Maleny

Maleny is a mixture of elements. You will encounter both old-time hippies and salt-of-the-earth farmers, newly arrived urban professionals and long-time locals. However, there's still relatively little 'multi-culturalism' of the kind that you'll find in Brisbane or Noosa.

History

No-one seems to know the exact name of the Aboriginal people who were living in the Maleny area before the arrival of Europeans. They have been called the Bonyi Bonyi, Gubbi Gubbi or Kabi Kabi, and they gathered the area's famous bunya nuts. In their time the whole Maleny area, indeed the whole Blackall Ranges, was covered with rainforest.
The German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt first visited the area around the 1840s, after which it was settled by timber industry workers. (Maleny's streets are still named after types of trees.) The first selection of land at the present site of Maleny was made by one Isaac Burgess in 1878. Dairy and beef cattle were the next important industry, encouraged by Maleny's (usually) good rainfall and rich soil.
The origin of the town's name remains a mystery. One guess is that it's a misspelt version of Malleny in Scotland.

The easiest way into Maleny is by road via the town of Landsborough, from either south or north.

By car

From Brisbane go over the Gateway Bridge and through the toll leading north onto the Bruce Highway. Follow the signs to the Sunshine Coast. After 10 km take the Glass House Mountains exit on the left (look for the big brown sign mentioning Beerburrum, Maleny and Landsborough). Then watch for the signs for Maleny as you transit Landsborough and begin the climb up a steep road into the Blackall Ranges towards Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. The Sunshine Coast is a popular weekend getaway for Brisbanites, so expect a slightly longer drive in this direction on a Friday afternoon. You will also have to pay the toll on the Gateway Bridge as you leave south Brisbane.

By bus

Glasshouse Country Coaches run from the Landsborough railway station up to Maleny. . Alternatively travel from Nambour to Landsborough via Maleny, or Nambour to Maleny directly.

By train

The nearest train station is at Landsborough. Queensland Rail (QR) . One can also stop at Nambour.

By plane

The nearest and most convenient airport (about a 35 min drive from Maleny) is the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), it is sometimes called Maroochydore Airport, at Marcoola, near Maroochydore.

• Airlink Transfers provides a door to door transfer service from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Maleny.

The next closest airport is Brisbane International Airport (BNE). To drive from Brisbane International airport to the centre of Maleny takes around 1½ hr.

Maleny is spread out over a fairly large area. You'll need a car to enjoy your stay here.

• Range Taxi Service

  phone: +61 1418 711 989 (mobile)

• Book Farm, The

  phone: +61 7 5494 3000
  address: 330 Reesville Road
  Educational ecotourism centre, catering for school groups. Workshops, seminars, rainforest setting.

• Crystal Waters Ecovillage

  phone: +61 7 5494 4620
  address: 65 Kilcoy Lane
  More than 20 km outside the main centre of Maleny, in Conondale. Famous intentional community started in 1987. A permaculture village working toward a balanced natural ecology. 200 permanent residents. Regular markets (1st Saturday of each month), festivals, workshops and permaculture training courses. Campground, bunkhouses and cabins for visitors. Tours available.
• Howells Knob Lookout, Reeseville Road (off Maleny-Kenilworth Road), one of the highest points in the Maleny area, with good views of the Glasshouse Mountains and islands off the coast.

• Maleny Light Horse MuseumMaleny RSL Club at Bunya Street. Commemorates the traditions and skills of the Queensland Mounted Infantry (which were part of the Queensland Police Force) and the Australian Light Horse, a military force noted for its contribution to the Boer War and World War I. Open Sundays, ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Remembrance Day and by appointment.

• Maleny Mountain Vinery

  phone: +61 7 5429 6300
  787 Landsborough-Maleny Road. Tours, wine and cheese tasting, homemade bread, barbecue facilities and excellent views.

• Research Centre at Barung Landcare

  phone: +61 7 5494 3151
  address: 17 Bicentenary Lane
  Very active volunteer group in the Maleny community, working to ensure the sustainability of the natural resources of the region for the future. Also operates a nursery.

National parks and recreation areas

• Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests and Forest Reserves are all nearby, within 1 hr drive.

• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

  phone: +61 7 5499 9907
  Corner of Landsborough-Maleny Road and Mountain View Road. Open daily. Well worth a visit to the 52 hectares of natural sub tropical rainforest and walking trails include many varieties of native fauna and flora, such as the pygmy mouse, possums, pademelons, wallabies, gliders, bandicoots, echidnae, bearded dragons, and a great many types of birds. Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, children's playground, toilets, a kiosk, a ranger in attendance. At the entrance is the Thynne Natural History Education Centre. Nice views over the Glasshouse mountains. Tours available.

• Witta Look Out

  address: 460 Maleny-Kenilworth Road Witta
  Opposite Gumland Drive, overlooking the Conondale Valley with Mary Valley and Conondale Ranges in the western distance. Great place at sunrise to catch the spectacular dawn colours across the ranges and the spectacular sunset views.

• Australia Zoo

  phone: +61 7 5436 2000
  In nearby Beerwah, at the foot of the Glass House Mountains about 35 min from Maleny. Run by the family of the late, ecologist and entertainer Steve Irwin, 'the Crocodile Hunter.'

• Baroon Pocket Dam and Lake Baroon

  address: Baroon Pocket Road
  A popular scenic location for picnicking, swimming, fishing, sailing and canoeing. Viewing platform near the spillway, with barbecues and toilets. Bushwalks through rainforests and Obi Obi Gorge.

• The Ginger Factory

  phone: +61 7 5446 7096
  address: 50 Pioneer Road
  Yandina, about a 45 min drive from Maleny. Unusual (free) theme park based on ginger. Cane Train through rainforest and various rides and features to entertain children. Claims to be biggest selection of ginger products anywhere in the world. Cafe for meals & snacks.

• Eumundi Markets

  phone: +61 7 5442 7106
  In the town of Eumundi, 20 km west of Noosa, about a 40 min drive from Maleny. One of Queensland's leading tourist attractions since 1979, held every Saturday and Wednesday. Arts, crafts, music, street entertainers, food, atmosphere.

• Maleny Community Centre

  phone: +61 7 5499 9033
  Maple Street right in the centre of town. Movies, plays, weekly Sunday markets, annual May Maleny Arts and Crafts Fair and many other activities. Information centre open daily

• Maleny Dairy Tours

  phone: +61 7 5494 2392
  70 McCarthy's Road. Tours Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Appointment necessary.

• Mystic Mountain Tours

  phone: +61 7 5435 2881
  5 Glasshouse Parade. Various tours of the Blackall Ranges, Saturdays, Sundays or by appointment. Known for Winery and Gourmet Foods Tours. Free pick-up in Brisbane for groups of 12 or more.

• Mary Valley Rattler

  phone: +61 7 5482 2750
  Tozer Street, Gympie. Steam Locomotive Scenic Tours operated from Gympie, slightly more than 1 hr drive north of Maleny. The Mary Valley Heritage Railway runs steam, railmotor and diesel passenger tours on the Mary Valley Line of Queensland Rail as a non profit venture, owned and operated by the local community.

• Woodford Folk FestivalIn nearby Woodford, is a very famous annual musical event, held in late December. (It began in Maleny but moved to Woodford some years ago.)

The main street of Maleny, Maple Street, has a number of interesting shops and galleries.

• Art on Cairncross

  address: 3 Panorama Place, Cairncross Corner, Maleny
  Fine arts, ceramics, glass and sculpture

• Bohemian Dreams

  phone: +61 7 5435 2928
  address: 11 Coral Street
  Just off Maple Street. Coffee shop plus homewares, jewellery and gifts.

• David Linton Furniture & Timber Works

  phone: +61 7 5429 6831
  address: 14 Maple Street
  Handcrafted homewares, furniture, sculptures, jewelry, artwork, glassware and timberwork.

• Glasshouse Pottery

  phone: +61 7 5499 9666
  address: 15 Bunya Street

• Maleny Art Supplies

  phone: +61 7 5494 2977
  38a Coral Street.

• Maleny Bookshop

  phone: +61 7 5494 3666
  Maple Street. Used, out of print and unusual books.

