THE Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a quiet escape from the bustling coastal towns often crowded with both tourists and locals. Offering a haven of tranquillity and clean, county air, Montville and Maleny are a true representation of the sought-after tree change many yearn for, being a countryside destination that is also within easy reach of coastal beaches, major shopping centres and airport.
The quaint little town of Montville is perched high on the Blackall Range and offers visitors and residents a happy blend of village charm, chic eateries and boutique shops.
Just 20 minutes from coastal beaches, you can enter this secret hideaway of rainforest and lakes, and enjoy the magnificent views that span across the horizon from many vantage points.
Sitting 400m above sea level, Montville’s elevation affords its residents and visitors panoramic views of the surrounding coast from homes and businesses located along the Range. The hinterland also enjoys a cooler climate which is perfect for those who fancy a fire on winter nights and as such, bed and breakfasts are popular with Montville being a well known romantic getaway destination.
Settled in the late 1880’s, Montville still has original buildings which have been restored thoughtfully to celebrate the character and charm of its European influence. Montville has a lovely blend of Tudor, Irish and English cottages, Swiss and Bavarian chalets, an old mill waterwheel in the heart of town and colonial and old Queenslander-style properties.
Montville is home to Kondalilla National Park which boasts a magnificent 90-metre waterfall, rock pools, creeks, walking tracks and views over the valley. Baroon Pocket Dam is another natural beauty where residents and visitors can spend a day exploring the shores and waterways, swimming, kayaking and picnicking while keeping a keen eye out for the abundant wildlife that call Montville home.
Property in the town is predominantly houses with a mix of styles from lowset modern brick to classic Queenslander cottages to larger prestige properties on acreage allotments.
Similarly, neighbouring town of Maleny also boasts fresh country air and large plots of land thanks to its history as being a picture-postcard dairy country. Maleny Dairies is a locally produced premium milk company that has been an iconic Maleny business since 1948.
Renowned as the creative heart of the hinterland, Maleny is abound with art and craft galleries, cafes and restaurants, craft breweries and eclectic boutiques. Most of the eateries feature local and organic produce set among picturesque surrounds.
Locals will tell you Maleny has a great community spirit, they are artistic and they love the community involvement of its residents. The vibrant village lifestyle on offer in Maleny will appeal to a creative artisan and is the perfect hinterland hideaway for those working from home.
Nestled amongst the hills with exceptional hinterland views, properties are similar to those offered in Montville with plenty of land for a veggie patch, for children to roam, for privacy from neighbours and most of all, for tranquillity.
With many homemade goods, art galleries, wineries and creative crafts, Montville and Maleny really are the creative heart of the Sunshine Coast. It’s also where rolling hills of the countryside offer that dream lifestyle of a tree change, while being just 20 minutes from golden sands of coastal beaches.
