It’s hard not to fall for the charm and beauty of Montville from the minute you arrive. The natural beauty of this small town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland combined with its boutique shops, art galleries and village vibe are all characteristics you won’t be able to resist as a visitor, let alone as a lucky local should you win our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 307.
Your beautiful Mater Prize Home will prove the perfect base for your new life in Montville. Its three spacious bedrooms, modern open-plan living, and dream kitchen will spoil you for space and luxury - two things you can happily get used to with life out in the hinterland. And then there’s the many indoor-outdoor vantages that make the most of your incredible surrounds and those sweeping views over the hinterland to the coast and ocean beyond that remind you daily that there’s so much to explore and enjoy in your new neighbourhood.
So, when you can’t resist the urge any longer to get out and see the best of Montville, these are just some of the must-do things you won’t want to miss.
As you take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, you’ll get a true sense of the heart and soul of this quaint town. Instead of cookie-cutter shops you’ll find unique and personality-packed stores that remind you just why you love living away from the city. There’s always a new treasure to uncover or friendly local to get to know. Montville Antiques is a must if you’re on the hunt for something special and unexpected; the German chalet inspired Clock Shop is a one-of-a-kind store you won’t find anywhere else; and Illume Creations offers a colourful display of local hand blown glass art from Tina Cooper with amazing views out over the Blackall Range to leave you completely in awe.
Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a pampered day at the spa—or both—you can’t go past the stunning Spicers Clovelly Estate. Reminiscent of a French country estate, this will become your home away from home. The luxurious Spa Anise at Spicers Clovelly Estate is the perfect way to treat your tired muscles and spoil your senses to a full treatment menu of massages, facials, body exfoliation, and more. At the two-hatted Long Apron restaurant you’ll be won over by the hearty modern French bistro cuisine served on the shaded verandah with surrounding view of the fruit tree-filled gardens.
Not too far from your prize home is an untouched world of lush greenery, wildlife and pure serenity within the Kondalilla National Park. Created by volcanoes and carved out by water over roughly 28 million years, its enchanting beauty will have you stopping by regularly for some fresh air and hikes. Eventually you’ll get to know all the walking trails, but to begin with, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit is a great starting point. It encompasses a section of the Great Walk and gives you gorgeous views of the Kondalilla Falls, where Skene Creek drops 90m into a rainforest valley. You can also enjoy a dip in the rock pools at the top of the falls.
When it comes to coffee and dining, two top choices are The Edge and Little May Espresso. The former boasts the best views in the neighbourhood. You’ll feel on top of the world as you feast on a dozen local oysters dressed in lime, fennel and prosecco mignonette before moving onto coconut braised beef short ribs that are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside just in time for winter’s cool touch to breeze through this mountainous town.
For brunch and coffee, Little May Espresso is the local’s favourite. They cater to those wanting a nourishing start to their day with their Pina Colada Pudding, those who love the classics like French toast dripping in maple syrup and mascarpone, as well as those who know life’s too short not to devour the likes of braised pork benedict or scrambled eggs topped with chilli oil and tobiko caviar for breakfast.
You will find a new appreciation for wine when you sip on some that’s been locally grown and harvested in your own ‘hood. Flame Hill Vineyard produces wines that are 100% estate-grown on the highest point of Montville, hand-harvested, and sourced from plantings that are up to 80 years old. Curious as to which Flame Hill wines will pair best with your home-cooked meals? Sit yourself down for a meal at the Flame Hill Deck and Terrace and learn from the pros. You’ll get a beautiful paddock-to-plate experience as you devour dishes featuring produce grown right on the Flame Hill farm and in their kitchen garden, including grass-fed Angus beef and a variety of herbs and vegetables.
Unsurprisingly, Montville attracts a lot of the creative types. With no shortage of beautiful inspiration all around, the town is brimming with art galleries featuring their amazing art work. Montville Art Gallery is a collective display of over 40 of the region’s best artists: you’ll find the original 1890s Queenslander that houses the gallery on the main street in town. Don’t just stop there, there are numerous other galleries on the main strip worth exploring, too.
Ready to uncover Montville’s charming gems? Buy your tickets today to win this Mater Prize Home lottery on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and place yourself in the heart of its natural beauty. Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support the life-changing medical research and patient care at Mater.