Maleny is one of the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi country's most popular regions for a romantic getaway or a relaxing retreat. Known for its quaint and quirky town centre, profusion of beautiful art and artisan products and lush hinterland setting, it’s the perfect place to escape to for your next getaway.
From sprawling country estates to intimate romantic cabins, you're certainly spoilt for choice. Here are some of Urban List's favourite accommodation spots in and around Maleny to book in 2024.
Beam Creek Cottage
Montville | Sleeps 7
Image credit: Beam Creek Cottage | Supplied
Whether you’re escaping to the country or just trying to escape the brutality of a Brisbane winter, Beam Creek Cottage can simultaneously accommodate both. The hinterland hideaway offers a little something for everyone. The expansive family style living room boasts a cosy indoor fireplace and multiple couches to keep you relaxed and horizontal for the duration of your stay, or you can snug up on the expansive Queenslander style veranda with breathtaking views and the warmth of their outdoor chiminea (think clay vertical chimney). Do we even need to mention the massive country kitchen, bathtub for long soaks and huge country kitchen? Bonus, if you're staying three nights or more, you can score 10% off for stays until 9 December with the code URBAN10.
Fletchers Ridge
Montville | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Fletchers Ridge | Airbnb
This self-contained cottage is a true delight, complete with a fireplace, freestanding tub and a king-sized bed. Enjoy the panoramic views of Montville’s Obi Obi Valley from the daybed out on the spacious verandah or that tub, with games, Foxtel and Netflix to take advantage of if you tire of the view (you won’t). And if you are a coffee addict like us, we’re sure the coffee machine with freshly beans provided will go to good use. Book it here.
The Tiny Church And The Shed
Maleny | Sleeps 2
Image credit: The Tiny Church | Airbnb
It’s no wonder this tiny church stay is a guest favourite. The 117-year-old timber chapel has been restored to accentuate its historic features, such as wooden floors and arching ceilings, with a touch of modern country flair. Sleep just two in a plush queen bed with an outdoor bathtub and a pool to boot, it’s the ultimate romantic hinterland getaway. And don’t fret about being too far from civilisation—Maleny is only a few minutes by car for all your brunching essentials. Book in here.
Gracie Cottage
Mapleton | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Gracie Cottage | Airbnb
Not only is this cute and cosy cottage beautifully decorated with vintage country vibes, an outdoor AND indoor fireplace, and a claw-footed bath out in the lush garden, but it’s also in the top 1% of homes on Airbnb based on its ratings and reviews. Basically, there’s no way you’re not going to love it and you should go ahead and book that stay. If you need more reasons, it’s got a full kitchen, three verandahs and views of Obi Valley, and is just a short distance from Mapleton village. We’re sold—lock in your stay here.
Donnington Ridge Eco Cabin
Booroobin | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Donnington Ridge | Maleny
One of the few family-friendly cabins on this list, Donnington Ridge is an off-grid spot tucked away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland that is just 12 minutes from Maleny, so you’ll have the best of both worlds. With a queen bed and a king single bunk bed inside the stylish, minimalist cabin, you can spend your days enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills (preferably from the outdoor tub on the verandah), sitting by the firepit, taking a dip in the nearby creek or playing the giant outdoor games supplied. Book yourself in here.
Bird Song Valley
Montville | Sleeps 6
Image credit: Bird Song Valley | Airbnb
Montville is synonymous with peace and quiet and this 1920s Queenslander on the outskirts of town is no different. The accommodation has three bedrooms so you can have up to six guests all soaking up the sights and sounds of the hinterland—and there’s a custom-made free-standing spa just outside the master bedroom with French doors that open right up to that view. Have fun fighting over that room with your friends. There’s also a wraparound verandah, Hamptons-style kitchen and a second tub in the bathroom so no one will actually miss out. Book in here.
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Bonithon Mountain View Cabin
Maleny
Image credit: Bonithon Mountain View Cabin | Airbnb
This tiny house may just have the best view of them all. A mere five minutes outside of Maleny, Bonithon Mountain View Cabin offers spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains, and even the twinkling Brisbane skyline in the distance. You can take them in from from your private deck, with a campfire where you can toast up marshmallows.
Inside you’ll find a plush queen-size bed and environmentally friendly bathroom awaiting you, complete with a spread of sourdough, croissants and breakfast goodies awaiting you. You can even stroll up the drive to do a little shopping at the properties farm gate stall, which is stocked up with honey, jams, gourmet salts and more. Book here.
The Postman’s Cottage
Montville | Sleeps 2
Image credit: The Postman's Cottage | Airbnb
Did someone say luxurious and romantic getaway for two? One of the cutest hinterland towns near Brisbane, Montville makes for a perfect winter getaway, and The Postman's Cottage is a top option for mega cosy accommodation for two, within an easy walk to town. Set within a 1.5-acre estate, the cottage includes a charming wood-burning fireplace, clawfoot bathtub and full kitchen, and access to the grounds for strolls and bird spotting. Book your stay here.
