'''Maleny''' is a town in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, in the Blackall Ranges, approximately 100 km north of Brisbane, near the amazingly unique volcanic Glass House Mountains. Its population is about 5000 people. Known as a very alternative centre for many years, it still retains much of its original identity as a country town in a dairy farming district. Maleny is an arts and craft hotbed and is home to many nationally recognised artists and art galleries. It is also a centre for eco-tourism and cooperative enterprises. Nearby Montville is a tourist attaction in its own right.
Understand
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-getters. (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.
Get in
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. Be aware that 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. Tel: +61-7-5496-9249. Alternatively travel from Nambour to Landsborough via Maleny, or Nambour to Maleny directly [http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/eb9b9607ba25347/Pdf_hinterland_connect_timetable.pdf].
By train
The nearest train station is at Landsborough [http://www.qr.com.au/]. Queensland Rail (QR) Tel: 13 16 17. One can also stop at Nambour.
By air
The nearest and most convenient airport (about a 35 minute drive from Maleny) is the '''Sunshine Coast Airport''' [http://www.maroochy.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoastairport/sitePage.cfm?code=index] at Marcoola, near Maroochydore. Tel: +61-7-5453-1500. Next closest is '''Brisbane International Airport''' [http://www.bne.com.au/content/home.asp?], slightly more than a hour away by road.
Get around
Maleny is spread out over a fairly large area. You'll need a car to enjoy your stay here.
'''Range Taxi Service''' - Tel: 0418 711 989 (mobile) 24 hours.
See
'''Baroon Pocket Dam and Lake Baroon''', Baroon Pocket Road, off North Maleny Road, Tel: +61-7-5499-9333. 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.
'''Book Farm, The''', 330 Reesville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-3000, [http://www.greaterglider.com/bookfarm]. Educational ecotourism centre, catering for school groups. Workshops, seminars, rainforest setting.
'''Crystal Waters Ecovillage''', 65 Kilcoy Lane, more than 20 km outside the main centre of Maleny, in Conondale, Tel: +61-7-5494-4620, [http://www.ecologicalsolutions.com.au/crystalwaters/]. Famous intentional community started in 1987 -- Permaculture Village -- working toward balanced natural ecology. 200 permanent residents. Regular markets (1st Saturday of each month), festivals, workshops, permaculture training courses, etc. Campground, bunkhouses and cabins for visitors. Tours available.
'''Maleny Handicrafts Market''', at the '''Maleny Community Centre'''. Local handicrafts market held every Sunday.
'''Maleny Light Horse Museum''', Maleny RSL Club at Bunya Street, Tel: +61-7-5494-3089. 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''', 787 Landsborough-Maleny Road, Tel: +61-7-5429-6300. Tours, wine and cheese tasting, homemade bread, barbecue facilities and excellent views.
'''Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve''', corner of Landsborough-Maleny Road and Mountain View Road, Tel: +61-7-5499-9907. 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 and, at the entrance, '''the Thynne Natural History Education Centre'''. Nice views over the Glasshouse mountains. 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.
'''Research Centre at Barung Landcare''', 17 Bicentenary Lane, Tel: +61-7-5494-3151, [http://www.barunglandcare.com.au/]. 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.
Art on Cairncross. Panorama Place, Cairncross Corner, Maleny QLD 4552. 1-7-5429-6404. ttp://www.artoncairncross.com.au/.
Do
'''Animal Farm at Maleny''', 366 Reesville Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-2438, [http://www.malenyaccom.com.au]. Visit a working farm and milk cows and goats, collect eggs, feed farm animals, ride tractors and ponies. Caters for school groups. Accommodation also available in motel units & 12 cabins. Swimming pool, dams, rainforest walk.
'''Upfront Club''', 31 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2592, [http://www.upfrontclub.org/upfront/]. A successful co-op since 1994, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening entertainment. Plus good coffee! A Maleny institution.
'''Lake Baroon Boat Hire''', just outside Maleny towards Montville, at Lake Baroon. Tel: +61-7-5499-9333. Sailing, paddling, fishing and canoeing. Open weekends and school holidays.
'''Maleny Community Centre''', Maple Street right in the centre of town. Tel: +61-7-5499-9033. Movies, plays, weekly Sunday markets, annual May Maleny Arts and Crafts Fair and many other activities. Information centre open daily.
'''Maleny Dairy Tours''', 70 McCarthy's Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2392. Tours Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Appointment necessary.
'''Middle Path Awareness Sanctuary''', 12 Lawrence Place, Tel: +61-7-5499 9060. Natural health treatments, including iridology, one-day detox, colonic irrigation, naturopathy, hypnotherapy, iris interpretation, plus workshops and seminars.