• Holden Gallery

  phone: +61 7 5494 2100
  address: Coral Street
  Framing artwork, needlework, photographs, certificates, medals and memorabilia

• Peace of Green

  phone: +61 7 5499 9311
  address: 38 Maple Street
  Open daily.

• Piece of Me

  phone: +61 7 5499 9224
  address: 50 Maple Street
  Locally designed clothing range, using natural fibres, plus jewellery, natural body care products, yoga clothing and yoga accessories

• Rosetta Books

  phone: +61 7 5435 2134
  At Maple Street. New books and coffee.

• Tree Frog Gallery

  phone: +61 7 5435 2303
  address: 56 Montville Road
  Australian indigenous art, contemporary paintings, sculpture, landscapes, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and craft.
• Maleny Handicrafts Market, at the Maleny RSL Hall. Local handicrafts market held every Sunday.

• Maleny Village Bazaar

  address: Maple street Maleny
  Revamped retro fashion, beaded & embroidered jeans, unique homewares, stylish sunnies, recycled art, music paraphernalia, gadgets, gizmos, hemp and bamboo t-shirts, massage, antiques & collectables, healing, readings, handmade craft, exotic jewellery, art gallery, mens clothes, gifts, crystals, semi precious stones and e~bling. Friendly atmosphere.

• Imeldas on Maple

  phone: +61 7 5499 9622
  address: 50 Maple St, Maleny
  Footwear and accessories.

Spas, beauty salons, retreats, massage and alternative health providers

• Samani's Hair and Nail Salon

  phone: +61 75435 8881
  address: 1 Gumland Drive Witta
  Hair fashions by Sam and her team. Tuesday-Saturday book early.

• Middle Path Awareness Sanctuary

  phone: +61 7 5499 9060
  address: 12 Lawrence Place
  Natural health treatments, including iridology, 1 day detox, colonic irrigation, naturopathy, hypnotherapy, iris interpretation, plus workshops and seminars.

• Golden Pathways to Harmony

  address: 329 Maleny Stanley River Rd
  Overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains. Training programs including aromatherapy, meditation, face reading, deep muscle therapy. Art studio and gallery, recording studio, Sacred creative studio, Tesla inspired innovational technologies, Ezy-Grow gardening systems, agent for the Quantum alliance and a small retail section stocking Young Living essential oils, books, crystals, CDs and Crystal Tones alchemy bowls. Open by prior appointment only.

Buy food

• Maleny Cheese

  phone: +61 7 5494 2207
  address: 1 Clifford Street
  European style cheese making. Watch cheese and yoghurt being made. Includes a cafe.

• Maleny Supermarket IGA Universal Providers

  phone: +61 7 5494 2257
  Maple Street. (In the middle of town). Organic and other produce, plus gourmet cheeses. Open 7 days.

• Maple Street Co-op

  phone: +61 7 5494 2088
  address: 37 Maple Street
  A famous local co-operative started in 1979 that aims to supply high quality organic foods and products (vegetables and fruit) for a reasonable price to Co-op members and the community. Open 7 days.

Maple Street has a considerable number of interesting restaurants and cafes. (Vegetarians are well catered for in this area.)

• Bohemian Dreams Cafe

  phone: +61 7 5435 2928
  address: 11 Coral St
  Just off Maple St. Coffee shop plus gifts.

• Cappriccio's Italian Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5499 9444
  In the 'Riverside Centre' on Maple St.

• Captain Merv's Seafood

  phone: +61 7 5499 9500
  address: 8 Maple St

• Cheese Stop Cafe

  phone: +61 7 5494 2207
  address: 1 Clifford St
  Fully licensed café with espresso coffee, tea and cold drinks, special cheese dishes, cakes, scones & desserts. (Watch cheese & yoghurt being made on the premises.)

• Colin James Fine Foods

  phone: +61 7 5494 2860
  Maple St. Gelati, an extensive range of cheese, with a cafe which caters to a gluten free diet.

• Figtree Cottage Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5494 3269
  37 Maleny-Montville Rd.

• Gypsy's Table Licensed Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5435 2813
  In the 'Rainforest Plaza' at 43 Maple St. Vegetarian plus non vegetarian menus.

• King Ludwig's Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5499 9377
  address: 401 Mountain View Rd
  German cuisine with spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Fully licensed. Lunch Wed-Sun. Dinner Wed-Sat.

