A pretty town in Queensland's Sunshine Coast region, Maleny has become a favourite destination for curious creatives and nature aficionados alike. Framed by verdant forests and the imposing Glass House Mountains, this laid-back destination is the ideal springboard for outdoorsy adventures. A growing crop of superb accommodation options await, with the best places to stay in Maleny promising intimate escapes, with fabulous seasonal cuisine, friendly hosts and beautifully manicured gardens.

If you’re eager to soak up the magic of Maleny’s natural surroundings, lace up your boots or hop on a mountain bike and follow spectacular trails through the Glass House Mountains, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, and around the Baroon Pocket Dam. The lake is brilliant for bird watching, fishing and kayaking, too. You’ll find myriad rare birds at the stunning Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, even closer to town.

Back in Maleny, independently owned boutiques and craft markets invite travellers to connect with Queensland’s cool creative arts scene. Sip cold beers at small breweries, savour locally made cheese, or head to the Tamarind for modern Asian cooking classes. An acclaimed cooking school, this striking spot is also situated at one of the best places to stay in Maleny.

The Best Places to Stay in Maleny

For a Gorgeous Guesthouse

• Maleny Lodge is a beautiful guesthouse in a 1905-built residence in the heart of town. Elegant, adults-only suites and a three-bedroom house have antique furniture, earthy linen textiles and wood-burning stoves. The gardens and swimming pool are gorgeous. Utter bliss.

For a Rural Retreat

• Lillypilly's Cottages & Day Spa offers five charming cottages with polished wooden floors, big beds, wood-burning stoves in cosy sitting rooms, and whirlpool bathtubs with views over the Conondale Ranges. Kitchenettes and terrace BBQs are ideal for keen cooks. Guests share access to a swimming pool and small spa. A relaxed, nature-focused escape.
• Seven Peaks Farm Stay, set on a verdant 34-acre farm, is a collection of seven whitewashed cabins with double beds, sitting rooms and kitchens opening onto garden-facing terraces. Pick produce from the veggie gardens for flavoursome meals as a couple or with friends. Modern, pared-back and outdoorsy.

For a Luxury Escape

• Spicers Clovelly Estate is a romantic rural retreat with elegant French-inspired suites, and two multi-bedroom cottages on verdant grounds near Montville. Indulgent bathrooms are brilliant for unwinding in style, as is lovely Spa Anise. Hop on the hotel bicycles, take scenic strolls through the gardens and feast on seasonal fare at the acclaimed Long Apron bistro.
• Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa is made up of 14 Asian-influenced villas in 18 acres of lush gardens near Maleny. Expect modern minimalism, with polished wood, green, blue and cream-coloured textiles, and big spa baths. A superb country hideaway with a terrific Thai restaurant and cooking classes, plus pool and spa.

FOR A HOLIDAY Cottage or APARTMENT

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Sunshine Coast Airport, 40 minutes away, or to the much larger Brisbane International Airport and travel to your hotel by bus or taxi. Brisbane is just over an hour south of the Maleny. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport or bus station pick up in advance.
• Queensland is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Maleny has two seasons: the warm, dry season — from April to September — and the hot, wet season, between October and March. Visit during the warm, dry season if you can. If you're heading to the Sunshine Coast for great surfing, avoid the school holidays and look to travel in March or September instead.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Noosa.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Queensland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.