Maleny and Montville
$$Artisan villages, waterfalls, and Glass House Mountains views on the Blackall Range
Drive the Blackall Range ridgeline between two charming hinterland villages with panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains, waterfalls, artisan cheese, craft beer, and some of the most romantic accommodation in south-east Queensland. Maleny (1.5 hours from Brisbane) is a creative country town with dairy farms, Brouhaha Brewery, and sweeping mountain views. Montville is a quaint artisan village with boutique shops, a chocolate factory, and galleries. Kondalilla Falls (a 4.4km return rainforest circuit to a waterfall and swimming hole) connects the two.
Step by step
From start to finish, what to expect.
Day 1
Drive to Maleny (1.5 hours from Brisbane)
McCarthy's Lookout or One Tree Hill for Glass House Mountains views
Lunch and cheese tasting at Maleny Cheese
Afternoon beer at Brouhaha Brewery
Romantic dinner at Secrets on the Lake or in Maleny township
Day 2
Kondalilla Falls Circuit (4.4km return, 1.5-2 hours, moderate, waterfall and swimming hole)
Drive the scenic ridgeline road to Montville
Chocolate tasting and boutique shopping in Montville village
Lunch in Montville, then drive home via Landsborough
Cost breakdown
Estimated per person, in AUD.
How you get there
Your options for the trip.
Drive yourself
Local tips
Stuff your mates would tell you.
The hinterland is noticeably cooler than Brisbane (550m elevation), bring a layer
Maleny shops and restaurants close early (by 4-5pm) except Friday and Monday evenings for Maleny Lane music nights
Kondalilla Falls swimming hole is refreshing but cold, bring a towel
Book accommodation in advance for winter weekends and long weekends, this is a popular romantic getaway
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World ($15 entry) has some of the best Glass House Mountains views in the region