A short, level walk downstream to the falls takes you through regenerating forest. It is a lovely spot for taking a book or to picnic – particularly mid-week. There are a series of cascades and rapids. Then the main falls with a large swimming hole and swing rope for the adventurous.
Climb one of the Glasshouse Mountains
About a half-hour drive from Maleny is Mount Ngungun which is a popular hike due to its relative ease and fantastic views. There is a well defined graded track with some steep sections, generally around a 45-minute hike. Visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/glass-house-mountains/ for more details.
Maleny Botanical Gardens & Bird World
Maleny Botanical Gardens is a privately-owned garden, consisting of nearly 18 acres of gardens set on a 110 acre property. Located on Maleny Stanley River Road and only 5 minutes drive from The Ridge, it’s a local attraction well worth visiting. It is perched on the escarpment with a spectacular outlook to the iconic Glasshouse Mountains. Layered, terraced gardens are interspersed with a multitude of stunning waterfalls and lakes. Over 6km of walking paths meander around thousands of different plants, ranging from roses, azaleas, annuals and orchids to some of the rarest cycads in the world.
“Bird World” has four walk through aviaries, home to over 700 native and exotic birds from around the world. Visitors can be part of a walk through, interactive guided tour, where you will get up close and personal with the birds. Other points of interest include over 18 gazebos with beautiful views for a perfect picnic (which can be supplied by the onsite café, a Fairy Tale Garden), a giant chair, old fishing trawler and treehouse to explore as well as Devonshire teas to enjoy overlooking the gardens.
Hungry? We got you covered
CAFES FOR LUNCH OR BREAKFAST
Shotgun Espresso
Boho styling, well supported by locals, good focus on the quality of coffee and lots of interesting breakfast options. Limited indoor seating with two nice outdoor areas on the street and a courtyard at the rear.
Sarah’s Unplugged
One of the more spacious interiors, with local artwork on display. Wood fire in the winter, with both indoor and street seating. Right in the very heart of Maleny next to the Co-Op. Great café menu for breakfasts and lunches, with good bakery and home-made desserts.
Monica’s Cafe
Plenty of outdoor seating along with an upstairs loft. Upper end of the town, generous serving portions with lots of fresh ingredients and a substantial menu. Rated first on Trip Advisor for Maleny cafes. Lots of vegetarian options available.
Maple 3
Just near the round-a-bout in town – standard café fare. Always well frequented with lots of seating both indoor and outdoors under a covered veranda.
Mountain View Café
Located at the entrance to Mary Cairncross Reserve. Great destination or special event café with timber featured interior and expansive views over the Glasshouse Mountains.
Maleny Marketplace
In the centre of town, next to Pia Buick Real Estate, it has a relaxed vibe with dedicated organic food and coffee outlets. Locally sourced food, ethical and fair trade with a strong vegan, vegetarian theme. Delicious French crepes at Crepe Suzette!
Maleny Food Co
Blend of café, deli and fromagerie, along with an extensive, popular and award winning selection of gelato and sorbet made daily on site in traditional artisan style. Their cheese range is very extensive – from local producers to international varieties.
Abundance of eating spots
Where to Eat in Maleny & Surrounds
Here are some of our favourites.
The Tamarind
This restaurant at the Spicers Tamarind resort offers a great selection of SE Asian style dishes. They have a very high standard of service and presentation appreciated by foodies far and wide. It is an ideal special occasion venue – set in a gorgeous tropical garden setting. The Tamarind has a long standing reputation for top quality food and has won numerous restaurant awards. The food is excellent with an abundance of locally sourced produce.
Sukhothai
Thai restaurant located on the corner of Mountain View Rd/Landsborough Maleny Rd. Great food offering a wide range of choices on the menu with heaps of options for special diets. The service is great, meals are prepared fresh for each order, and they are very reasonably priced.
The Terrace
Specialty seafood restaurant on the corner of Mountain View Rd, adjacent to Sukhothai. They claim to be one of the best seafood restaurants on the Sunshine Coast.
The Barrel
Shaped like a giant wine barrel, The Barrel is an iconic destination for lunch. Offering a wide range of boutique wine and craft beer tastings from local suppliers as well as good food.
Maleny Hotel
Traditional well priced country pub food.
Open 7 nights.
Cappriccio’s
Italian restaurant located in the Riverside Centre, along the banks of the Obi Obi Creek. The menu features 20 varieties of gourmet pizzas, a wide selection of pasta dishes as well as a variety of fish, chicken, steak and pork dishes.
Brouhaha
A recent addition to Maleny – craft brewery in Coral St, Maleny. Upmarket pub style menu with pizza, fish, chicken and steak dishes – focusing on local produce.
King Ludwigs
Traditional German restaurant in Mountain View Rd. Typical German menu; their apple strudel is famous!