Things to do in Maleny, Queensland: Attractions guide for visitors

The best things to do in Maleny, Queensland, include the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, McCarthy’s Lookout, Gardners Falls and the Maleny Dairies tour.

6 best things to do in Maleny, Queensland

The best things to do in Maleny are:

Admire the gardens and feathered friends at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World.
Get great views of the Glasshouse Mountains from McCarthy’s Lookout.
Spot native wildlife in the rainforest at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Splash in the natural pools at Gardners Falls.
See milking demonstrations and feed the cows on the Maleny Dairies tour.
Mooch around the cafés, restaurants and galleries.

Maleny, Queensland, is one of the most attractive towns in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Natural attractions are Maleny’s strength, and there are several things to do in Maleny that show off Australian flora and fauna.

Things to do in Maleny, Queensland: Botanic Gardens and McCarthy’s Lookout

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is arguably the headline attraction in this Sunshine Coast hinterland town. It’s next to McCarthy’s Lookout, one of the best spots for viewing the Glasshouse Mountains. The terraced, layered gardens at the Maleny Botanic Gardens climb the hillside, interspersed with little lakes and water features. Meanwhile the aviary plays host to around 700 birds, many of them colourful species from around the world. You can book tickets here.

Bird World at the Maleny Botanic Gardens on the Sunshine Coast — There are plenty of cheeky cockatoos in the Bird World aviary. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

What to do in Maleny, QLD: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Should you wish to see wildlife in its natural habitat, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to the south of the town is a winner. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a preserved tract of rainforest, laced with several walking trails. Plenty of native animals live here. Get lucky and you might see possums, echidnas, gliders, bandicoots, kookaburras, goannas and pademelons.

Another excellent Maleny attraction is Gardners Falls on Obi Obi Creek. A short walk from the car park, Gardners Falls offers a series of cascades coming down from the Blackall Ranges, plus pools suitable for kids to splash around in.

Gardners Falls on Obi Obi Creek near Maleny, Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

A little further north, Baroon Lake is the main reservoir for Maroochydore and Caloundra. It’s a good spot for kayaking, swimming and fishing.

Things to do in Maleny, Queensland: Maleny Dairies tour

Other things to do in Maleny, Queensland, include a tour of Maleny Dairies. This is traditionally a dairy town, and Maleny Dairies is the major milk producer. Tours of the site include milking demonstrations, visiting the factory, cow selfies and hand-feeding the animals. Then there’s milk, yoghurt and custard-tasting afterwards. Tours cost $14 and last about 90 minutes. Book via the Maleny Dairies website.

In truth, though, you don’t need to visit any of these Maleny attractions to enjoy the town. In recent years, it has become something of a rat race escape. As people have switched city for country, they’ve followed their passions.

Hence the sheer number of arts and crafts galleries, plus cafés and restaurants serving local produce, on Maple Street. Like the cows, you can come here to happily mooch and graze.

12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now

Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour.
Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades.
Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour.
Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight.
Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour.
Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour.
Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.

Other Maleny attractions

Other popular Maleny attractions include the Maleny Manor and Tiffany’s Maleny wedding venues, plus Maleny Markets and the Maleny Golf Course.

Top Maleny accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Maleny are:

For luxurious pampering surrounded by rainforest: Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa.
For rooms at a classic Aussie pub: Maleny Hotel.
For charm and mountain views: Maleny Terrace Cottages.

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