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.