Gardener’s Falls
We’ll pick you up bright and early in our comfy, air-conditioned minibus for the short drive through the pretty countryside to our first stop, Gardener’s Falls, a hidden diamond just a short stroll from Obi Obi Creek. Nature has carved out a series of shallow pools cascading into a deeper one, all surrounded by native forest, giving it a timeless, calming quality. Need a calming, meditative start to a relaxing day? You got it!
McCarthy’s Lookout
Amble back into the minibus for the scenic drive through rolling Jinbara Country up to McCarthy’s Lookout, where you can sit and gaze at the dazzling 360° panorama around you – across the deep green of the plains to Mt Beerwah and the other mountains of the Glass House range, eroded into strange shapes by time and weather, and over to the Sunshine Coast. You’ll get a feel for this timeless landscape as you inhale the pure mountain air.
Morning Coffee & Tea Stop
After experiencing the wonder of Sunshine Coast topography, it’s time to relax with a freshly brewed morning coffee (or tea!) and a selection of petite cakes (3) per serving at our favourite artisan cafe, the Maleny Food Co. in the charmingly quirky rural town of Maleny. Renowned for showcasing local produce and its award-winning ice cream, Maleny Food Co. is the perfect place for a relaxing pit stop to recharge for your next delight.
Howells Knob Lookout
Just a short drive away through farmland (and taking care on the road – there’s lots of fascinating wildlife around here!) you’ll come to the peaceful and secluded Howell’s Knob Lookout. Shh! It’s our little secret – it’s not on the tourist trail. You’ll gain a different perspective on the rolling landscape and mountains beyond. After a short stop here, head back to the minivan for something very special…
Fig Tree Walk at the Imbil State Forest
From the space and quiet of the mountaintop lookout, you’ll suddenly enter a different world. A world of deep green canopy: of piccabeen palm, white cedar and Moreton Bay fig. You’re in the heart of the lush rainforest of the Imbil State Forest. As you take your time on a 45-minute easy-route Fig Tree walking track, enjoy the chorus of birdsong from over 120 species that make their home here. You may spot a brush turkey rustling in the undergrowth, or, if you’re very lucky, a shy red-necked pademelon.
Lunch at the Kenilworth Hotel
So far, you’ve enjoyed a feast for the senses but now it’s time for a feast for your tummy because it’s lunchtime and that means a relaxing stop at the Kenilworth Hotel. The hotel is an architectural gem, built way back in 1939, in the Art Deco-flavoured Streamline style of the time. It’s also a friendly, popular watering-hole, and sidelines as a craft brewery. The chef sources local produce to create a menu packed with classics and specials of the day – there’ll be far too many things to tempt you! Enjoy your two-course lunch at a leisurely pace as you fuel up for your final stop on your tour.
Kenilworth Dairies
Work off your lunch with an hour of free time to spend wandering around the Kenilworth Dairies, an artisan cheese factory that was once owned by global manufacturers Kraft, but was bought out by the locals, and is now in the hands of a local dairy family, the Cochranes. Watch how the skilled cheesemakers craft a range of their boutique hand-made cheeses – two of them being Queensland Red Malling and Roma Malling cheeses, still made using the original 1920 recipe. If there’s a tasting happening (and if you’ve still room in your tum), do take advantage of it! The dairy also makes luscious chocolate mousses and yoghurts so thick you can stand a spoon in them.
At 2.30 pm we’ll round you up back into the minivan for the comfortable drive through the picturesque scenery of the Sunshine Coast back to your drop-off point.
