Noosa Outback Edition 12

Cover: View from Maleny. Photo: Amy Feeney

Just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast is “Noosa Outback” where the “Outback meets the Surf”.

There are mountains to climb and lakes to see and amazing National Parks for all to enjoy. Take a country drive through historical townships, stop on the way to buy some fresh local produce from farm stores and local market vendors and take in the stunning scenery.

There are experiences galore such as riding the historic Mary Valley Rattler, catching a silent movie at the Pomona Majestic Theatre, visit the Kenilworth Cheese Factory or take a bush walk through majestic forests.

You can spend a day or stay and play for days on end. There are so many places to stay you are spoilt for choice with farm stays, camping options, B&Bs and cabins.

There are vast amounts of countryside for you to explore. To get the real feel of the Noosa Outback try horse riding, mountain biking or a bush walk.

From rolling hills, to lush green pastures, rocky outcrops and magnificent waterfalls - Noosa Outback has so much to offer that it will keep you coming back for more!

AMAMOOR

Amamoor is a small country village that comes alive in August for the Country Music Muster when thousands descend to hear some of Australia’s greatest country music. There are also some hidden gems to be found all year around.

Amamoor Station is famous for the lovingly restored Mary Valley Rattler heritage steam train which is an experience of yesteryear that everyone will enjoy. Click Clack Cafe is a great spot for a bite of lunch.

The Amamoor State Forest is a bird lover’s delight with over 120 species able to be found in its riverine forests. Amamoor Creek is also renowned for finding

platypus at play at dawn and dusk. There are several walking tracks through the forest from short walks to longer treks for the more adventurous. Home to Mary Valley Adventure Trails, you can take a guided horse ride through the Mary Valley from a half day ride to multi-day rides.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Amamoor Lodge provides relaxing boutique country accommodation with fine country hospitality. Or for camping, Cedar Grove on the banks of Amamoor Creek is a great spot to pitch the tent.

Click Clack Café at Amamoor Station.

BOREEN POINT

Boreen Point is situated on Queensland’s largest saltwater lake, Lake Cootharaba and is a gateway to the upper Noosa River and Noosa Everglades making it the perfect spot for boating and fishing and enjoying all that this beautiful natural environment has to offer.

hearty Sunday spit roasts which always attract a big crowd.

Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club is a must for any sailing enthusiasts with predominant sea breezes providing some of the best flat water sailing conditions in the world.

Accommodation options abound from camping at Harry’s Hut, glamping at the 65 acre Habitat Noosa which has its own microbrewery or taking in the luxury of Alaya Verde B&B are just a few of the options.

The historic Apollonian Hotel is a magnificent reminder of times past built of hoop pine and cedar and surrounded by wide verandahs. It is renowned for its

Whether you go it alone or jump on a tour, exploring this area provides some unique experiences.

Two girls in Everglades. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

COORAN

A quirky town, Cooran is great for a visit on your tour through the hinterland. Find unique treasures in Fabulous Finds, sip a signature micro-brew in Noosa Hinterland Brewing Co and get a delectable bite to eat in the popular Hinterland Restaurant.

The 5km winding dirt trip up Tablelands Road to James McKane lookout is well worth the trip offering spectacular views over the hinterland, wood BBQs, picnic shelters and a large grassy area perfect for a game of cricket or to kick the footy.

For nature lovers, there is access to the Noosa Trails including the Cooran Tableland Lookout. Nearby Mothar Mountain State Forest offers more walking tracks and swimming holes.

Cooran Tall Trees Exhibition is a unique art exhibition that occurs throughout the town in the last weekend in October.

Cooran Playground.

Where

a local.

View from Cooran. Photo: Julie McLaws

MICRO-BREWERY

Pinbarren Countryside. Photo: Leanne M Airey.

The Heart of Noosa Hinterland, Cooroy is a charming country town with a big heart and a lot to do and see.

Offering a diversity of experiences including heritage, nature, arts, sports, shopping and a great selection of cafes, restaurants and accommodation options, this town makes a great base to explore the region further.

For nature lovers, Cooroy is home to several of the Noosa Trail networks, the Noosa Botanic Gardens and Lake Macdonald.