• Maleny Coach House

  phone: +61 7 5494 2877
  Landsborough-Maleny Rd.

• Monica's

  phone: +61 7 5494 2670
  address: 43 Maple St
  Cafe and BYO dining.

• Pearl Garden Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5494 3788
  At the 'Riverside Centre' on Maple St.

• Pomodoars on Obi

  phone: +61 7 5492 6543
  address: 18 Lawyer St.
  Food and luxury treetop cabins overlooking the Obi Obi Creek, in the heart of Maleny

• Swiss Crust Wood Fired Bakery

  phone: +61 7 5495 43711
  address: 16 Maple St

• Terrace of Maleny

  phone: +61 7 5494 3700
  Outside of town on Mountain View Rd. Lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

• The Key Restaurant Maleny

  phone: +61 7 54296537
  address: Cairncross Corner, Cnr. of Maleny Landsborough Rd and Mountain view Rd
  Relaxed atmosphere, sunny terrace. Blend of African, Creole and Mediterranean culinary influences. Friday night buffet, local produce, chicken and meat are hormone free. Caters for vegetarian diets and for people with gluten intolerance.

• Key Restaurant Maleny

  phone: +61 7 5429 6536
  Cairncross Corner 10 Mountain View Road Maleny 5 mins from Maleny. Open Lunch & dinner, Wednesday to Sunday, from 11AM until late. Special Friday Night Buffet Tastes of Africa & Sunday Lunch Alfresco.

• Maleny Hotel

  phone: +61 7 5494 2013
  Bunya Street.

• Exotic Marigold Licensed Indian Restaurant

  phone: +61 7 5435 8463
  address: 466 Maleny-Kenilworth road Witta Maleny

Budget

• Ocean View Caravan Park

  phone: +61 7 5494 1171
  address: Landsborough Road
  Self contained A/C cabins. Powered sites for caravans. Amenities block. Great views over the coast.

• Crystal Waters Visitors Camping Area

  phone: +61 7 5494 4726
  Bushland setting near the main Crystal Waters facilities and cafe. Powered and unpowered sites, plus bunkhouses available.

Mid-range

• Artisan Spa Views B&B and Cottage

  phone: +61 7 5494 4222
  address: 475 Maleny-Kenilworth Road
  First Class Romantic getaway, Relaxing ambiance, king beds and deep spas in every suite and cottage. Bed and breakfast, private suites with views. Adults retreat. Caters for small personal weddings and honeymoons.

• Bamboo Retreat

  phone: +61 7 5494 4172
  address: 949 Kidaman Creek Road
  4.5 star king studio with private garden and outdoor hot tub spa, located on a secluded forest ridge overlooking Obi Obi Valley, adjacent to National Park. Breakfast in suite or private gazebo. Minimum stay 2 nights. No pets.

• Bendles Cottages & Villas

  phone: +61 7 5494 2400
  address: 937 Montville Road

• Braeside Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +61 7 5494 3542
  address: 305 Maleny-Stanley River Road
  Log fires, spas and rainforest, A/C and internet access. Just outside Maleny.

• Curramore County Cottages

  phone: +61 7 5435 8300
  address: 383 Curramore Road
  Self contained cabins for couples, with great views.

• Highwood Park Guest Lodge

  phone: +61 435 572 007
  address: 316 Brandenburg Road
  Bald Knob. Bed and breakfast with good views. A/C.

• Jacaranda Cottages

  phone: +61 7 5435 8183
  address: 158 Teutoberg Avenue
  At in Witta, just a few minutes north of Maleny. Private, rural 'get away' for couples, families and small groups.

• Laurels Boutique Hotel

  phone: +61 7 5494 3422
  address: 953 Maleny-Montville Road
  Offers both bed and breakfast rooms plus self contained cottages.

• Lyndon Lodge

  phone: +61 7 5494 3307
  address: Benecke Road
  Bed and breakfast located between Maleny and Montville, with walking tracks and great views.

• Lyola Pavilions

  phone: +61 7 5429 6900
  address: Policeman's Spur Road, Booroobin
  Two secluded pavilions in rainforest setting, with views.

