Local Attractions
Natural Attractions
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls is a popular 90-meter waterfall located in Kondalilla National Park, 1.5kms from Mitta Glen Guesthouse. It's known for its accessible and well-maintained walking tracks, including the Kondalilla Falls Circuit, which leads to a scenic swimming hole at the base of the falls. The area is also part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
Mapleton Falls
Mapleton Falls is a 10min drive from the Guesthouse, where Pencil Creek, plunges 120m into the valley below. The Australian peregrine falcon often soars and roosts near the waterfall. When walking the Wompoo circuit in the rainforest, you may hear the wompoo fruit-dove, whose booming call reaches the ground from its feeding sites among the tree-tops.
Gardners Falls
Gardners Falls is a hidden gem in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Leave your vehicle in the car park on the banks of the Obi Obi Creek and take a short, level walk downstream to the falls. You’ll pass a number of shallow rock pools which are ideal for smaller children who just want to splash about. Follow the bubbling waters downstream where the pools increase in size and enjoy a freshwater swim in the largest pool underneath the falls. These delightful waters are bounded by a grassy bank and backed by native forest making it the ideal spot for a hinterland picnic or a post-swim snooze under a giant water gum.
Gerrard's Lookout
Gerrards Lookout in Maleny is a small but picturesque rest stop for visitors exploring the Blackall Range and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Because of the unique yet spectacular sights that await you, the lookout point is recommended for a visit on its own.
Dulong Lookout
Dulong Lookout is the second of two lookouts on Dulong Road. The park has a shelter and picnic tables and great views out towards Nambour.
Glass House Mountains
The craggy peaks of the Glass House Mountains tower above the surrounding landscape. These surreal formations are listed on the Queensland and National Heritage Register as a landscape of national significance. Walking tracks lead through a variety of open forests to lookouts with panoramic views of the mountains. You can walk around the base of Mount Tibrogargan to see its profile from many angles and to the top of Mount Ngungun for spectacular views of nearby peaks and the surrounding landscape.
Places to Eat
The Barn on Flaxton
Next door to Mitta Glen Guesthouse, the Barn on Flaxton has built a reputation as a popular locale to meet up with family & friends for coffee, breaky, lunch or high teas. The Barn continues to grow in popularity amongst locals and visitors alike and now offers a fully licensed venue with a fresh seasonal menu and a large variety of giftware.
Fishtales Seafood Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Mapleton, Fishtales is all about serving up fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a focus on quality and flavor. From our spray-free, homegrown produce to seafood straight from the coast, every dish is crafted with care and a commitment to freshness.
Kondalilla Eco Resort Restaurant
Offering a unique dining experience surrounded by lush rainforest, combining modern, wholesome dishes with a deep commitment to sustainability. Talented chefs craft seasonal modern-Australian menus inspired by the region, featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, ethically sourced Australian seafood, and premium-quality meats.
Spicers Tamarind Restaurant
The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind has been awarded BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT at Queensland Savour Australia™ Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence 2014. Lead by Executive Chef Daniel Jarrett, The Tamarind specialises in Modern Asian Cuisine, embracing the flavours, philosophies and unique culinary cultures of Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with emphasis on Western presentation and palates to create a modern twist.
Flaxton Gardens
Mostly known as a spectacular wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens are also open for breakfast, high tea and lunch from Wed-Sun each week. Menus are designed from regional produce with an emphasis on good fresh food.
Mapleton Tavern
Established in 1892, Mapleton Tavern combines historic charm with community spirit. Its weathered brick exterior and warm oak interior welcome generations of locals. Craft beers and comfort food classics draw crowds, while weekend live music energizes the space. What truly distinguishes Mapleton isn't just its renowned house-brewed ale, but the sense of belonging cultivated among neighbours who've made this gathering place their second home.
Montville Cafe Bar Grill
Located on Main Street, at the top end of Montville village, you will find a black & white Tudor building complete with landscaped beer garden. Offering great food & entertainment, as well as a traditional Montville restaurant atmosphere. The master chef has created a menu designed to please all tastes and budgets. From succulent steaks to sensational seafood, mouthwatering desserts and much, much more!