The town is saturated in cultural & heritage experiences with community artworks incorporated throughout the

streets, art exhibitions and workshops at the Butter Factory Arts Centre and the Cooroy Mill Site with its interesting heritage buildings from the milling era and woodworking clubs.

Noosa Botanic Gardens & Lake MacDonald Lake MacDonald Dr Lake MacDonald

PAINT-BRUSH

Butter Factory Arts Centre 11A Maple St Cooroy

Cooroy RSL 25 Maple St Cooroy

For all the information about this great Noosa Outback town visit their free community website at Cooroy.online

The new Hinterland Adventure Playground is unique, naturebased and packed full of fun for all ages and abilities. The facilities include waterplay, flying fox, swings, natural and rock play areas, sand pit, rocket ship, green spaces, sensory garden, tunnels and more. It also offers picnic areas, BBQ and amenities making it a great spot for families and gatherings.

Cooroy Mountain.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Famous for its artisan markets, held each Wednesday & Saturday, Eumundi also offers some interesting shopping options such as Berkelouw Book Barn and Cafe, Pearls for Girls and several art galleries offering unique treasures.

The main street is lined with memorial Fig Trees and public art sculptures are dotted around the town making for an interesting stroll.

For dining there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, bakeries and two hotels to choose from. Accommodation options including a selection of B&Bs, the Eumundi RV Stopover and rooms at Joes Waterhole.

Caplick Park is a great adventure playground for the kids and there is also a swimming pool, tennis courts and skate park to provide further activity.

Eumundi. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

SHOPPING-BAG

A town of restaurants, guest houses, and art galleries surrounded by avocado orchards, Flaxton is one of the prettiest of the Blackall Range settlements.

To the east are sweeping views to the ocean’s horizon providing the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunrise.

To the west is the subtropical rainforest of Kondalilla Falls National Park providing beautiful

walking trails, picnic areas and rock pools to cool off in.

Worth a visit is The Barn on Flaxton which sells fashion, gifts and has a great verandah cafe. Everything is homemade just like Grandma used to make.

Flaxton Gardens is an iconic high tea, dining and wedding venue with coastal views stretching from Noosa to Moreton Island.

Bush swim at Kondalilla Falls National Park.

The rural town of Imbil is the largest in the Mary Valley and is nestled on the banks of the Yabba Creek. The township offers parklands, a variety of shops and services and the weekly Imbil Country Market on Sunday. The Rattler Café and Imbil Railway Hotel offer dining options.

A steep haul to the Imbil Lookout presents incomparable, near 360-degree views to Kenilworth, the mountains, and the Sunshine Coast. While Queensland’s newest rail trail offers a 4.7km walk or ride from Imbil to Brooloo passing through state forests.

Nearby Imbil State Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, swimming and walking.

For the equestrian enthusiast, Stirlings Crossing Equestrian Centre combines state of the art facilities providing all requirements for a variety of equestrian related events.

Imbil Country Market Yabba Creek Rd Imbil

Railway Hotel 110 Yabba Creek Rd Imbil

Mary Valley Show Imbil Showgrounds Imbil

Imbil is home to the Mary Valley Show in August each year which is a traditional country show with ring events, rodeo, woodchop and more.

Local daredevils at the Imbil skate park.

Fresh local produce and homemade wares to be found at the Imbil Country Market.

Kandanga is an RV friendly town on the banks of Kandanga Creek.

The surrounding countryside boasts rich pastures, orchards and spectacular views of Noosa Outback. You can also often see koalas in and around town.

The original 100 year old Kandanga Hotel burnt to the ground but was

rebuilt in 2017 and boasts lovely bull nose verandas and is a great spot for a good feed.

Kandanga Country Club has dining in the Double Bridge Dining Restaurant. The venue includes bowling greens and gaming machines and there is RV Camping adjacent.

Gympie – the real treasure is the town. Photo: Mal Dodt

KENILWORTH

Kenilworth is one of the larger towns in Noosa Outback and oozes country charm. Their Living History Museum offers dairying and timber industry displays, a film presentation, tanners store and machinery shed and working displays of a school room, laundry and telephone system.

Their factory shop provides samples of their products and you can also purchase their products and other locally produced gourmet goodies.

