Sunshine Coast Hinterland: where to eat, play & stay

By Carla Grossetti
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Dust off the sand and prepare to frolic through the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Escaping the suntanned crowds on the Sunshine Coast is something locals have been doing for decades. And these days, the options for those who want to stay and play in the hinterland are endless. From super-cool boutique breweries to the retreats and restaurants that were formulated with those viridescent views in mind, here is our hot list of new and noteworthy reasons to hightail it to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Where to stay in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

SCANDI AT MALENY

Shhhh. Slow down. You’re going too fast. Put the brakes on and embrace a more mindful way of life at Scandi at Maleny, which is a Pinterest-worthy cabin that will delight and inspire. The architecturally designed adults-only modular eco-minded two-bedroom cabin overlooks Blackall Range, which presents like a beautiful stretched canvas. Light the fireplace on a cool hinterland night and snuggle under a Brogo blanket by Bemboka (one of many thoughtful touches) and you will never want to leave.

Scandi at Maleney.

Embrace a more mindful way of life at Scandi at Maleney.

LOVESTONE COTTAGE

Located in the heart of the Blackall Range, on the crest of the famous Montville escarpment is where you will find Lovestone Cottages, just five minutes from Montville. In addition to the original 1906-built Lovestone House, occupied by owners Tamara and Jonathan Large, there are just three cottages – Maple, Rosewood and Quandong – and they are configured with spas, fires, decks, comfy sofas for couples to sit, lie down and relax while enjoying lake and rainforest views.

Lovestone Cottages

Lovestone Cottages is just five minutes from Montville.

SPICERS TAMARIND RETREAT

This rainforest retreat exemplifies the hidden side of the hinterland, which feels a million miles away from the sun-blasted Sunshine Coast. Although the hinterland is now heaving with places to stay, Spicers Tamarind Retreat is like a temple to how it’s done. Sit around the fire pit, curl up in a hammock swing over the mint-green lawns, enjoy a candlelit feast at The Tamarind or simply drink in the serenity from the comfort of your spa studio.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Spicers Tamarind Retreat is one of the originals.

GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS ECOLODGE

The accommodation on offer at Glass House Mountains Ecolodge may have had many lives, but each dwelling looks very settled in this location at the base of Mt Tibrogargan. Stay in a restored church, former train carriage, or treetop bungalow at the lodge, which have all been faithfully upcycled in accordance with the owner’s environmental values. Families will love the art walk, bush tucker walk and children’s ‘seek and find’ trail.

Glass House Mountains Ecolodge.

The breadth of accommodation on offer at Glass House Mountains Ecolodge.

Where to eat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

KENILWORTH

If ever there was a time we needed to embrace a #1kgdonutchallenge, that time is now. Earn those calories with a 6.5-kilometre run along the Fig Tree walk before embarking on your lip-smacking endeavour at the Kenilworth Country Bakery. Kenilworth is pretty casual so you can stay in your tracky dacks while you try and devour the enormous fried donut. The country bakery is also home to Australia’s first coffee in a donut.

Embark on a lip-smacking endeavour at the Kenilworth Country Bakery. (Image-Visit-Sunshine-Coast)

MONTVILLE

If anybody can package up local provenance and present it in on a plate it’s chef Andrew Birse (ex-Arc Dining) who supports small-scale farmers, cheesemakers and artisan growers at The Long Apron, a French Provincial-inspired restaurant in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Book a night at the luxurious Clovelly Estate to better enjoy the tasting menu, which has been expertly paired with prestige French and Australian wines.

The Long Apron

The Long Apron is a French Provincial-inspired restaurant.

Unfurl your best red-checked blanket beside the fire pit at Kenilworth Homestead for a picnic that is like a beautiful riff on Escape to the Country Argentina. The feast is inspired by the traditional South American asado barbecue: think fire-roasted meats with seasonal vegetables, and homemade smoky ketchup followed by fresh coffee. Arrive early and make a day of it by communing with the farm animals and enjoying the live music at the Terra Firma Dining experience.

Terra Firma Dining

The Terra Firma Dining experience.

