A Must-Do Scenic Drive from Hunchy’s Montville Cabins
We take the hard work out of planning a Montville to Maleny scenic drive. Follow our unforgettable day trip itinerary which sees you leave from our Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation to explore all the best spots, taking in all the sights along the way.
Our luxurious rainforest cabins are the perfect place to call home when exploring Montville, Maleny and surrounds.
When it comes to romantic, leisurely or even indulgent weekend retreats, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers plenty of choice. One thing’s for certain: Teeming with natural attractions, hidden gems, amazing food, wineries and incredible views, our region makes for an epic scenic drive.
Montville’s Quaint Main Street and Saturday Markets
While our Montville accommodation is unforgettable, so is Montville’s sloping Main Street only a 3km drive from Hunchy Hideaway. Be sure to stop here and take in the village’s quaint coffee shops, art galleries and boutique stores. Montville Growers & Makers Market, held on the second Saturday of every month at the Village Hall, should not be missed either.
Breakfast at with a View at The Edge Restaurant
For a delicious breakfast accompanied by stunning panoramic hinterland views, grab a table at The Edge Restaurant (open from 8:30am, 7 days) at the top of Main Street beside the Candle Shoppe (another store well worth visiting for its huge range of boutique candles).
Once you’re fuelled up drive down Main St and take a right onto Western Avenue, then a left onto Narrows Road.
Baroon Lake & the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Park in the Baroon Pocket Dam carpark and stroll over to the lake for a photo opportunity and then stretch your legs with a peaceful walk along the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This section of the trail is fairly level, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and across little streams before the trail veers up the mountainside. Snap some pics at Narrows Lookout before heading back to your car (a 2.2km walk in total).
Other Walks Nearby Your Montville Cabins
If you’re an avid hiker and are looking for more scenic treks to traverse close to your Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation, Hunchy’s again delivers with Kondalilla National Park providing various trails.
Flame Hill Vineyard
Stop in at Flame Hill Vineyard off Western Avenue on your way back to Montville’s Main Street. Open for wine-tasting from 10.30am, 7 days a week, it’s also the perfect local option for purchasing some estate wines to enjoy later on when you return to your Montville accommodation – or to take home with you at the end of your trip.
Take in the Valley Views
When you hit Montville’s Main Street on your way back into the village, turn right and drive south along Maleny-Montville Road. This drive offers stunning views across valleys, mountains and forested areas dotted with farms, opulent wedding venues and acreage homes.
You’ll come across quaint shops and cafes teeming with nostalgic goodies and breath-taking lookouts.
Gerrard’s Lookout
Offering sweeping views across the valley, Gerrard’s Lookout is definitely well worth a stop for a photo op.
Geordie Lane Antiques & Old Wares
If you love antique treasures, pop into Geordie Lane Antiques & Old Wares (open Friday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm) to browse their huge, eclectic collection. While there, you may as well enjoy a snack, tea or coffee coupled with yet more spectacular views!
Maleny Magic Patchworks and Quilts
Hobby patchwork, embroidery and quilting enthusiasts will find more treasures further down the road at Maleny Magic Patchworks and Quilts, open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Once at the T-intersection, turn right onto Landsborough-Maleny Road.
Gardners Falls
Turn right up Obi Lane South for a pit-stop at Gardners Falls, a local swimming hole. Nothing beats a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Maleny Dairies Farm Tours
If you’ve booked your Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation at Hunchy’s to take in a weekday or a Saturday, when you’re back on Landsborough-Maleny Road heading towards Maleny, turn right onto McCarthy Road to visit Maleny Dairies for a farm tour. Tours last an hour and a half, leaving at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld
Continue south down McCarthy Road and turn left onto Mountain View Road for a pit-stop at McCarthy’s Lookout before pulling up at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld, off Maleny-Stanley River Road for one of the most beautiful vistas on the Sunshine Coast and an absolute treat for nature lovers & green thumbs!
Open 7 days from 9am to 4.30pm, this wonderful attraction offers over 6 kilometres of walking trials through sprawling gardens including rainforest, lakes and waterfalls, with the incredible Glass House Mountains as a backdrop. It is also home to aviaries full of Australian and exotic birdlife, including macaws.
Maleny Sunday Markets
If visiting on a Sunday, you can drive north up Maleny River Road into Maleny township for a stroll through the Maleny Sunday Markets at the RSL Hall. The markets are chock-full of all manner of goodies, from handcrafted local wares and vintage finds to culinary delights and much more, the markets are a great way to spend a Sunday early afternoon (open until 2pm).
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest
If you’d rather start heading back to your Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation after your visit to the botanic gardens, backtrack your way along Mountain View Road to visit your last natural attraction for the day: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest. Also offering spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains, this living museum of plant and animal life sprawls across 55 hectares and features walking tracks open until 6pm.
Dinner at Terrace of Maleny
Continue along Mountain View Road to the Landsborough-Maleny Road T-intersection. Here you can enjoy dinner at sensational seafood restaurant Terrace of Maleny with views out to the valley. If you’re not ready for a feed just yet or are planning on a romantic meal for two in your cabin, turn left onto Landsborough-Maleny Road to begin your return journey home to Hunchy’s Montville cabins.