'''Mystic Mountain Tours''' 5 Glasshouse Parade. Tel: +61-7-5435-2881, [http://www.mysticmountaintours.com.au/]. 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.
'''Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk''' [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/great_walks/sunshine_coast_hinterland/] - 58 km walk through the Blackall Ranges, starting from Lake Baroon near Montville. Subtropical rainforest, tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls. Entire walk takes 4-6 days. Tel: 13 13 04 to book campsites, which have water, toilets and platforms.
'''Temple Massage''', Tel: +61-7-5442-9550, [http://www.templemassage.com.au/]. Massage for individuals & couples. Includes trigger point therapy, acupressure and deep tissue massage. Husband & wife team. From $75 each per hour.
'''Visions of Maleny''', 45 Maple Street, Tel: +61-7-5494-3355, [http://www.visionsofmaleny.com.au/]. Hair and day spa beauty treatments plus spraytanning.
Buy
The main street of Maleny, Maple Street, has a number of interesting shops and galleries.
'''3's Company''', 128-130 Main Street (Maleny-Montville Road), Tel: +61-7-5478-5266, [http://www.3scompany.com.au/]. Unique timber slab furniture.
'''Art on Cairncross''' [http://www.artoncairncross.com.au/] - 3 Panorama Place at the corner of Mountain View Road and Landsborough Road. Tel: +61-7-5429-6404. Fine arts, ceramics, glass and sculpture.
'''Barung Landcare Nursery''' [http://www.barunglandcare.com.au/] - 17 Bicentenary Lane Tel: +61-7-5494-3151. Volunteer ecological activity. All proceeds benefit protection & restoration of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the community. Open Monday through Saturday.
'''Bohemian Dreams''' - 11 Coral Street, just off Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5435-2928. Coffee shop plus homewares, jewelry, fashing & gifts.
'''Bold in Gold''' [http://www.boldingold.com.au/] - at 'Rainforest Plaza' 43 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9299. Goldsmiths.
'''David Linton Furniture & Timber Works''' - 14 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5429-6831. Handcrafted homewares, furniture, sculptures, jewelry, artwork, glassware and timberwork.
'''Deann Cumner Art Gallery''' - 15 Bunya Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9976. Art & collectibles.
'''Glasshouse Pottery''' - 15 Bunya Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9666.
'''Maleny Art Supplies''' - 38a Coral Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2977.
'''Maleny Bookshop''' - Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-3666. Used, out-of-print and unusual books.
'''Maleny Cheese''' [http://www.malenycheese.com.au/] - 1 Clifford Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2207. Home of European-style cheese making in Australia. Watch cheese and yoghurt being made. Includes a cafe.
'''Maleny Fine Arts''' [http://www.malenyfinearts.com/] - 1A Tulip Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2882. Exhibition and sale of quality and contemporary fine arts.
'''Maleny Organic Farmers Market'''[http://www.malenyfarmersmarket.com.au/malenyfarmersmarket/] - 4 Lawyer Street. Tel: +61-7-5435-2199. Home deliveries.
'''Maleny Picture Framing''' - 32 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2100. Framing artwork, needlework, photographs, certificates, medals and memorabilia
'''Maleny Supermarket Universal Providers''' - offers organic and other unusual produce as well, plus gourmet cheeses, on Maple Street in the middle of town. Open seven days. Tel: +61-7-5494-2257.
'''Maple Street Co-op''' [http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au/] - 37 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2088. A famous local co-operative started in 1979 that aims to supply high-quality organic foods and products (vegetables & fruit) for a reasonable price to Co-op members and the community. Open seven days.
'''Maleny Touch Wood''' [http://www.touchwoodaustralia.com/] - 418 Maleny-Kenilworth Road. Tel: +61-7-5345-8408. The woodworker's emporium. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
'''Peace of Green''' - 38 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9311. Open daily.
'''Piece of Me''' [http://www.pieceofme.com.au] - 50 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9224. Locally designed clothing range, using natural fibres, plus jewelry, natural body care products, yoga clothing and yoga accessories
'''Pearl Garden Chinese Restaurant''' - at the 'Riverside Centre' on Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-3788.
'''Randy DeGraw Fine Art Furniture''' [http://www.vvwoodwork.com.au] - 290 Maleny-Kenilworth Tourist Drive, at Witta, about 7 km from Maleny. Hand-made home and office furniture, plus paintings, silks, jewellery, glasswork and pottery.
