Maleny Things to Do

The Blackall Range runs behind the Sunshine Coast parallel to the ocean. Starting with Maleny in the south a road travels along the ridge, linking Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton and showing spectacular views over the Sunshine Coast.

A drive up the range is a very popular outing for residents and tourist alike.

Activities are varied. There are three main parks with walking tracks through subtropical rainforest and sclerophyll forest - Mary Cairncross Park, Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park.

Shops, galleries and restaurants can be found in all of the range towns and there are wineries at Maleny and Montville. There are also many Bed & Breakfasts and small hotel accommodation. There is even a reception centre on the east side of the range which caters mainly for weddings and offers amazing views.

On the western side of the range are the towns of Kenilworth and Connondale. This is rich dairy country and Kenilworth is famous for its cheese.

Along with the Bunya Mountains the Blackall Range is the only area where the Bunya Pine is found naturally. The area was first established by timber getters after the Red Cedar which grows in the rainforest.

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Scott Alexander's Mountain View Day Lily Nursery is a fantastic place to buy plants - Day Lilies, Clivias, Hippeastrums and many more.

Day Lilies came in so many varieties and colours and to see the farm in a blaze of colour in spring is fantastic. Scott sells his plants world wide. His main business is done online. Just imagine - your own little piece of Maleny!

All the photos in this tip have been taken in my garden.

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The Maleny Pub is over 100 years old. Originally a watering hole for timber getters, bullock drivers and farmers it is now an up to date centre for quality dining and great entertainment.

The original hotel had a lot of detail made from Silky Oak - this has been preserved while the interior has been revamped to include a modern bistro and bar. There is a large outdoor beer garden.

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In 2004 Boxsells Livestock Saleyards shut down and the site was soon built on by a supermarket chain.

The people of Maleny wished to recognise the part the company had lpayed in teh history of the town - built maily on dairy.

This sculptue by Janna Pameijer was unvieled in December 2009. Built od steel the 5 cows represent the dairy industry of and the hills of the area are reflected in the smooth flowing lines of the sculpture.

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A common phrase around Maleny - "Down the Pocket". It means down to the Baroon Pocket Dam. This 380 hectare lake is the major water supply for the south of the Sunshine Coast and was completed in 1989.

There are two access points to Lake Baroon. The dam wall can be accessed from Montville via Western Avenue. There is a large picnic area with barbeques and public facilites. The picnic area at Maleny also has an established boat ramp and is the home of the Lake Baroon Sailing Club.

Activities allowed on the lake include swimming, fishing and boating. There are also various walking tracks leading from the dam.

Warning - your picnic may be the target of the local Kookaburras. They love barbecues - especially sausages!

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The Maleny Cheese Factory has a wonderful range of European stlye cheese - all locally produced (except the Gorgonzola which is imported). It was opened in 2004 by a family who, though they originated in Switzerland, had travelled world wide. They source their milk from a select herd of cows that are not fed silage. There are also products using milk from sheep, goats and water buffalo.

Due to health and safety regulations there are no tours but you may view the production floor from the cafe and tasting area above.

The range of cheese is impressive - cheddar, fetta, brie, camembert, swiss style and gouda as well as goats and water buffalo; there are also cheeses sourced from other states in Australia. Try the butter and yoghurts as well.

The cheese tasting is free and there are amny and varied cheeses for sale.

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Even though the grapes are not grown locally there is a Maleny Mountain label with quite a good selection of wines. There is a cafe on site and a selection of wine lover's paraphernalia. For $5 you can try 5 different wines and if you buy this fee is refunded.

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Gardners Falls are on the Obi Obi Creek near Maleny. Although the falls are not high the spot is very picturesque and is lovely for picnics. They are about 300m along a paved walkway and have a number of picnic tables. The pool at the bottom of the falls is a popular swimming place.