MALENY

Hopping around the hinterland is exhilarating when you stumble across gems like the Maleny Food Co., which is a must. The quotient of man buns and nose rings is definitely higher here than in other parts of the hinterland, but the crowd of hipster foodies is onto something. Head here in your going-out overalls to enjoy Hinterland Feijoas, Maleny Cheese, Ugly Duck Preserves, Essential Grain Bakery sourdough, and a scoop of Maleny Food Co gelato.

Maleny Food Co gelato.

Indulge in a scoop of Maleny Food Co gelato.

What to do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

VISIT YANDINA

The name Yandina means ‘to go on foot’ in the language of our First Nations people who had tribal grounds near Yandina Creek. The town backed by the craggy Blackall Range is one of the region’s oldest and these days is a draw for visitors to the Yandina Markets, the iconic Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School, and The Ginger Factory. Those who vibe on vintage finds will also appreciate the Collective Haus.

Yandina-ginger-factory-(image-Visit-Sunshine-Coast)

The Ginger Factory.

ENJOY A TOUR OF TOP PLACES FOR A TIPPLE

Bounce between breweries such as Brouhaha Brewery, which is known for its food as well as its beer, and Terella Brewing, known for its sustainability bent, on a Hinterland ExBeerience with Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours where you can go behind the scenes and see how the beer is brewed. Eumundi Distillers at The Imperial Eumundi and Cavu Distilling (the makers of Sunshine & Sons gin) are also worthy pit-stops as is Diablo Co (‘a devishly good alcoholic ginger beer’).

The Imperial Eumundi.

Eumundi Distillers at The Imperial Eumundi.

GET UP CLOSE TO NATURE IN MALENY

The Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is a beautiful serene expanse of Sunshine Coast Hinterland sitting high on an escarpment overlooking the iconic Glass House Mountains. The privately-owned garden is home to thousands of different plants, including some of the rarest cycads in the world. The gardens are also home to ‘Bird World’ which features more than 700 native and exotic birds in walk-through aviaries. Factor in a tour to the property’s stunning waterfall (find more waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast here).

The Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

The Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is a beautiful serene expanse. Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

GO TO THE GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS

The Glass House Mountains area is part of Jinibara and Kabi Kabi country and it’s a place of great cultural significance for both groups who ask visitors not to climb the mountains out of respect for their values. Join charismatic TribalLink director Kerry Neil in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town of Mapleton instead to hear Dreamtime stories about the mountains and enjoy an immersive walk through the rainforest to learn about native flora and fauna.

The Glass House Mountains area

The Glass House Mountains area is part of Jinibara and Kabi Kabi country.

Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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12 of the best Mooloolaba cafes for beachside bliss

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

    Slow mornings and brilliantly brewed coffee – they’re my ultimate couple goals. Like most Sunshine Coast beach towns, Mooloolaba delivers the good life in spades. Salty air reliably dials down my stress levels while deep creativity, locally sourced ingredients and magical views make for some of the best cafe culture in the region.

    Here, I round up my favourite Mooloolaba cafes, one lazy meal at a time.

    In short

    If you only dine at one of the best Mooloolaba cafes, make it The Booley for its proximity to the surf, hearty meals and vibrant atmosphere that rolls into afternoon wines.

    The shortlist

    Hottest new opening: Luca Cafe
    Best pastries: Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough
    Best views: De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar
    Hidden gem: The Booley

    1. The Velo Project

    a plate of strawberry crepe at The Velo Project, Mooloolaba

    Skip the everyday breakfast classics and go straight to the crepe menu. (Image: Supplied)

    A local’s secret, situated in a quiet street behind the well-trodden Mooloolaba Esplanade, The Velo Project is a converted garage that’s always busy. They roll out such consistently good coffee – I’ve never had one that’s too hot, or too milky or too bitter. Focused on showcasing the region’s freshest produce, the Mooloolaba cafe dishes up brekkie classics dressed in delights, like the avocado smash with roasted garlic and red onion, plus left-of-centre creations including the K. Pop Bagel with beef brisket. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend something off the crepe menu, though. Cooked with buckwheat flour, the bad boys swing sweet or savoury, each lashed in whatever ingredients are thriving at the time (and Nutella, because every season is Nutella season).

