Montville is one of our favourite places to escape to in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Just a short drive from the coast, this small mountain village has beautiful views, rainforest walks, quirky shops, cafés, galleries and plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
We’ve visited Montville many times over the years, whether for a wander through the village, a walk in Kondalilla National Park or simply lunch with a view. It’s an easy day trip from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane, but with some beautiful hinterland accommodation nearby, it’s also perfect for a relaxing weekend away.
In this guide, we’ll share our favourite things to do in Montville, where to stay and a few tips to help you plan your visit.
Best things to do in Montville
Kondalilla National Park
One of the best things to do near Montville is visit Kondalilla National Park, home to beautiful rainforest, walking trails and the impressive Kondalilla Falls.
If you’re short on time, you can take one of the shorter walks through the rainforest, while keen hikers can tackle the longer circuits through the park. There are also rock pools where you can cool off, although conditions can vary depending on recent rainfall.
Keep an eye out for wildlife and birds along the way, the rainforest here is full of life.
Tip: Parking at Kondalilla can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends, school holidays and during summer. Arrive early if you can.
Walk Along Montville’s Main Street
You can’t visit Montville without spending some time wandering along its main street. It’s lined with artisan shops, galleries, boutiques, gift stores and little cafés, and browsing them is half the fun.
Even if you’re not much of a shopper, the village has plenty of character and it’s worth taking your time to explore.
Visit the Clock shop
One of Montville’s quirkiest shops is the Clock Shop, packed with an incredible collection of traditional cuckoo clocks and other beautifully crafted timepieces.
I’d love to take one home, although some are rather pricey – and I’m not sure I’d appreciate a cuckoo announcing every hour during the night! Still, the detail in some of these clocks is amazing and the shop is well worth a browse.
Baroon Pocket Dam
For a change of scenery, head to Baroon Pocket Dam, just a short drive from Montville. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic, kayaking or fishing, surrounded by beautiful hinterland scenery.
There are also walking trails in the area, including tracks towards Baroon Lookout and Narrows Lookout. If you’re looking to escape the shops and spend some time in nature, it’s a lovely addition to your Montville visit.
Have Lunch with a View at The Edge
Our favourite place to eat in Montville is The Edge, mainly because of its incredible views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland towards the coast.
The food is good too and surprisingly affordable considering the location and views. It gets busy, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Flame Hill Vineyard
If you enjoy a glass of wine with a view, head to Flame Hill Vineyard. Set among the rolling hills just outside Montville, it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy some wine and soak up the hinterland scenery.
It’s an easy addition to a Montville day trip, particularly if you’d like to slow things down after exploring the village or hiking at Kondalilla.
Check out the Montville Art Gallery
Art lovers should pop into Montville Art Gallery, where you’ll find works from a range of Australian artists. Even if you’re only browsing, it’s another lovely stop while exploring Montville’s main street.
Grab some Fudge at Fudgyboombahs
For a classic Montville treat, stop at Fudgyboombahs. With a huge selection of handmade fudge flavours, it’s difficult to walk past without taking at least a little something home.
Heading to Maleny next? Discover more of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with our guide to the best things to do in Maleny, from waterfalls and scenic lookouts to local food and beautiful countryside.
Best Time to Visit Montville
Montville is a year-round destination, but autumn and spring are particularly lovely, with comfortable temperatures for exploring the village and hiking in nearby Kondalilla National Park.
Winter is cooler and perfect for a cosy hinterland getaway, while summer can be hot and humid but is also when the waterfalls are often at their most impressive after rain.
Weekends can get busy, so visit during the week or arrive early if you’d prefer a quieter experience.
How long do you need in Montville?
You can easily see the highlights of Montville in one day, with time to explore the main street, enjoy lunch with a view and visit Kondalilla National Park.
However, staying one or two nights is worth considering if you want a more relaxing hinterland getaway. The village is quieter once the day-trippers leave, and you’ll have more time to explore nearby Maleny, Mapleton and the surrounding national parks.
How to Get to Montville
Montville is located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, around 90 minutes north of Brisbane and roughly 30–40 minutes from the Sunshine Coast beaches.
The easiest way to visit is by car, which also gives you the freedom to explore nearby Kondalilla National Park, Maleny, Mapleton and the other attractions scattered throughout the hinterland.
Where to Stay in Montville
Secrets on the Lake
If you’re looking for somewhere special, Secrets on the Lake is one of Montville’s most unique places to stay. Its beautiful treehouses are tucked amongst the rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon.
It’s definitely a splurge, but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the setting, you can also visit for breakfast or lunch and enjoy the gorgeous views from amongst the trees.
Kondalilla Eco Resort
Surrounded by rainforest close to Kondalilla National Park, Kondalilla Eco Resort is a great choice if you want a peaceful nature escape while still being only a short drive from Montville village.
Montville Ocean View Cottages
For views, Montville Ocean View Cottages is hard to beat. The private cottages look out across the hinterland towards the coast, making them a lovely choice for a quiet weekend away – particularly if you enjoy waking up to a view.
Montville FAQs
Is Montville worth visiting?
Yes. Montville is one of the most popular villages in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with beautiful views, rainforest walks, boutique shops, galleries and plenty of cafés. It’s an easy day trip but also makes a lovely weekend escape.
What is Montville known for?
Montville is best known for its picturesque main street, artisan shops, galleries, hinterland views and nearby rainforest. It’s also a great base for exploring Kondalilla National Park and the surrounding Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Is Montville or Maleny better?
Both are worth visiting and they’re close enough to easily combine in one trip. Montville has more of a compact tourist village feel with shops, galleries and views, while Maleny is larger and has attractions spread across the surrounding countryside. If you have time, visit both.
Can you visit Montville without a car?
You can explore Montville’s main street easily on foot once you’re there, but having a car makes visiting much easier. Many of the best attractions, including Kondalilla National Park, Baroon Pocket Dam and nearby Maleny, are spread around the hinterland.
Is Montville good for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the village, short rainforest walks, waterfalls, picnics and nearby outdoor attractions. Kondalilla National Park is particularly good if you want to combine a visit to Montville with some time in nature.
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