'''Rosetta Books''' [http://www.leadingedgebooks.com.au/default.asp?storeurl=rosetta] - at 'Rainforest Plaza' 43 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5435-2134. New books and coffee.
'''Tree Frog Gallery''' [http://www.treefroggallery.com/] - 56 Montville Road. Tel: +61-7-5435-2303. Australian indigenous art, contemporary paintings, sculpture, landscapes, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and craft.
Eat
Maple Street has a considerable number of interesting restaurants and cafes. (Vegetarians are well catered for in this area.)
'''Bohemian Dreams Cafe''' - 11 Coral Street, just off Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5435-2928. Coffee shop plus gifts.
'''Cappriccio's Italian Restaurant''' - in the 'Riverside Centre' on Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9444.
'''Captain Merv's Seafood''' - 8 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9500.
'''Cheese Stop Cafe''' [http://www.malenycheese.com.au/] - 1 Clifford Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2207. fully licensed cafe 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''' - Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2860. Award-winning ice cream and gelati.
'''Darcy's''' - 37 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2326.
'''Figtree Cottage Restaurant''' - 37 Maleny-Montville Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-3269.
'''Full Monte Coffee Shop''' - 45 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2824. Open Monday through Saturday from 7am. All day breakfast and brewed coffee.
'''Graatz Mexican Restaurant''' - 43 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5499-9400.
'''Gypsy's Table Licensed Restaurant''' [http://www.gypsy.com.au/] - in the 'Rainforest Plaza' at 43 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5435-2813. Vegetarian plus non-vegetarian menus.
'''King Ludwig's Restaurant''' [http://www.kingludwigs.com.au/] - 401 Mountain View Road. Tel: +61-7-5499-9377. German cuisine with spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Fully licensed. Lunch Wednesday through Sunday. Dinner Wednesday through Saturday.
'''Malcolm's of Maleny''' [http://www.malcolmsofmaleny.com.au/] - 124 Mountain View Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-2825. Great views of Glasshouse Mountains. Outdoor 'Coffee Deck' dining. Closed Mondays. Lunches Tuesday through Sunday. Dinner on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Fireplace in winter.
'''Maleny Coach House''' - Landsborough-Maleny Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-2877.
'''Monica's''' - 43 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2670. Cafe & BYO dining.
'''Perry's of Maleny''' [http://www.perrysofmaleny.com/] - 76 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2822. Dinner daily. Caters for weddings and events offsite.
'''Swiss Crust Wood Fired Bakery''' - 16 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5495-43711.
'''Terrace of Maleny''' [http://www.terraceofmaleny.com.au/] - outside of town on Mountain View Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-3700. Lunch and dinner seven days a week.
'''The Celtic Tearoom''' [http://www.celtictearoom.com/] - 34 Mountain View Road. +61-7-5499-9426. Home cooking for lunch or traditional cream tea, buttermilk scones and clotted cream. Lunch and afternoon tea from Wednesday to Sunday. Some dinners with entertainment, such as Irish or Scottish bands, or poetry readings. Air conditioning in summer and log fire in winter. 'Fairy garden' next to rainforest. Model train display.
'''The Upfront Club''' [http://www.upfrontclub.org/upfront/] - 31 Maple Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2592. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Famous local co-op with good coffee.
Drink
'''Key Bar & Restaurant''' [http://www.keybar.com.au/] - Cairncross Corner at Mountain View Road & Landsborough-Maleny Road. Tel: +61-7-5429-6536. Open from 11am until late.
'''Maleny Hotel''' - Bunya Street. Tel: +61-7-5494-2013.
Sleep
'''Animal Farm at Maleny''', 366 Reesville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2438, [http://www.malenyaccom.com.au]. Motel units & 12 cabins on a working farm. Swimming pool, dams, rainforest walk. Chapel caters for weddings. Conference centre.
'''Arley Farm''', 150 Kings Lane, Tel: +61-7-5435-2397, [http://www.arleyfarm.com.au/]. Tastefully renovated old dairy building with two bedroom self-contained accommodation caters for couples or families on a working beef farm. Frontage to Obi Obi creek with views over surrounding farmlands. 160 acre property, 3km to Maleny. Fires, creek swimming, platypus, minimum stay 2 nights. Attached studio of 15x5m available for artists or workshops. Selected for Sunshine Coast Art Prize Residency 2006 & 2007, see [http://www.scap.org.au/]
'''Bamboo Retreat''', 949 Kidaman Creek Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-4172, [http://www.bambooretreat.com.au/]. 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''', 937 Montville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2400, [http://www.bendles.com.au/].
