From volcanic peaks and rainforest walks to charming villages and family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty of fun to be found in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Look west across the Sunshine Coast and the landscape quickly changes, rising from the coastline towards the dramatic volcanic peaks, rolling green hills and rainforest of the Hinterland.
Best of all, getting to the Hinterland is easy, with many of its towns and attractions little more than 30 minutes by car from the beach.
A great way of navigating the Hinterland is via the Blackall Range Tourist Drive, which is only 55km long, but is packed full of interesting diversions.
Start at Nambour for a very good reason: this is the home of the legendary Big Pineapple.
It was one of Queensland’s most popular attractions back in the 1970s and 80s, even attracting royalty in the form of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Times have changed, but fortunately the Big Pineapple has been recently upgraded, making the experience – including the famous Pineapple Train – just as relevant for children of today.
Meerkat Encounter at Wildlife HQ, Woombye. Credit: Nic Morley; Jesse Lindemann
If you have time, spend a few hours at the adjoining TreeTop Challenge adventure park, which spans 10 acres of rainforest with 120 challenges and 12 ziplines, suitable for ages four and above.
There’s also Wildlife HQ, a compact zoo and wildlife sanctuary home to over 200 native and exotic animals. It features interactive animal encounters, a tropical rainforest setting, and native Australian species alongside global wildlife.
A short diversion from the Big Pineapple is Amaze World, a classic maze adventure that will both entertain and wear out energetic kids, while in Nambour there’s another zoo, but in this venue, Hologram Zoo Sunshine Coast brings 3D animals to life in a fun and educational way.
It’s now time to turn the children’s attention to the natural attractions, which is easy as you climb the escarpment to the first of the Hinterland’s three M’s – Mapleton.
First port of call should be Mapleton Falls, as it provides a thunderous view after rain, and is easily reached from the car park.
Kondalilla Eco Resort, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
If you’ve worked up an appetite, call into Mapleton Public House for lunch and grab a table on the veranda to take in the views across the Hinterland to the coast.
The other two M’s – Montville and Maleny – are definitely ‘must-stop’ destinations along the way, both for educational purposes – such as a visit to Maleny Cheese – or for naughty but nice shopping at Willy Wonka-style shops such as Chocolate Country.
After the sugar hit, explore some of 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve before ending the afternoon at the stunning Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, which features an enchanting permanent fairy garden complete with mushroom houses, a treehouse, and a full-size boat.
With so much to see and do, it’s worth considering a stay along the Blackall Range. Nestled in 22 acres of pristine Sunshine Coast Hinterland rainforest, Kondalilla Eco Resort is ideal for families and features a pool and on-site restaurant while being just steps from nature walks. Family packages are also available for the perfect hinterland escape.
For more ideas, head to www.visitsunshinecoast.com
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