ABOUT MALENY: Things to See and Do

Set in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland just over an hour north of Brisbane, Maleny is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Just a short drive to a world away, Maleny has a cosmopolitan, sophisticated choice of places to eat and drink, and an abundance of award-winning local cheeses, ice-creams, dairy and other produce. So, allow plenty of time to stay and savour all Maleny offers.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve enjoys wonderful views of the Glass House Mountains with picnic areas and a rainforest track of 1.7km that has an easy grade. There is also a shorter wheelchair-accessible track, which offers a great opportunity to commune with the natural flora and fauna. Other short walks are Gardner's Falls on the Obi Obi River east of Maleny, the Obi Obi Board walk in Maleny township and the Berganns walk at Witta.

At Maleny Dairies, where tours are available, you can meet the Guernsey herd which produces fresh milk, yoghurt and cream (www.malenydairies.com). Maleny Cheese is our local cheese manufacturer where you can taste their products and watch them being made (www.malenycheese.com.au).

Wineries - Maleny Mountain Vineyard & Winery 787 Landsborough Road Maleny (www.malenymountainwines.com.au), and Flame Hill Winery (www.flamehill.com.au) 249 Western Ave, Montville.

Shops - Special places include Colin James Fine Foods in Maple Street (www.colinjamesfinefoods.com.au), home to a fromagerie with Queensland's largest range of cheeses. The expert staff can assist with your choices, as well as serve you the best ice cream indulgence you can find. The Purple Palate cellars (www.purplepalate.com) in Bicentenary Lane has a range of very fines wines. Two lovely shops featuring specialty items are in Maple Street, so look out for Giddy and Grace (www.giddyandgrace.com) and Maleny Additions.

Galleries and craft shops - Fine art, glass, wood and craft may be found in galleries and shops in Maple Street and at Cairncross Corner. Look for: Art on Cairncross (www.artoncairncross.com.au), David Linton Furniture (www.davidlinton.com.au), Maleny Arts & Crafts, Holden's Gallery (www.holdensgallery.com),

Restaurants - there are many fine restaurants in and around Maleny including:

• Bombay Mahal Indian Restaurant (www.bombaymahal.com.au)
• Gypsy's Table (www.gypsy.com.au)
• King Ludwig’s (www.kingludwigs.com.au)
• Pomodoras (www.pomodoras.com.au)
• Reserve Restaurant (www.reserverestaurant.com.au)
• The Terrace of Maleny (www.terraceofmaleny.com.au)
• Lavender Fields in the Mist (www.lavenderfieldsinthemist.com.au)
• On Mountain View Restaurant (www.onmountainviewweddings.com.au)
• Patrick's Irish Steakhouse (www.tranquilpark.com.au)
• Capriccio's Italian Restaurant

Wedding Venues - Many accommodation businesses cater for small weddings but the major wedding venues are:

• Maleny Manor (www.malenymanor.com.au)
• House of Laurels (www.laurels.com.au)
• On Mountain View (www.onmountainviewweddings.com.au)
• Tranquil Park (www.tranquilpark.com.au)

Markets - Maleny community markets are held every Sunday in the RSL Hall starting at approx. 8am till midday. Witta Growers markets are held on the third Saturday in each month.

Maleny hosts many special events each year including: Gardening on the Edge, Wood Expo - From Chainsaw to Fine Furniture, the Maleny Art Show, the Autumn Music Festival and the Festival of the Walks (www.festivalofthewalks.com.au).

Maleny celebrates St.Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest in style and starts each year with the nearby Woodford Folk Festival, which originated in Maleny.

For details of these events see the Events List on the Blackall Range website (www.maleny.com.au)