The Sunshine Coast Hinterland feels a world away from our sandy shores, but in reality, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from the coastline. Here, quaint country towns collide with lush rainforest walks, and paddock-to-plate dining takes centre stage. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down here either, with the Hinterland Queensland’s only designated Dark Sky Reserve. Stargazing? Now that’s our kind of nightlife!
Not sure where to start? Use the map below to plan your Hinterland adventure, or check out the ultimate travel guide here for more inspiration.
Planning Your Trip To The Hinterland
Accommodation
Tranquil Getaways On Obi Maleny
Tranquil Getaways On Obi Maleny boutique accommodation offers five private villas nestled along Obi
Maleny
Accommodation
Lovestone Cottages Montville
Lovestone Cottages, nestled among five acres of green rainforest peering over a basalt escarpment. F
Montville
Accommodation
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
In 2021 Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat was awarded the number one Most Romantic Hotel in the Worl
Montville
Accommodation
Treehaven House & Cottage - Maleny Retreat
Welcome to Treehaven House & Cottage, a beautifully renovated Queenslander nestled amongst lush gard
Maleny
Accommodation
Treehaven House
Welcome to Treehaven House, a beautifully renovated Queenslander nestled in the lush surrounds of Ma
Maleny
Accommodation
Waterfall Lodge Maleny
Welcome to Waterfall Lodge, a stylish retreat that blends charming cottage character with luxurious
Maleny
Accommodation
Panorama Farm - Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Welcome to Panorama Farm, a unique holiday retreat perched on the escarpment of Bald Knob. Enjoy swe
Bald Knob
Accommodation
Wattle Cottage
Escape to Wattle Cottage, a chic hinterland hideaway offering the perfect balance of privacy and con
Maleny
Accommodation
Seven Hills Estate
Seven Hills Estate is a 420-acre regenerative farm and eco-farmstay in the Conondale region of Queen
Conondale
Accommodation
Petrichor Estate
Welcome to Petrichor Estate, a stunning 3-bedroom home perched atop a mountain in Bald Knob, set acr
Bald Knob
Accommodation
Lakeview Cottage in Mooloolah Valley
Nestled in the picturesque Mooloolah Valley, this charming pet-friendly cottage offers the perfect c
Mooloolah Valley
Accommodation
Everest
Everest is a gracious c. 1903 Queenslander in the heart of the Maleny hinterland. Surrounded by lush
Maleny
Accommodation
Magical Malindi at Montville
"Magical Malindi" is just as it is named breath taking views, absolute privacy, a feeling that you
Montville
Accommodation
Bridge Creek Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Maleny's lush subtropical rainforest, this stunning 4-bdm, 2-bath holiday ho
Maleny
Accommodation
Dale View Retreat at Mapleton
Dale View Retreat is a beautiful self-contained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom holiday home set in the heart
Mapleton
Accommodation
Elsie's Cottage Montville
Enjoy panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast in a private, boutique, generously appointed historic hi
Montville
Accommodation
The Avenue at Montville - Cottage
Nestled in the heart of Montville, this romantic 1-bedroom self-contained cottage is the perfect esc
Montville
Accommodation
The Avenue at Montville - House
The Avenue at Montville (House) is a beautiful hinterland home located just outside of the township
Montville
Accommodation
Bellbird Rise Off-Grid Cottage at Conondale
Bellbird Rise Off-Grid Cottage sits hidden away on large acreage in the Mary River Valley of the Sun
Conondale
Accommodation
Gardners Ridge Estate
Gardners Ridge Estate is a stunning Hinterland country home in the picturesque town of Maleny. Set
Maleny
Accommodation
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Nestled in the cool, leafy mountain climes of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Spicers Tamarind Retrea
Maleny
Accommodation
Spicers Clovelly Estate
Gloriously reminiscent of a sprawling French country estate, Spicers Clovelly Estate is a masterpiec
Montville
Accommodation
The Breezy Maple
The Breezy Maple is a beautifully renovated, self-contained holiday home that has sweeping views and
Mapleton
Accommodation
Hinterland Family Getaway
Relax with the whole family in this peaceful retreat on a private rural acre. Sip a coffee on the ti
Maleny
Getting Here
A sky full of stars
Looking for nightlife in the Hinterland? Simply look up! The Hinterland is Queensland’s only designated Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best spots in the state for stargazing. Pack a picnic blanket and your telescope for a night out with the cosmos, or book a stay at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat who’s Starstruck package includes stargazing with local guides.
Embrace wide open spaces
Embark on one of the Sunshine Coast’s most spectacular treks – the Hinterland Great Walk – or set out on a waterfall circuit in Montville’s Kondalilla National Park. Discover the subtropical wonders of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, or witness the majestic beauty of the Glass House Mountains from an array of scenic lookout spots, including Wild Horse Mountain Lookout and McCarthy's Lookout.
A smorgasbord of good food
Enjoy a long lunch of seasonal produce at Mapleton Public House, stop by the cellar door and enjoy local cheeses at Kenilworth Dairies, enjoy scenic views with a glass of wine at Flame Hill Vineyard, or dine in style at The Tamarind. With plenty more spots to choose from across The Hinterland, you certainly won’t go hungry here.
Meeting the locals
Meet some colourful feathered friends at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, or explore the wonderous wildlife haven at Australia Zoo. Be sure to also set aside a full day to make the most of some of The Hinterland’s charming towns: Mapleton, Maleny, Montville, Conondale, Beerwah, and the Glass House Mountains.
Room with a view
Unwind in style at Spicers Clovelly Estate – a luxurious, European-inspired piece of paradise set amongst lush gardens. Other accommodation hotspots include The Falls Montville, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat and Secrets on the Lake.
Hinterland towns
Hop in the car and make tracks for our Hinterland towns, where friendly locals, moreish food, and countryside beauty are set to dial your next road-trip up to 11. Browse the boutique stores in Montville and Maleny, tuck into farm-to-fork fare in Mapleton, immerse yourself in Conondale’s lush forests, tick Australia Zoo off the list in Beerwah, marvel at the Glass House Mountains, and fill the picnic basket with local goodies in Kenilworth. That’s just for starters!
Trip Ideas
Guide
Starry Nights on the Sunshine Coast: Where to go stargazing in the Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is home to Queensland’s only Dark Sky Reserve.
Guide
48 hours in the Glass House Mountains
Keen to see the sights? Find out how to make the most of your time in the Glass House Mountains.
Guide
10 awesome things to do in Maleny this winter
Read on to discover why Maleny is THE place to be this winter.
Guide
5 Hinterland hikes to take your breath away
Discover the diversity of our landscape with a hike through our spectacular Hinterland countryside.
Guide
Luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland Accommodation
Find luxurious Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation ideas.
Guide
Go farm to fork in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
As you make your way up the winding roads of the Blackall Range to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, there’s a little a taste of what lies ahead by the roadside.
Guide
Discover the Hinterland Art Trail
Driving through the Blackall Range is like travelling through a kaleidoscope of colour.