Delphinia Tam-lower and Simon Lower
FOUR COW FARM
The couple moved to Maleny three years ago with their three young children.
REASONS TO VISIT
KONDALILLA FALLS Surrounded by lush rainforest within Kondalilla National Park, this swimming spot is a local favourite. Take the four-anda-half-kilometre loop walk from the carpark and picnic area down to the rock pool for a dip. npsr.qld.gov.au/ parks/kondalila MALENY BOTANIC GARDENS AND
BIRD WORLD Pack some supplies and spend the morning exploring six kilometres of walking paths and four walk-through aviaries overlooking the Glass House Mountains. 233 Maleny Stanley River Road. (07) 5408 4110; malenybotanicgardens.com.au MALENY DAIRIES This family-owned working dairy farm offers a great day out for kids, with feeding, milking, tractor rides and daily tours. Drinks and refreshments are available for purchase onsite. 70 Mccarthy Road. (07) 5494 2392; malenydairies.com
REASONS TO STAY
LIFESTYLE Locals enjoy the space and tranquillity of the hinterland while the beaches of Caloundra, at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, are a 30-minute drive away. MALENY TRAIL Locals know their best chance at spotting a platypus along this scenic walk is at sunrise or sunset. Start your day with an early stroll along Maleny Boardwalk and Obi Obi Creek or head down with a torch at twilight to the dedicated platypus viewing area. visitsunshinecoast.com/the-maleny-trail MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE This much-loved picnic spot comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest, which includes a café and discovery centre. Walking trails allow visitors to explore the region’s diverse plant and animal life. 148 Mountain View Road. (07) 5429 6122; mary-cairncross.com.au
THE ESSENTIALS
Maleny is a 45-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, where Jetstar and Virgin Australia provide daily direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Maleny is approximately one-and-a-halfhours’ drive from Brisbane via the M1, take the Steve Irwin Way exit and Maleny Landsborough Road. sunshinecoastairport.com.au
EAT
SHOTGUN ESPRESSO This café is loved by locals for its healthy, ethically sourced food. Kelly’s homemade cakes and the Campos coffee are best enjoyed in the café’s lush courtyard. 48 Maple Street. 0455 747 996; shotgunespresso.com.au MONICA’S CAFE An all-day menu makes this the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, with an offering that caters to dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan diners. 11/43 Maple Street. (07) 5494 2670; monicascafe.com.au MALENY FOOD CO. This café is known for its award-winning gelato, with over 100 flavours made onsite. There is also a fromagerie with around 250 cheese varieties. 37 Maple Street. (07) 5494 2860; malenyfoodco.com BROUHAHA BREWERY A spacious and inviting deck makes this craft brewery a favourite for bigger groups, with the restaurant serving hearty meals made from locally sourced produce. 6/39 Coral Street. (07) 5435 2018; brouhahabrewery.com.au
SHOP
MUKTI ORGANICS This eco-luxe, certified organic skincare brand, established in 2000, has its headquarters in Maleny. Tucked away behind the main street, you’ll find the shop stocked with botanical skin and hair care products and beauty rooms offering a range of treatments. 37 Coral Street. 1300 306 554; muktiorganics.com MAPLE STREET CO-OP Established in 1979 in the heart of town, here you’ll find organic produce, gourmet snacks and locally made provisions. 37 Maple Street. (07) 5494 2088; maplestreetco-op.com ROSETTA BOOKS It’s easy to settle into this independent bookstore with coffee and cosy reading nooks alongside a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles. 30 Maple Street. (07) 5435 2134; indies.com.au/rosettabooks THE SOAP BAR This delicious store will tempt you inside with its sweetsmelling goods. Stock up on natural handmade soaps, bath bombs and salt scrubs. 3/15 Maple Street. (07) 5435 2436; thesoapbar.com.au
STAY
AIRBNB Locals love opening up their homes to visitors, and you’ll find no shortage of accommodation in Maleny and the surrounding region on Airbnb. Options include everything from cosy cabins to a beautifully renovated barn and chapel. airbnb.com.au/s/ maleny/homes
JACARANDA COTTAGES Pet-friendly, family-friendly accommodation is just 10 minutes’ drive from Maleny’s town centre. Choose from a self-contained one-bedroom cottage up to a fourbedroom house, with outdoor barbecue facilities and a swimming pool. 158 Teutoberg Avenue. (07) 5435 8183; jacarandacottages.com.au SPICERS TAMARIND RETREAT
Set on seven hectares in rainforest surrounds, the property’s one- and two-bedroom villas, as well as a selfcontained villa, all feature a woodburning fireplace and outdoor deck. Book in for a class at the onsite Tamarind Cooking School. 88 Obi Lane South. 1300 311 429; spicersretreats.com/ retreats/spicers-tamarind-retreat/