'''Benida Cottages''', 829 Stanley River Road, Tel: +61-7-5499 9243, [http://www.benida.com.au/]. Self-contained pole cottages in rainforest setting.
'''Braeside Bed and Breakfast''', 305 Maleny-Stanley River Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-3542, [http://www.braesidebnb.com.au/]. Log fires, spas and rainforest, with air conditioning and internet access. Just outside Maleny.
'''Crystal Waters Visitors Camping Area''', Tel: +61-7-5494-4726, [http://www.ecologicalsolutions.com.au/crystalwaters/businesses/cw_coop/vca/index.html]. Bushland setting near the main Crystal Waters facilities and cafe. Powered and unpowered sites, plus bunkhouses available.
'''Curramore County Cottages''', 383 Curramore Road, Tel: +61-7-5435-8300, [http://www.malenycabins.com.au/]. Purpose-built, self-contained cabins for couples, with great views.
'''Eyrie Escape''', 316 Brandenburg Road, Bald Knob, Tel: +61-7-5494-8242, [http://www.eyrie-escape.com.au/]. - Bed and breakfast with good views. Air conditioned.
'''Fraser's Selection''', Corks Pocket Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-2735, [http://www.frasersselection.com.au/]. Eco-tourism 2 bedroom self-contained cabins. 208 acre working mountain cattle property on the edge of Conondale State Forest.
'''Jacaranda Cottages''', at 158 Teutoberg Avenue in Witta, just a few minutes north of Maleny. Tel: +61-7-5435-8183, [http://www.jacarandacottages.com.au/]. Private, rural 'get-away' for couples, families and small groups.
'''Laurels Boutique Hotel''', 953 Maleny-Montville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-3422, [http://www.laurels.com.au/index.html]. Offers both bed and breakfast rooms plus self-contained cottages.
'''Lillypilly's Country Cottages''', 584 Maleny-Montville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-3002, [http://www.lillypillys.com.au/]. Luxury cottages with air conditioning overlooking Lake Baroon. Beautiful views. Therapeutic massage, special shiatsu treatments and reflexology available.
'''Lyndon Lodge''', Benecke Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-3307, [http://www.lyndonlodge.com.au]. Bed and breakfast located between Maleny and Montville, with walking tracks and great views.
'''Lyola Pavilions''', Policeman's Spur Road, Booroobin, Tel: +61-7-5429-6900, [http://www.lyola.com.au/]. Two secluded pavilions in rainforest setting, with views.
'''Maleny Country Cottages''', 347 Cork's Pocket Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-2744, [http://www.malenycottages.com.au/]. Self-contained architect-designed cottages on 60 acres of bushland, with lots of local wildlife.
'''Maleny Hideaway''', 32 Sidney Lane, off the Maleny-Kenilworth Road, Tel: +61-7-5499-9520, [http://www.malenyhideaway.com/]. Bed and breakfast. 7 guest bedrooms plus 1 or 2-bedroom apartment. Swimming pool.
'''Maleny Lodge''', 58 Maple Street, Tel: +61-7-5494-2370, [http://www.malenylodge.com/]. Located in a historic 1894 near the centre of Maleny, offers bed and breakfast accommodation and an open fire in the winter.
'''Maleny Hills Motel''', 932 Montville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2551, [http://www.malenyhills.com.au/]. 5 km from the centre of town. Air conditioned.
'''Maleny Hotel''' - Bunya Street., Tel: +61-7-5494-2013.
'''Maleny Loggers Rest''' - Maleny Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2944.
'''Maleny Tropical Retreat''' [http://www.malenytropicalretreat.com/] - 540 Maleny-Montville Road. Tel: +61-7-5435-2113. Balinese-inspired bed and breakfast in a rainforest setting.
'''Maleny Views Cottage Resort''' [http://www.malenyviews.com.au/index.html] - 1 Panorama Place, off Mountain View Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-3943. 6 character cottages and a villa with great views.
'''Middleton Manor''' [http://www.middletonmanor.com.au/] - 3 Middleton Road, Witta. Tel: +61-7-5435-8090. 4.5 star bed and breakfast just outside Maleny.
'''Mountain View Homestead''', 193 Mountain View Road, Tel: +61-7-5499-9278.
'''Obi Eco Maleny''' , 30 Nadi Lane, Tel: +61-7-5499-9261. Luxurious, private 2 bedroom house on 30 acres of bushland near Obi Obi Creek. Good views.
'''Ocean View Caravan Park''', Landsborough Road. Tel: +61-7-5494-1171, [http://www.oceanviewtouristpark.com/]. Self-contained air conditioned cabins. Powered sites for caravans. Amenities block. Great views over the coast.
'''Roseville House''', 640 Maleny-Montville Road at Balmoral Lookout, Tel: +61-7-5494-3411, [http://www.rosevillehouse.com.au/]. Bed and breakfast in a Federation house. Air conditioning with ocean & mountain views.
'''Solothurn Maleny Rural Resort''', 366 Reesville Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2438. Horse riding.
'''Tamarind''', 88 Obi Lane South. Tel: +61-7-5429-6922, [http://www.thetamarind.com.au/]. Bed and breakfast. Rainforest site, near waterfall.
'''Top Cottage''', 63 Burnett Lane, Tel +61-7-5429-6289, [http://www.topoftheworld.com.au]. Original farm cottage with views. Self-contained with 3 bedrooms & fireplace. Other cottages also available.
'''Tranquil Park Mountain Resort Maleny''', 483 Mountain View Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-2544, [http://www.tranquilpark.com.au/]. Excellent views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
'''Wattle Gully Retreat''', 158 Ansell Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-4426, [http://www.wattlegully.com/]. Cabins, cottages and a farm house. Bushland setting with kangaroos and koalas. Rainforest walks.
'''Whispering Valley Retreat''', Schultz Road, off Curramore Road, Tel: +61-7-07 5494-4367, [http://www.whisperingvalley.com.au/]. Secluded cottages on 50 acres.
'''Wittacork Dairy Cottages''', Tesch Road, Tel: +61-7-5494-4369, [http://www.wittacork.com.au/]. 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 kilometres of walking tracks in privately owned rainforest & waterfall viewing areas.
Cope
Media
'''The Range News''' [http://www.rangenews.com.au] - Maleny's local weekly newspaper.
'''The Sunshine Coast Daily''' [http://www.thedaily.com.au/] - Regional daily newspaper for the whole Sunshine Coast.
'''The Maleny Voice''' [http://www.malenyvoice.com/] - Open community magazine and portal.
'''Hinterlandgrapevine Online''' [http://www.hinterlandgrapevine.com]
'''VIEW News''' [http://www.viewnews.com.au] - Local news, events & information
Stay safe
The usual precautions against theft in a developed nation should be taken. (Lock your car.) That said, Maleny is quite a laid-back, safe little town. You definitely don't have to fear any violence or muggings!
Get out
'''Australia Zoo''' [http://www.australiazoo.com.au/] -- in nearby Beerwah, at the foot of the Glass House Mountains about 35 minutes from Maleny. Tel: +61-7-5436-2000. Run by the family of the late, much-loved ecologist and entertainer Steve Irwin, 'the Crocodile Hunter.'
'''Buderim Ginger Factory''' [http://www.buderimginger.com/gingerfactory/index.html] - 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina, about a 45 minute drive from Maleny. Tel: +61-7-5446-7096. 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''' [http://www.eumundimarkets.com.au/] - located in the town of Eumundi, 20 km west of Noosa, about a 40 minute drive from Maleny. Tel: +61-7-5442-7106. One of Queensland's leading tourist attractions since 1979, held every Saturday and Wednesday. Arts, crafts, music, street entertainers, food, atmosphere.
'''Flaxton''' - another small Blackall Ranges town, perhaps the prettiest of all, near Montville, about 15 km from Maleny. See the '''Flaxton Barn and Model Railway'''.
'''Glass House Mountains National Park''' [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=112] and '''Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests and Forest Reserves''' are all nearby, within an hour's drive.
'''Kenilworth State Forest''' [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=108] - about a 40 minute drive from Maleny. Rainforest and eucalypt forest. Camping in various areas. Tel: 13 13 04 for permits and information.
'''Kondalilla National Park''' [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=104] - on Western Avenue about 4 km north of the centre of nearby Montville, about a half hour's drive from Maleny. Tel: +61-7-5494-3983. 327 hectares of lush subtropical rainforest and tall open forest plus the striking Kondalilla Falls dropping 90 metres from Skene Creek into picturesque water pools below. Parking area, picnic facilties, barbecues, shelter sheds, toilets, a lookout and three walking trails. No fresh water available. Can become quite crowded during peak holiday periods.
'''Mary Valley Rattler''' [http://www.mvhr.org.au/] - Tozer Street, Gympie. Tel: +61-7-5482-2750. '''Steam Locomotive Scenic Tours''' operated from Gympie, slightly more than an hour's 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.
'''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.
'''Woodford Folk Festival''' [http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/main/index.html] in nearby Woodford, is a very famous annual musical event, held in late December. (It began in Maleny but moved to Woodford some years ago.)