Must-dos in Montville

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is best known for its stunning lush green landscapes. But it’s also home to the three M’s: Mapleton, Maleny, and Montville. These quaint towns all offer something unique.

You’ll quickly fall in love with Mapleton when you move into our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 302 as you look out over its picturesque natural beauty from your 5-acre property every day.

Then there’s Montville. Just an 8-minute drive from your prize home, this town is often referred to as the creative heart of the hinterland. From treating yourself to fine dining and locally grown wines to getting to know the artists and artisans that live here, Montville’s charming personality will have you coming back every chance you get.

Here are some of the best things to do in Montville:

Wine

Wine just tastes better when you can feel the love and attention that went into it, which is why it’s always best straight from the source. Sip your way through local flavours with a visit to Flame Hill Vineyard. Sitting on the highest point in Montville, Flame Hill produces 100% estate-grown and hand-harvested wines from grapes that are exposed to the unique conditions of the warm temperatures of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and cool climates of the Granite Belt across Flame Hill’s Montville and Kurrajong Lyra vineyards. Their diverse range of white and red wines ensure there’s a favourite for everyone. Sit out on the award-winning restaurant’s deck as you taste your way through their wines, enjoy a delicious meal, and relish the stunning views of the Obi Obi Valley and Mount Coolum. There’s also a market garden orchard and a herd of beef cattle on-site the 300-acre property.

Dine

When you have a special occasion to celebrate⁠—or simply want to spoil yourself just because, The Long Apron restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate is the perfect culinary treat. Recently awarded two chef hats by the Australian Good Food Guide for 2022, The Long Apron serves classic French cuisine along with stunning views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The tasting menu is the way to go as you’ll get to sample a little of everything and avoid food fomo (fear of missing out). You can expect refined yet comforting dishes that celebrate classic French techniques with a modern twist using the freshest local, sustainable and single origin ingredients sourced from local farmers and providores. And the good news is the menu is constantly evolving so there’s always an excuse to come back again and again. Really want to make a day of it? Start your meal with petite fours and a wine tasting in the library beforehand.

Brunch

Can’t start your day without a caffeine hit? The coffee is very good at Little May Espresso (psst, they serve Brisbane-roasted Bear Bones Coffee). The food’s delicious, too. The Braised Pork Benedict will warm you up on a cool winter’s morning, or for those mornings when you’re craving something guilt-free and sweet, you can’t go past the Pina Colada Pudding. Sit outside for a sun-drenched start to your day with beautiful green views and people watching down the main street.

Explore

A visit to Montville isn’t complete without breathing in that fresh hinterland air within the Kondalilla National Park. Escape the bustle of reality and get ‘lost’ amongst the eucalypt forests while spotting wildlife. It won’t be long into your hike before you are rewarded with the cascading 90-metre Kondalilla Falls. When the weather’s right, a dip in the rock pools is the perfect way to cool off and kick back.

Wander

Fancy a more slow pace to your Montville day trip? Montville’s cluster of galleries offer a diverse range of art featuring established and emerging artists, many of whom are locals. The Montville Art Gallery is located in a charming 1890s Queenslander on Main Street and has over 40 artists on permanent display, along with new exhibitions regularly. To say Ben Messina’s nature and landscape photography is beautiful is an understatement. It’s not easy to make a photo look as good as the real thing, but the iconic local photographer knows how. Spot the local landscapes in his Montville gallery and add these close-to-home destinations to your bucket list while you’re at it. Other must-see galleries include Illume Creations who celebrates colour through its glass sculptures and vases made by local hot glass artist, Tina Cooper. And for art with a view, check out Secrets on the Lake Gallery which overlooks Lake Baroon.

Ready to get to know the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s iconic townships up close and personal? Buy your tickets today to win this Mater Prize Home lottery and tick all of these Montville must-dos off your wish list. Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support the vital medical research and patient care at Mater.