• Maleny Country Cottages

  phone: +61 7 5494 2744
  address: 347 Cork's Pocket Road
  Self contained architect designed cottages on 60 acres of bushland, lots of local wildlife.

• Maleny Lodge

  phone: +61 7 5494 2370
  address: 58 Maple Street
  Located in a historic 1894 near the centre of Maleny, bed and breakfast accommodation with an open fire in the winter.

• Maleny Hills Motel

  phone: +61 7 5494 2551
  address: 932 Montville Road
  5 km from the centre of town. A/C.

• Maleny Hotel

  phone: +61 7 5494 2013
  address: Bunya Street

• Maleny Loggers Rest

  phone: +61 7 5494 2944
  address: Maleny Road

• Maleny Tropical Retreat

  phone: +61 7 5435 2113
  address: 540 Maleny-Montville Road
  Balinese inspired bed and breakfast in a rainforest setting.

• Mountain View Homestead

  phone: +61 7 5499 9278
  address: 193 Mountain View Road

• Roseville House

  phone: +61 7 5494 3411
  address: 640 Maleny-Montville Road at Balmoral Lookout
  Bed and breakfast in a federation era (early 1900s) house. A/C, ocean and mountain views.

• Tamarind

  phone: +61 7 5429 6922
  address: 88 Obi Lane South
  Bed and breakfast. Rainforest site, near waterfall.

• Tranquil Park Mountain Resort Maleny

  phone: +61 7 5494 2544
  address: 483 Mountain View Road
  Excellent views of the Glasshouse Mountains.

• Wattle Gully Retreat

  phone: +61 7 5494 4426
  address: 158 Ansell Road
  Cabins, cottages and a farm house. Bushland setting with kangaroos and koalas. Rainforest walks.

• Wittacork Dairy Cottages

  phone: +61 7 5494 4369
  address: Tesch Road
  Self contained western red cedar cottages, adjacent to a working dairy farm, set on a ridge overlooking Lake Baroon and the Obi Obi Gorge National Park, surrounded by rainforest. Watch cows being milked, feed the calves and collect eggs. 2 km (1.25 mi) of walking tracks in privately owned rainforest & waterfall viewing areas.

Splurge

• Artisan Spa Views

  phone: +61 7 5494 4222
  address: 475 Maleny-Kenilworth Road Maleny
  Overlooks beautiful Mountains and valleys from the deep spas and king beds. Breakfast served to you suite, massages in room.

• Lillypilly's Country Cottages

  phone: +61 7 5494 3002
  address: 584 Maleny-Montville Road
  Luxury cottages with A/C overlooking Lake Baroon. Beautiful views. Therapeutic massage, special shiatsu treatments and reflexology available.

• Maleny Views Cottage Resort

  phone: +61 7 5494 3943
  address: 1 Panorama Place
  Off Mountain View Road. 6 cottages and a villa with great views.

• Middleton House

  phone: +61 490 252 222
  address: 3 Middleton Rd, Witta
  4.5 star bed and breakfast just outside Maleny.

• Solothurn Rural Resort

  phone: +61 7 5494 2438
  address: 366 Reesville Road
  Reesville. 400 acre farm set amidst the rainforests of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland at Maleny.

• Whispering Valley Retreat

  phone: +61 7 07 5494 4367
  address: Schultz Road, off Curramore Road
  Secluded cottages on 50 acres.

• Top Cottage

  phone: +61 7 5429 6289
  address: 63 Burnett Lane
  Original farm cottage with views. Self contained with 3 bedrooms and fireplace. Other cottages also available.

Media

• The Range News Maleny's local weekly newspaper.
• The Sunshine Coast Daily Regional daily newspaper for the whole Sunshine Coast.
• The Maleny Voice Open community magazine and portal.
• Hinterlandgrapevine Online
• View News Local news, events and information

• Flaxton A small Blackall Ranges town, perhaps the prettiest of all, near Montville, about 15 km from Maleny. See the Flaxton Barn and Model Railway.
• Montville Nearby historic but very touristy town, also in the Blackall Ranges, about 10 km from Maleny via Montville-Maleny Road. Lots of shops and cafes and restaurants. Excellent views from various spots.