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Busy

    Location: 19 Careela St, Mooloolaba

    2. Luca Cafe

    breakfast and coffee at Luca Cafe, Mooloolaba

    Tuck into egg and bacon muffins.

    I wander away from Mooloolaba Beach to its chilled little sibling, the Mooloolaba Spit, for Luca Cafe, one of the newest Mooloolaba cafes making waves. It’s a good thing because their Banana Bread Iced Matcha is wonderful, as are the friendly staff who welcome me. I’m here early enough to grab a patio table overlooking the street, which fills up quickly, before my Coffee Supreme-bean fix (a killer coffee operation out of New Zealand) hits the spot. The menu covers AM basics like eggs benedict, a big (real big) breakfast and avocado on toast but I go for the seasonal Karaage Stack’s honey-glazed fried chicken on a waffle because you only live once. It’s worth noting that if you don’t make breakfast, lunch offers toasted sandwiches, fish and chips and more.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$-$$$

    Atmosphere: Relaxed

    Location: 25 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

    3. The Booley

    a close-up shot of a brunch plate at The Booley, Mooloolaba

    Hit up The Booley for a drool-worthy all-day brunch menu.

    While The Booley is located right across the road from beautiful Alexandra Headland, it remains a local’s secret, away from Mooloolaba proper. I love it for that reason, and so many others. Open until 1.30pm daily on the ground level of the Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside, the cafe is a laidback hipster haven perfectly suited to your Instagram feed. A drool-worthy all-day brunch menu includes the standout ‘Booley Bangers’ with free-range pork snags and crispy potatoes, plus there are crispy waffles with lemon curd and berries which I spy on multiple tables around me. If you’re around of an afternoon, they also do wine, beer and cocktails, best enjoyed al fresco with a side of salty sea breeze.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Sceney

    Location: 188 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland

    4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

    the croissant special at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar, Mooloolaba

    Make your breakfast the highlight of your day with De Ja Vu’s croissant special.

    Lean into the most tourist-trodden part of Mooloolaba with a table at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar. Endlessly bustling with holidaymakers as it’s located on the ground floor of Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba, one of the best Mooloolaba accommodation options, the hot spot invites ample people watching over generously sized meals. Expect early bird classics including Bircher muesli, omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs and corn fritters plus inventive extras like ‘The Mexican’ with chorizo, eggs, peri peri sauce and Manchego cheese. Lunch is just as nourishing as burgers, fish and chips, wraps, pasta and nachos roll out of the kitchen.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Hectic

    Location: 4/47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

    5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

    frappe and burger at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough, Mooloolaba

    Fuel your day with a frappe at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough.

    My favourite pit-stop for a fluffy sourdough loaf and sneaky treats. Tucked away in a set of local shops, Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough is understated but locals are obsessed. Think homemade savoury pies filled with excellent (not fatty) meat cuts and blistered to golden buttery perfection, plus a revolving collective of glazed buns, giant slices and tarts. No matter when you drop in, the sweets are prepared with love and fly out the door fast. Love your cold brew? The talented crew dabble in their own creations, giving you another reason to check this spot out.

    Cuisine: Bakery

    Average price: $

    Atmosphere: Takeaway

    Location: 15/130 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

    6. Local Social Mooloolaba

    ham cheese tomato toasties and coffees at Local Social Mooloolaba

    Make a beeline for ham, cheese and tomato toasties at Local Social Mooloolaba.

    Indulge in a little retail therapy at The Wharf Mooloolaba before dropping into Local Social Mooloolaba for a light bite and quality caffeine hit. Located in the thick of the entertainment precinct, right around the corner from Mooloolaba Esplanade, the slick spot does great coffee, smoothies and shakes plus grab-and-go meals including wraps, acai bowls, bagels and sandwiches. If you’d prefer to tuck in while seated, pull up a bar stool at the breakfast bar.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Casual

    Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

    7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

    a pint of beer at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

    Enjoy a pint at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba.

