There’s more to the Sunshine Coast than its beaches. In fact, if you’re chasing some fresh country air, a day trip to the Mary Valley and a stop at Kenilworth will satisfy you.
The region is tucked at the top end of the Sunshine Coast — roughly 90 minutes from Brisbane, too — and is an idyllic destination to explore. On your way to Kenilworth you’ll spot cows, pastoral sheds, and farmland that stretches to the horizon.
A day trip to Kenilworth
Located roughly 55 kilometres from Coolum Beach, Kenilworth is a beautiful town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and a must-visit destination if you’re in the Mary Valley. This quaint rural town is built on the backs of dairy farmers, It might be small in population, but the area proudly provides for visitors. There is a early-1900s vibe to the place, which you can learn more about at the historical museum.
Take some time to discover the art galleries and independent shops. Then chill out in the Kenilworth Town Park located in the heart of the town.
Kenilworth is also something of a ‘hidden gem’ if you’re looking for a day out with the kids. Here are some of the easy things you can do on a day trip to Kenilworth.
Get a cheesy fix at Kenilworth Dairies
With its dairy background, a must-see attraction at Kenilworth is the Kenilworth Dairies. Lifetime locals and sixth-generation dairy farmers, the Cochrane Family, took over Kenilworth Dairies in 2017. Formerly the Kenilworth Cheese Factory, it is renowned for its award-winning diary products, using milk from local dairy farms.
The milk, cheese, yoghurt, mousse and ice cream for sale is top quality, and udderly delicious!
Watching the cheeses being made from a viewing platform at Kenilworth Dairies is a highlight. As is sampling many of the Dairies’ delicious cheeses.
There are gourmet club cheddars like mango and macadamia, and hot chilli, as well as family favourites. There are also handcrafted, matured, wax-coated cheeses that use recipes dating back to the ’20s. The range also includes Australia-style fetta and halloumi cheeses. If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The yoghurt at Kenilworth Dairies is so creamy. It comes in natural or you can sample flavours inspired by our beautiful Sunshine State. Think mango, honey, lemon and passionfruit, and mixed berries as a perfect treat for the summer months. Flavoured tubs can be purchased in 200g, 500g and 900g, while the natural yoghurt comes in a tubs up to 10kg!
All this taste testing created an appetite, which is handy because Poppa’s Cafe is conveniently located. Once you’ve finished sampling at the Cellar Door, step into the cafe and support another local business. There’s a range of sweet (scones, muffins, waffles, pies etc.) and savoury bites, but we couldn’t go past the Ploughman’s Grazing Platter ($35).
It comes with a selection of Kenilworth Dairies’ cheeses, semi-dried tomatoes, marinated olives, pickled onions, roast capsicum, salami, pastrami, ham and quince paste. It’s also served with lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, crackers and toasted sourdough. It easily fed our family, and allowed us enough room to indulge in one of the famous Kenilworth Dairies’ ice creams!
Get a sweet fix at the bakery
If dairy isn’t your thing, Kenilworth Country Bakery is another foodie highlight. It’s a great place to head if visiting Kenilworth with kids.
The bakery is the home of the legendary 1kg doughnut challenge. It’s also where you’ll find Australia’s first coffee doughnut. This World-Heritage-listed bakery, with its old woodfired bread oven and enchanting character, sells more than just doughnuts though. You’ll find artesian pies, sourdough and baked goods too. There are also vegan and gluten free options!
In addition to the treats for two-legged fans, the bakery also stocks tasty snacks for pooches. Grab your furry friend a dog biscuit or doughnut before you leave.
To market, to market
With a takeaway coffee and a six-pack of doughnuts, it’s time to explore the markets.
The Kenilworth Country Markets are pure country charm. They’re held every Saturday from 8am. Browse the stalls selling art, craft, homewares and fashion. It has a great community vibe to it.
Post shopping spree, check out the street art that features throughout the town.
You’ll find a 15-metre mural featuring legendary musicians along the back of the Kenilworth Country Bakery. It’s the art of Daus Von Roe, who also painted another 30 musicians on the wall of an adjoining building in 2020. It’s easy to see why the street art would become a frequent backdrop in visitors’ social snaps.
Refresh at Kondalilla National Park
If the kids still have energy to burn, stop at Kondalilla National Park before heading home. Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’, which describes the park’s waterfall. This cool mountain retreat is a popular place for birdwatchers and bushwalkers. It is also a refuge for many species of native animals and plants.
Enjoy rock pools and freshwater creeks along the park’s walking tracks. The 1.7km Picnic Creek Circuit is perfect for little legs. Or you can take on the 4.6km Kondalilla Falls Circuit for a greater challenge. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk offers scenic views over the waterfall. Just be sure to leave your pets at home if entering the national park.
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