There are a good selection of eateries, shops and experiences on offer and a wander down the main street is sure to unearth some delights. The Kenilworth Country Bakery is a must visit for the sweet tooth – home to the 1kg donut challenge and Australia’s first coffee in donut!

Central to the town is a park with a fantastic playground situated just across the road from the Kenilworth Dairies cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream factory.

Kenilworth Hotel is a traditional Aussie pub with good value accommodation and there is camping at the show grounds. Just up the road there is camping and cabins at Kenilworth Homestead.

Thilba Thalba Viewpoint Delicia Section.

Photo: Queensland Government

Booloumba Falls. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

For a tiny town, Kin Kin certainly punches above its weight. Blessed with glorious scenery, a gourmet cafe, an historic pub and a jewel box of a gift shop, Kin Kin offers visitors fabulous food, relaxation and a chance to find something unique and local to take home afterwards.

great locally grown coffee what more could one ask for? Take home their pizzas or lasagne.

As an appetiser or for afterlunch exercise, stroll around the remarkable shelves of the one-ofkind Kin Kin Depot. This sparkling gift shop showcases the best of local art, jewellery, leather goods, candles and beauty products as well as hand-picked pressies from around the world.

The award-winning Kin Kin General Store and Cafe aka ‘The Black Ant’ is a must for brekkie or lunch. With a tantalising menu celebrating local produce, delicious seasonal foods, homemade ice-cream and

There are multiple options to enjoy the natural beauty of Kin Kin with three Noosa Trails accessible ranging from 11km to 25 km. Or for a shorter nature experience, take a short stroll through the Arboretum or along the Dogrell Forest Trail.

Bushwalking

Black Ant Gourmet at Kin Kin General store. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

A rosie view of the world through The Depot’s front window.

LAKE BORUMBA

Lake Borumba is in the heart of Noosa Outback, 11kms from the township of Imbil.

The lake is stocked with Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch and Mary River cod by the Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association. A fishing permit is required which funds the stocking. There is also a great saratoga fishery from previous stocking that has established a breeding population.

Surrounded by National and State forest it is a picturesque lake with BBQ and picnic area. With 480 hectares of lake surface area it is a mecca for those who enjoy canoeing, boating, water skiing or fishing.

Lake Borumba Caravan and Camping Ground is 800m from the lake adjacent to the Yabba Creek. It offers powered and unpowered sites with outdoor camp kitchen, fire pits, showers and toilets and free use of kayaks and a volleyball court. Tribute

Camping at Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Ground

Fundraising Opportunity for Not for Pro t Groups and Clubs

Lake Borumba Caravan and Camping Grounds is run by a not for profit organisation that is passionate about giving back to our community.

If you hold a group event at our campgrounds we will donate booking funds from your event back to your not for profit organisation.

For example, 100 adults @ $16/head = $1600 back to your organisation. Get in touch

Please note: For large groups a cleaning/ amenities fee may be deducted. Terms & Conditions apply.

DOVE

MALENY

A postcard shot is around every twist in the road in Maleny’s dairy country of lush, rolling green hills high on the Blackall Range.

Offering numerous scenic spots, culinary delights and idyllic places to stay, Maleny has a lot to offer any explorer of the region.

Maleny village has the Obi Obi Creek winding around it with playful platypus able to be spotted if you are lucky. The

main street offers a selection of delectable dining options as well as hidden treasures in the retail shops.

Must see spots around Maleny include Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Gardners Falls, Maleny Botanic Garden and Bird World, Baroon Pocket Dam, Maleny Dairy and Art on Cairncross. On the long weekend in May the Wood Expo at Maleny Showgrounds offers up a celebration of timber.

Foodies Delight Maleny.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mary Cairncross Park. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mapleton Falls National Park is home to abundant native flora and fauna and the stunning Mapleton Falls with a number of day walks and a viewing platform that soaks up the magnificent Mary Valley.

For a great picnic spot visit The Lilyponds which was for many years a swamp and underwent an $800,000 makeover to turn it into a community park. There are free BBQ's, children's play park and covered seating areas.

Also, Delicia Road Conservation Park is worth a visit for the 2.2 km walk called the Linda Garrett circuit which passes through rainforest, a palm grove and tall, wet, eucalypt forest. The great

barred frog may be seen along Gheerulla Creek and birdwatchers may hear the melodic, drumming call of the endangered marbled frogmouth.

