Things to do in Maleny
Are you looking for the best things to do in Maleny?
A rural town on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Maleny has a surprising amount of fun things to do.
Best known for Maleny Dairy, which is sold in supermarkets in Queensland and northern New South Wales, visitors can visit the Dairy, wander through the Botanical Gardens and Maleny Bird World, spend a day eating and shopping on Main Street, and enjoy the beautiful nature that Maleny has to offer.
Just 90 minutes north of Brisbane, Maleny is definitely worth visiting for a day trip or a weekend away. There are plenty of things to do in Maleny and nearby Montville.
Keep reading to find the best things to do in Maleny, including free activities.
Free Things to do in Maleny
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre and walk through the subtropical rainforest at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
There is a playground near the parking lot and a cafe near the discovery centre.
The walking tracks at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve range from 1.3 to 1.7 kilometers and are easy tracks.
My kids loved the discovery centre and enjoyed borrowing a kit to use to keep them entertained while we walked.
Gardners Falls
It is a short and easy hike to Gardner’s Falls, which has an area for swimming.
There are a few rock pools that are perfect for younger kids to swim and explore. The largest pool is beneath the falls.
McCarthy’s Lookout
Stop by McCarthy’s Lookout for a great view of the Glasshouse Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see Brisbane.
Obi Obi Boardwalk
Try your luck in spotting a platypus on the Obi Obi Boardwalk in Maleny.
The best time to spot a platypus is during the early morning or late afternoon, or so they say. I have never spotted one outside the zoo.
Maleny Trail
Walk along the Maleny Trail, a circuit walk that includes the Obi Obi Boardwalk and can easily take you to Gardeners Falls.
Little Fox Studio
Look at contemporary art at Little Fox Studio, open daily by appointment.
More Things to Do in Maleny
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens are privately owned 18-acre gardens with views of the Glasshouse Mountains. There are more than 6 kilometers of walking paths throughout the gardens.
Visitors to the Maleny Botanic Gardens can choose to just wander the gardens or add on a ticket to Maleny Bird World.
There are 4 walk-through aviaries at Maleny Bird World with over 700 native and exotic birds.
Tours are available in both the gardens and Bird World.
4 and 6-seat buggies can be rented for those who want to drive around the gardens.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World has a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and tea. Hot lunch is only served on weekends and during school holidays.
Maleny Dairies
Tour the farm and factory and see how Maleny products are made at Maleny Dairies. Tours last around 1.5 hours and must be purchased online in advance. The tour at Maleny Dairies includes a tasting, and some participants may be able to bottle-feed a baby calf.
There is a stand at the front of Maleny Dairies for those who wish to order a cup of coffee, an ice cream, a snack, or purchase dairy or meat products to take home.
I enjoyed visiting the farm with my daughter’s class on an excursion. Not only is it interesting to learn the process, but the farm is very pretty, too. Plus, who doesn’t like food samples?
Maleny Dairy is my absolute favorite find in grocery stores nearby.
Maleny Shops
Maleny Cheese
Pick up your cheese, yogurt, and other delicious Maleny Dairy products at Maleny Cheese, or order a meal at the Maleny Cheese Cafe. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Picnic hampers are available for those who wish to take their food to go.
Maleny Sunday Market
The Maleny Sunday Market is held inside the RSL hall on Bunya Street each Sunday from 8 am to 2 p.m.
There are food stalls, arts and crafts, and a variety of shops at the market.
Maleny Chocolate Factory
Book a tour, join a workshop, or just head to Maleny Chocolate Factory to purchase chocolate.
There are 2 chocolate workshops to choose from: tempering chocolate and truffle making. Kids 10+ can join the tempering workshop, and those 8-9+ can join an adult in the truffle-making class.
Maleny Restaurants
Maleny Lane
For a wide variety of food options, head to Maleny Lane, a food laneway off Main Street in Maleny. There are food stalls, tables, and entertainment options at night.
I have eaten at a few of the stalls, and have always had a great meal. It does get busy, and sometimes it can be hard to find a spot to sit.
King Ludwig’s German Restaurant
Pretend you’re in Germany and be sure to book your space early at King Ludwig’s German Restaurant in Maleny. Dinner is only offered on Friday and Saturday nights, while lunch is offered Wednesday-Sunday.
Don’t forget to check the schedule for Bavarian Entertainment and Oktoberfest specials.
Maleny Marketplace
Open for breakfast and lunch daily, the Maleny Marketplace is an organic cafe that offers coffee, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Maleny Accommodations
Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa, 5 Stars
Set in a beautiful rainforest, Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa is a 5-star hotel with a complimentary breakfast. Rooms range from studios to 2-bedroom villas.
Some of the rooms at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa come with fireplaces, verandahs, or private hot tubs.
There is a restaurant on-site at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa, and cooking classes are available as well. The hotel also has a pool, spa, and fire pit.
Maleny Lodge, 4 Stars
Set in a colonial-style building with antique furniture, the Maleny Lodge is a 4-star hotel with king studios and a 3-bedroom house available to rent.
Maleny Lodge offers a complimentary breakfast and a swimming pool.
Maleny Hotel, 3 Stars
Rooms range from a single bed with a shared bathroom to a 2-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 9 guests at Maleny Hotel.
There is an on-site restaurant at Maleny Hotel as well as a communal garden at this 3-star kid-friendly hotel.
Maleny FAQ
Yes, Maleny is absolutely worth visiting on a day trip or for a few days. Maleny is a cute little town with plenty of shops, unique restaurants, and nearby things to do.
Maleny is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterlands, and the closest Sunshine Coast beaches are about a 35-minute drive away.
Wrap Up: Maleny
If you are looking for a fun day out of the city or a weekend away, Maleny is worth visiting.
From Maleny Dairy to hiking trails and waterfalls to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld, there are plenty of things to do for all budgets.
In addition to nature, Maleny has shops, restaurants, and accommodations that are perfect for a weekend getaway, whether it is for a girls’ trip, a romantic weekend, or a family-friendly escape.
We enjoy stopping in Maleny on our way back to Brisbane from Noosa. It helps to leave the highway and take the scenic route.
More Fun on the Sunshine Coast
- Fun Things to do on the Sunshine Coast
- Mary Valley Rattler Steam Train
- Noosa National Park and the Fairy Pools
- Glasshouse Mountains
- Things to do in Montville
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