88. Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The most unique mountain village in Australia.
So many secret places and surprises in this part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
This week Lyle and I take you exploring the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland area. In particular we record live as we walk around Montville which is an amazing little village perched right on the edge of the escarpment of the Blackhall ranges 500 metres above sea level.
We start in a secret park area full of ponds and lush vegetation. Listen as we tell you just how stunning it is and how surprised we are with the changes since we were last here.
Next, we take you with us along this quaint main street of Montville Village. We share all the unique shops, cafes, galleries, that line it. Even the footpath gets a shout out. I tell you about my favourite dress shop – and not just because of the clothes, but also the dressing room.
We half-jokingly call Montville the wedding capital of the world and you will understand why after his episode.
Nothing in this little village is ordinary – in fact most things are extraordinary – including the world-famous purpose-built wedding chapel. It is like nothing you have ever seen before.
Finally, we reach the top of town where we share the most spectacular view that is Instagram famous. Imagine every shade of green, forests, farms, hills gently rolling down all the way to the white strip of sand that lines the sparking blue Pacific Ocean – just spectacular, and you can enjoy a coffee, meal or cold drink (I mean wine obviously) here.
Stay listening to the end when we tell you all about the incredible national parks that surround Montville and the most popular hikes that form part of Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is one of the most popular weekend getaway spots in the country and for good reason. Please enjoy episode 88.
SHOW NOTES AND PICTURES BELOW
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is located 30 minutes inland from the coast on the Blackall Ranges. The two main townships of Montville and Maleny sit about 450m above sea level. It is one of the most scenic areas in Australia and is very popular for weekend getaways.
The biggest industry in the region is weddings as there are many wedding venues that not only have spectacular views, they cater for all the needs of your big day. Some venues have to been seen to be believed, and it is no wonder that many brides choose this part of Australia to be married. Some of the wedding venues can be found here - Some of the best Sunshine Coast wedding venues
At the southern end of Montville is a large carpark and a little hidden treasure that most people don’t know about. Of course, we tell you more in this episode and as we recorded live you can hear all the birds in the background. This time we visited we were blown away by the lushness of the Russell Family Park. Not many people know about this parkland which is just behind the main street of Montville that has 1000’s of visitors every week. There is a 600m path that surrounds the edge of the ponds and a shady children’s playground. Russell Family Park truly is a hidden gem right in the heart of Montville.
Montville receives many day trippers from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. The one kilometre long main street is what attracts people. You can easily wander around the main street for hours as there are so many unique galleries, shops, cafes and more to explore.
There are so many different types of architecture and quaint little Queensland cottages that are now full of artisan shops including the famous Clock Shop, Chocolate Country and the Montrose Water Wheel. There are many places to enjoy a coffee or meal, includinng many outdoor areas with spectacular views. You can sit next to the giant water wheel, under the Moreton Bay Figs, around a chocolate bean fountain or even in a French cafe with views to the ocean.
You will be amazed at the variety of shops in Montville. There is definitely something for everyone. One of my favourites is Amazen puzzle and game shop. I have never walked out of this shop without a new game or toy for one of my grandchildren. The staff are incredible and know exactly what to recommend for every age. You can find the famous Fudgy Boombahs fudge shop in the main street as well as the Montville Woods gallery full of handcrafted wooden statues, furniture and everything in between.
Right at the northern end of the Montville main street is the Montville Cafe Bar and Grill. This Tudor style pub is one of the most popular spots in town, especially on the weekends. The meals are fantastic and great value. There is a massive shady beer garden with water mist sprays for the hot days. The pub is also popular in winter as it holds a Christmas in July every year. You need to book ahead though as it is always popular. You can find out more about the Montville Cafe Bar and Grill here
Another hugely popular spot at the top of Montville is The Mayfield Complex. This building is perched right on the edge of the escarpment and has the best views in Montville by far. The complex includes shops and galleries, luxury accommodation at Mayfield on Montville and The Edge Cafe and Restaurant. You can sit on the open balcony or under cover and see the views all the way over the rolling green hills to the Pacific Ocean. It is truly beautiful.
If you’re not into shopping or wandering the main street - then don’t worry- there is something for you too. A popular reason people visit the Sunshine Coast hinterland is to hike some of the amazing trails in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. One part of that walk is the Kondalilla National Park Waterfall loop to the bottom of the 90m waterfall. This hike takes about 1 to 2 hours and close to the top is the safe swimming hole of the rockpool with another small waterfall. The views, the trees and the wildlife make these hikes incredible and there are many different hikes for different fitness levels through the hinterland.
If you would like to hear all the information and fun stories about the Sunshine Coast Hinterland then click one of the players above. We recorded this episode live as we walked around Montville and we share many stories as we used to live here and run an accommodation business. If you would like to see the other destinations in our “Aussie Summer Series” then click the button below. For all the different accommodation options in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland click here.