The diversity of Southern Queensland , from sea, to mountains and beyond, never ceases to amaze. From Brisbane we are lucky to easily indulge in day trips or weekends away within just a couple of hours drive from our own doorsteps.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland, not only provides beauty and interesting areas to visit, but, the welcoming warmth of the locals is something you will never forget.

We had a short stay in Montville recently, an early Christmas break to beat the expected crowds, flocking to holiday at the end of this pandemic year. A fantastic way, to take a breath and relax before everything becomes full on.

Whilst in Montville, we did a short day trip via, Mapleton, Kenilworth and Maleny. This can easily be completed from Brisbane without staying, but, why would you not want to spend more time in this stunning area. More about where we stayed in the next article!

Mapleton is next to Montville, taking under ten minutes to get there. From here you turn left and drive around twenty minutes to reach Kenilworth. However, if you’re looking for a breakfast break first, make sure you stop at Cafe Mapleton. We had such a wonderful time talking to the very interesting owners!

This pretty little cafe, has such a beautifully laid back vibe. If you’re in a rush, don’t bother to stop, this is a place you come to relax and enjoy. Simple, wholesome meals, created with a smile and a whistle. We loved this cafe!

Kenilworth, is a popular township, some fantastic shops for wiling away time, including the Kenilworth Dairies. Not just cheese and milk products, they stock more than enough to make your own delicious platters, including relishes and crackers. A little cafe is on site too with a few scattered tables and shade umbrellas.

We wandered along the Main Street, lined with colourful, cute shopfronts, popping in here and there to check out the local wares. The Chocolate shop, oh my what a find! With an incredible array of chocolate, sporting an unending array of flavours, shapes and fabulous ideas, it’s very easy to lose track of time as you salivate over the endless purchase possibilities.

Browse the other shops too. A great way to spend a few hours, all the time remembering you are injecting some much needed tourist dollars into a small country areas economy.

The local park is conveniently located across the road from the shops and the Dairies. A lovely tree filled green space with children’s play areas and shady seating as well as toilet facilities on site.

Once you’re ready to leave this gorgeous area of Queensland, continue on the route to Maleny. Again the cuteness and quaint shops are totally enthralling. Lose yourself here for a few hours, there’s plenty to see. Depending on the day, there’s markets, quaint shops, an IGA which sports the most incredible delicatessen array we have ever seen in a supermarket, seriously go check it out!

Be sure to visit the bakery and the genuine butcher. Everywhere we went we were told brief or long stories. Peoples life’s are so interesting. I love that every person has a story. And until you talk to them you never get know even a little piece of their story.

Tear yourself away from this gorgeous area to head home, or visit the Maleny dairy, and other shops on your way back to your accommodation. But, even if you’re heading home, turn left to head to Montville just to the visit the totally amazing secondhand/record shop, just past Maleny Dairy.

We were stopped here for a long time, so much to see plus add that to a beautiful chatty owner who shared some of her interesting life story with us. What a most amazing experience!

We didn’t even scratch the surface in what to do on this day trip. I swear you could do this every weekend for a year and still not know this area inside out. Next week, I will share the incredibly special venue we stayed it. Trust me you will love it ! Remember to follow Dine Live Travel on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat for more photos!