THINGS TO DO IN WINTER ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
I may be starting with a modern variation on a tried and true Aussie favourite ‘thing to do’ while on a hinterland holiday, but if you’re needing a break over the cooler months and wondering what your options are on things to do during winter holidays then I have 7 awesome ideas for you. There really is something here for every ‘body’ and every degree of ‘energetic’. I’ll call them the ‘Heavenly 7’
WINTER GOURMET TASTE AND TIPPLE TOUR
No longer able to be labeled just a ‘Food and Wine’ tour, there are so many variations to this original theme. The hinterland is FULL of hidden gems. Meet the makers of unique gourmet delights on these fantastic tours. Visit organic, ‘home grown’ farms with the freshest clean produce, sample local dairy products of cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams, dine in world class eateries or if you’re out for the extraordinary take a guided bushtucker tour. If that’s not enough, wash it all down with locally brewed craft beers, wines and artisan roasted coffees. All of this in ideal scenic locations! Hop on a bus with your besties and head off for a day of fun, laughter and flavours.
‘MAJESTIC’ MOVIE OR A LIVE SHOW
The lesser known gem (there’s that word again) that is the Majestic Cinemas and Event Centre just a short drive from the Lodge is THE place to see latest blockbuster movie titles, art house and specialty films. Not just a big screen, this is also the place to catch a live show. This month you can take a trip down memory lane with the Everly Brother Tribute Show or The Fortunes.
PICNIC IN OUR BEST PARK
I was looking for the best images that really show off Russell Family Park, the lush and lovely parkland hidden smack in the middle of Montville behind the hustle and bustle of Main Street. I came across this perfect description by blogger Leanne McCabe. Great covered picnic areas with spotlessly clean BBQs, a playgym, swings and slippery dip for the kiddos, paths perfect for scooters, skateboards and trikes and endless grassy greenness perfect for spreading a rug and staring at the sky. Feed some ducks in the huge pond if you like but whatever you do, bring along an attitude of relaxation! If you’re feeling like something sweet to enjoy while you’re relaxing, you’re not far from one of our all time favourites, Chocolate Country! – just a hop skip and jump up the path!
FIREPLACE AND NETFLIX
There’s nothing wrong with hanging out at home (your home away from home that is), cranking the crackle of the log fire and curling up with your favourite steaming brew in front of the TV. With Netflix and a huge Dvd library at your fingertips you’ll want for nothing in the viewing choice department. We’ve even thrown in a few soft snuggle blankets for those who really like to bunker down for a day on the lounge!
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT
We eat out A LOT so we’re pretty well versed on awesome food spots across the Coast. But here in the hinterland we’re spoiled and the Urban List agrees with their list of their 6 top spots to dine. We’ve personally tried each of these (many times) and can vouch for their deliciousness! Urban List top pick in no particular order: Monica’s Cafe in Maleny; Wild Rocket at Misty’s, Montville; Shotgun Espresso, Maleny; La Botiga, Mapleton; Homegrown, Palmwoods; Little May Espresso, Montville.
A VILLAGE BROWSE
Montville Village itself is an experience not to be missed. It possesses what feels like remnants of an old world village atmosphere mixed with a bit of chic, eclectic charm and a touch of country. Many of the 70 odd boutique shops and eateries are housed in historic buildings dating back to the first settlers of the area. While the village spans both side of the street for not much more than a few hundred metres you’ll find that you could easily spend a full day browsing and still not see, taste or experience everything. If it happens to be open (guaranteed on at least one weekend a month for the Saturday Markets), you can see historic photos of the area’s settlement years lining the walls of St Mary’s Hall. The downstairs walls of Montville Cafe, Bar and Grill also showcase several of these priceless memories and you may just notice that the landmarks in the photographs are identifiable to the buildings that still stand in the street today.
SOOTHE YOUR SOUL
Ok so the man is not included but hopefully he got your attention! Ah massage… my idea of relaxation and treating myself is something I don’t often make time for during my regular life (although I should because I’m always a nicer person after I’ve topped up my own spiritual tank). Forget about scurrying out of the beauty salon in your busy shopping centre with hair that’s oiled up slicker than Elvis. Devine natural oils, soft music and a comfortable massage table all mobile to you so you can relax and revitalise with an unbelievable assortment of specialised massage and spa treatments. An experience shared is twice the fun. The crew from Temple Massage bring along a team of therapists to treat you if there’s more than one to be spoiled.
So there you have it. We’d love to help you make the most of the cooler months. If you’d like to stay at Montville Mountain Lodge and try out one or all of the Heavenly 7, it’s as easy as calling Mandy on 0403405903. We have some dates left for this year and it’s also never too early to plan for next as we do book out 6-12 months in advance. It’s crazy how quickly the months seem to pass! And while you’ll find us on all of the online booking sites don’t forget it’s always best to #bookdirect and save!
Mandy x
CELEBRATING OVER 7500 HAPPY GUESTS
SPECIAL DEALS AND TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MONTVILLE
In our 8 years of operation we’ve hosted over 7500 happy guests and proudly earned 5 Star Reviews as one of the best holiday houses in Montville. To celebrate we’ll be advertising special deals for our guests throughout the year. We’re also offering up our top tips on things to do in Montville to help you make the most of your Sunshine Coast holidays. We’re very excited about 2018 and look forward to making your holiday a special one at Montville Mountain Lodge.
“Having lived in Montville for 11 years, it’s a fantastic feeling being able to provide a place where families and friends can holiday together and experience the hinterland as a local”, Mandy.
OUR TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
(in no specific order)
VILLAGE CAFE ANYONE?
Montville Village is packed with cute little cafes, each with their own unique specialty: great coffee; local organic produce; village atmosphere; magical views. There’s sure to be a favourite for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy dinner out then once again you’re spoiled for choice. Montville even features it’s own boutique brewery.
SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND BUSHWALKS AND WATERFALLS
The Sunshine Coast Great Walks Trail is on your doorstep. Walk through lush forests, over bubbling brooks and past creeks that tip into beautiful waterfalls. There is plenty of opportunity to take a dip in mountain fresh swimming holes or basque in the sun on the creekside grass. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre located in Main Street.
GET PAMPERED IN HOUSE OR AT A HINTERLAND DAY SPA
Temple Massage offer a wonderful team of therapists who care for you in the comfort and privacy of the Lodge. World class day spas are abundant in the hinterland and all within minutes of your home away from home. Some even offer courtesy transfers for our groups.
CHOCOLATE ART
Montville shopping offers everything from original paintings and wood carving, fashion and trinkets to freshly made fudge and chocolates. Montville is also well known for the Clock Shop which has hundreds of clocks on display. Experience grandfather clocks the likes of which you may never have seen before and hundreds of cuckoo clocks which will entertain kids and kids at heart.
COUNTRY FARMERS MARKETS
Once a month the Montville Village Association plays host to the Montville Growers and Makers Market in the Montville Village Hall and street. Enjoy delicous breakfasts at a reasonable price while browsing various stalls featuring fresh local produce, gourmet treats and handmade treasures. There’s even a section for young entrepreneurs to showcase their wares.
HINTERLAND WINE TOURS AND MORE
The scenic driveway to Flame Hill Vineyard is just 200metres from the front door and Mystic Mountain Tours offer a range of fantastic tours that are extremely popular.
MEET THE CREW AT AUSTRALIA ZOO
World famous ‘Australia Zoo‘ is just 25 minutes away from Montville Mountain Lodge and we recommend you allow a full day to enjoy the zoo as there is so much to see and it’s great for all ages.
TURF AND SURF
With the Sunshine Coast best beaches just 25 minutes away you can wake up in the mountains, spend the day at the beach and return home to relax on the back deck and take in the sun setting over the lake.
TAKE IN THE SIGHTS
Tour the loop, a scenic drive that takes in the country side with views to the ocean, across farmland and beautiful creeks and waterfalls. There are plenty of interesting sights and experiences to enjoy along the way.
RELAX, REJUVINATE, REFRESH
The hinterland is the perfect environment to do everything or absolutely nothing. Relax your mind, rejuvenate you body and return to the real world after your holiday feeling totally refreshed.
