Discover Maleny: A Charming Sunshine Coast Hinterland Town
Nestled in Queensland's Blackall Ranges, Maleny is a picturesque country town known for its lush landscapes, colonial cottages, and friendly community. It's a place where the beauty of the Glass House Mountains and vibrant rainforests are just a part of everyday life. For those looking to explore the Sunshine Coast, Maleny is a must-visit destination, offering a range of attractions from scenic reserves to dairy farms.
![View of the Glasshouse Mountains from Maleny](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-intro-paragraph-cow-view.jpg)
Maleny's main attractions are its stunning rainforests and farms. Visitors can enjoy the local botanic gardens, spot wildlife like platypuses and pademelons, and indulge in fresh dairy products. Nearby Montville offers a European charm with its boutiques and cafés. Accommodations in Maleny reflect the area's heritage, with options ranging from guesthouses to eco-lodges.
Top Things to Do in and Around Maleny
1. Explore Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
![A canopy of palms at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-hike-rain-forest-mary-cairncross-scenic-reserve.jpg)
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a 55-hectare rainforest that showcases the region's natural heritage. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Center, then choose a walking track like the Rainforest Loop to experience the forest's ancient trees and diverse wildlife. Donations are appreciated for trail maintenance.
Official site: https://mary-cairncross.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
2. Wander Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
![Maleny Botanic Gardens](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-visit-maleny-botanic-gardens-bird-world.jpg)
Enjoy the vibrant Maleny Botanic Gardens, an 18-acre wonderland with six kilometers of paths, water features, and an aviary. Capture photos with exotic birds and relax with a Devonshire tea while taking in the views.
Official site: https://www.malenybotanicgardens.com.au
3. Shop and Relax in Montville
![Montville](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-browse-shops-galleries-montville.jpg)
Montville is a shopper's paradise with its galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Visit Montville Art Gallery for Australian art, and enjoy local crafts and treats like handmade fudge.
4. Admire Kondalilla Falls
![Kondalilla Falls](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-click-photos-kondalilla-falls.jpg)
Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park is a stunning 80-meter waterfall set in a rainforest. Choose from two hiking trails to view the falls and enjoy a refreshing swim.
5. Relax at Baroon Pocket Dam
![Baroon Pocket Dam](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-picnic-baroon-pocket-dam-2.jpg)
Baroon Pocket Dam is a serene spot for picnics, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Take the trail to Baroon Lookout for impressive views of Obi Obi Gorge.
6. Experience Downtown Maleny
![Shops in downtown Maleny](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-shop-dine-downtown-maleny.jpg)
Maleny's downtown area offers galleries, unique shops, and delicious treats like local cheeses and chocolates. Don't miss the Maleny Sunday Market for fresh produce and crafts.
7. Tour Maleny Dairies
![Maleny Dairies](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-sample-fresh-milk-maleny-dairies.jpg)
Visit Maleny Dairies for a farm tour, where you can learn about dairy production and sample fresh products. Bring a cooler to take home some of the delicious offerings.
Official site: https://www.malenydairies.com/
8. Spot Platypus on the Obi Obi Boardwalk
![Obi Obi Boardwalk](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-look-platypus-obi-obi-boardwalk.jpg)
Try your luck at spotting a platypus along the Obi Obi Boardwalk, part of the Maleny Trail system. The best times to see these elusive creatures are at dawn and dusk.
Official site: http://malenytrails.com.au/
9. Swim at Gardners Falls
![Gardners Falls](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-soak-rock-pools-gardners-falls.jpg)
Gardners Falls is an accessible and picturesque spot for a swim and picnic. Enjoy the rock pools and the main waterfall for a refreshing break.
10. Take in the Scenery at McCarthy's Lookout
![McCarthy's Lookout](/media/australia-queensland-maleny-top-things-to-do-enjoy-view-mccarthys-lookout.jpg)
McCarthy's Lookout offers panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. It's an ideal spot for a quick picnic and to appreciate the area's unique geological formations.
Maleny is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you're hiking through ancient rainforests, sampling local dairy, or enjoying the arts, this Sunshine Coast Hinterland town promises a memorable escape.