After your explorations you might like to stop into the village and grab a bite to eat at the Mapleton Tavern or one of the quaint cafes along the hilltop.

Mapleton Observatory is a nighttime adventure that is worth a visit with open nights once a month and the ability to book your own night.

Blooming water lillies.

Mapleton family picnic. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Wompoo Walk at Mapleton Falls.

MONTVILLE

Glorious views of the Sunshine Coast abound in Montville as does the selection of local accommodation on offer with everything from B&Bs to cottages and cabins many with delightful views and surprising amenities.

antiques all on offer in abundance. With a plethora of dining options you won’t go hungry either. The Edge Restaurant is worth a visit with the deck perched on the edge of the escarpment offering panoramic views of the Coast. For a great dog friendly café with giftware and a garden visit Camphor Cottage.

The township offers up a huge selection of unique shopping experiences such as Montville Woods Gallery. If looking for that unique take home momento, Montville probably has what you are after with art, fashion and

Offering up the romance of the hinterland, Montville is also a popular spot for weddings and romantic getaways. Home also to Baroon Pocket Dam Recreational Area with a nice picnic area and lovely views across the lake. The indulgent Secrets on the Lake has a café restaurant overlooking the lake and the tree-top cabins are absolutely delightful.

Shopping in Montville. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland. Gardners Falls, Maleny.

POMONA

Located at the base of the towering Mount Cooroora, Pomona is a lovely country village with a diversity of offerings. The hike to the summit of the mountain is challenging but rewards with sweeping views of Noosa Outback.

If heritage is your interest, Noosa Shire Museum should be your first port of call with a vast and varied collection from the past.

Every Saturday from 7am to 11.30am are the Pomona Country Markets followed by a silent movie at the Majestic Theatre commencing at noon. The heritage listed, Majestic Theatre has been operating since the silent film era and they also host regular events

with live entertainment and classic cult screenings.

LANDMARK

The Pomona Railway Station has been converted into an art gallery, with a series of halls that have displays of local arts and crafts, well worth a visit for any art lover.

There are a variety of eateries, shops and antique stores to keep you busy as you roam around the town.

Stroll through the Pomona Markets.

Countryside.

Photo: Leanne M Airey

TRAVESTON

While Traveston doesn’t have a town centre it does have a lot to offer and is a lovely for a drive that links Cooran to the Mary Valley.

The newly built Traveston Service Station is home to Matilda, the giant kangaroo mascot from the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Dingo Creek Vineyard is worth a visit on weekends offering light luncheons, and wine & ale tastings.

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Ground with 50 lush acres on the Six Mile Creek is a fantastic campground for families with a pirate ship playground, tractor rides and more.

Just up the road is Garapine with 180 acres of natural bushland including their Mountain Bike Park and accommodation.

LANDMARK

Dingo Creek Vineyard

PAINT-BRUSH

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Ground 1484 Noosa Rd, Tandur

Matilda.

Dingo Creek Vineyard Share Platter.

Towering Eucalypt.

YANDINA

Yandina has a host of experiences to offer the explorer of Noosa Outback. Yandina Historic House Information Centre offers an art gallery, crafts, gifts and Devonshire tea and coffee.

Just up the road is the Ginger Factory with train and boat rides, tours and educational shows set in beautiful sub-tropical gardens. Their café and retail outlet provide everything gingery! Across the road is Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory where you can view factory processing of macadamia nuts, chocolate panning and roasting.

A meal at the award winning Spirit House restaurant or a class in their cooking school is definitely

something that should be on the must-do list. Nearby Wappa Falls and Wappa Dam offers a short walk and some rock hopping with some picture snapping opportunities.

The Ginger Factory 50 Pioneer Rd Yandina

The Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School 20 Ninderry Rd Yandina METEOR

Wappa Falls Observatory 191 Wappa Falls Rd Yandina

The Wappa Falls Observatory is one of Queensland’s leading private observatories with 16 telescopes and providing both day and night time shows that are humorous, fun and informative.

To the east of Yandina, Mount Ninderry offers an easy climb for those interested in a bit of bushwalking.

Wappa Falls, Yandina. Exploring The Ginger Factory.