About Maleny

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.

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The best hotels in Maleny

Maleny Lodge

Maleny (Queensland)

A gorgeous 1905-built residence in pretty Maleny, transformed into a guesthouse in the 1940s. Now an elegant, adults-only lodge with wood-panelled walls, earthy tones, soft linens & wood-burning stoves, the lodge offers four suites & a three-bedroom house. The swimming pool & gardens are enchanting.

  • Birdwatching - Follow the Obi Obi Boardwalk or Maleny Trail to spot spotted drongos and wagtails amongst 18,000 native trees and plants
  • Romantic Break - Romantics will adore the spacious suites, some with private balconies, claw-footed bathtubs & wood-burning stoves
  • Local exploring - A beautiful base for exploring the creative community of Maleny, and the Glasshouse Mountains beyond
  • Groups - The three-bedroom Rosedale House is perfect for groups of up to six guests
from €213 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Lillypilly's Cottages & Day Spa

Maleny (Queensland)

Five comfortable cottages with beautiful views over the verdant Conondale Ranges near Maleny. Expect big beds, sitting rooms with wood-burning stoves, kitchenettes & whirlpool bathtubs. A refreshing swimming pool, friendly owner-managers, a small spa & private balconies with BBQs await.

  • Trekking - The 58.8km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk winds through eucalyptus forests, striking waterfalls & the Blackall Range
  • Romantic Break - The cottages are perfect for romance with their whirlpool tubs for two, stunning views and in-cottage dining packages
  • Back to Nature - A lovely, nature-focused escape with mountain & lake views, walking & cycling trails & a sense of tranquility
  • Wine tasting - Tours and tastings of the cellar doors and vineyards of the Sunshine Coast are fantastic
from €227 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Seven Peaks Farm Stay

Maleny (Queensland)

A collection of whitewashed modern cabins on a verdant 34-acre farm, with the Glasshouse Mountains beyond. Airy, studio-style cabins have double beds, sitting rooms & kitchens opening onto garden-facing terraces. The largest cottage has 3 bedrooms. Pick veggie patch produce & enjoy rural walks.

  • Groups - Individual cabins are hugely romantic, but groups of friends can book multiple cabins for a fantastic escape together
  • Local markets - The Wednesday and Saturday Eumundi Markets are marvellous fun for local produce & artisanal crafts
  • Country Escape - A tranquil rural escape, with six cabins on a 34 acre farm near the beautiful Sunshine Coast
  • Great walks - Follow hiking trails through the gorgeous Glass House Mountains
from €248 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Spicers Clovelly Estate

Maleny (Queensland)

Gorgeous French-style suites, a 3-bedroom cottage & 6-bedroom house await on this sumptuous estate near Montville. Expect elegant interiors with patterned headboards atop big cosy beds, garden views & swish marble bathrooms. An acclaimed bistro, spa and swimming pool complete the romantic picture.

  • Country Escape - A romantic rural escape with wonderful landscaped gardens & a swimming pool set around a French provincial country house
  • Romantic Break - Couples will adore the opulent suites with French-style interiors, as well as the spa and acclaimed restaurant
  • Groups - 3-bedroom French Cottage or 6-bedroom Montville House are perfect for families or groups of friends
  • Local markets - There are fantastic craft markets in nearby Montville and Maleny, two small towns with a burgeoing craft culture
from €311 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa

Maleny (Queensland)

A collection of 14 elegant Asian-influenced villas set on 18 acres of lush grounds near Maleny. Fresh, airy spaces feature polished wood, pretty patterns & a soothing green & cream palette. With a swimming pool, spa, acclaimed Thai restaurant & cooking classes, this is a gorgeous country escape.

  • Great walks - Follow self-guided waterfall strolls, or explore the Mary Cairncross Bushwalk with an expert guide, soaking up beautiful scenery
  • Foodies - Foodies will adore fantastic Thai flavous at The Tamarind, along with excellent cooking classes & kitchen garden tours
  • Romantic Break - Private villas are perfect for romantic escapes, with elegant interiors, spa baths & delicious cuisine
  • Cooking classes - Join the culinary team for fabulous French, Italian or Thai cooking classes
from €393 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia