The Sunshine Coast is on land traditionally owned by the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara peoples. It runs from the Glass House mountains in the south, and north to Noosa – about a 50-minute drive on the Bruce Highway.
It’s known as a family friendly holiday destination where you can rent a nice apartment right on the beach. But I think there’s more variety and natural beauty in the hinterlands. I’m based in the idyllic town of Mapleton, a 30-minute drive inland. It’s lush rainforest country with lots of waterfalls.
Food
The dining scene hinges on a laid-back beach vibe where you get fresh produce and great culinary experiences in casual settings.
The owners of Mapleton Public House also run the organic Falls Farm, which supplies produce to many top restaurants. The chef, Cameron Matthews, updates the menu often and the wine list is Australia-forward. It’s in a classic Queenslander building with a wraparound veranda overlooking the Blackall Range and out to the ocean.
Terella Brewing in North Arm is my favourite brewery. On the weekends you bring a picnic blanket, hit up the food trucks and listen to live music on the lawn. It has a petting zoo for kids, too. Last year, Matso’s opened its first outpost outside Western Australia in Eumundi. It has a big outdoor beer garden and great food.
At Piggyback in Palmwoods you can get a bao bun and a spicy margarita and eat with your shoes off. It’s owned by Tony Kelly who’s behind Rice Boi in Mooloolaba and Giddy Geisha in Maroochydore. They’re all great. My local secret is in the cute mountain town of Montville. The Neapolitan-style pizza at Fiorio & Co is unmissable! Get it takeaway and find a lookout on the range to watch the sunset.
My hot tips for coffee are The Island Surf & Espresso in Mudjimba, Nambour Social and Ours at Moffat Beach.
Green spaces
I do Kondalilla Falls circuit walk most mornings. The part to Picnic Creek waterfall is wheelchair accessible. The walk continues to the epic 80-metre drop of Kondalilla Falls and on to a deep rock pool at its base. It’s really cold water so it’s super busy in summer but, at 8am, I’m cleaning cobwebs off the trail. For serenity at any time, Flat Rock is a swimming hole in the rainforest on…
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