When COVID hit last year we were stuck at home during hubby’s birthday, given the lockdown. This time around we found the opportunity to go out and celebrate at the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Montville and Maleny are two of the places that sat on my bucket list for awhile. I must say these are must see places especially with young kids, with so much to do and see. It was a 4-day holiday worth coming back for. Here is a list of the fun things we did with our twin girls:
- Walk around Montville Town
Montville is a very laid back town with cute little shops and cafes just along the road. Do not miss the water wheel which kids always find fun to watch and the Poet Cafe with great views. We did a last minute grocery shopping at IGA and bought a few items we forgot for the trip, too.
2. The Clock Shop
3. Chocolate Tasting
Experience the sugar rush with a variety of five top selling belgian chocolates at Montville Chocolate Country. We got to choose between a belgian hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or a belgian iced chocolate with ice cream. Surely we tried both and were very good indeed. We had some belgian waffle and brownies with ice cream, too. I must say that was one of the highlights of our trip, not to mention a fun experience for our twin girls.
4. Rushwood Park
Let the kids run loose at the park and playground. It is always a go-to place for kids to use all that energy. Here we met a very nice lady walking her dog. She was more than happy to let her very excited pooch play fetch with the girls. Oh how they enjoyed it!
5. Stay in a Log Cabin.
A dream come true. We stayed in one of the log cabins at Kondalilla eco resort. The moment we opened the door we were greeted by a very soft, relaxing music and an aroma which seemed like a combination of eucalyptus and pine. The cabin was way beyond our expectations. It has very large windows where you can see the rainforest outside, making you feel you are one with nature. All we could hear from our log cabin, aside from the sound of two cute little girls giggling or screaming, is nature.
6. Wine Night by the Fireplace
Staying in the middle of the rainforest on autumn means the nights get colder. We lit up the wood burning fireplace, put the kids to sleep and enjoyed a bottle of wine in peace. Who says you can’t have quality time as a couple even with twin girls?
7. Maleny Bird World
I pre-purchased tickets online and prebooked the bird world, which is always the most convenient thing to do when you have kids. The twins soooo much enjoyed seeing the birds up close, not to mention having them rest on their arms, head and back! I actually thought it would scare them but boy, are they keen!
8. Buggy Ride Around the Garden
The Maleny Botanic Garden is massive, and the best way to explore it with kids or for anyone I must say, would be hiring a buggy. It was so much fun for kids, too. Within less than an hour we already explored the whole garden. It is a nice place to relax. Make sure you have a jumper handy especially on a cold and windy autumn day.
9. Maleny town
Downtown Maleny is filled with busy little shops and cafes. We stopped by another chocolate factory, had some nice cheese platter at maleny food and co. and just slowly strolled our way around the town.
10. Forest walk
Since we were staying within Kondalilla National Park, we made it a point to wake up early on our second morning and just walked around the rainforest. We did not go all the way towards Kondalilla falls as it seemed to be a long and steep climb with two little humans in tow, but seeing the forest and a couple of small waterfalls was good enough.
11. The Barn cafe
Highly recommended by one of the ladies in the reception. It was a laid back, farm-themed, instagram worthy cafe. I loved that it was kid friendly and most importantly, food was great.
12. Baroon Pocket Dam
Make sure you have your cameras ready the moment Google maps tells you to turn left towards Narrows rd. When you do, the view of the lake and surrounding rainforest will take your breath away.
13. Maleny cheese
A very quick stopover to see a variety of cheese. It has a nice and cozy cafe as well. We were planning to order a cheese platter, however the sumptuous lunch at the Barn Cafe left us so full that we just had to pass.
14. Maleny Food and Co.
Later in the afternoon we fulfilled our cheese platter cravings here. We also had the best raspberry-banana bread with a cup of coffee to match. The place was packed but we managed to get a table outside. It was a perfect spot to do a bit of people watching and just see the pretty little town pass you by.
15. Movie night in the cabin
In the evening we decided to just relax on a good movie with the fireplace lit and a glass of wine in one hand..Ahhh one of the best things in life!
- The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard
Literally, you will walk inside the big barrel. The twins found it really amazing, while I found it so IG worthy. Lol. We stopped here on our way home, and decided it was too early for wine. Good thing they serve Maleny ice cream (soooo yum!) and coffee! Hubby and I had the luxury of time to sit back and relax while we watched the twins play in the playground. What a fabulous idea to have a fenced playground here! This is another place added on the list to visit again on a day trip. We simply enjoyed the quiet and relaxing time before our drive home.
- Maleny Dairies
We went here last year on a day trip and I must add this on the list given the very good experience we had. Our girls got to feed a calf, witnessed how to milk a cow and tasted raw milk straight from the milked cow (I did not have the guts but hubby said it surprisingly tasted so rich and good). You must spend at least half a day here to be able to do the dairy tour and enjoy the scenery with a cup of coffee or tea paired with freshly baked scones.