Bellavista Pizza
Bellavista Pizza brings authentic Italian flavors to Mapleton's dining scene. Known for wood-fired crusts with perfect char and locally-sourced toppings, this family-owned gem has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Whether dining in their cozy space adorned with Italian memorabilia or grabbing takeout, Bellavista delivers artisanal pizza excellence with every bite.
Edamame Montville
Edamame Montville offers a serene Japanese dining experience tucked amidst Montville's rolling hills. The intimate restaurant specializes in fresh, seasonal fare with locally-sourced ingredients enhancing traditional recipes. Chef Tanaka's delicate touch transforms simple dishes into culinary art, while the minimalist décor and garden views create an atmosphere of tranquil authenticity that transports diners halfway around the world.
Poet's Cafe
Perched on Montville's mountainside, Poets Cafe offers breathtaking hinterland views alongside exceptional cuisine. This charming establishment blends literary inspiration with culinary creativity, serving artisanal breakfasts and elegant lunches in a heritage Queenslander setting. With its book-lined walls, garden terrace, and commitment to local produce, Poets Cafe provides both nourishment for the body and inspiration for the soul.
Little May Espresso
Little May Espresso brightens mornings with its artisanal approach to coffee culture. This pocket-sized cafe combines industrial chic with cozy warmth, serving meticulously crafted specialty brews and house-baked pastries. Baristas know regulars by name and order, creating a community hub where local artists showcase their work and the signature cardamom-spiced latte has developed a devoted following.
Priscilla's Gallery
Nestled in Montville's artistic quarter, Priscilla's Gallery Café combines visual arts with culinary delights. The converted cottage features rotating exhibitions from local artists while serving specialty coffee and house-made treats. Visitors enjoy mountain views from the garden terrace, browsing one-of-a-kind artwork between bites of signature lavender shortbread. This cultural haven offers an experience that feeds both creative spirit and appetite.
The Long Apron
Considered a destination in its own right, The Long Apron’s intimate and inviting French provincial setting and ever-changing menu puts a spotlight on quality food that leaves you entirely satisfied, yet keeps you intrigued. The team create classic French dishes without pretence, and draw on classic French ethos and technique, matching time-honoured disciplines with contemporary artistry.
Secrets on the Lake
Dining at Secrets on the Lake offers an enchanting treehouse experience overlooking Lake Baroon. Nestled among rainforest canopy, this hidden gem serves sophisticated dishes featuring local Sunshine Coast hinterland produce. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular water views while handcrafted timber details create an intimate atmosphere. Every plate arrives as artfully composed as the natural sanctuary surrounding this magical dining destination.
The Edge
Perched along the Blackall Range escarpment, The Edge Montville offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This elegant restaurant combines sophisticated dining with spectacular vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows. Featuring seasonal menus highlighting local Queensland produce, each dish celebrates regional flavors while guests enjoy the dramatic mountain backdrop that seems to extend infinitely toward the distant horizon.
Activities To Do
Sunshine Coast Great Walk
Warm subtropical rainforest, tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls in secluded areas of the Blackall Range feature on this 58.8km, four day walk, with three bush camp sites. Day visitors can access short half-day and full-day walks within the Great Walk route, and come home to a comfortable bed each night at Mitta Glen Guesthouse.
Baroon Pocket Dam Paddling
Nestled in the middle of the main range between Maleny and Montville is the peaceful Baroon Pocket Dam. With no powercraft allowed on the dam and high green hills all around, it’s a beautiful protected place for a paddle. There are many small tributaries that flow into the lake that are worth paddling up. Scenery surrounding the water’s edge varies from open grassland to bush. Even though it is 1.4 km across the dam, good 3-4 hour paddles can be had on this lake. Apart from some small off limits areas the whole dam is yours to explore. Just be aware of the GATES CLOSE TIME – 6am to 5:30pm in winter, 5.30am to 6.30pm in summer. Check with seqwater.com before you go to ensure the dam is open.