Maleny Country Estate
Maleny | Sleeps 2-12
Image Credit: Maleny Country Estate | Booking.com
Like something out of a Nora Ephron movie, Maleny Country Estate brings you the perfect getaway to experience the colder months at their best. The Estate houses multiple properties, giving you the option to bring the extended friends and family or leave them at home. Spend your days playing tennis or hiking through the Maleny country and the evenings beside your fireplace—the Maleny Country Estate team will even come around to light it for you if you’re pyro-challenged.
Cobhearthhome Cottage
Maleny | Sleeps 4
Image Credit: Cobhearthome | Airbnb
Cobhearthome is a Mediterranean-inspired eco-getaway in Maleny that has won a plethora of awards, and it’s not hard to see why. This unique space features colourful glass walls, stunning European murals and hand-picked salvaged materials to create a home like no other you’ll have ever stayed in. It even contains doors from the old Maleny Community Centre and timber from Brisbane’s Brett’s Wharf, so it’s a little time capsule of Queensland architectural history.
Comfort is paramount, with guests able to choose between organic cotton and wool, gel memory foam or traditional pillows to ensure the perfect night's sleep atop luxurious, pocket spring, pillow top mattresses. Light the fireplace and snuggle up surrounded by the cosy cob walls in winter, or delight in the abundant birdlife and leafy surrounds in the outdoor bath. Romantic couple’s hampers are available on request, including local cheese and wine. Book here.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Maleny | Sleeps 2-4
Image Credit: Spicers Tamarind | Booking.com
Think: 18 acres of lush rainforest, Asian-style villas and a luxe day spa, and you’ve got Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Despite its South East Asian vibe, this spacious, verdant property is just a five minute drive from the heart of Maleny and all the shops, galleries and dining on offer. Having said that, if you just want to tuck yourself away this is the perfect place to do it.
The sparkling swimming pool features a heated spa that you’ll struggle to tear yourself away from. And each beautifully appointed villa offers up a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom with fluffy bathrobes, slippers and premium toiletries for that full VIP experience. Relax and unwind with a massage or beauty treatment at the in-house Spa Anise, and dine in style at the multi award-winning Tamarind Restaurant. Its Western luxury meets Asian tranquility. Book here.
Kookaburra Cottage
North Maleny | Sleeps 5
Kookaburra Cottage in North Maleny is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house, nestled among the rain forest trees on a 4.5 acre property overlooking the picturesque Burgum Pond. The huge deck is perfect for relaxing amongst the sounds of nature; if it’s peace and tranquility you seek, look no further than Kookaburra Cottage.
Winters are no match for the wood burning stove in the living area but where Kookaburra Cottage really shines is in the views. The living area features a full width window and sliding door that open up onto panoramic views of the lake and surrounding valley and trees, while the bedrooms, both with access to the deck, overlook the lake, rainforest and macadamia trees. There are even free-range chooks on the property, and small pets are considered upon application, so there’s no need to leave your fur babies behind. Book here.
The Lakehouse Folk Cottages
Montville | Sleeps 10
Image credit: The Lakehouse Folk Cottages | Airbnb
The perfect spot for the long-awaited squad (plus multiple sprog) reunion need not be held anywhere but The Lakehouse Folk Cottages. Spread over two luxurious cottages and ten acres of pristine Lakeview property, this space offers maximum solitude and serenity. In a coast-meets-country vibe that is ideal for keeping little ones busy and adults relaxed, 10 people can snuggle up in gorgeously kitted-out beds over two cottages and recharge for a day of taking advantage of the pool. Book your stay here.
Treetops Seaview
Montville | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Treetops | Booking.com
The massive wood burning fireplace is just one of the drawcards of Treetops Seaview—a huge spa set into the floor by floor to ceiling windows and a daily country breakfast hamper are the others. Perched on the edge of an escarpment, the cabin offers some pretty speccy views of the distant coastline, which are best enjoyed surrounded by bubbles in that spa, glass of wine in hand. Grab a bottle and book now.
Wild Sparrow Lodge
Curramore | Sleeps 4
Image Credit: Wild Sparrow Lodge | Airbnb
Right on the doorstep of Maleny National State Forest, you will find the impeccably-styled Wild Sparrow Lodge. If you’re longing for a relaxing escape, there isn’t much that hasn’t been thought of in this idyllic country retreat, with a sparkling pool overlooking the lush grounds for warmer weather, and a spacious outdoor bath on the deck.
This fully self-contained cottage is set on one private acre surrounded by flowering fruit trees and gorgeous views of the neighbouring farmland. The huge master bedroom features a king bed and French doors opening on the sprawling deck, the fireplace gives all the ambience of a roaring fire without the need for wood, and the outdoor firepit is perfect for roasting those marshmallows after a dinner courtesy of the fully equipped kitchen or Weber BBQ. Book here.
Main image credit: The Ridge At Maleny | Booking.com
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