Maleny Magic: Why families are ditching the city for the hinterland dream

Gaze out over the rolling hills of Maleny at ‘magic hour’, and you get a sense that this hinterland community has been sprinkled with more than its share of gold dust. 

Once a dairy farmer’s paradise, the picturesque region is now becoming home to an increasing number of young families keen to soak up the magic, not to mention a steady flow of retirees ready for greener pastures.

It’s also where you’ll find Endeavour Foundation’s highly-anticipated $2.8 million Anniversary Prize Home, and it could be your new haven at Treehaven. Set on an acre of fertile Maleny land, this grand country manor has been sprinkled with a very generous handful of that magical gold dust. 

With sweeping views over the manicured grounds and surrounding countryside, this dreamy home is practically located just five-minutes from the heart of the town and local state schools.

Take a Sunday drive around the area and you’ll see that while the milking cows haven’t moved out entirely, they now co-exist with boutique acreage developments, wineries, artisanal businesses, and a thriving township that values community and the simple things in life.

It’s easy to see the attraction. Less than two hours from Brisbane and just 40 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, Maleny and the surrounding hinterland is well known for its stunning natural beauty.

A couple of degrees cooler than down on the coast, the region is home to several pristine national parks, and did we mention the views?

On a clear day, you can easily run your eye down the entire Sunshine Coast strip and out to the turquoise ocean beyond.

Head to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, and you’ll also be able to take in a spectacular view of the Glasshouse Mountains.

The lookout at the reserve is often the first stop for visitors to the area and is the perfect place to behold the iconic cluster of volcanic ‘plugs’.

The much-loved historic reserve, reinvigorated by the Sunshine Coast Council a few years back, encapsulates how the Maleny region seems to be getting the balance right.

The contemporary Discovery Centre is designed to enhance rather than detract from its pristine natural surroundings, bringing modern amenities and a new way to appreciate the beauty of the area and the stories that it holds.

Head into town and wander down Maple Street (Maleny’s main street) and you get a sense that the same ethos is guiding development in and around the Maleny township.

Thankfully, the country town atmosphere still exists but it’s easy to see that this town is pretty switched on. Dotted along the street there are more indy cafés than you can poke a stick at. All as cool as they are rustic.

Become a local and you’ll have time to try them all out before settling on your favourite.

Midway along the main street, you’ll find the Maleny Arts & Crafts Gallery Store, an institution around these parts, operating almost as long as the group that runs it and supplies its wares. Established in 1977, the Maleny Arts & Crafts Group is part of the local fabric and shows the value placed on community, laid-back living, and connection.

The Arts & Crafts Group is just one of many community groups that would welcome a new face at their next get-together.

There’s Landcare or the Garden Club. And then there’s Boomerang Bags and, of course, we can’t forget the Country Women’s Association.

Chances are, if you settle in these parts, you’re likely to end up feeling more connected than you would living in the bustle of a city.

If you need more convincing, one of the best ways to get a taste for the local community vibe is to front up to the Maleny market one Sunday morning.

Held every week, rain or shine, at the RSL Hall on Bunya Street, the market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, locally made arts and crafts, jams and pickles, antiques, collectibles, and books.

Come and soak up the atmosphere, spend some time chatting to the friendly stall holders, and you’re sure to feel your shoulders start to drop.

If that doesn’t do the trick, you could always seek out the capable hands of the market’s resident masseuse.

There are a few other markets in the area that are also well worth a couple of hours of your precious weekend time.

Fifteen minutes down the road from Maleny in the neighbouring village of Montville, you’ll find the Growers and Makers Market on the second Saturday of every month.

Head down the range any Saturday to the Landsborough Market for plants and produce to handmade cards and funky jewellery.

But make sure you save the first Saturday of the month for the 20-minute trip west to Crystal Waters Eco Village for their monthly market, complete with live music from local artists in an idyllic rural setting.

Once you spend some quality time exploring Maleny and the surrounding delights, it’s easy to see how the attraction of the area and a ‘country life’ is working its magic on families considering a treechange.

The good news is, it’s not an illusion. Make the move and you’ll soon discover the magic of Maleny is very real indeed.

Help us sprinkle a little magic in the lives of people with disability

By purchasing tickets in Endeavour Foundation’s Anniversary Prize Home lottery, you’re helping people with disability to imagine what’s possible. What better way to celebrate more than 70 years of love and support than by sprinkling a little more magic. 

Don’t miss your chance to win Endeavour Foundation’s biggest Prize Home lottery of the year and live the dream in Maleny. This $2.8 million country manor could be yours for as little as $10. 

Come and live the fairytale, even just for a day. To explore this home in person, you’ll find directions and address details here.

Or if you just can’t wait, take a virtual tour now.