Wompoo Circuit Walk
Starting from the car park at the end of Mapleton Falls Road, Mapleton, this walk takes you on a circuit in the lush rainforest of Mapleton National Park via the Wompoo Circuit, visiting Peregrine Lookout along the way. Also, you can visit the Mapleton Falls Lookout after/before your hike to enjoy some exceptional views over the Queensland hinterland along with the waterfall. The dense rainforest is teeming with interesting wildlife, and the towering trees around add an extra layer of serenity to the experience. The Peregrine Lookout features a cozy sat with a backrest that you can refuel as you savor the views of the mountains covered in green. With interpretive signs and undulating tracks, this walk makes for a great opportunity for little kids to get started and learn about nature. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the area.
Flame Hill Vineyard
FlameHill’s Montville vineyard on the Sunshine Coast provides an amazing selection of estate grown, hand picked premium wines available for tasting and purchase at the cellar door. Open for wine tasting and sales, lunch, and special events.
Maleny Cheese Tasting
Maleny Cheese produces award-winning, handcrafted cheese and yoghurt. They use time honoured traditions and the pure local milk of the rolling green hills around us, so you get a true taste of our special region.
Craft Brewery Tasting
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland's craft brewery trail invites enthusiasts to sample distinctive local brews amid stunning mountain views. Boutique breweries showcase creative ales using regional ingredients like native botanicals and locally-grown hops. Expert brewmasters guide visitors through tasting flights, explaining fermentation processes and flavor profiles while relaxed beer gardens provide perfect settings to savor handcrafted pours against a backdrop of rolling green landscapes.
Local Shopping
Montville Market
The Montville Market transforms the quaint mountain village into a vibrant showcase of local creativity every second Saturday. Artisans display handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles alongside farmers offering organic produce from the fertile hinterland. Live folk music drifts between stalls while visitors sample regional delicacies and chat with makers. These community gatherings perfectly capture Montville's artistic spirit and connection to its stunning natural surroundings.
Mapleton Country Market
Held monthly under towering gum trees, the Mapleton Markets bring together local growers and artisans from across the range. Visitors browse stalls of organic produce, handmade crafts, and homemade preserves while enjoying live acoustic performances. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere encourages conversations between makers and shoppers, embodying the close-knit community spirit that defines this charming hinterland town.
Eumundi Market
Located in the heart of the historic town of Eumundi, The Original Eumundi Markets started with only three market stalls and eight customers. This simple dream quickly grew and now, the Eumundi Markets welcomes over 1 million visitors each year! Guided by our strong ethos of “Make it, Bake it, Sew it, Grow it” the Eumundi Markets is the perfect place to look for something completely handmade and special. Rain, hail, or shine, come along and experience the unique and vibrant atmosphere of the Eumundi Markets. There really is no other market quite like it!
Montville Village Shops
Known for its breathtaking views and charming atmosphere Montville is home to an abundance of unique boutique retail outlets, cafes and art galleries. Nestled within historic and distinctive buildings, these shops offer an unforgettable experience. You will find artisan chocolatiers, candy and fudge makers, several boutiques, jewellers, pottery, contemporary art, candles, clocks, crystals, antiquities and treasures within the hinterlands. As you stroll along the picturesque Main Street, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of delightful possibilities.
Mapleton IGA/BP
At Mapleton IGA you can fill your car, feed your hunger or shop for groceries with great customer service, while supporting local suppliers and brands. It’s how the locals like it …
The Barn on Flaxton
Next door to Mitta Glen Guesthouse, the Barn on Flaxton has a boutique gift shop selling a wide variety of locally produced and unique items. It is well worth a visit during your stay.
Parks and Gardens
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens is a unique, privately owned garden, consisting of nearly 23 acres of gardens, set on a 110 acre property. Overlooking a backdrop of the iconic Glass House Mountains and surrounded by magnificent rainforest. Layered and terraced gardens interspersed with a multitude of stunning waterfalls and lakes only add to the majestic nature of this unique attraction that sits high on the escarpment.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve features a variety of trails, including tranquil walking tracks, boardwalks, and viewing platforms. The main rainforest track is a well-maintained path that winds through the lush subtropical rainforest. Some trails are accessible by wheelchair. The trails are surrounded by dense foliage, towering trees, and diverse plant life, providing a serene and picturesque environment for a walk.