    Of course, it’s a brewery but after a big night, I can’t resist 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba’s giant $13 ‘Brekky Special’. Available until 11am on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a heavenly grease feast of bacon, eggs, hashbrown and sourdough toast. Additionally, this Mooloolaba cafe is located on the Esplanade so I’m always grateful for the salty sea breeze that alleviates my morning brain fog. There’s also a long list of morning classics for not-too-many dollars more and several juices and smoothies on the menu.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Pub-style

    Location: 105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

    8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

    Barista at work in Colombian Coffee Co. in Mooloolaba

    The popularity of the cafe has seen it expand to a second location.

    Sample local roasting at The Colombian Coffee Co., where beans are crafted in-house much to the delight of early risers across the region. Inspired by the rich flavours of Colombian coffee production, and the owners’ roots, this Mooloolaba cafe is adored locally for its coffee but also for its warm hospitality. It’s been such a hit in recent years that the team opened three other stores around the state. Inside, vintage furniture and scattered greenery create a home-away-from-home while a limited menu offers sandwiches, salads, slices and other grab-and-go treats.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $

    Atmosphere: Friendly

    Location: 4/20 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

    9. Francis Bean

    Francis Bean, a local spot in Alexandra Headland and not the famed American nepo baby, dishes up delicious breakfast and lunch favourites including pancakes with ice cream, chilli scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, and bagels. A good option is diving into the $16 breakfast deal which includes a large coffee and one dish. Their coffee hits the spot, too, as Campos beans fill the machine. Even better, you’re right across the road from the beach so there’s always a seat with a view.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Local

    Location: 3 Mari St, Alexandra Headland

    10. Half Court Coffee

    Another of Mooloolaba’s newer offerings, unveiled in April 2025, Half Court Coffee is a slick ode to caffeine and one helluva sport. Before I enter, I catch a very cute tiny hoop hung above a rubbish bin, and once I’m ordering, I spy stools mirroring basketball shades via vibrant orange legs. Also, the counter was made from old basketball flooring, astonishingly. It makes sense that the operation is the brainchild of Semi-Pro coffee, a hyper-creative team roasting beans out of Brisbane. Pair your silky-smooth caffeine fix with a fresh pastry, as I did, and kick your feet up at one of the outdoors tables where locals converge daily.

    Cuisine: Pastries

    Average price: $

    Atmosphere: Chilled

    Location: 1-3 Kyamba Ct, Mooloolaba

    11. Bleu Bean Cafe

    breakfast at Bleu Bean Cafe, Mooloolaba

    Savour refined breakfast favourites at Bleu Bean Cafe.

    Adored by locals for its seasonal homemade meals and quality caffeine hits, Bleu Bean Cafe is worth venturing just a little further back from the beach for. Take a seat indoors or outdoors and choose from flavour-packed, internationally inspired dishes including a much-loved sweet potato rosti, the Bleu Bean Savoury Mince on toasted sourdough, and a bunch of breakfast regulars. The team also play around with authentic Asian flavours, with a delicious slow-cooked pulled beef pho on the menu during my last visit in June 2025. Visitors can also expect cold-pressed juices blended with healthy spices and herbs.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Relaxed

    Location: 3/104-106 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

    12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba

    Just a few steps down from the Surf Club Mooloolaba, I find The Good Eats Mooloolaba nailing organic plates prepared with love. A coastal fit out sets a serene scene as my chilli eggs with multiple mushroom varieties and pickled chilli slices light up my morning. Consider the ‘Fan Favourite’, too, compiling fresh avocado, tomato, goat’s feta, pistachio dukkah and salsa verde for a total flavour bomb. I’m not a Chai drinker myself, but the table next door is treated to an organic sticky chai with colourful edible petals and I almost order one. A lovely start to any day, just moments from the sand.

    Cuisine: Modern Australian and organic

    Average price: $$-$$$

    Atmosphere: Calm

    Location: 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba