When researching things to do in Maleny, we had some of our usual suspects but even we were surprised to uncover some hidden family friendly gems. All you need to do is jump in the car with the kids and head to the rolling green hills and crisp country air of beautiful Maleny. Maleny is located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, about an hourโs drive from Brisbane. Pack a lunch if you like, or book ahead at one of the amazing restaurants that call this mountain home.
Brisbane Kidsโ Top 10 Things to do in Maleny with Kids
Bushwalk to Kondalilla Falls
Take a bushwalk to Kondalilla Falls and enjoy a dip in this refreshing rainforest waterhole. The walk contains over 100 steps and so requires a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. Kondalilla Falls, like most waterfalls, is best experienced after the wet season or following good rains. Pack a plastic bag for your shoes after your walk- you can thank us later for that tip. Ofcourse, plenty of water, some snacks and a good dose of patience is always helpful too.
German food at Maleny
Feast on hot pretzels or schnitzel at King Ludwigs German Restaurant and Bavarian Beer Bar while you take in the mountain views. They are open Wednesday’s to Sunday with bookings being highly recommended. Hours vary so check out their website for more information.
Get hands on with nature
The new Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers spectacular views of the heritage-listed Glass House Mountains. Enjoy a coffee from the on-site cafe as you take in the view from the elevated viewing platform, or take a stroll along one of the many walking trails. There is a lovely kids’ playground located on a hillside of green gras which is a popular space for a picnic and stretch before a drive back to Brisbane.
Did someone say Devonshire tea on the mountain?
Treat yourself to a Devonshire tea after chatting with the macaws at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Bird World features the popular ticketed aviary tour home to over 700 native and exotic birds.
Take a tour of a working dairy
Take a tour of the working mountain top dairy, Maleny Dairies. Watch the kids feed the animals and take a tractor ride. Donโt forget to bring an esky with you on the day so you can head home with some of their delicious produce.
Magical waterfalls at Maleny
For those with younger kids, enjoy a swim at Gardners Falls; a popular spot for those with little ones due to its lovely shallow rock pools and accessibility from the car park making for a lovely short Sunshine Coast bushwalk with kids.
Views of the Glasshouse Mountains
Stop to enjoy the view at Gerrards Lookout, which overlooks the hinterland. Bonus points if you come here on the weekend because often there is a guy with a coffee cart here.
Enjoy the Witta Markets
Visit the Witta Markets for a pie from the Maleny Pie Guy and pick up some local produce for the week ahead. The Witta Markets are held from 7am-12pm on the third Saturday of every month in Witta (about 10 minutes from Maleny). https://www.facebook.com/wittamarket/
Platypus in Maleny
See if you can spot the elusive resident platypus in Obi Obi Creek. You can reach Obi Obi Creek via the Obi boardwalk (entering via Bicentenary Lane). The walk is only short and it is pram friendly.
Fromage on the mountain
Donโt leave Maleny without stopping at Maleny Food Co. From their famous fromagerie to their insane list of gelato and sorbet, you will not regret visiting here!
Gelato to finish up your day
Flavours that caught our eye include Kinder Surprise Gelato, Honeycomb Gelato, Forestberry Sorbet and Salted Lime Sorbet. They also have a memorable cafe menu featuring meals such as grazing boards for parents and cheese and ham toasties for the kids.
If you liked this list then you might also enjoy reading out post on things to do on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland which encompass Maleny and Eumundi.
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